Gefen EXT-DVI-841DL User manual

www.gefen.com
®
8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
EXT-DVI-841DL
User Manual

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Technical Support:
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Technical Support Hours:
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Write To:
Gefen LLC
c/o Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St
Chatsworth, CA 91311
www.gefen.com
[email protected]
Notice
Gefen LLC reserves the right to make changes in the hardware, packaging and
any accompanying documentation without prior written notice.
8x1 DVI DL/SL is a trademark of Gefen LLC
© 2010 Gefen LLC, All Rights Reserved
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners
Rev A9

CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Operation Notes
3 Features / Package Includes
4 Panel Layout
5 Panel Descriptions
6 Connecting and Operating the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
7 RMT-8IR Remote Description
8 RMT-8IR Remote Installation
9 IR Remote Control and 8x1 Switcher Configuration
10 EDID Notes
11 EDID Notes, Continued
12 Dual-Link-Only Modes
13 RS-232 Serial Control Interface
14 RS-232 Serial Control Commands
22 Rack Mount Installation
23 Specifications
24 Warranty

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher. Your complete
satisfaction is very important to us.
Gefen
Gefen delivers innovative, progressive computer and electronics add-on solutions
that harness integration, extension, distribution and conversion technologies.
Gefen’s reliable, plug-and-play products supplement cross-platform computer
systems, professional audio/video environments and HDTV systems of all sizes
with hard-working solutions that are easy to implement and simple to operate.
The Gefen 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
The rack-mountable Gefen 8x1 DVI dual-link/single-link Switcher offers an
economical solution by eliminating the need to purchase many displays for each
DVI source in a studio or lab situation. A plug-and-play solution, the 8x1 DVI DL/
SL Switcher shares one dual-link display with up to eight computers or other DVI
video sources, saving space on your desktop. The source computer is selected
using the included IR remote control or through RS-232 control.
How It Works
The DVI monitor is connected to the switcher’s output. Up to eight DVI sources
connect to the switcher’s DVI inputs using included high quality DVI cables.
The included power supply is connected to the switcher via the locking power
plug and then to a power outlet. The currently selected computer’s video signal
appears on the shared monitor. Video sources are selected/switched using the
RMT-8IR remote control, RS-232 control, or the input selector push button on the
front panel of the switcher.

OPERATION NOTES
2
READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR
OPERATING THE GEFEN 8X1 DVI DL/SL SWITCHER
• The 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher will take any of up to eight (8) DVI dual-link or
single-link resolution inputs and switch them, one at a time, to a DVI output
device such as a display/monitor or projector. Resolutions can be up to
3840x2400.
• The 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher is housed in a metal box for better RF
shielding.

3
FEATURES
Features
• EDID Management
• Switches easily between any eight DVI-SL or DVI-DL sources
• Maintains highest resolution dual link DVI
• Supports resolutions up through 3840x2400
• Extends the range of DVI video up to 50 feet
• Discrete IR remote control included
• Serial RS-232 remote port for switching via automated control or PC
• HDCP Compliant (when using EDID DS Mode)
• Supports DDWG standards for DVI monitors
• Rack ears included
Package Includes
(1) 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
(1) RMT-8IR Remote Control
(1) 5V DC Power Supply
(8) 6-foot Dual Link DVI cables
(1) Set of rack ears
(1) User’s Manual

4
PANEL LAYOUT
Back Panel
Front Panel
5
689
4
2
13
7

5
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
1 External IR Port
For connection of external IR extension device such as the Gefen IR Extender
(part # EXT-RMT-EXTIR).
2 IR Receiver
Receives IR signal from the handheld Infrared remote control unit included with
the product.
3 DVI Signal Status LEDs 1-8
Provide visual confirmation of the currently selected DVI input signal out of the
eight DVI input ports.
4 DVI Input Selector
Push-button switch cycles the next DVI input 1-8 in a forward sequence starting
again at 1.
5 Power Indicator LED
Indicates when the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher is receiving 5V DC power from its
included AC power supply.
6 5V Locking Power Receptacle
Supplies power to the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher from the included external 5V
DC power supply. The 5V power supply has a locking power tip which screws
into this receptacle.
7 DVI Input Ports 1-8
DVI video sources one through eight attach to the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher.
8 DVI Output Port
This DVI output port is connected to the display device (Monitor, Projector).
9 RS-232 Serial Communications Interface
Provided for external control of the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher.

6
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE 8X1 DVI DL/SL
How to Connect the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher to your devices:
1. Connect the supplied DVI cables from the DVI sources into the 8x1 DVI
Switcher’s Inputs.
2. Connect the cable from your display (monitor or projector) into the DVI Out
of the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher and turn on the display.
3. Turn on the DVI display or projector.
4. Connect the included 5V DC power supply to the Switcher by screwing its
locking power tip into the receptacle in the rear of the unit. Plug the power
cord into a free wall socket.
5. Turn on the computers.
Note: For the first-time power-up sequence, please make sure that the display
device is turned on and connected to the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher before
applying power to the Switcher. The reason for this procedure is that EDID
information will only be copied from the display device to DVI sources upon
power-up. If power is applied to the Switcher before the display device is
connected and powered up, the Switcher’s last recorded EDID from previous
activity will be used.
How to Operate the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher:
6. Use the RMT-8IR remote control to remotely switch between DVI video
sources.
7. Alternatively, use a RS-232 control system such as a PC with
communications software (for example, Microsoft’s Hyperterminaltm) or an
automated control system such as Crestron.tm

7
8X1 DVI DL/SL REMOTE DESCRIPTION
LED Indicator
Input Selection
Buttons
The RMT-8IR remote control will allow the user to select which of 8 DVI sources will
be displayed. Please use the information below when selecting the desired source
for output to a display or other DVI video receiving device.
RMT-8IR Button DVI Source
11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88

8
8X1 DVI DL/SL REMOTE INSTALLATION
To use the RMT-8IR remote, remove the battery cover on the back of the remote to
reveal the battery compartment. Insert the included battery into the open battery slot.
The positive (+) side should be facing up. Ensure that both DIP (Dual Inline Package)
switches are in the OFF position. Replace the battery cover. The remote ships with 2
batteries. One battery is needed for operation and the other battery is complimentary.
IR Code Dip Switches
Empty Battery Slot

9
RMT-8IR REMOTE AND 8X1 SWITCHER CONFIGURATION
How to Resolve IR Code Conflicts
In the event that IR commands from other remote controls conflict with the
supplied RMT-8IR remote control, changing the remote control channel will
alleviate this issue. The RMT-8IR remote control and the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
both have banks of DIP (Dual Inline Package) Switches for configuring the
remote channel that the units use to communicate. These settings must exactly
match each other for proper operation.
The DIP Switch bank on the RMT-8IR is located underneath the battery cover.
DIP Switch banks for the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher are located on the underside of
the unit beneath a black piece of metallic tape. One DIP switch bank (4-switch)
is for the adjustment of remote control frequencies and switch behavior. The
other DIP switch (8-switch) is reserved for Gefen use only. DIP Switches 1 and
2 on the RMT-8IR directly correspond to DIP Switches 1 and 2 on the 8x1 DVI
DL/SL Switcher. Only switches 1 and 2 (of 4 in that bank) are used for IR Code
settings.
Remote Channel 1:
Default
1 2
Remote Channel 2:
1 2
Remote Channel 3:
1 2
Remote Channel 4:
1 2
Left: Picture of the opened rear battery
compartment of the RMT8-IR remote showing
the exposed DIP Switch bank between the
battery chambers.
8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
Remote Channel 1:
Default
Remote Channel 4:
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Remote Channel 3:
1234
Remote Channel 2:
1234

10
EDID NOTES
What is EDID and what is it used for?
Under normal circumstances, a computer source device (digital or analog) will
require information about a connected device/display to assess what resolutions
and features (capabilities) are possible. The source device can then cater its
output to create resolutions and/or features that are compatible with the attached
device/display. This capability information is called EDID (Extended Display
Identification Data). A source device can only accept and read one EDID data
structure/record from a connected source device/display. Likewise, the source
device can output only one video resolution to a connected device/display.
The importance of EDID with regards to the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
The 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher handles multiple sources/inputs. Each connected
source device must correctly read one EDID data structure in order to address its
display device correctly. EDID management is carefully handled by the Switcher
to insure that EDID is recorded and retransmitted to sources properly at all times,
otherwise display of input sources might not happen correctly (or at all).
Managing EDID with the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
The 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher has the ability to use 2 modes for routing EDID.
1. The default mode is the LOCAL mode which will store the EDID of a source
device (one for each input) into the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher. The EDID
stored in each LOCAL location can be from a local display device or from
a remote source over the RS-232 serial communications port. The 8x1 DVI
DL/SL Switcher also includes a built-in EDID memory bank which can store
up to 7 separate EDID data structures which can then be loaded to each of
the LOCAL EDID locations.
2. The second mode is the DS (Down Stream) mode which functions as a
simple EDID pass-through. In this mode, the display device connected to the
8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher will pass its EDID directly to whichever DVI input
source is currently selected. HDCP is supported in this mode only.
NOTE: The 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher also features an EDID Lock Mode,
allowing the EDID to be stored. See the following page for details.
How do I change EDID modes in the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher?
There is an bank of 4 DIP switches located on the main circuit board on the
underside of the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher. DIP switch 3 can be used to set either
the DS or LOCAL EDID modes. The bank of 8 DIP switches are used for the DL
(dual link) only feature and are explained on page 12.
TIP: Advanced EDID functions can also be managed via the RS-232 serial
communications port. See page 13 for more information on the RS-232 serial
communication features.

11
EDID NOTES, CONT’D
EDID Modes
The diagram below illustrates the DIP switch bank (of 4). The 8 DIP switch bank
functions are outlined later on this page.
DIP SWITCH Function
1 IR Channel
2 IR Channel
3 EDID Mode
4 EDID Lock Mode
Use DIP switch 3 to set the desired EDID mode.
1. LOCAL EDID Mode (Switch 3=OFF) DEFAULT
• EDID that is stored in the LOCAL memory location is passed to all inputs.
• By default, during each power-on process the connected display’s
EDID will be automatically copied to each of the inputs’ LOCAL EDID
locations.*
• The EDID stored in the LOCAL locations can be overwritten with another
EDID from the following locations (These options can only be initiated by
using RS-232 serial communication commands) :
• Built-in EDID memory bank (up to 7 EDID records can be stored)
• EDID collected directly from the input display*
• Externally uploaded via the RS-232 command set (see p. 13)
*For the default EDID writing process to be successful the connected display
must be powered on.
2. DS (Down Stream) EDID Mode (Switch 3=ON)
• EDID is passed directly from the connected display to the currently active
input. Note: HDCP is supported in this mode only.
3. EDID Lock Mode (DIP Switch 4 = ON)
• Locks the last stored EDID, even if the unit is power-cycled. To store a
new EDID, do the following:
1. Power-down the Switcher and set DIP Switch 4 to the OFF position.
2. Connect the display to the DVI output port then power-on the Switcher.
3. Set DIP Switch 4 to the ON position to lock the EDID.
1234

12
DL (Dual Link) Only Modes
The 8 DIP switch bank, located on the underside of the 8x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher
cab be used to set each individual input to work in a Dual Link Only mode. These
modes should only be enabled if issues occur when using Dual Link sources and
displays in the default mode.
DIP SWITCH Function DIP SWITCH Function
1 Input 1 Mode 5 Input 5 Mode
2 Input 2 Mode 6 Input 6 Mode
3 Input 3 Mode 7 Input 7 Mode
4 Input 4 Mode 8 Input 8 Mode
Use DIP switch 3 to set the desired EDID mode.
DL (Dual Link) and SL (Single Link) Mode (Switch=OFF) DEFAULT
• This setting can be set individually for each input. This mode will allow
the connection of both Dual Link and Single Link displays.
DL (Dual Link) Only Mode (Switch=ON)
• This setting can be set individually for each input. This mode should be
enabled if issues with the default occur with Dual Link displays.
DL (DUAL LINK) ONLY MODES

13
RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL INTERFACE
What features are available via the RS-232 serial communications port?
The 8x1 DVI DL Switcher can accept commands through the RS-232 serial
communications port located on the rear panel. The current RS-232 control
features are the ability to switch/route inputs to outputs without the RMT-4IR
remote control.
How do I use these features?
These features were initially intended for utilization by custom installers in
automated setups. However, these features can be tested by using any Windows
PC with a terminal emulation program. The next few pages will show you how.
What pins are used for communication with the 8x1 DVI DL Switcher?
Only pins 2 (Receive), 3 (Transmit), and 5 (Ground) are used for communication.
A null-modem adapter should not be used with this Switcher.
54321
9876
12345
6789
Only Pins 2 (RX), 3 (TX), and 5 (Ground) are used on the RS-232 serial interface
What are the RS-232 communications port settings?
Bits per second ............................................................................................ 19200
Data bits ............................................................................................................... 8
Parity ............................................................................................................. None
Stop bits ................................................................................................................1
Flow Control .................................................................................................. None

14
RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS
RS-232 Features
RS-232 remote functions are used to control of this product’s features. Features
include input to output routing, EDID storage, EDID management, etc.
Functions Syntax
The syntax for each function is always the same:
#Character as the start flag →Function name →Space ( _ ) as function name
end flag →Parameter 1 →Space →Parameter n →Carriage Return ( \r ) →
Sample:
#FunctionName_param1_param2_param3_param4...\r
Syntax is NOT case sensitive.
EDID Management
Function Description
#EDIDDSTOLO Read downstream EDID and stores into all inputs
#EDIDDSTOBA Read downstream EDID and stores in EDID Bank
#EDIDBATOLO Read from EDID bank and store into all local inputs
#DDCTODS Route input DDC to downstream EDID (pass-through mode)
#DDCTOLO Routes input DDC to local EDID
#DEF Sets unit to default factory settings
#LOEDIDTOBA Load EDID from serial port and store in EDID bank
#LOEDIDTOLO Loads EDID from serial port and store in any input
#PRBAEDID Reads EDID from EDID bank and sends to serial port
#PRDSEDID Reads downstream EDID and sends it to serial port
#PRLOEDID Reads local input EDID and sends it to serial port

15
RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS
#EDIDDSTOLO Function
The #EDIDDSTOLO function reads the downstream EDID and stores into all lo-
cal inputs.
Syntax:
#EDIDDSTOLO
Parameters:
None
#EDIDDSTOBA Function
The #EDIDDSTOBA function reads the downstream EDID and stores it to a
specified EDID bank.
Syntax:
#EDIDDSTOBA param1
Parameters:
param1 EDID bank offset [1 - 7]
#EDIDBATOLO Function
The #EDIDBATOLO function reads an EDID from an EDID bank and stores it in
all inputs.
Syntax:
#EDIDBATOLO param1
Parameters:
param1 EDID bank offset [1 - 7]

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS
16
#DDCTODS Function
The #DDCTODS function routes the input DDC to the downstream EDID (pass-
through mode).
Syntax:
#DDCTODS
Parameters:
None
#DDCTOLO Function
The #DDCTOLO function routes the input DDC to the local EDID.
Syntax:
#DDCTOLO
Parameters:
None
#DEF Function
The #DEF function set the Switcher to the factory default settings.
Syntax:
#DEF
Parameters:
None

17
RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS
#LOEDIDTOBA Function
The #LOEDIDTOBA function loads the specified EDID file and stores it in a
specified EDID bank.
Syntax:
#LOEDIDTOBA param1 param2 param3
Parameters:
param1 Echo mode [0 - 1]
Value Meaning
0 Semi echo mode
1 Full echo mode
param2 EDID size [1 - 2]
Value Meaning
1 128 byte EDID
2 256 byte EDID
param3 EDID bank offset [1 - 7]