Kaleidescape Strato User manual

Kaleidescape Strato
Installation Guide
May 2016

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Kaleidescape, Inc. 440 Potrero Avenue 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 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 7.2.
Revision 31-May-2016

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Contents
Overview .............................................................................................................................................6
!
Kaleidescape Strato Movie Player.............................................................................................................. 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 .......................................................................................................................................... 10!
Tabletop / Shelf Installation.................................................................................................................. 10!
Rack Installation .................................................................................................................................... 10!
Audio and Video Connections ............................................................................................................... 12!
Network Connection .............................................................................................................................. 13!
Power Connection and Startup ............................................................................................................. 13!
System Configuration...................................................................................................................... 14
!
First-Time Setup ......................................................................................................................................... 14!
Wired network connection (recommended)......................................................................................... 14!
Wireless network connection ................................................................................................................ 16!
Adding Strato to an existing Encore system......................................................................................... 17!
Activating your Strato............................................................................................................................. 18!
Configuring Settings................................................................................................................................... 20!
Onscreen Settings Menu ....................................................................................................................... 20!

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Browser Interface Settings Page........................................................................................................... 21!
Getting the Most out of Strato ....................................................................................................... 22
!
About 4K Ultra HD, HDMI 2.0, and HDCP 2.2.......................................................................................... 22!
About Chroma Sampling........................................................................................................................ 23!
HDMI Cables............................................................................................................................................... 24!
HDMI Best Practices .................................................................................................................................. 24!
Best Quality, Single Connection ............................................................................................................ 24!
Best Quality, Dual Connection............................................................................................................... 24!
Very Good Quality, Single and Dual Connections ................................................................................ 25!
1080p ..................................................................................................................................................... 25!
Verifying HDMI Video Performance........................................................................................................... 26!
Supported 4K Ultra HD Modes ............................................................................................................. 27!
Supported HDMI Features..................................................................................................................... 28!
HDMI Video Output Status .................................................................................................................... 29!
About Lossless Audio................................................................................................................................. 32!
Troubleshooting HDMI Connections ......................................................................................................... 33!
Check Connections ................................................................................................................................ 33!
Check Device Settings........................................................................................................................... 33!
Check Device Software/Firmware ........................................................................................................ 33!
Check HDMI Capabilities ....................................................................................................................... 33!
Check HDCP Status ............................................................................................................................... 33!
Try Alternate Cables............................................................................................................................... 33!
Reduce HDMI Speed.............................................................................................................................. 34!
Changes in the HDMI Display Chain During Playback......................................................................... 36!
Control Systems .............................................................................................................................. 37
!
Communication .......................................................................................................................................... 37!
Kaleidescape Control Devices .................................................................................................................. 37!
Kaleidescape Remote ........................................................................................................................... 37!

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Kaleidescape App for iPad .................................................................................................................... 38!
Kaleidescape Child Remote.................................................................................................................. 39!
Third Party Control Devices ....................................................................................................................... 39!
IR Remote Control.................................................................................................................................. 39!
Touch Panels.......................................................................................................................................... 40!

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Overview
The Kaleidescape Strato Installation Guide describes how to set up and
configure Strato, and add new components to an existing installation.
Kaleidescape Strato Movie Player
The Kaleidescape Strato Movie Player is a 4K Ultra HD movie player with high
dynamic range (HDR) capability. It is available in versions with and without
internal movie storage. Strato is a member of Kaleidescape’s Encore product
family, which also includes the Alto Movie Player, the Terra Movie Server, and
the Disc Server.
When purchased without internal storage, Strato is intended to be used as part
of a larger system that includes other components with movie storage.
A Strato with internal movie storage can store and play up to 100 4K Ultra HD,
200 Blu-ray quality, or 900 DVD quality movies on its internal hard drive.
Strato is easy to set up, comes with a comprehensive movie guide including
unique features like scene and song bookmarks, and provides amazing
convenience without compromising quality.
Strato enables you to:
u Download and play 4K Ultra HD movies from the Kaleidescape Movie
Store with audio and video quality superior to that found in many
commercial theaters
u Download Blu-ray quality and DVD quality movies with identical fidelity
to those optical formats
u Store up to 100 4K Ultra HD, 200 Blu-ray, or 900 DVD-quality movies for
instant access and playback
u Use the comprehensive Kaleidescape Movie Guide to easily navigate
your collection and directly access memorable scenes
Strato supports easy integration into audio, video, and whole-house control
systems.

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Supported Configurations
Strato can be used by itself as a complete Kaleidescape system, or it can be
used with other Kaleidescape Encore family components, including additional
Strato or Alto players, Terra servers, and Disc Servers.
Strato and Alto are both available in versions with and without internal movie
storage. In a multi-zone system, up to four Alto or Strato players with internal
storage may be used.
Beyond four zones, the system must include one or more Terra servers, and
some or all of the players must be the no-storage versions.
Kaleidescape recommends that a large system be designed such that all of its
storage is in the Terra servers (i.e., using only players without internal storage),
because Terra can support more simultaneous playback streams. However, if
circumstances dictate, you can still use up to four players with internal storage
provided that all other players are no-storage versions.
Up to two Disc Servers can be added to a system. If the system has one or
more Terra servers, that limit is removed, and there is no set limit to the number
of Disc Servers a system can have. You should consult with Kaleidescape
before specifying a multi-vault system to ensure that system performance will
be acceptable with your planned configuration.
Gigabit Ethernet connections are required for all components in a multi-
component system. 100Base-T Ethernet networks are not recommended for
systems that include Strato players, because of the bandwidth required for 4K
Ultra HD.
Strato has built-in Wi-Fi, which may be used when Strato is installed as a
standalone, single-component Kaleidescape system.

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What’s in the Box
The following accessories are packaged with Strato:
u 1x Shielded Ethernet Network Cable
u 1x HDMI Cable
u 1x AC Adapter
u 1x Remote Control
u 2x Batteries
Front Panel Button
There is one button located on the front panel of Strato:
u Power/Standby – turns Strato on or off or places Strato in standby
Front Panel Error Indicators
There are four error indicators located on the front panel of Strato. These error
indicators illuminate briefly during system startup, but otherwise are only visible
in the event of a problem:
u Network – indicates that Strato encountered a network error
u Temperature – indicates Strato temperature is too hot or too cold
u Hard disk – indicates the hard disk drive inside Strato has a failure
u 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, 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 recommended, and is required when Strato is
used with any other Kaleidescape components. Connect Strato using a
shielded Ethernet cable. The built-in Wi-Fi may be used when Strato is used as
a single-component standalone system.
Audio and Video components
Before beginning the installation, determine the type of the display and
audio equipment that will connect to your Strato.
Strato supports the following outputs:
Video
u 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
u HDMI (Digital stereo or multi-channel)
u Coaxial (Digital stereo or multi-channel)
u Optical (Digital stereo or multi-channel)

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Installing Strato
Tabletop / Shelf Installation
1. Choose a suitable location that is sturdy enough to hold Strato. Strato
weighs approximately 15 pounds.
2. Place Strato onto the tabletop or shelf. Strato ships with feet attached.
3. Installation is complete. You may now proceed to the Audio and Video
Connections section below.
Rack Installation
1. Installing Strato in a rack requires the Strato rack-mount kit (KMOUNT-
STRATO), sold separately.
2. Strato requires two rack units of space. Determine a location in the rack to
install Strato.
3. Place Strato upside down on a soft, clean surface.
4. Assemble rack sides into front panel as shown:

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Completed Assembly:
5. Remove and keep the four flat head screws installed near Strato’s feet on its
bottom surface.
6. Place rack ear assembly over the unit and gently slide into position. Four
positions are available, depending upon the desired reveal. In the front most
position the player face will protrude by ¾” (recommended). In the rear most
position the face of the player will be flush with the front of the rack ears.
7. Install the saved flathead screws ensuring both sides are in the same
position.

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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, 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 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 will have to reduce the video quality
to accommodate the limits of those components.
For this reason, Strato 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 recommended, and is required if
any other Kaleidescape components are used with Strato, including other
players, a Terra server, or a Disc Server. Connect Strato using a shielded
Ethernet cable. If using a single Strato player by itself, you can use the built-in
Wi-Fi if a wired connection is not possible.
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’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 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.
Ensure that the display is connected to Strato’s primary HDMI port (labeled
VIDEO). The secondary HDMI port is audio-only. 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 directly to the display to rule out compatibility issues
with intermediate devices.

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System Configuration
First-Time Setup
After installing your Strato, you will be prompted to set it up using the onscreen
display. Connecting to your network (via a wired or wireless network connection)
and activating your Strato is required.
Wired network connection (recommended)
Scroll past the
Wi-Fi Setup
option and select
Network
from the onscreen menu.
In most cases, Strato will automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP
server.

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If you wish to set a static IP address, select
Set static IP configuration
and enter
your network information.
Select
Accept these settings
to save the information entered.
After a valid network connection is set up, select
Continue
to proceed to the
next step.

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Wireless network connection
Skip this section of the document if you are using an Ethernet connection.
To use the built-in Wi-Fi feature, make sure that no Ethernet cable is connected
to Strato. (Ethernet always takes precedence over Wi-Fi.) Select the
Wi-Fi Setup
option.
A list of available wireless networks will be displayed. Select the one you would
like to connect to, and enter the username (if applicable) and password. If your
Wi-Fi network is not displayed, select
Connect to another network
to enter its
information.
After a valid network connection is established, a checkmark will appear next to
the name of the connected Wi-Fi network. Select
Continue
to proceed to the
next step.

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Adding Strato to an existing Encore system
If you are adding your Strato player to an existing Encore system, once you’ve
configured the network connection and chosen
Continue
, you should see the
Join System page:
If you don’t see this page, ensure that your Strato is on the same local area
network as the existing system, and that the existing system is powered on.
Then, choose
Go Back to Page 1
to return to the network setup screens, then
Continue
again.
Highlight the system you want the Strato to join, and press OK on the remote.
Once you have selected the system to join, setup is complete, and you can
select
Finish
to begin using your Strato.

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Activating your Strato
If you added your Strato to an existing Encore system above, you should not see
this screen. You can skip this section of the document.
If you are not adding your Strato to an existing Encore system, then you need to
activate it in order to use all of its features. To activate your Strato, select
Begin
Activation
from the
Activation
page on the onscreen menu.
Note: For testing and calibration purposes, activation can be skipped by selecting
Finish
despite this option appearing unavailable.
Enter the email address of the system owner using the onscreen keyboard, and
then select
Done
on the keyboard. Check your email for registration
instructions.

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If the email is not received within several minutes, check the spam or junk
folder. If the email still cannot be located, select
Send email again
to resend
the email, or
Change email address
to send the email to a different email
address. You must complete the online activation steps to enable full
functionality of Strato, including the ability to download movies.
Once the email address has been submitted, the
Finish
option in the onscreen
menu will be available. Select
Finish
to exit the initial setup menu and start
using your Strato.

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Configuring Settings
Most of Strato’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 is navigated in the same way as the initial setup menus.