Hall Research Technologies PGA-VHD User manual

User’s Manual
PGA-VHD
Video Generator, Tester, and Analyzer
Generates VGA and HDMI Video patterns
Supports HDMI 2.0(a), Deep Color, 4K @ 60Hz 4:4:4, and HDR
Supports HDCP 1.4 and 2.2
Can be Used as a portable HDMI Monitor/TV
Rechargeable Battery Operation
Customized Test Patterns
UMA1253 Rev n/c
Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com E-mail: [e-mail]
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
INFORMATION

PGA-VHD
2
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 General........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Features ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.0 Package Contents ......................................................................................................................... 5
3.0 Configuration and Operation..................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Panel Description....................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 General Operation........................................................................................................................ 6
3.2.1 Quick Select Bar..................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.2 Output Type/Output Settings ................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.3 Source Test ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.2.4 Sink Test ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2.5 Loop Test ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2.6 Settings ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
4.0 Using the PGA-VHD as a Video Generator ............................................................................... 11
4.1 Signal Format ............................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Video Pattern ............................................................................................................................. 12
4.2.1 Steps to update user defined patterns using USB flash memory.......................................................................... 12
4.3 Select Output Audio .................................................................................................................. 13
4.4 TMDS Scrambling Setting ........................................................................................................ 13
5.0 Source Test (PGA-VHD acts as Sink) ........................................................................................ 13
5.1 Format Analysis......................................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Video Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Audio Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 14
5.4 Packet Information .................................................................................................................... 15
5.5 HDCP Selection......................................................................................................................... 15
6.0 Sink Test (PGA-VHD as Source) ................................................................................................ 15
6.1 Sink EDID ................................................................................................................................. 15
6.2 HDCP Encryption applied to the output Video ......................................................................... 16
7.0 Cable or Repeater LoopTest..................................................................................................... 16
8.0 Settings......................................................................................................................................... 17
8.1 Preferences................................................................................................................................. 17
8.2 Network Setting......................................................................................................................... 17
8.3 Firmware.................................................................................................................................... 18
8.4 Battery ....................................................................................................................................... 18
9.0 TELNET Ethernet Protocol: TCP/IP Port (6133).................................................................. 19
10.0 Recalling Factory Defaults ..................................................................................................... 22
11.0 Firmware Upgrade................................................................................................................... 22
12.0 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 22
12.1 Contacting Hall Research ...................................................................................................... 22
13.0 Specifications............................................................................................................................ 23

Video Generator/Analyzer
3
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.
FCC 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.

PGA-VHD
4
1.0 Introduction
1.1 General
The Hall Research PGA-VHD is a handheld versatile multi-interface tester for video and audio. As a video
generator, it provides both VGA and HDMI outputs, and as an analyzer, it features an HDMI 2.0 input. The
product boasts a bandwidth of 18 Gbps (supporting 4K/60 4:4:4) and supports HDCP 2.2. An indispensible
tool for verification and troubleshooting of AV installations or for performing compatibility tests in the lab,
the PGA-VHD offers many advanced features at a cost effective price.
The battery operated PGA-VHD has a large color 4K display with touch screen function for user operation
and viewing status of outgoing and incoming video. The screen can also act as a 4K HDMI monitor
supporting virtually all HDTV and PC resolutions. The instrument can also be used as an analyzer for video
signal sources and displays. The PGA-VHD can perform “loop test” where quantitative information
concerning performance of cables, extenders, repeaters, and video splitters can be obtained.
The instrument is packaged and shipped in a rugged carrying case to protect your instruments from hostile
environments, shock, vibration, moisture and impact. Users will appreciate the built-in long lasting battery
operation, multitudes of video patterns including user’s own custom pattern uploadable via USB, touch panel
control, and access to advanced features such as HDCP analyzer and loop test in a single instrument. The
PGA-VHD supports 8-channel LPCM audio with selectable sample rate. The analyzer can also be used in pass-
through mode bypassing HDMI input to the connected display at the output.
1.2 Features
•Provides both VGA and HDMI outputs and an HDMI input
•HDMI input can be used as a display, source analyzer, or pass-thru loop mode
•Supports HDMI 2.0(a) on output and input with 18 Gbps Bandwidth
•Supports 4K2K/60 4:4:4 8bit and 4K2K60 4:2:0 16bit video signals
•High Dynamic Range Video with HDR 10 support
•Supports HDCP 2.2 (and 1.4)
•Large selection of output video patterns including user defined and patterns with moving objects
•Large 4.3” touch screen for display and control
•Screen image can be mirrored (duplicated) to the HDMI output (perfect for training)
•USB port for mouse control, loading custom patterns, or firmware update
•Analog (stereo) audio output
•Ethernet control using Telnet commands
•Scrambler supported for videos over 340MHz output
•EDID read and save option
•Rugged and durable housing with convenient carrying case
•Battery operation time of up to 4 hours under full load
NOTE
Fist time use:
Prior to switching on the PGA-VHD for the first time, you must plug the power supply to it. This will disable
the “shipping mode” and charge the device. We recommend leaving the product connected to the power
supply for 2 to 3 hours prior to using it with battery alone for the first time.

Video Generator/Analyzer
5
2.0 Package Contents
(1) Carrying Case
(1) Model PGA-VHD
(1) 12V DC Power Supply
(1) IEC Power Cord
(1) 6’ HDMI Cable
(1) 6’ VGA Cable
(1) User’s Manual
3.0 Configuration and Operation
3.1 Panel Description
Block Diagram
DC 12V: Connect the 12V 5A DC power supply supplied with the unit.
LAN: Connect the CAT5e/6 cable to this port to control the device using Ethernet TCP/IP protocol.
USB: Connect to a mouse for control or a flash drive for firmware update or loading custom patterns.
AUDIO OUT: Connect to speakers for analog audio output.
VGA OUT: Connect to a VGA display for simultaneous video output.
HDMI IN: Connect to this port to make the PGA-VHD act as a sink.
HDMI OUT: Connect to this port to make the PGA-VHD act as a source.
Touch Panel: Touch screen for user control.
Sturdy carrying case

PGA-VHD
6
3.2 General Operation
There are SIX major options on the Home Screen on the PGA-VHD.
Quick Select – Top Menu Bar
Output Type
Source Test
Sink Test
Loop Test
Settings (gear icon on the bottom right)
3.2.1 Quick Select Bar
There is a quick select menu bar at the top of the HOME screen so users can easily navigate from one setting
to another. PGA-VHD offers the users the convenience to change the output resolution, pattern and output
HDCP encryption all from one screen.
Home Screen – Showing the Top Menu Bar
Quick Select – Top Menu Bar
Menu Item
Description
1
Shows the current output resolution setting. Click on it to quickly jump to: Output
Settings/Signal Format/Resolution to select a different resolution.
NOTE
Navigating through Submenus:
The Quick Select items are clickable only when the main menu is shown. Once you have clicked into any
submenu, the Quick Select top line items are not clickable. To navigate back to the main menu, use the blue
back arrow button on the screen.

Video Generator/Analyzer
7
2
Shows the last pattern selected from the Default Patterns group (pattern names from Album
including user uploaded patterns are not shown on the Quick Select bar). Clicking on this button
will take you to: Output Settings/Video Pattern (Default patterns) screen where you can select a
different pattern
3
Use this button to enable the HDMI / VGA only resolutions on the quick select line. Notice that
both VGA and HDMI outputs are always active (VGA output is always RGBHV format
regardless of HDMI color space settings). The Purpose of this quick select button is to help get
you quicker to proper list of resolutions available from the quick select bar.
4
This button will take you to Sink Test/HDCP Selection page where you can select No HDCP, 1.4
or 2.2 HDCP.
3.2.2 Output Type/Output Settings
This button is used to set the signal type for the HDMI output and to define other parameters pertaining to
the outputs such as. color space, color depth, video resolution, video pattern, and audio formats.
Output Type
Output Type
Menu
Sub-Menu
Options
Description
Signal
Format
TYPE
HDMI
Select the digital video output type - Choose the color space
(RGB, YCbCr 4:4:4, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0), color depth (8 bit thru
16 bit) and HDR mode. Depending on the resolution setting,
not all color depths and color modes may be listed or
available.
DVI
The only color option for DVI output setting is RGB 8 bit.
RESOLUTION
TV
Select among SDTV/HDTV resolutions. Here you will be
making two selections: Resolutions and Frequency (refresh
rate). Depending on the resolution selected you get
different choices for the Frequency. For example when you
select 576p for output resolution you only get 50Hz, but for
720p output resolution you get 6 choices from 25 Hz to 60
Hz
PC
Select the PC resolutions. Selection method is slightly
different than that for TV explained above. Here, you don’t
select Resolution independent of Refresh rate, instead all
available refresh rates are shown as part of the resolution.
For example you have a choice for 1440x900 @ 60Hz, and

PGA-VHD
8
1440x900 @ 75Hz
Video
Pattern
DEFAULT
Pattern
Select the output pattern, enabling/disabling timer
duration and number of moving squares and their speed
Timer
Moving
Squares
ALBUM
Select the user defined pattern *
PCM
Audio
Tone
MUTE ON/OFF
Enable/ Disable MUTE on output audio
SINE WAVE
Content
Select the bits per sample (16~24 bits), sampling rate
(32~192 KHz) and audio decibel levels
Channel
Select the number of audio channels needed (from 2 to 7.1
channels).
Setting
Scrambling
AUTO
Auto enable Scrambling for video over 340 MHz bandwidth
(Per HDMI 2.0 specifications, scrambling of the digital data
is done prior to the TMDS encoding). Auto is default mode
and is recommended.
OFF
Turn off the scrambling for output video
*Selecting ALBUM under Video Pattern tab will activate the HDMI output mirroring function.Whatever is being shown on the
touch-screen is also sent to the HDMI output. This mirroring mode stays in effect even after you leave this screen so the HDMI
output will remain a duplicate of the screen on the device. This is a useful tool for training in a classroom setting on how to use
the instrument. To disable the output-mirroring mode just select a pattern from the Default group.
3.2.3 Source Test
In this mode you are using the PGA-VHD to test a video source such as STB, laptop, Blu-ray player, etc. You
can also use this mode to turn the PGA-VHD into a 4K compatible TV. Source tests include format, video,
audio, packet and HDCP analysis of the incoming video signal from the source.
Source Test – PGA-VHD as a Sink
Source Test
Menu Sub-Menu Description
Format
READ/ SAVE
Read and save the information from the VIDEO source such as timing
parameters, HSYNC , VSYNC, pixel clock, etc.

Video Generator/Analyzer
9
Video
Full Screen
Provides a small screen displaying the video from the source in Full
Screen
Displays the video information along with the source
Enables video pass through to the display.
Full Screen Info
Pass through
Audio
READ/ SAVE
Read and save the information from the AUDIO source such as
modulation scheme, channel information, sampling rate, etc.
Packet
REFRESH
Read the hexadecimal AVI info frame
HDCP
HDCP 1.4/ HDCP
2.2 Type-0
Enable HDCP (1.4/ 2.2) on PGA-VHD display on HDMI IN port from the
source
3.2.4 Sink Test
This option is for getting more information from the connected sink device (such as TV, Projector, or
Extender) – EDID and HDCP information regarding the connected sink are available here.
Sink Test – PGA-VHD acts as a Source
Sink Test
Menu
Sub-Menu
Description
EDID
READ/ SAVE
Read and save the EDID of a HDTV or other devices using EDID analyzer
Learn from RX
Learn EDID from the DUT that’s connected to the HDMI OUT to save it in the
HDMI IN port
Use Default
Use internal PGA-VHD EDID
HDCP
HDCP 1.4
HDCP 2.2
Select HDCP 1.4 or 2.2 for video output on HDMI OUT port
3.2.5 Loop Test
This section describes the cable or repeater loop test feature to evaluate the quality of the HDMI cables.
It is important to note that in this mode the system generates video with random pixel values at its output and it
expects to see the exact same pixel data values at the input. It tallies the number of errors. Therefore if the video

PGA-VHD
10
transport is using any encoding or compression techniques, the loop test will result in huge errors since pixels are
modified (and delayed) by the encoder. You can use loop test for cables or extenders that do not modify pixel
values in anyway, such as most HDBaseT products or Hall Research’s 4K Javelin optical HDMI cables.
Loop Test
Loop Test
Menu
Sub-Menu
Description
1920x1080@60
4Kx2K@30
4Kx2K@60
Time Duration
/ Time Elapsed
Evaluate the signal quality of HDMI cables and Device Under Test
(DUT) in 3 different resolutions FHD(1080p), UHD @ 30 and UHD
@ 60
It is recommended to run the test for at least 15 seconds for the results to be meaningful. You can use Loop Test to
compare the quality of different cables or their ability to handle UHD 30Hz or 60 Hz
3.2.6 Settings
This section shows the system settings to change the screen brightness, network settings, firmware update and
battery status.
System Settings
Settings
Menu
Sub-Menu
Description
Preferences
Screen
Brightness
Adjust the screen brightness at required levels
Beep
Enable/ Disable system sound