Hall Research Technologies VSM-A-4-4 User manual

UMA1197 Rev. N/C
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: [e-mail]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Genesis ™ Series
4x4 VGA & Audio Matrix Switches
User’s Manual
VSM-A-4-4
4x4 VGA + Audio Matrix Switch
VSM-I-A-4-JA4
4x4 VGA + Audio Matrix Switch
with
A/V on Twisted Pair (UTP) outputs & Control over IP

Genesis™ Series 4x4 AV Matrix Switches
1
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
2.3 Connection Block Diagrams ..................................................................................8
3. Configuration & Operation ................................................................................... 8
3.1 Front-Panel Buttons and Indicators.......................................................................8
3.2 Turning the unit on and off.....................................................................................9
3.3 Making AV Routings or “Ties” from Front Panel..................................................10
3.4 Saving Presets (routing patterns)........................................................................11
3.5 Recalling Presets (routing patterns) ....................................................................11
3.6 Resetting system to factory defaults....................................................................11
4. Control Commands (RS-232 and IP).................................................................. 11
4.1 Routing Functions................................................................................................ 12
4.2 Preset Save and Recall Functions ...................................................................... 13
4.3 Power Functions..................................................................................................13
4.4 Special Commands .............................................................................................14
4.5 Error Responses.................................................................................................. 14
5. IP Control Basics................................................................................................. 15
5.1 Getting Device IP Address ..................................................................................15
5.2 Controlling the Matrix via Web Interface..............................................................16
5.3 IP Specific Serial Commands .............................................................................. 20
6. Telnet Interface.................................................................................................... 22
6.1 Telnet Interface Commands ................................................................................22
7. Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 23
7.1 Contacting Hall Research....................................................................................23
7.2 Shipping and Packaging......................................................................................23
8. Specifications ...................................................................................................... 24
Appendix 1 – Front Panel Quick Reference Guide............................................... 25
Appendix 2 – Command Summary ........................................................................ 25

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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 4x4 VGA + Audio Matrix
Switchers that are available in two versions:
Model VSM-A-4-4 4x4 VGA + Audio Matrix Switch
Model VSM-I-A-4-JA4 4x4 VGA + Audio Matrix Switch with A/V on Twisted Pair
(UTP) outputs & Control over IP
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 VGA and YPbPr compliant, support DDC (EDID), and have
550 MHz of analog bandwidth to handle PC resolutions to WUXGA (1920x1200) or
HDTV resolutions to 1080p. Each input is accompanied by a corresponding audio
channel. The audio inputs are L/R stereo on balanced terminals that eliminate ground
loops noise that plagues most similar devices.
Audio routing can follow video (synchronized routing) or be independent of video path.
All Matrices feature the Hall Research’s beautiful and intuitive front panel for making or
reviewing ties, and for saving and recalling Preset patterns.
The VSM-I-A-4-JA4 adds RJ45 outputs to send the video and audio on a single Catx
cable to compatible receivers (e.g. URA, URA-SKU, or URA-XT) and adds the ability
to control the matrix via IP using smart built-in server that allows the user to configure
and control the matrix from any browser or smart tablet or phone.
Figure 1 - AV on UTP outputs and IP control
EDID support, wide-bandwidth, zero cross-talk, fast switching, low profile (only 1 RU),
Preset capabilities, RS-232, IP and comprehensive front panel controls, make the
Genesis™ matrices ideal for home theater, conference room, multimedia presentation
systems, and other similar settings.

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1.2 Features
•Cross-point switching of PC or HD video and audio signals
•Supports all Component HDTV and RGB PC resolutions
•550 MHz video bandwidth to for sharp and unsurpassed clear image
•Zero cross-talk, so no bleed from unselected inputs on the output image
•Supports balanced stereo line-level audio inputs and outputs
•Independent or synchronized switching of Audio and Video
•Outputs can be blanked
•Powerful and intuitive front panel controls
•Preset Save and Recall of commonly used routing patterns
•DDC/EDID compliant inputs
•Includes RS-232 port with Hall Research’s intuitive Genesis Control
Command Set (GCCS™)
•IP (LAN) version includes http-server with easy to use controls user definable
I/O names, Telnet control, and more
•1RU high compact & rugged rack mountable metal enclosure
•100% designed and manufactured in USA

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2. Installation
2.1 Package Contents
Your package should contain the 1RU Matrix Switcher, a Universal power supply
(Model 511-3A-161WP05, 5v @ 2.6A 2.1mm plug), and a User’s Manual.
Figure 2 – Power Supply with international switchable blades
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 3 – Rear Panel Connections (for VSM-I-A-4-JA4)
Using quality VGA cables connect the inputs to video sources.
Connect audio inputs to the detachable screw terminals. If your audio source
is balanced then connect the + and – inputs to the appropriate inputs and
shield to the GND terminal.
On the other hand if your audio input is unbalanced (as on most PC’s or MP3
players), then you can connect the source to the balanced as shown in Table
1 below
Use only regulated 5v DC supply (center
positive) as supplied with the unit.

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Easy Connection
Note connection is to negative inputs
Alternate Connection
If connecting to Positive inputs, you must
jumper negative inputs to ground or
volume will be cut in half
Connection to remove ground loop
If your source is ground referenced and
the output of the matrix is also connected
a ground referenced device, and there is
noise between the grounds, or you are
using long audio cables, then you have a
classis situation for picking up 60 cycle
and other noise due to ground loop. In
this case we recommend this alternate
connection where you remove the
connection to the ground screw terminal.
se this only if you have noise and
suspect it is caused by ground loop
Table 1 – Unbalanced input connection methods
Plug the HD15 video outputs to LCD’s
If you have the JA4 output option, then you can use Cat5e/6 UTP cables to
connect the outputs to compatible Receivers upto 1000 feet (300m) away.
Compatible receivers include URA, URA-SKU, or URA-XT. Note that the

Genesis™ Series 4x4 AV Matrix Switches
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URA does not have RGB Skew correction so you would need to use low-
skew UTP cable for that option if the distance is over 200 ft. The URA-SKU,
or URA-XT, both have RGB skew correction so you can use any Cat5e or
Cat6 cable regardless of length
Similar to the audio input, the audio outputs are also balanced. So when
connecting to balanced devices use both + and – terminals. But if you are
connecting the output to unbalanced sinks (such as using 3.5mm mini-stereo
plugs), do not
connect the unused outputs to ground. You can connect the
tip and ring to either + sides or the – sides, as shown below.
Figure 4 –
Connecting balanced audio outputs to
unbalanced devices
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. Connection to PC’s DB9 Male
is made using a straight through DB9 Male-to-Female cable (as shown
below).
DB9-Female on Matrix Controller DB9-Male
Pin
Function
Pin
Function
2 TX (output) 
2 RX (input)
3 RX (input) 3 TX (output)
5 Ground 5 Ground
Table 2 – RS-232 Control Port Pinout
Note on RS-232 port availability on PC
Most PCs do not have a serial port, so you may need
a USB to RS-232 Serial converter. These are available
from Hall Research (Model USB-RS232-1).
The 4x4 VSM matrix is available with IP port (VSM-I- …). On these units
there is an RJ45 (10/100 Base-T) for connection to your Local Area Network.

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2.3 Connection Block Diagrams
Figure 5 – Connection Block Diagram for VSM-A-4-4
Figure 6 – Connection Block Diagram for VSM-I-A-4-JA4
3. Configuration & Operation
3.1 Front-Panel Buttons and Indicators
An image of the front panel for the 4x4 matrix is shown below.
Figure 7 – HSM-04-04 front panel controls & indicators

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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 point of view
•Use VID and AUD buttons for independent or synchronized routing of audio
and video
•Recall preset tie patterns
•Save preset tie 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 like a pro.
3.2 Turning the unit on and off
To turn the unit on, press the power button. The unit will do a LED test where all
buttons and LED’s are turned on for 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 as a
precaution, so that if the power button is accidentally touched, it will not turn off the
matrix!
Notice At any time, you can check the tie pattern on the front panel LED Grid.
However if both the VID and AUD buttons are lit, the Grid only shows
positions where an output’s audio & video coincide. If the audio and video
routing to a particular output are not synchronized, then the LED position
in the Grid will be off. In that case to can examine just the Video ties or
just the Audio ties by only having VID or AUD button active
Figure 8 – Connection grid on front panel

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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 VSM matrix allows you to
make ties starting from the input channel’s point of view or from the output.
In most cases audio and video from the same input are routed to a given output
(synchronized switching). But the Matrix can route the audio and video independently.
You can use the VID and AUD buttons on the front panel to route just one or the other,
or if both buttons are lit, to route synchronously.
3.3.1 Making a tie starting from the output
This is the most natural way of making connections since each output gets is signal
from only one input.
Press one of the output channel buttons. That button will light up and the
inputs routed from 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.
To blank the output, press the currently lit input button position and then hit
SET
Note that once you enter the channel routing mode 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.
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 or none at all!
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 SET.

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3.4 Saving Presets (routing patterns)
Current tie configuration (snap-shot of the way video and audio are routed at the
moment) can be saved as a PRESET for later recall. The Matrix can memorize 8
PRESETS. Each of the 4 input and 4 output buttons can memorize a preset for a total
of 8.
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/output button position to save the preset then press the SET button to
complete the operation.
3.5 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.
3.6 Resetting system to factory defaults
Disconnect the power from the unit. Press and hold the POWER button on the front
panel while plugging in power. Continue to hold the ENTER button until all LEDs on the
front panel flash on. System reset clears all ties and presets.
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.
Use a DB9 Male-to-Female cable per Table 2 to connect the unit to the PC’s serial port.
Use 19,200 Baud, 8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit, No flow control.
Upon power up, the Matrix will output a screen similar to the figure below through its
serial port.
STRING
MEANING
PW1«
Power is on
CV1,1«
Connect Video output 1, to input 1
CV2,1«
Connect Video output 2, to input 1
CV3,1«
Connect Video output 3, to input 1
CV4,1«
Connect Video output 4, to input 1
CA1,1«
Connect Audio output 1, to input 1
CA2,1«
Connect Audio output 2, to input 1
CA3,1«
Connect Audio output 3, to input 1
CA4,1«
Connect Audio output 4, to input 1

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4.1 Routing Functions
In the following paragraphs, the symbol «represents Carriage Return (Hex 0D). The *character
is a wildcard (acts similar to DOS wildcard character)
4.1.1 Make video ties:
Command: CVn,m«Stands for Connect Video n = output, m= input
Response: CVn,m«
Note: If the input m is 0, the video output n will be blanked.
Command: CV*,m«Stands for Connect All Video Outputs to input m
Response: CV1,m« CV2,m« CV3,m« CV4,m«
4.1.2 Query video ties:
Command: CVn«Stands for Connect Video n Query
Response: CVn«
Command: CV*«Stands for Connect All Video Query
Response: CV1,m« CV2,m«CV3,m«CV4,m«
4.1.3 Make Audio ties:
Command: CAn,m«Stands for Connect Audio n = output, m= input
Response: CAn,m«
Note: If the input m is 0, the Audio output n will be disconnected/muted.
Command: CA*,m«Stands for Connect All Audio Outputs to input m
Response: CA1,m«CA2,m«CA3,m«CA4,m«
4.1.4 Query Audio ties:
Command: CAn«Stands for Connect Audio n Query
Response: CAn«
Command: CA*«Stands for Connect All Audio Query
Response: CA1,m«CA2,m«CA3,m«CA4,m«
4.1.5 Make Synchronized Audio+Video ties:
Command: COn,m«Stands for Connect both A&V n = output, m= input
Notice Almost all commands issued to the Matrix will elicit a response
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 command

Genesis™ Series 4x4 AV Matrix Switches
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Response: COn,m«
Note: If the input m is 0, the Video & Audio outputs will be blanked
Command: CO*,m«Stands for Connect All both A&V Outputs to input m
Response: CO1,m«CO2,m«CO3,m«CO4,m«
4.1.6 Query Audio & Video ties:
Command: COn«Stands for Connect Output Audio & Video Query
Response: CVn,m« CAn,m«
Command: CO*«Stands for Connect All Output Audio & Video Query
Response: CV1,m« CV2,m«CV3,m«CV4,m«
CA1,m«CA2,m«CA3,m«CA4,m«
4.2 Preset Save and Recall Functions
Command: PRx« Stands for Preset Recall. x = preset 1~ 8
Response: CV1,m« CV2,m«CV3,m«CV4,m«
CA1,m«CA2,m«CA3,m«CA4,m«
Command: PSx«Stands for Preset Save. x = preset 1~ 8
Response: PSx« Response sent after current tie pattern is saved
4.3 Power Functions
Command: PW1« Stands for Power On
Response: PW1«
CV1,m« CV2,m«CV3,m«CV4,m«
CA1,m«CA2,m«CA3,m«CA4,m«
Command: PW0« Stands for Power Off
Response: PW0«
Variation:
Command: PW« Stands for Power Query
Response: PWx« x=0 (off), or 1 (on)
Notice The Power ON Command can take up to 5 seconds to complete.
Upon powering up the unit will recall the previous state of each
output prior to powering off and restore each connection

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4.4 Special Commands
Command: FD« Stands for Recall Factory Defaults
Response: FD«
Command: FW« Stands for Firmware Version
Response: FWx.y«
Command: ST« Stands for Status request
Response: PW1«
CV1,m« CV2,m«CV3,m«CV4,m«
CA1,m«CA2,m«CA3,m«CA4,m«
4.5 Error Responses
ERR1«Command is not recognized, has invalid parameter or wrong syntax
ERR2« The only valid command while power is off is Power Status query (PW«), all
other commands issued while power is off will result in this error message
Notice Factory Default command will clear all audio/video ties and
presets. The units with IP interface have a slightly different
response to this command. Please see section 5.3 for further details
Notice The 4x4 VSM matrices equipped with IP Port have additional Serial
Commands to change IP address parameters. Please refer section
5.3 IP Specific Serial Commands for further info

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5. IP Control Basics
Figure 9 – 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 will walk you through this 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 the network.
5.1 Getting Device IP Address
The VSM matrix comes preconfigured for DHCP, which means it will automatically
obtain an IP address when it is connected to the LAN. 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 you must first discover what DHCP address was issued and then login
to reconfigure the settings.
Download and install the DeviceInstaller utility from Hall Research website. Once
installed, run the program. It will scan your LAN and locate any devices that are
connected.
Notice As shipped from factory DHCP is enabled. This means that the
network automatically assigns an IP address to your Matrix.
To find the IP address assigned to the matrix, please use Device
Installer Software to get current IP address of Matrix.
Device Installer is available on the Product’s webpage download
tab at www.hallresearch.com

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Figure 10- Device Installer
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, Smartphone, iPad™)
on the same network can use this
interface.
Once you have the correct IP address of
your device, open web browser of your
choice and type
http://your.device.ip.address in the
address bar and hit Enter.
The web server 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 don’t have to deal with zooming and
scrolling the screen to use the unit.
Furthermore, all elements on the screen are automatically updated from server side.
This means that if the video routing is altered by the front panel of the matrix or another
simultaneous LAN connection, your screen will automatically update.
Web interface allows the user to change/monitor matrix I/O ties, sync audio/video
together, assign names to Inputs, outputs and presets as well as change IP address,
assign static IP address, enable/disable password protected login etc…
Preset, Input and Output names are saved permanently in matrix unless user changes
it. Matrix also remembers Presets even when not powered.
The web interface is very user friendly and easy to access. It consists of four tabs
named Video, Audio, Labels and Settings. Video and Audio are tabs for routing video
and audio separately. Each tab and its features are explained in next sections.
Device IP Address
Notice
Don’t try to change the IP address using this utility! The IP address
can be changed from Web interface (section 5.2) or from Serial
interface (section 5.3 IP specific Serial Commands)
Figure 11 – Control via web Interface

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5.2.1 Video Routing Tab
Video routing tab allows user to change the input channel for each output, save the
current configuration as a preset, load existing presets and turn the matrix On/Off. It
also has sync feature to synchronize audio & video routing on any given output
The following depicts a typical screen as it would appear on a Smart-Phone.
Figure 12 - Video Routing Tab

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Outputs Column
Displays output names. Output names (labels) are read-only on this page, however;
names can be changed from Labels tab.
Inputs Column
Four dropdown buttons allow user to select Video Input to tie to respective Output. It
also shows current ties status and updates in real time.
Sync A/V
Sync A/V checkboxes are there to save you time, so if you want to route audio and
video from the same input, if this box is checked, then regardless of which tab you are
under (Video or Audio), whatever ties you make is automatically done on the other one.
When unchecked, audio and video inputs can be routed individually.
Recall
First select preset you want to load from dropdown menu and then click Recall button
to load existing preset from memory.
Save
After selecting a preset name from dropdown menu, click Save state as a Preset
ON/OFF
These buttons show the current status of Matrix’s power and can be used to turn it on
and off. The button with red boarder is the current state and cannot be clicked. The
other one is available.
5.2.1 Audio Routing Tab
Audio routing tab functions in a similar manner
as Video tab explained above
5.2.2 Labels Tab
User can assign names of their choice to Inputs,
Outputs and Presets in this tab.
Label names are limited to sixteen characters
long including white spaces.
Apply
Click this button to save your changes after
changing names.
Figure 13 - Labels Tab
Note:
If the front panel is used to make ties, this checkbox can
automatically disappear. If the box is checked, then the output
routing under the complimentary tab (Video or Audio) is the
same. But if the box is not checked then you can’t be sure and will
have check under the other tab .