Hall research technologies Emx-hd-aud User manual

User’s Manual

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439

FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax 7641-6698

Mail order: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave., Tustin, CA 92780

Web site: www.hallresearch.com • E-mail: info@ hallresearch.com

UMA1201 Rev G

EMX-HD-AUD

HDMI Audio Extractor w/ EDID Management

Functions as a pass-through HDMI extender

Extracts audio from the HDMI video

Provides both digital and analog audio outputs

Can learn and Emulate EDID from any display

USB port for device management with included software

Supports HDCP, HDMI deep-color and 3D

HDMI Audio Extractor w/ EDID Mgmt

1.0 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Hall Research EMX-HD-AUD. Use this device to extract the

audio from any HDMI video signal for connection to audio equipment. The HDMI signal is

reconditioned and boosted as it passes through the device, so it can also serve as an

extender. The audio extractor also features EDID management (pass-thru or emulate), So it

can emulate any HDMI display and is capable of extracting the audio even if no actual display

is connected to the output. Both Toslink (digital) and two channel stereo analog outputs are

available on the device. The EMX-HD-AUD is an HDMI transceiver, so it not only re-clocks

the video data, it also separates and buffers the DDC channel on which EDID and HDCP are

communicated. This can often resolve system-level HDMI signal-chain issues since the EMX-

HD-AUD acts as an intelligent intermediary.

The EMX-HD-AUD can be powered from the HDMI source connected to its input and no

additional power supply connection is needed for most applications.

The package includes a universal power supply in case the power from the HDMI input

source is insufficient. The power supply is plugged in at the USB connector. When the USB

port is connected to a PC (cable supplied), the unit is powered by the PC through the USB

connection.

The EMX-HD-AUD also provides useful diagnostic information that can help is resolving

compatibility of components in the video signal chain.

Multi-color LEDs on the unit indicate the mode of operation with regards to EDID routing, and

also provide real-time status on the HDMI video and audio signals. For example the LEDs can

identify presence of audio and whether it is 2-channel or multi-channel. Similarly the detection

of video from source is indicated and it identifies whether there is HDCP on the video or not.

When connected to a PC via the USB port, further details about the HDMI signal is available.

The extracted audio is output as analog stereo on a standard 3.5mm connector as well as in

digital audio format (SPDIF) on an optical Toslink connector. Normally the audio is left intact

on the HDMI output, however the user can remove or mute the audio that is on the HDMI

output. Doing so may be advantageous in applications where the connected TV’s speakers

may be causing interference or echo due to the delay in the audio heard from the TV. Muting

the audio output from the HDMI would ensure no sound is heard from the TV even if its

volume is turned up.

The EMX-HD-AUD constructs an EDID table (capabilities list) for the connected source. This

table is either copied verbatim from the connected display when the unit is in Pass-thru mode,

or substitutes an internal EDID data from on board memory when in Emulate mode. The

internal EDID data can be learned from any connected display by using the buttons on the

box. EDID data can also be uploaded to the EMX-HD-AUD from a PC via the USB port. The

device maintains HDCP compliance regardless of the EDID routing mode, so HDCP protected

content passes through the system with protection intact even when the EDID is emulated

from internal memory.

EMX-HD-AUD

The EMX-HD-AUD is HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 (deep-color and 3D) compatible, and automatically

compensates for the signal degradation caused by long cables of up to 50 ft (15 m) on its

input and can drive HDMI cables on its output to 30 ft (10 m).

The package includes a universal power supply, a USB cable for connection to a PC, and the

User's Manual. Free Windows® PC software is available from the Hall Research website.

This software allows reading, saving, manipulating, and writing EDID tables to and from the

device. The software can also control the operational modes and provides diagnostics such

as indication of the HDMI input signal’s video and audio characteristics

EDID Routing Modes

2.0 Features

•Extracts audio from the HDMI video

•Extract audio with or without an actual display connected

•Functions as a pass-through HDMI extender

•Provides both digital and analog audio outputs

•Can remove the audio from the HDMI output signal

•Can learn and Emulate EDID from any display

•LED indicators for Mode and HDMI status

•USB port for device management with free software

•Read and download any display's EDID to your PC

•Upload desired EDID to the device

•Surge protects HDMI input and output

•Supports HDCP, HDMI deep-color and 3D

HDMI Audio Extractor w/ EDID Mgmt

3.0 Installation

The EMX-HD-AUD connects between the video source and an optional display device.

•Connect the included power supply to the mini-USB connector on the video output

end of the unit if needed.

•Connect the HDMI or DVI video source to the EMX-HD-AUD video input.

•Connect the EMX-HD-AUD video output to the display device (not required for

operation).

•Connect the EMX-HD-AUD 3.5 mm audio output and/or TOSLINK optical output to

the external sound system.

Though designed to drive long cables on its output, when used as an extender, it is best

to place the EMX-HD-AUD at the end of the long cable. In that way, its automatic

equalizer can clean the output signal and open the TMDS “eye”.

TMDS Signal at end of long Cable TMDS Signal after Equalization

In most applications, the HDMI source should be able to provide enough power to allow

the unit to operate without requiring connection of a separate power supply. The only

way to find out for sure if a particular source can supply the required power is to try it. If

a power supply in deemed necessary, the package includes one that will plug to its USB

port. When the EMX-HD-AUD USB port is connected to a PC, it draws power from the

USB and no additional power supply is needed.

Connect the video source to the EMX-HD-AUD video input (50 ft or 15 meters max).

Connect the EMX-HD-AUD video output to the display device (30 ft or 10 meters max).

The EMX-HD-AUD LEDs show the current device settings. Refer to the operations

section for more information.

EMX-HD-AUD

Input, Output, and Top views

Model C-HDMI-L-x

(x = 1.5, 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 35 or 50 ft)

4.0 Default EMULATION resolutions

The following is a list of supported resolutions in the internal EDID of the EMX-HD-AUD as

shipped from the factory – the native resolution is highlighted in grey. When the user “learns”

a new EDID or uploads a new EDID to the box through the USB port, then this table is

overwritten. However the default EDID table can be restored by performing a Factory Default

reset (using the free Windows® software, or by pressing buttons as described in Section 6).

RESOLUTION

FREQUENCY

ASPECT RATIO

RESOLUTION

FREQUENCY

ASPECT RATIO

640x480

60, 67, 72, 75

(Aspect 4:3)

720x480i

59.94/60

(Aspect 4:3, 8:9)

800x600

56, 60, 72, 75

(Aspect 4:3)

720x480p

59.94/60

(Aspect 4:3, 8:9)

1024x768

60, 70, 75

(Aspect 4:3)

1280x720p

59.94/60

(Aspect 16:9, 1:1)

1280x720

(Aspect 16:9)

1920x1080i

59.94/60

(Aspect 16:9, 1:1)

1280x800

(Aspect 16:10)

1920x1080p

50, 59.94/60

(Aspect 16:9, 1:1)

1280x1024 60, 75, 85 (Aspect 5:4)

1400x1050

(Aspect 4:3)

1440x900

(Aspect 16:10)

1600x1200 60 (Aspect 4:3)

1680x1050

(Aspect 16:10)

1920x1080

(Aspect 16:9)

1920x1200

(Aspect 16:10)

HDMI Audio Extractor w/ EDID Mgmt

5.0 Power Requirements

This device requires 5 Volts DC which can be sourced through the mini-B USB connector (by

connecting to the included power supply or a PC’s USB port), or from Pin 18 (+5 V) of the

HDMI connector.

To power the EMX-HD-AUD from the HDMI or DVI input, the source must be able to supply a

minimum of 100 mA (@ 5 vDC). Using a video source with insufficient power capabilities will

result in erratic operation and loss of video. If this happens, the user must connect the USB

port to a PC or a power supply.

6.0 Operation

The EMX-HD-AUD recessed buttons prevent inadvertent changes to its settings.

Changing the settings requires a pointed device inserted into the hole to depress the button.

Some functions require depressing the button for several seconds.

VIDEO LEDS

Two LEDs are used to indicate whether the unit is going to use and

pass-through the display's EDID connected at the output to the

source, or emulate the EDID from data stored in its internal memory.

The same LEDs blink to indicate presence of video and the blink rate

is an indication of HDCP on the input video.

•EMULATE

oAll portions of the EDID pertaining to video are from internally stored memory.

•PASS-THRU

oAll portions of the EDID pertaining to video are duplicated from the attached SINK.

•Video input Status Indication

oA slow blink (~1/sec) indicates NON-HDCP content; a fast blink (~2/sec) indicates

HDCP content, no blinking indicates no video detected.

Note: If the video EDID is set for Pass- Thru but there is nothing connected to the output

port, the emulator will automatically revert to internal EDID (as if it were in Emulate

mode) so the source is able to read proper EDID. This assures that the source will

"detect" a display and output video even if there is no physical display connected.

EMX-HD-AUD

AUDIO LEDS

•MULTI CH

oAll portions of the EDID pertaining to audio are

constructed in such a way to indicate that the device

supports compressed multi-channel (bitstream). This by

itself does not guaranty that the source will send multi-

channel audio, as some sources such as blu-ray players

have a menu setting to select the audio output mode.

•2 CH

oAll portions of the EDID pertaining to audio are constructed in such a way to indicate

that the device only supports 2-channel LPCM.

•PASS-THRU

oThe audio portion of the EDID is directly derived from the audio capabilities of

attached display (sink).

•Audio input Status Indication

oWhen Audio is embedded on the input HDMI signal, either the MULTI or the 2CH

LED positions will be blinking to indicate the type of Audio that is being received.

Note that the Analog output (3.5 mm) is muted if the received HDMI audio is multi-

channel. In other words, the 3.5mm analog output is only active when the audio in

the HDMI signal is 2-channel. If the source is sending multi-channel audio, it is only

extracted to the Toslink digital audio output.

•LEARNING an EDID

oPress and hold the VIDEO button for approximately 3~5 seconds until the

EMULATE LED starts blinking

oRelease the button, the EMULATE LED will continue blinking while the unit reads

the EDID from the connected output.

oIf the EDID read process is successful, then ALL LEDs will illuminate one at a time

in a sequential pattern 5 times.

oIf the EDID was NOT successfully read, the PASS-THRU and EMULATE VIDEO

LEDs will alternately flash 5 times to indicate the error. This usually indicates that

either a cable issue exists or the connected OUTPUT device has an invalid EDID.

•SET FACTORY DEFAULTS

oSimultaneously press and hold BOTH the AUDIO and VIDEO buttons for

approximately 3~5 seconds until BOTH the VIDEO EMULATE and AUDIO MULTI

LEDs start blinking together.

oRelease both buttons.

oAfter restoring factory defaults, ALL LEDs will illuminate one at a time in a circular

pattern 5 times.

7.0 Free Windows Software GUI

The EMX-HD-AUD is controllable via a free Windows™ based GUI available on the Hall

Research website at http://www.hallresearch.com.

HDMI Audio Extractor w/ EDID Mgmt

All of the device features, and

more, are accessible from the GUI.

EDID files can be exported and

modified using 3rd party software

and imported back into the EMX-

HD-AUD. The device is also

capable of writing custom EDID

data back to compatible display

devices.

The user guide for the Software

GUI is only available on the website.

8.0 Troubleshooting

No LEDs illuminate ................................................. Verify cabling and check power supply

Device will not remember settings or will not LEARN and EDID or the LEDs only

momentarily FLASH when buttons are pushed

No Video ................................................................. Verify cabling and check power supply.

Verify HDCP compliant display for HDCP content.

Verify the GUI DDCcontrol is enabled if HDCP required.

No Audio................................................................... Verify source audio and video formats

Verify EDID has audio capabilities

If neither MULTI nor 2CH LED’s are blinking, input may be DVI rather than HDMI video.

Ensure GUI ‘MUTE’ controls are set correctly and not MUTED.

The 3.5mm stereo audio is only active when the HDMI audio format is LPCM.

No ‘Down Conversion’ of the digital audio is possible.

LPCM, Dolby and DTS audio comes from the TOSLink connector.

EDID Not Learned Correctly......................... Ensure VIDEO & AUDIO modes not changed

When an EDID is learned, the EMX-HD-AUD will be in Pass-Thru modes for both Video

and Audio. In these modes, the EDID will remain un-touched and can be exported, if

desired.

If either VIDEO or AUDIO modes are changed; the EDID will be mixed to have audio

capabilities. The previous ‘un-touched’ EDID will no longer be available unless

previously exported.

EMX-HD-AUD

9.0 Returning unit for Repair

If you need to transport or ship your unit: Package it carefully. We recommend that you use

the original container.

The EMX-HD-AUD has no user serviceable parts. Opening the unit will void the warranty.

Before you ship the units back to Hall Research for repair or return, contact us to get a Return

Authorization (RMA) number.

10.0 Specifications

Power Supply.....................................................................................................................(North American)

5 vDC, 1 ADC

USB-A to mini-B cable

90-264 VAC, 47-63 HZ

CE/FCC/UL

(Export)

5 vDC, 1.2 ADC

Integral mini-B cable

90-264 VAC, 47-63 HZ

CE/FCC/UL

Inter-changeable blades

Size ........................................................................................................... 2.71” (W) x 2.825” (D) x 1.25” (H)

(68.83 mm) x (71.76 mm) x (31.75 mm)

Weight.....................................................................................................................................1 Lb (0.453 kg)

Operating Temperature ................................................................................32 to 122 DegF (0 to 50 DegC)

Storage Temperature .............................................................................. -40 to 185 DegF (-40 to 85 DegC)

Humidity ...............................................................................................................10 to 90% non-condensing

Cooling.......................................................................................................................................... Convection

Enclosure type ..............................................................................Black Plastic ABS-94VO, UL File #56070

Vibration..............................................................ISTA 1A in carton (International Safe Transit Association)

Safety ......................................................................................................................................................... CE

EMI/EMC............................................................................................................................. CE, FCC Class A

MTBF .........................................................................................................................................90,000 hours

Warranty.....................................................................................................................2 years parts and labor

USB..........................................................................................................................................1.1 Full Speed

Supported video formats .................................................................................................................... DVI 1.0

HDMI™ 1.4

HDCP 1.0