Kaleidescape Strato C User manual

Kaleidescape Strato C
Installation Guide
July 2017

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Kaleidescape, Inc. 570 Maude Court, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA
This document is for informational purposes only. Kaleidescape makes no representations or
warranties express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained
herein and Kaleidescape shall have no obligation to provide updates to this information in the future.
Copyright © 2016-2017 Kaleidescape, Inc. All rights reserved. Kaleidescape and the Kaleidescape logo
are trademarks of Kaleidescape, Inc. and are registered in the United States and certain other
jurisdictions. Other trademarks and trade names are owned by third parties and may be registered in
some jurisdictions.
iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
HDMI and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.
For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com. Manufactured under license from DTS Licensing Limited.
DTS, the Symbol, & DTS and the Symbol together are registered trademarks, and DTS Digital Surround
is a trademark of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, and the
double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
This document revision corresponds to kOS software version 7.4.1.
Revision 07-July-2017

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Contents
Overview ........................................................................................................................................6
Kaleidescape Strato and Strato C Movie Players.......................................................................................6
Benefits of Strato C ......................................................................................................................................6
Supported Configurations............................................................................................................................7
What’s in the Box .........................................................................................................................................8
Front Panel Button .......................................................................................................................................8
Front Panel Error Indicators.........................................................................................................................8
Physical Installation ......................................................................................................................9
Planning the Installation..............................................................................................................................9
Ventilation and Clearance........................................................................................................................9
Power Requirements................................................................................................................................9
Network Requirements ............................................................................................................................9
Audio and Video components..................................................................................................................9
Installing Strato C ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Tabletop / Shelf Installation ................................................................................................................. 10
Rack Installation.................................................................................................................................... 10
Audio and Video Connections............................................................................................................... 15
Network Connection.............................................................................................................................. 16
Power Connection and Startup............................................................................................................. 16
System Configuration ................................................................................................................. 17
First-Time Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Configuring Settings.................................................................................................................................. 18
Onscreen Settings Menu ...................................................................................................................... 18
Browser Interface Settings Page .......................................................................................................... 19
Getting the Most out of Strato C ................................................................................................ 20
About 4K HDR, 4K Ultra HD, HDMI 2.0a, and HDCP 2.2........................................................................ 20

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About Bit Depth ..................................................................................................................................... 21
About HDR ............................................................................................................................................. 22
About Chroma Sampling ....................................................................................................................... 22
HDMI Cables.............................................................................................................................................. 23
HDMI Best Practices ................................................................................................................................. 23
Best Quality, Single Connection ........................................................................................................... 23
Best Quality, Dual Connection.............................................................................................................. 23
Very Good Quality, Single and Dual Connections................................................................................ 24
1080p .................................................................................................................................................... 24
Verifying HDMI Video Performance.......................................................................................................... 25
Supported 4K Ultra HD Modes............................................................................................................. 26
Supported HDMI Features .................................................................................................................... 27
HDMI Video Output Status.................................................................................................................... 28
About Lossless Audio ................................................................................................................................ 31
Troubleshooting HDMI Connections ........................................................................................................ 32
Check HDMI Port Capabilities............................................................................................................... 32
Check Device Settings .......................................................................................................................... 32
Check Device Software/Firmware........................................................................................................ 32
Use the HDMI Capabilities Tool............................................................................................................ 32
Check HDCP Status............................................................................................................................... 32
Try Alternate Cables .............................................................................................................................. 32
Reduce HDMI Speed............................................................................................................................. 33
Changes in the HDMI Display Chain During Playback ........................................................................ 34
Control Systems ......................................................................................................................... 36
Communication ......................................................................................................................................... 36
Kaleidescape Control Devices.................................................................................................................. 36
Kaleidescape Remote........................................................................................................................... 36
Kaleidescape App for iPad.................................................................................................................... 37

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Kaleidescape Child Remote ................................................................................................................. 38
Third Party Control Devices ...................................................................................................................... 38
IR Remote Control ................................................................................................................................. 38
Touch Panels ......................................................................................................................................... 39

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Overview
The Kaleidescape Strato C Installation Guide describes how to set up and
configure the Strato C movie player.
Kaleidescape Strato and Strato C Movie Players
The Kaleidescape Strato and Strato C movie players are 4K Ultra HD movie
players with high dynamic range (HDR) capability. Strato includes internal
movie storage, while Strato C has a compact form factor without internal movie
storage.
A Strato with internal movie storage can store and play up to 180 4K Ultra HD,
330 Blu-ray quality, or 1500 DVD quality movies on its internal hard drive.
Strato C is intended to be used as part of a larger system that includes Strato
players with storage, or a Terra movie server.
This document covers the Strato C movie player. There is a separate
installation guide for the Strato movie player with storage.
Benefits of Strato C
Strato C is easy to set up, and provides amazing convenience without
compromising quality.
Strato C enables you to:
Play 4K Ultra HD movies downloaded from the Kaleidescape Movie
Store with audio and video quality superior to that found in many
commercial theaters
Play downloaded Blu-ray quality and DVD quality movies with identical
fidelity to those optical formats
Use the comprehensive Kaleidescape Movie Guide to easily navigate
your collection and directly access memorable scenes, songs, and
special features
Strato C supports easy integration into audio, video, and whole-house control
systems.

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Supported Configurations
Strato C players must be used with a Terra movie server, or with a Strato player
that has internal movie storage.
There is no fixed limit on the number of Strato C players that can be grouped
with a Terra server or a Strato player with storage.
Up to ten Strato C players can play 4K movies simultaneously from a single
Terra server; up to 15 players can simultaneously play Blu-ray quality movies. A
Strato player with internal storage can only support a maximum of two
simultaneous movie playbacks (one on the player itself plus one being sent to a
remote player, or two remote playbacks).
A system that stores its movies on the internal storage of a Strato player is
suitable for installations where one or two movies will be played at the same
time in the household. Kaleidescape recommends that a larger system be
designed such that all of its storage is in the Terra servers (i.e., using only Strato
C players), because Terra can support more simultaneous playback streams.
Gigabit Ethernet connections are required for all components. 100Base-T
Ethernet networks are not acceptable because of the bandwidth required for 4K
Ultra HD.

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What’s in the Box
The following accessories are packaged with Strato C:
1x Shielded Ethernet Network Cable
1x HDMI Cable
1x AC Adapter
1x Remote Control
2x Batteries
Front Panel Button
There is one button located on the front panel of Strato C:
Power/Standby –turns Strato C on or off or places Strato C in standby
Front Panel Error Indicators
There are three error indicators located on the front panel of Strato C. These
error indicators illuminate briefly during system startup, but otherwise are only
visible in the event of a problem:
Network –indicates that Strato C encountered a network error
Temperature –indicates Strato C temperature is too hot or too cold
General –illuminates in conjunction with other indicators. If illuminated
by itself, check the system’s Browser Interface for details.

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Physical Installation
Planning the Installation
Ventilation and Clearance
Use the following guidelines when installing system components to ensure
proper clearance and ventilation. These guidelines apply to all installations
including rack mounting. (Rack-mount hardware sold separately.)
1. Mount components in a location with adequate ventilation.
2. Check for proper grounding if installing components in a rack.
3. Maintain a 2 in. (5 cm) clearance in back and a 1 in. (2.5 cm) clearance
in front and on the sides.
Power Requirements
Kaleidescape component power supplies are universal input and operate on
any nominal line voltage between 100–240 V, and frequency between 50–60
Hz. Verify that power outlets are grounded, and preferably shielded from power
surges and brownouts.
Kaleidescape recommends a grounded outlet with a high-quality surge protector
for the power source for players and servers. A UPS is optional.
Network Requirements
A Gigabit Ethernet network is required. Connect Strato C using a shielded
Ethernet cable.
Audio and Video components
Before beginning the installation, determine the type of the display and
audio equipment that will connect to your Strato C.
Strato C supports the following outputs:
Video
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2
are required for 4K Ultra HD content. HDMI 2.0a is required for HDR.
Audio
HDMI (Digital stereo or multi-channel)
Coaxial (Digital stereo or multi-channel)
Optical (Digital stereo or multi-channel)

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Installing Strato C
Tabletop / Shelf Installation
1. Choose a suitable location that is sturdy enough to hold Strato C. Strato C
weighs 4.2 pounds.
2. Place Strato C onto the tabletop or shelf. Strato C ships with feet attached.
3. Installation is complete. You may now proceed to the Audio and Video
Connections section below.
Rack Installation
Installing Strato C in a rack requires the Strato C rack-mount kit (KMOUNT-
STRATO-C), sold separately. One or two Strato C players can be installed in one
rack unit of space. The rack-mount kit includes the parts necessary for single or
dual installation.
Single Unit Installation
1. Place the Strato C Movie Player upside down on a soft, clean and slightly
elevated surface.
2. Remove and keep the three screws visible on the bottom of the Strato C
movie player:

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3. Place the rack shelf centered over the unit. Note the appropriate sets of
holes to be used in the diagram below. Orient the shelf so the mounting holes
are lined up with the holes in the player where the screws were removed.
Move the shelf into position as required by the installation. In the frontmost
position the player face will protrude by ¾” (recommended). In the rearmost
position, the face of the player is flush with the front of the rack ears. Install
the saved screws:
4. Place the single-opening fascia in front of the unit and carefully slide into
position:

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5. The bottom flange on the fascia will go on the outside of the shelf. This panel
is not firmly attached until the shelf is installed in the rack.
6. While firmly holding the fascia to the rack shelf, flip the assembly over. It is
ready to install in the rack.

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Dual Unit Installation
1. Place two Strato C Movie Players upside down on a soft, clean and slightly
elevated surface.
2. Remove and keep the three screws visible on the bottom of each Strato C
Movie Player:
3. Place the rack shelf over the units. Note the appropriate sets of holes to be
used in the diagram below. Orient the shelf so the mounting holes are lined
up with the holes in the players where the screws were removed. Move the
shelf into position as required by the installation. In the frontmost position
the player faces will protrude by ¾” (recommended). In the rearmost position,
the faces of the players are flush with the front of the rack ears. Install the
saved screws:

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4. Place the dual-opening fascia in front of the units and carefully slide into
position:
5. The bottom flange on the fascia will go on the outside of the shelf. This panel
is not firmly attached until the shelf is installed in the rack.
6. While firmly holding the fascia to the rack shelf, flip the assembly over. It is
ready to install in the rack.

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Audio and Video Connections
Connect network, audio and video cables before connecting the AC adapter.
In order to play 4K Ultra HD content with Strato C, the display must support
HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. High Dynamic Range (HDR) content requires HDMI
2.0a and an HDR-capable display that supports the SMPTE HDR (“HDR10”)
standard.
When the HDMI signal passes through other components before reaching the
display (e.g. an audio receiver), all of those components must also support
HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. Otherwise, Strato C will have to reduce the video
quality to accommodate the limits of those components.
For this reason, Strato C has two HDMI ports. The primary HDMI port (labeled
VIDEO) carries both video and audio information. The secondary HDMI port
(labeled DIGITAL AUDIO) carries audio information only.

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If the audio equipment does not support the necessary HDMI capabilities, you
should connect the display directly to the VIDEO HDMI port, and connect the
audio equipment to the DIGITAL AUDIO HDMI port. This will ensure that you
achieve the highest possible video and audio quality.
If using a single HDMI connection, be sure to connect to the VIDEO HDMI port.
The secondary HDMI port does not support video output.
Network Connection
A wired Gigabit Ethernet network connection is required. Connect Strato C
using a shielded Ethernet cable.
Power Connection and Startup
After making the audio, video and network connections, make sure your
television is set to the correct HDMI input, then connect Strato C’s AC adapter.
You should see the Kaleidescape logo on the display, and after a few minutes,
the initial setup menu appears.
If you do not see the Kaleidescape logo and the setup menu, first check that
Strato C has power. Check the AC adapter’s connection, and make sure that
the Kaleidescape logo on the front of the player is glowing. If it is not, try
pressing the power button, located in the lower right corner of the front panel.
If you still see no image, double-check that the correct input is selected on the
display. If there are other devices in the video chain, like audio receivers or
switches, ensure that they are configured properly. You may want to try
connecting Strato C directly to the display with the supplied cable to rule out
compatibility issues with intermediate devices or cables.

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System Configuration
First-Time Setup
Strato C must be connected to a Terra server or a Strato player with internal
movie storage. Set up the Terra server or the Strato player with storage first.
Then, using that system’s browser interface, add your new Strato C player to the
system.
To access the browser interface, use a computer or tablet that is on the same
local network as your Terra server or Strato player. If the existing system
includes a player, you can easily find the correct URL by going to the onscreen
Settings menu and choosing the Other Settings option. This option displays the
URL to access the settings in the Browser Interface.
Otherwise, on a Windows computer, type http://my-kaleidescape into your web
browser. On a Mac or an iPad, type http://my-kaleidescape.local.
When the browser interface opens, click on the Settings tab, then select the
Components sub-tab. You should see an Add component option at the bottom
of the page. Click the button and follow the instructions to add Strato C to your
system.

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Configuring Settings
Most of Strato C’s settings are configured in the onscreen Settings menu.
However, video and audio settings, settings related to IR and IP control, and
component linking are all accessed via the system’s Browser Interface.
Onscreen Settings Menu
To access this menu, press the MENU button on your Kaleidescape remote,
scroll to the System tab, and select Settings.
The Settings menu appears. Use the up and down arrow keys on the remote
control to choose a setting category, then use the right arrow to move into that
page and adjust options as needed.

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Browser Interface Settings Page
To access this page, use a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
You can easily find the correct URL by going to the onscreen Settings menu and
choosing the Other Settings option. This option displays the URL to access the
settings in the Browser Interface.
To change settings of your player, click the “Settings” button.
You can also use the Add component button if you need to add additional
components to your system, such as a Terra server or another Strato C player.

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Getting the Most out of Strato C
Strato C is a high-performance source device, capable of playing 4K Ultra HD
content encoded at data rates of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher. It
supports 10-bit color, and high dynamic range (HDR) content. Taking full
advantage of Strato C’s capabilities requires careful attention to HDMI
connections, cabling, and configuration.
This section discusses background information on HDMI and HDCP, and best
practices that will help you to maximize Strato C’s performance within the larger
A/V system.
In particular, we discuss cases where using the second HDMI port will allow you
to achieve maximum video and audio quality, even when audio equipment does
not support HDMI 2.0 and/or HDCP 2.2.
We also include some information on ensuring your installation is set up
properly for HDR. We conclude with a brief tutorial covering the use of Strato
C’s new HDMI Capabilities tool in the Browser Interface.
About 4K HDR, 4K Ultra HD, HDMI 2.0a, and HDCP 2.2
Achieving Strato C’s highest video output quality requires a 4K HDR display
capable of receiving and displaying an 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0a signal with
HDCP 2.2.
As well, if Strato C is connected to the display via intermediate devices (such as
an audio processor, an A/V matrix switch, an active HDMI cable, or an HDMI
extender), every device in that chain must support the required HDMI and HDCP
versions in order to display 4K HDR and 4K Ultra HD at full fidelity.
The earliest 4K displays may not be able to display 4K Ultra HD content from
Strato C at all, and other displays may be able to display 4K Ultra HD content,
but unable to handle all of the latest features, like HDR. This section describes
the features present in different 4K displays, and how Strato C will interoperate
with those displays.
First and foremost, HDCP 2.2 copy protection is required to play 4K HDR and 4K
Ultra HD content with Strato C. Some early 4K display devices do not support
HDCP 2.2, and will not be able to display 4K Ultra HD content when used with
Strato C. Consult with the display’s manufacturer to see if an upgrade is
available.
If a display does not support HDCP 2.2 copy protection, but does support HDCP
1.x, Strato C will down-scale the 4K Ultra HD content and output it at up to
1080p resolution. 4K HDR content cannot be down-scaled.
Strato C also requires HDMI 2.0 to properly display 4K Ultra HD content (2.0a
for HDR content). One might expect that a display that supports HDCP 2.2 is
also an HDMI 2.0 display, and vice-versa. Unfortunately, the situation is more
complicated.