KanexPro HDMX88-18G User manual

HDMX88-18G
USER MANUAL
4K 8x8 HDMI2.0 Matrix Switcher
All Rights Reserved
Version: HDMX88-18G_2017V1.2

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Preface
Read this user manual carefully before using this product. Pictures displayed in this
manual are for reference only. Different models and specifications are subject to the
actual product.
This manual is only for operational instruction, not for any maintenance usage. The
functions described in this version are updated till June 2017. Any changes of functions
and parameters since then will be informed separately. Please refer to the dealers for
the latest details.
All product function is valid till 2017-6-2.
Trademarks
Product model and logo are trademarks. Any other trademarks mentioned in this
manual are acknowledged as the properties of the trademark owner. No part of this
publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent.
FCC Statement
This equipment can generate, use, and radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial
installation.
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
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacture would void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To ensure the best from the product, please read all instructions carefully before using
the device. Save this manual for further reference.
Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packing material for
possible future shipment.
Follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock and injury
to persons.
Do not dismantle the housing or modify the module. It may result in electrical shock
or burn.
Using supplies or parts not meeting the products’ specifications may cause
damage, deterioration or malfunction.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not
install this product near water.
Do not place any heavy items on the extension cable in case of extrusion.
Do not remove the housing of the device as opening or removing housing may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Install the device in a place with fine ventilation to avoid damage caused by
overheating.
Keep the module away from liquids.
Spillage into the housing may result in fire, electrical shock, or equipment damage.
If an object or liquid falls or spills on to the housing, unplug the module immediately.
Do not twist/pull by force the ends of the optical cable. It can cause malfunction.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power
cord to the device before cleaning.
Unplug the power cord when left unused for a long period.
Information on disposal for scrapped devices: Do not burn or mix with general
household waste; please treat the devices as normal electrical waste.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................6
1.1 Introduction to HDMX88-18G.......................................................................................6
1.2 Features ................................................................................................................6
1.3 Package List ...........................................................................................................7
2. Panel Description ...............................................................................................................7
3. System Connection .............................................................................................................9
3.1 Usage Precautions ...................................................................................................9
3.2 System Diagram ......................................................................................................9
3.3 Connection Procedure .............................................................................................10
3.4 System Applications…………………………………………………………………………………………..10
4. Panel Button Control..........................................................................................................11
4.1 I/O Connection Switching…………………………………………………………………………………….11
4.2 EDID Configuration…………………………………………………………………………………………...11
4.3 I/O Connection Inquiry……………………………………………………………………………………….12
5.IR Control........................................................................................................................12
6. RS232 Control .................................................................................................................13
6.1 Installation/Uninstallation of RS232 Control Software…………………………………………………...13
6.2 Basic Settings………………………………………………………………………………………………..13
6.3 RS232 Communication Commands……………………………………………………………………….14
6.3.1 System Commands………………………………………………………………………………14
6.3.2 Lock/Unlock Commands…………………………………………………………………………15
6.3.3 Switching Commands .....................................................................................................15
6.3.4 Scene Commands ..........................................................................................................16
6.3.5 HDCP Compliance..........................................................................................................16
6.3.6 EDID Configuration .........................................................................................................16
6.3.7 Enable/Disable Digital Audio...........................................................................................18
7. TCP/IP Control.................................................................................................................18
7.1 Control Modes ..............................................................................................................................18
7.2 TCP/IP Communication Software Control .....................................................................................20
7.3 Web-Based GUI Control ...............................................................................................................22

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7.3.1 Scene Setting..........................................................................................................23
7.3.2 I/O Connection Switching........................................................................................24
7.3.3 EDID Configuration .................................................................................................25
7.3.4 Audio Out................................................................................................................27
7.3.5 Status Setting..........................................................................................................27
7.3.6 Network Configuration.............................................................................................29
7.3.7 Password Modification ............................................................................................30
7.4 TCP/IP Port Configuration ..........................................................................................................31
7.5 GUI Update ................................................................................................................................31
8. Firmware Upgrade through USB Port......................................................................................32
9. Specifications...............................................................................................................................................34
10. Panel Drawing............................................................................................................................................35
11. Troubleshooting & Maintenance..................................................................................................................36
12. After-sales Service.....................................................................................................................................38
13. Warranty....................................................................................................................................................39

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1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction to HDMX88-18G
The KanexPro HDMX88-18G is a professional 4K 8x8 HDMI2.0 Matrix Switcher with 8
HDMI inputs, 8 HDMI outputs, and 8 SPDIF audio outputs, which is designed for
switching four HDMI2.0 and HDCP2.2 compliant signals. It also provides powerful EDID
management to ensure reliable AV distribution and routing.
You can control the unit via the front panel, IR, RS232, TCP/IP and web-based GUI.
1.2 Features
▪8 SPDIF ports provide de-embedded HDMI audio output;
▪Supports 4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4 & 1080p 3D signals;
▪Supports HDMI 2.0, HDCP2.2 compatible, and is backward compatible to the
earlier versions;
▪Transmits 4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4 signal up to 16.4 feet (5m) via HDMI port;
▪Provides powerful EDID management, built-in EDID can be invoked via DIP
switcher on rear panel, RS232 command or web-based GUI;
▪Controllable via front panel button, IR, RS232, TCP/IP or web-based GUI;
▪LCD screen shows real-time I/O connection status;
▪Convenient firmware upgrade through Micro USB port;
▪Easy installation with rack-mounting design.
1.3 Package List
1 x 8x8 HDMI2.0 Matrix Switcher
2 x Mounting ears
6 x Screws
4 x Plastic cushions
1 x RS232 cable (3-pin to DB9)
1 x IR receiver
1 x IR remote
1 x Power adaptor(DC 24V 2.71A)
1 x User manual
Notes:If there are defective parts or parts are missing, please contact your local
dealer(s).

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2. Panel Description
Front Panel
Figure 2- 1 Front Panel
No.
Name
Description
①
Firmware
Micro USB port for updating firmware.
②
Power Indicator
Illuminates red when power on;
Turns green in standby mode;
Blinks red when upgrading.
③
IR sensor
Built-in IR sensor, receive IR signal sent from IR
remote.
④
LCD Screen
Displays real-time operation status.
⑤
INPUT selector button
Total 8 input selector buttons, press one of
buttons to switch input source.
⑥
OUTPUT selector button
Total 8 output selector buttons, press the
buttons to select output channel.
Rear Panel
Figure 2- 2 Rear Panel
No.
Name
Description
①
INPUTS
HDMI input ports, 8 in total, connect with HDMI
sources.
②
OUTPUTS
SPDIF: audio output ports for de-embedded HDMI
audio, 8 in total.

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HDMI: 8 in total, connect with HDMI displays.
③
Control
EDID: 4-pin EDID DIP switchers to set EDID data, “1”
stands for “On”, “0” stands for “Off”. Refer to 4. 2 EDID
Configurarion for more detials.
RS232: Serial control port, connect with control device.
IR IN: Connects with external IR receiver for using the IR
remote to control the Matrix Switcher.
TCP/IP: TCP/IP port for unit control.
④
DC 24V
Connect with 24VDC 2.71A power adaptor.
⑤
Ground
Connect to ground.
Pictures shown in this manual are only for reference.

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3. System Connection
3.1 Usage Precautions
1) System should be installed in a clean environment, which should have a proper
temperature and humidity.
2) All of the power switches, plugs, sockets and power cords should be insulated and
safe.
3) All devices should be connected before powered on.
4) System Diagram shown in this manual is for reference only; more specific schemes
depend on real-time applications.
3.2 System Diagram
Figure 3- 1 Connection diagram

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3.3 Connection Procedure
Step1.Connect HDMI sources (e.g. DVD/PS4/Laptop) to HDMI input ports with HDMI
cables.
Step2.Connect HDMI displays (e.g. HDTV/Projector) to HDMI output ports with HDMI
cables.
Step3.Connect speakers/ amplifiers to the SPDIF audio outputs with Toslink cables.
Step4. Connect the RS232 ports of the control device (e.g. Central Control System,
PC) and the Matrix Switcher to enable serial control.
Step5.Insert an IR receiver to the IR IN port to control this switcher via IR Remote.
Step6.Connect the TCP/IP ports of the control device (e.g. Laptop) and the Matrix
Switcher to enable TCP/IP control.
Step7.Plug a 24VDC power adapter to the DC24V power port.
Please Note:
1) When connecting to HDMI2.0 sources, make sure the HDMI cable is compliant with
HDMI2.0 to ensure reliable transmission.
2) Connect amplifiers that are capable to decode HDMI audio to the SPDIF ports, or
there will be no output on the amplifiers.
3.4 System Applications
The KanexPro HDMX88-18G matrix switcher is ideal for numerous commercial
applications such as military, medical and government audio-video environments,
where swift, reliable switching and distribution of high-resolution HDMI signal is critical
to meet pixel-by-pixel needs.
The Matrix Switcher can be widely used in computer realm, monitoring, large screen
displaying, conference system, television education and bank securities institutions etc.

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4. Panel Button Control
4.1 I/O Connection Switching
The front panel features eight input selection buttons and eight output selection buttons
for switching I/O connection.
1. To convert one input to an output:
Example: Input 1 to Output 3
→ Press INPUTS 1 + OUTPUTS 3
2. To convert an input to several outputs:
Example: Convert Input 2 to Output 3 and 4
→ Press INPUTS 2 + OUTPUTS 3 + OUTPUTS 4
NOTE: Indicators of the pressed buttons will blink green three times if the conversion
is done, then it will turn off. If the conversion failed, they will turn off immediately.
4.2 EDID Configuration
The rear panel boasts a 4-pin EDID DIP switcher to manage EDID. The EDID data and
its corresponding DIP switcher status are shown in the below list.
DIP Switcher
NO.
Status
EDID
0
0000
Pass though (default)
1
0001
720P 2D Pass though CH
2
0010
720P 3D Pass though CH
3
0011
1080P 2D Pass though CH
4
0100
1080P 3D Pass though CH
5
0101
4K@30HZ Pass though CH
6
0110
4K@30HZ 2.0CH
7
0111
4K@30HZ 7.1CH
8
1000
4K@60HZ 4:2:0 Pass though CH
9
1001
4K@60HZ 4:2:0 7.1CH
10
1010
4K@60HZ 4:4:4 Pass though CH
11
1011
4K@60HZ 4:4:4 7.1CH
1111
Enable Software EDID management
mode: RS232 control or Web-based
GUI control

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4.3 I/O Connection Inquiry
Press OUTPUTS button 1, 2, 3, 4,5,6,7 or 8 to inquiry its corresponding input, and then
the indicator of the input button will turn green.
5. IR Control
The Matrix Switcher features one built-in IR receiver to receive IR signal from IR remote
to enable IR control. If the external IR receiver or other IR control device need to be
used, the IR IN port on rear panel can be connected.
Here is a brief introduction to the IR remote:
①Standby button, press it to enter/ exit standby mode.
②INPUTS:
Input channel selection buttons, same with the
corresponding front panel buttons
③OUTPUTS:
Output channel selection buttons, same with the
corresponding front panel buttons
④Menu buttons: ALL, EDID, CLEAR and ENTER.
ALL: Select all inputs/outputs.
To convert an input to all outputs:
Example: Input 1 to all Outputs:
→Press INPUTS 1 + ALL + ENTER
EDID management button:
1) One input port learns the EDID data from one
output port.
Example: Input 2 learns EDID data from output 4:
→Press EDID + INPUTS 2 + OUTPUTS 4+ ENTER
2) All input ports learn EDID data from one output
port.
Example: All input ports learn EDID data from output 3:
→Press EDID + ALL + OUTPUTS 3 + ENTER
CLEAR: Withdraw button.
ENTER: Confirm operation.

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6. RS232 Control
6.1 Installation/uninstallation of RS232 Control Software
Installation Copy the control software file to the computer connected with the
Matrix Switcher.
Uninstallation Delete all the control software files in corresponding file path.
6.2 Basic Settings
Firstly, connect the Matrix Switcher with necessary input devices and output devices.
Then, connect it with a PC installed RS232 control software. Double-click the software
icon to run this software.
Here we take the software CommWatch.exe as example. The icon is showed as
below:
Figure 6- 1 Icon of CommWatch
The interface of the control software is showed as below:
Figure 6- 2 Control Interface of CommWatch
Set the parameters (baud rate, data bit, stop bit and parity bit) correctly to ensure
Parameter
Monitoring area,
indicates whether the
command sent works.
Command Sending

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reliable RS232 control.
6.3 RS232 Communication Commands
1) Case-sensitive.
2) “[“, “]” in the commands are for easy recognition only and not necessary in real
operations. Other symbols including “.”, “,”, “/”, “%”, “;”, “^”. are parts of the
commands.
3) Feedbacks listed in the column “Feedback Example” are only for reference,
feedbacks may vary according to different operations.
4) Dial the EDID switcher to “1111” before sending commands pertaining to software
EDID management (with grey background)
Baud rate: 9600 Data bit: 8 Stop bit: 1 Parity bit: none
6.3.1 System Commands
Command
Function
Feedback Example
/*Type;
Query the model.
XXXXX
/^Version;
Query the version of firmware
VX.X.X
Demo.
Switch to the “demo” mode, convert
input and output in turn like1B1,
1B2, …4B3, 4B4, 1B1… and so
on .The switching interval is 2
seconds.
Demo Mode
AV:01->01
AV:01->02
AV:01->03
AV:01->04
AV:02->01
…
Normal Mode
Undo.
To cancel the current operation.
Undo Ok!
PWON.
Work in normal mode.
PWON
PWOFF.
Enter into standby mode, send the
“PWON.” to start.
PWOFF
STANDBY.
Enter into standby mode, press other
buttons or send other commands to
start.)
STANDBY
%9962.
Query the power status
STANDBY/PWOFF/
PWON
%9964.
Query the IP address.
IP:XXX.XXX.X.XXX
%0911.
Reset to factory default.
Factory Default

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6.3.2 Lock/Unlock Commands
Command
Function
Feedback Example
/%Lock;
Lock the front panel buttons.
System Locked!
/%Unlock;
Unlock the front panel buttons.
System Unlock!
%9961.
Query the system locking status.
System Locked/
Unlock!
6.3.3 Switching Commands
Command
Function
Feedback Example
[x]All.
Transfer signals from the input
channel [x] to all output channels
X To All. (X=01~08)
All#.
Transfer all input signals to the
corresponding output channels
respectively like 1->1, 2->2…
All Through.
All$.
Switch off all the output channels.
All Closed.
[x]#.
Transfer signals from the input
channel [x] to the output channel [x].
X Through. (X=01~08)
[x]$.
Switch off the output channel [x].
X Closed. (X=01~08)
[x]@.
Switch on the output channel [x].
X Open. (X=01~08)
All@.
Switch on all output channels.
All Open.
Out 01 02 03 04
In 01 01 01 01
Out 05 06 07 08
In 01 01 01 01
[x1]V[x2].
Switch the input channel [x1] to one or
several output channels ([x2],
separate output channels with
comma).
AV: X1-> X2
(X1/X2=01~08)

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Status[x].
Query the I/O connection status of
output [x]
AV: Y-> X
(X=01~08, Y=01~08)
Status.
Query the input channel to the output
channels one by one.
AV:01->01
AV:01->02
AV:01->03
AV:01->04
AV:01->05
AV:01->06
AV:01->07
AV:01->08
%9971.
Query the connection status of the
inputs.
In 01 02 03 04
Connect Y N Y Y
In 05 06 07 08
Connect Y Y Y N
%9972.
Query the connection status of the
outputs.
Out 01 02 03 04
Connect Y Y Y Y
Out 05 06 07 08
Connect Y Y Y Y
%9975.
Query the I/O connection status.
Out 01 02 03 04
In 03 03 03 03
Out 05 06 07 08
In 03 03 03 03
%9976.
Query the output resolution.
Resolution
Out 1 3840x2160P
Out 2 3840x2160P
Out 3 3840x2160P
Out 4 3840x2160P
Out 5 3840x2160P
Out 6 3840x2160P
Out 7 3840x2160P
Out 8 3840x2160P

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6.3.4 Scene Commands
Command
Function
Feedback Example
Save[Y].
Save the present operation to the
preset command [Y], ranges from 1 to
10.
Save To FY (Y=1-10)
Recall[Y].
Recall the preset command [Y].
Recall From FY (Y=1-
10)
Clear[Y].
Clear the preset command [Y].
Clear FY (Y=1-10)
6.3.5 HDCP Compliance
Command
Function
Feedback Example
/%[Y]/[X]:[Z].
HDCP management command.
Y=O is for output;
X=1~8 is the number of the port, if the
X=ALL, it means all ports;
Z is for HDCP compliant status, the
value may be 1 (HDCP compliant) or
0 (not HDCP compliant).
/%[Y]/[X]:[Z].
%0801.
Auto HDCP management, activate
carrier native mode
%0801
%9973.
Query the HDCP status of the input
signals.
In 01 02 03 04
HDCP Y N Y N
In 05 06 07 08
HDCP Y Y Y N
%9974.
Query the HDCP status of the output
signals.
Out 01 02 03 04
HDCP Y Y Y Y
Out 05 06 07 08
HDCP Y Y Y Y
6.3.6 EDID Configuration
The DIP switcher status should be set as 1111 to enable Software EDID management
mode: RS232 control or Web-based GUI control.
Command
Function
Feedback Example

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EDIDH[x]B[y].
Input port [y] learns the EDID from
output port [x].
If the EDID data is available and the
audio part supports not only PCM
mode, then force-set it to support
PCM mode only. If the EDID data is
not available, then set it as initialized
EDID data.
EDIDH1B1
EDIDPCM[x].
Set the audio part of input port [x] to
PCM format in EDID database.
EDIDPCM[x]
EDIDG[x].
Get EDID data from output [x] and
display the output port number.
Hexadecimal EDID
data and carriage
return character
EDIDMInit.
Restore the factory default EDID data
for each input.
EDIDMInit.
EDIDM[X]B[Y].
Manually EDID switching. Enable
input [Y] to learn the EDID data of
output [X]. If the EDID data is not
available, then set it as initialized
EDID data.
EDIDM3B1
EDID/[x]/[y].
Set the EDID data of input port [x] to
built-in EDID No. [y]. [y] = 0~11,
correspond to the 12 embedded
EDID data separately.
EDID/[x]/[y]
EDIDUpgrade[x
].
Upgrade EDID data via the RS232
port.
X represents the input port, and x=5
represents all input ports.
When the switcher receives the
command, it will show a message to
prompt you to send EDID file (.bin
file). Operations will be canceled after
10 seconds.
Please send the EDID
file
EDID Upgrade OK!
GetInPortEDID
[X]
Get the EDID data of input [x],
[x]=1~4
%9979.
Get the DIP switcher status
EDID RS232 GUI
CONTROL 1111

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6.3.7 Enable/disable Digital Audio
Command
Function
Feedback
Example
DigitAudioON[x].
Enable SPDIF audio output port x.
X=1~8, enable the port x.
X=9, enable all ports.
DigitAudio ON with
[x]/ ALL Outputs
DigitAudioOFF[x].
Disable SPDIF audio output port x.
X=1~8, disable the port x.
X=9, disable all ports.
DigitAudio OFF with
[x]/ ALL Outputs
%9977.
Query the status of digital audio of
output channels.
Out 01 02 03 04
Audio Y Y Y Y
Out 05 06 07 08
Audio Y Y Y Y
7. TCP/IP Control
7.1 Control Modes
TCP/IP default settings: IP is 192.168.0.178, Gateway is 192.168.0.1, and Serial Port is
4001. IP can be changed as you need, Serial Port cannot be changed.
Controlled by single PC
Connect a computer to the TCP/IP port of the Matrix Switcher, and set its network
segment to the same as the default IP of the Matrix Switcher (192.168.0.178).

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Figure 7- 1 Modify the IP of PC
Controlled by PC(s) in LAN
The Matrix Switcher can be connected with a router to make up a LAN with the PC(s),
this make it able to be controlled in a LAN. When control, just make sure the Matrix
Switcher’s network segment is the same with the router. Please connect as the
following figure for LAN control.
Same network
segment as the
switcher