Hall Research Technologies Genesis Digital HSM-04-04 User manual

UMA1181 Rev. D
Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax [phone]
Address: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com E-mail: [email protected]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
User’s Manual
Genesis Digital ™
HDMI / DVI Matrix Switch Series
HSM-04-04 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with RS-232
HSM-I-04-04 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switch with RS-232 & IP
HSM-04-02 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switch with RS-232
HSM-I-04-02 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switch with RS-232 & IP
HSM-04-02
HSM-04-04

Genesis Digital™ HDMI Matrix Switches
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TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Hall Research and its logo are trademarks of Hall Research.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged as the property of
the trademark owners.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been designed to
comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the
specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are intended to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user at their own expense will be required to take
whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 General.................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Features ................................................................................................................................4
2. Installation ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Package Contents................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Input and Output Connections .............................................................................................. 5
Table 1 – RS-232 Control Port Pin out........................................................................................ 7
2.2 Connection Block Diagram.................................................................................................... 7
3. Configuration & Operation................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Front-Panel Buttons and Indicators....................................................................................... 8
3.2 Turning the unit on and off .................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Making AV Routings or “Ties” from Front Panel.................................................................... 9
3.4 Making AV Routings or “Ties” Using IR Remote ................................................................. 10
3.5 Saving Presets (routing patterns)........................................................................................ 10
3.6 Recalling Presets (routing patterns).................................................................................... 10
4. Control Commands (RS-232 and IP) ................................................................................. 11
4.1 Routing Functions ............................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Preset Save and Recall Functions...................................................................................... 12
4.3 Power Functions ................................................................................................................. 12
4.4 Special Commands ............................................................................................................. 12
4.5 Invalid Commands .............................................................................................................. 13
5. IP Control Basics ................................................................................................................ 14
5.1 Getting Device IP Address .................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Controlling the Matrix via Web Interface ............................................................................. 15
5.3 IP Specific Serial Commands.............................................................................................. 20
6. Telnet Interface.................................................................................................................... 21
6.1 Telnet Interface Commands................................................................................................ 21
7. Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................. 22
7.1 Contacting Hall Research ................................................................................................... 22
7.2 Shipping and Packaging ..................................................................................................... 22
8. Specifications...................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix 1 – Front Panel Quick Reference Guide .............................................................. 24
Appendix 2 – Command Summary........................................................................................ 24

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1. Introduction
1.1 General
Thank you for purchasing this professional quality and compact Genesis™ Matrix
Switch from Hall Research. This User’s Manual applies to both 4x2 and 4x4 HDMI
Matrix Switchers.
As members of Hall’s Genesis™ series, these matrices are synonymous with high
performance, intuitive and powerful user interface, easy to use control command set,
and unsurpassed reliability.
The Matrix switches are HDMI 1.3 compliant (and 1.4 for color-depth and 3D), support
HDCP, deep color, multi-channel digital audio (up to 7.1 channels), and may be used
with any combination of DVI (PC) or HDMI (HDTV) sources and displays.
The Matrix uses Silicon Image chipsets capable of color depth conversion
independently for each output. This assures that the highest numbers of colors
possible are displayed on each output. In other words if some outputs are connected to
displays that only support HDMI 1.2 and others to 1.3, the unit will report as supporting
HDMI 1.3 to each input source in order to receive the deepest color depth possible.
EDID management, fast switching, low profile (only 1 RU), PRESET Save and Recall
functions, IR remote, and comprehensive front panel controls, make the Genesis
Digital matrices ideal for home theater, conference room, multimedia presentation
systems, and other similar settings.
The Matrix Switchers are optionally available with IP (LAN) port that allows control from
any browser via HTTP web server (including web enabled smart phones) for control
through other web appliances.
The web interface allows the user to assign custom names for each input, output, and
preset pattern, making control over IP a snap.

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1.2 Features
•Compatible with HDMI version 1.3,1.4 (for color-depth and 3D), and DVI
•Supports a wide range of HDTV (HDMI) and PC (DVI) resolutions from 480i
to 1080p and VGA to WUXGA
•Supports digital video formats in Deep Color 12bit
•Supports lossless digital audio: both 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital
Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio
•Powerful and intuitive front panel controls
•Preset Save and Recall of commonly used routing patterns
•EDID management prioritizes the highest capable displays (HDMI 1.3 takes
precedence over 1.2 , and HDMI support supersedes DVI)
•Internal EDID emulation user selection option
•Output video signals are de-skewed and recreated with perfect timing and
are jitter free.
•Includes IR remote control
•Front panel IR sensor and rear panel connector for optional IR detector
cable (for instances where the unit is not in line of sight)
•Supports HDMI cables up to 15 meters (50 feet) long on its input, and drive
cables to 15 meters on the outputs.
•Includes RS-232 port with Hall Research’s Genesis Control Command Set
(GCCS)
•Optional IP (LAN) port for browser control
•Optional IP (LAN) versions includes web-server with easy to use controls
(customizable with user definable names for each input and output)
•1RU high compact & rugged rack mountable metal enclosure
•Uses Silicon Image (founding member of HDMI) Chipsets
•Assembled in USA

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2. Installation
2.1 Package Contents
Your package should contain the 1RU Matrix Switcher, a Universal power supply (5v
DC @ 6A), an IEC320 Power Cord, an IR remote control, and a User’s Manual.
Figure 1 – Power Supply and IR Remote
2.2 Input and Output Connections
The matrix is housed in a 1RU 19” wide rack mountable enclosure. All of I/O, control,
and the power connections are on the rear of the unit.
Figure 2 – Rear Panel Connections (for HSM-I-04-04)
Notice
Use only regulated 5v DC supply (center positive) as
supplied with the unit. Use of any other voltage will
cause damage to the unit and void the warranty.

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Using quality HDMI cables connect the inputs to video sources.
If the sources are DVI (PC) then you will need either a DVI to HDMI adapter,
or preferably, a DVI to HDMI Cable
Figure 3 –
Model C-HDMI-DVI-xM (x = 2, 3 or 5 meters)
For a professional installation, we recommend using locking HDMI cables.
The Matrix Switch has a tapped hole above each HDMI connector and the
locking cables available from Hall Research come with screws and stand-
offs for securing the cables in place so they don’t accidentally get unplugged
Figure 4 –
Model C-HDMI-L-x
(x = 1.5, 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 35 or 50 ft)
Next, connect the HDMI outputs to the displays.
Plug the power supply to the unit. Use only the supply that came with the
unit
There is an IR remote detector (eye) on the front panel of the unit, however,
if the unit is to be situated in a closet or enclosure, it may be necessary to
use an IR detector cable and locate the “eye” somewhere more convenient.
Hall Research can provide such a cable that will plug into a jack on the rear
of the HSM matrix
Figure 5 -
Model CIR-DET-D1

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If the matrix needs to be controlled via RS-232, plug the controller (or
PC) to the DB9 Female port on the rear of the matrix. Make the
connection to the PC’s DB9 Male connector using a straight-through
DB9 MF cable.
Table 1 – RS-232 Control Port Pin out
The HSM matrices are available with IP network port (HSM-I- …).On these
units there is an RJ45 (10/100 Base-T) for connection to your Local Area
Network (LAN). These units feature a user friendly and powerful built-in web-
server that allows control of the matrix via any browser for control using web
enabled controllers.
2.2 Connection Block Diagram
Figure 6 – Connection Block Diagram

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3. Configuration & Operation
3.1 Front-Panel Buttons and Indicators
An image of the front panel for the 4x4 matrix is shown below. The 4x2 units have
fewer OUTPUT buttons, but otherwise are the same.
Figure 7 – HSM-04-04 front panel controls & indicators
The front panel can be used for the following purposes:
•Monitor & Control Power On/Off status
•View current Input/output routings (ties) on Routing Status LED Grid on the
front panel
•Make new ties either starting from input or from output
•Recall preset patterns
•Save preset patterns
All of the front panel switches have built-in LEDs that help in the operation. Front panel
functions are designed for maximum intuitiveness. With just a little practice, one can
easily learn to monitor and control the matrix.
3.2 Turning the unit on and off
To turn the unit on, press the power button. The unit performs a simple LED test where
all buttons and LED’s are gradually turned on over a few seconds. Then the matrix will
recall the last routing pattern prior to being shut -down and update the Routing Status
LED Grid.
To turn the matrix off, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. This is done to
prevent accidentally turning off the unit if the power button is accidentally pressed.

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3.3 Making AV Routings or “Ties” from Front Panel
To make the unit as convenient and intuitive as possible the HSM matrix allows you to
make ties starting from the input channel’s point of view or from the output.
3.3.1 Making a tie starting from the output
This is the most natural way of making connections since each output gets its signal
from only one input.
Note that once you start making selections from the front panel, if you do not
hit any buttons for approximately 10 seconds, the system will exit this mode
without any user interaction.
First, press one of the output channel buttons. That output button will light up
and the current input routed to that output will light up.
At this point if you change your mind, and do not want to make any changes,
just hit SET. If you want to change to another output channel, use either the
up and down (▲▼) buttons to walk through other outputs ; or just select
another output channel.
To route the output to a different input than the one currently connected to,
hit the “candidate” input channel number. This does not actually make the
connection; the new input channel will be blinking. Again if you change your
mind, either hit the same blinking button (it will stop blinking), or hit another
input channel. When you are sure you have selected the input channel you
desire, hit SET.
3.3.2 Making a tie starting from the input
The procedure is similar to the above but a particular input can be routed to more than
one output.
Press one of the input channel buttons. That button will light up and ALL the
outputs routed from that input will light up.
If you want to change to another input channel, use either the up and down
(▲▼) buttons to walk through other inputs; or just select another input
channel.
To route the selected input to single or multiple outputs, press the output
buttons. Again, these new outputs are only “candidates” (will be blinking) and
will not be routed until you hit the SET button.

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Figure 8 - IR
3.4 Making AV Routings or “Ties” Using IR
Remote
The remote control is very simple; outputs are labeled as A-D and
they correspond to 1-4 on the rear of the box. Press the input
channel you want the output connected too.
Note that the IR remote makes connections as soon as you hit
the button!
It takes about 1 to 2 seconds for the matrix to do the routing
(HDCP handshake requires a little time), so if you are going to
change more than one output, pause for moment between pressing the buttons!
3.5 Saving Presets (routing patterns)
The number of presets accessible from the front panel is the same as the total # of
input and output buttons. Therefore, each front panel button can memorize a pattern.
For a 4x4 matrix, you can recall 8 presets and for a 4x2 you can recall 6 presets.
However, through the IP or Serial port, the unit can store and recall 8 presets
regardless of matrix configuration.
Current tie configurations can be saved as presets (1 through 8) for later recall.
To save the current AV routing pattern, press and hold the PRE button for 3 sec, the
backlit LED will start flashing (this means that save function is activated). Press the
desired input button to save the preset then press the SET button to complete the
operation.
3.6 Recalling Presets (routing patterns)
Press and release the PRE (preset) button. The button will light up solid. Then press
and release one of the channel buttons and hit SET.

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Notice about Additional
Commands
HSM matrices equipped with IP Port have
special Serial Commands to change IP
address parameters.
Please refer to section 5.3 for IP specific
serial commands.
Important Note on Control
Commands
Almost all commands issued to the Matrix
will elicit a response from the Matrix once
the command is accepted and execution
completed. After issuing any command, you
must wait for the matrix’s response prior to
sending another command. If you send
another command prior to completion of the
previous one, the matrix might ignore the
2nd command.
4. Control Commands (RS-232 and IP)
The Genesis™ Matrices can be controlled via an external control system by using
either the standard RS-232 or the optional IP port. Any program capable of standard
serial communication in ASCII format is capable of working with the matrix. Most PCs
with Windows™ OS have HyperTerminal™ or equivalent. There are also many free
Terminal Emulator software programs available for download on the internet.
Note on RS-232 port availability on PC
Most PCs and notebooks do not come equipped with a
serial RS-232 port. Therefore, for serial control from a
PC you may need a USB to RS-232 converter. These
are available from Hall Research (Model USB-RS232-
1).
Figure 9 – USB to RS-232 Adapter
Use a DB9 Male-to-Female cable per Table 1 to connect the unit to the PC’s serial
port.
Use 9600 Baud, 8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit, No flow control.
Upon power up, the Matrix will output a screen similar to below through its serial port.
Special characters shown in <> brackets. <cr> is the carriage return character (0x0D),
<lf> is the line feed character (0x0A)
4.1 Routing Functions
NOTE: HDMI Video and Audio always routed together.
Video routing commands specified are from the point of view of the output. The
wildcard character ‘*’ is acceptable for output (but not input). In addition, these
commands can be used to monitor or query the status of system ties. Omitting the
input channel will result in a response of the current routing for that output.
3.2.2.1 To make a video tie:
COMMAND
MEANING
PW0<cr>
POWER IS OFF
CO1,1<cr>
INPUT 1 ROUTED TO OUTPUT 1
CO2,2<cr>
INPUT 2 ROUTED TO OUTPUT 2
CO3,3<cr>
INPUT 3 ROUTED TO OUTPUT 3
CO4,4<cr>
INPUT 4 ROUTED TO OUTPUT 4
HD1,0<cr>
NO VIDEO INPUT ON OUTPUT 1
HD2,0<cr>
NO VIDEO INPUT ON OUTPUT 2
HD3,0<cr>
NO VIDEO INPUT ON OUTPUT 3
HD4,0<cr>
NO VIDEO INPUT ON OUTPUT 4

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Command: COn,m<cr> stands for Connect Output n to input m
Response: COn,m<cr>
Variations:
Command: COn <cr> stands for Connect Output n Query
Response: COn,m<cr>
Command: CO*,m<cr> stands for Connect All Outputs to input m
Response: CO1,m<cr>
CO2,m<cr>
CO3,m<cr> (for 4x4 matrices only)
CO4,m<cr> (for 4x4 matrices only)
4.2 Preset Save and Recall Functions
Command: PRx<cr> stands for Preset Recall. x = preset 1~ 8
Response: CO1, m1<cr>
CO2, m2<cr>
CO3, m3<cr> (for 4x4 matrices only)
CO4, m4<cr> (for 4x4 matrices only)
Command: PSx<cr> stands for Preset Save. x = preset 1~ 8
Response: None (the current tie pattern is saved in EEPROM)
4.3 Power Functions
Command: PW1<cr> stands for Power On
Response: PW1<space><cr>
CO1, m1<cr>
CO2, m2<cr>
CO3, m3<cr> (Only for 4x4 matrices)
CO4, m4<cr> (Only for 4x4 matrices)
Important Note on Power ON Command
This command can take up to 10 seconds to complete. Upon powering up the unit will recall
the previous state of each output prior to powering off and restore each connection.
Command: PW0<cr> stands for Power Off
Response: PW0<cr>
Variation:
Command: PW<cr> stands for Power Query
Response: PWx<cr><lf> x=0 (off), or 1 (on)
4.4 Special Commands
Command: FB<cr> stands for Firmware Boot
Response: Depends on power state when the command was issued. This command is
equivalent to unplugging the power supply and reconnecting it.

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Command: HDm<cr> stands for HDCP Status Query on input m
Response: HDm,x<cr> x=0 (no video detected on input), x=1 (video detected on input
without HDCP), x=2 (video detected on input with HDCP). This command is
useful for several purposes. For example, if you do not have HDCP compliant
displays on all outputs and you try to send an input with HDCP to an output
display that is not HDCP compliant, you will not get an image. This command
enables you to check the status of each input and only route content that can be
displayed to those outputs. In addition, since this command detects presence of
video on inputs, you can use it to check status of inputs and reroute outputs if
there is no video on the input currently routed.
Command: EDx<cr> stands for EDID Emulation. x=1 (default HDTV), x=0 (Fully
Emulated Hall Research DVI)
Response: EDx<cr>
This command is used to change the way EDID is reported to the sources.
The default setting is 1. In this mode, the EDID is algorithmically constructed
based on the capabilities of all the LCD’s connected at all outputs.
The special setting is 0. In this mode, the first 128 bytes of EDID table
correspond to Hall Research canned emulation, in which most standard PC (both
4x3 and 16x9) resolutions are reported to all the inputs. This mode should be
used if your inputs are from PC’s DVI and you are having trouble getting the full
complement of resolution choices.
Please note that after changing the EDID emulation mode you must either
unplug and reconnect the unit, or issue a FB (firmware boot) command.
Variation: ED<cr>
This command is used to query the current setting of the EDID Emulation setting
Command: ST<cr> stands for Status Query
Response: PW1<cr>
CO1, m1<cr>
CO2, m2<cr>
CO3, m3<cr>
CO4, m4<cr>
HD1, x1<cr>
HD2, x2<cr>
HD3, x3<cr>
HD4, x4<cr>
Command: FR<cr> stands for Factory Reset
Response: FR <cr>
PW0 <cr>
This command is used to clear all the preset ties in memory. It also connects all
the outputs to the same input and powers the unit off. If your unit also has an IP
interface, this command does not erase user defined names nor IP address
assignments. Please see FD command in IP section which does the same but
also restores the IP interface to factory default status.
4.5 Invalid Commands
Avoid using invalid commands! Lengthy garbage strings or irrelevant RS-232 data sent to the matrix can
cause system crash. Wrong commands or those with syntax error will prompt the following response:
INVALID COMMAND<cr>

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Port 80
Web Server
Serial
Control
HTTP
Control
Notice
As shipped from factory, DHCP is enabled. This means that the users DHCP router
automatically assigns an IP address to the Matrix.
To find the IP address assigned to the matrix, use the DeviceFinder Software
available free from Hall Research’s website.
Telnet
Control
Matrix
Command
Processing
RS-232
Port
IP
Control
5. IP Control Basics
Figure 10 – IP Control Block Diagram
As shown in the figure above, the matrix can be controlled via RS232 Serial port or
through an IP (Ethernet) port if equipped.
The IP interface features a built-in web server allowing web browsers running on
different devices (computer, smart-phone, tablet) on the network to control and
monitor matrix through HTTP protocol on port 80. (Section 5 will walk you through this
HTTP based Web Interface).
The IP interface also supports telnet connection over port number 6324 to control and
monitor matrix. (Section 6 describes the telnet-based interface)
The IP interface on every matrix shipped has a unique MAC-address, and must have a
valid IP-address to function properly on your network.
Port 6324
Telnet Server

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Figure 11- DeviceFinder
5.1 Getting Device IP
Address
The HSM matrix comes
preconfigured for DHCP, which
means it will automatically obtain
an IP address when it is connected
to the users LAN network. It is
recommended that you set a static
IP on each system in order to
guarantee it maintains the same
address. In order to set a static IP,
first discover what DHCP address
was issued to the matrix and then
login to the matrix web interface to
reconfigure the settings. (see
section 5.2 below)
Download and install the Hall
Research Device Finder utility.
Once installed, run the program and it will scan your LAN and locate any compatible
Hall Research devices that are connected.
5.2 Controlling the Matrix via Web Interface
The Genesis Matrices with IP option have a powerful, yet easy to use IP based web
interface to control and monitor matrix. Web browser application running on any device
(Computer, Smart phone, iPad™) on the same network can use this interface.
When the matrix is shipped, it is configured with a dynamic IP address and when
powered up on a compatible network, the end-users DHCP router will assign an IP
address. You can find the matrices IP address on your network by using the Device
Finder utility available free from the Hall Research website.
Once you have the correct IP address of your device from the Device Finder utility,
open a compatible web browser and type http://your.devices.ip.address in the address
bar and hit Enter.
The web page shown will automatically format the display for the browser it is running
on. This means that on a Smart Phone the width and character sizes will be optimized
so you do not have to deal with zooming and scrolling the screen to use the matrix.
Furthermore, all elements on the web page screen are automatically updated from
server side. This means that if the video routing is altered by the front panel of the
matrix or from another simultaneous LAN connection, your browsers screen will
automatically reflect the change.

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Figure 12 – Control via web Interface
The matrix web interface allows the user to change/monitor the matrix I/O ties, assign
unique names to the inputs, outputs and presets as well as enable/disable password
protected login or change the IP configuration, etc…
The Preset, Input and Output names are saved permanently in matrix until the user
changes them. The matrix will also remember the I/O Presets when not powered.
The web interface is user friendly and easy to access. It consists of three tabs named
Routing, Labels and Settings. Each tab and its features are explained in next sections.

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5.2.1 Video Routing Tab
The routing tab allows the user to control the matrix I/O ties, save the current
configuration as a preset, load existing presets and turn the matrix on or off.
Please refer to Figure 13 for a typical example screen of the routing tab, as it would
appear on a Smart-Phone.
Outputs Column
Displays the name for the selected matrix output. You cannot change the output
names (labels) here. Labels can be changed using the Labels tab
Inputs Column
Two (for a 4x2 matrix) or four (for a 4x4 matrix) dropdown buttons allow the user to
select the desired matrix input to tie to the respective matrix output. The also shows
the current tie status and is updated in real time.
Recall Preset
Previously saved ties may be saved in the matrix and can be recalled for quick
changes to the matrix. First, select the desired preset you want to load from the
dropdown menu and then click the Recall Preset button to load an existing
configuration from memory.
Save Preset
Select the preset name from the dropdown menu and Click Save Preset to save
current tie pattern as a preset with that name.
ON/OFF
These buttons show the status of matrices power and can be used to turn it on and off.
The button with red border is the current state and cannot be clicked. For example in
figure 13 above, the matrix is ON and you can turn it off by clicking the OFF button.
Figure 13- Video Routing Tab

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Figure 14- Labels Tab
Figure-15 Settings Tab
5.2.2 Labels Tab
The user can assign descriptive names inputs,
outputs and presets on this tab.
Label names are limited to 16 characters long
including white space, and can have special
symbols.
Apply Button
Click this button to save your changes after
changing the names.
5.2.3 Settings Tab
Settings tab helps user to change IP address,
enable/disable DHCP, enable/disable
password, change current password and load
factory default settings whenever necessary.
Name
User defined name for this matrix. The name
can be sixteen (16) characters including any
white space and special characters.
Location
User defined location of this matrix. Location
can be twenty (20) characters long including
white space and special characters.
IP
Displays the current IP address of this matrix
and if DHCP is disabled, allows the user to
enter a new IP address.
Subnet
Displays the current SUBNET MASK address
of this matrix and if DHCP is disabled, allows
the user to enter a new subnet mask.
Gateway
Displays the current GATEWAY address of
this matrix and if DHCP is disabled, allows the
user to enter a new gateway address.