KanexPro HDMX88A-18G User manual

VER 1.0
All Right Reserved
MPN: HDMX88A-18G
Ultra-Fast 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher with Audio
Extraction 4K/60Hz

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please read all instructions before attempting to unpack, install or operate this equip-
ment and before connecting the power supply. Please keep the following in mind as you
unpack and install this equipment:
• Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
• electrical shock and injury to persons.
• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain,
• moisture or install this product near water.
• Never spill liquid of any kind on or into this product.
• Never push an object of any kind into this product through any openings or empty
slots in the unit, as you may damage parts inside the unit.
• Do not attach the power supply cabling to building surfaces.
• Use only the supplied power supply unit (PSU). Do not use the PSU if it is damaged.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cabling or allow any weight to be placed
upon it or any person walk on it.
• To protect the unit from overheating, do not block any vents or openings in the unit
housing that provide ventilation and allow for sufficient space for air to circulate
around the unit.
• Please completely disconnect the power when the unit is not in use to avoid wasting
electricity.
TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
All products or service names mentioned in this document may be trademarks of the
companies with which they are associated.

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INTRODUCTION
1.Introduction...................................................................................................................4
2. Applications.................................................................................................................4
3. Package Contents.....................................................................................................4
4. System Requirements.............................................................................................4
5. Features.........................................................................................................................4
6. Operation Controls and Functions...................................................................5
6.1 Front Panel........................................................................................................5
6.2 Rear Panel........................................................................................................6
6.3 Remote Control.............................................................................................7
6.4 IR Cable Pinouts............................................................................................8
6.5 RS-232 Pinout and Defaults....................................................................8
6.6 Front Panel LCD Menu..............................................................................9
6.7 WebGUI Control...........................................................................................13
6.7.1 Video Switch Tab............................................................................14
6.7.2 EDID Settings Tab.........................................................................19
6.7.3 Device Settings Tab......................................................................21
6.7.4 User Config Tab............................................................................22
6.7.5 System Settings Tab...................................................................22
6.8 Telnet Control...............................................................................................23
6.9 Serial and Telnet Commands...............................................................24
7. Connection Diagram..............................................................................................38
8. Specifications...........................................................................................................38
8.1 Technical Specifications...........................................................................38
8.2 Video Specifications.................................................................................39
8.3 Audio Specifications................................................................................40
8.3.1 Digital Audio....................................................................................40
8.3.2 Analog Audio...................................................................................41
8.4 Cable Specifications..................................................................................41
9. Acronyms..................................................................................................................42

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1. INTRODUCTION
This 4K UHD+ 8x8 HDMI Matrix provides the ability to connect up to eight 4K UHD+ HDMI
sources to up to eight 4K UHD+ HDMI displays and freely switch between them. This unit comes
with full support for 18Gbps resolutions up to and including 4K@60Hz (4:4:4, 8-bit) as well as
support for 16-bit Deep Color, HDR (High Dynamic Range), HD audio and other features defined
by the HDMI 2.0 specification.
Additionally, eight analog stereo audio outputs are paired with each HDMI output to provide
breakout audio support when needed. With a comprehensive EDID management feature that
includes the ability to select between built in EDIDs, EDIDs copied from connected sink devices, as
well as user provided EDIDs, this matrix can solve many interconnectivity problems. The unit’s OSD
has the ability to display up to 2 lines of user customized text, on top of the video displayed over
each output, in the color of your choice. This unit provides an intuitive set of front panel controls
with an OSD as well as RS-232, Telnet, WebGUI, and IR remote control options.
2. APPLICATIONS
• Smart Home Control
• Control Center
• Function Room
• Product Showroom
• Ballroom
3. PACKAGE CONTENTS
• 1 x UHD+ 8x8 Matrix with Audio Output
• 1 x 24V/3.75A DC Power Adapter
• 1 x Remote Control (CR-177)
• 1 x Rackmount Ears (Set of 2)
• 1 x Shockproof Feet (Set of 4)
• 1 x Operation Manual
4. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• HDMI source equipment such as media players, video game consoles or set-top boxes.
• HDMI receiving equipment such as HDTVs, monitors or audio amplifiers.
• The use of Premium High Speed HDMI cables is highly recommended.
5. FEATURES
• HDMI inputs and outputs support 18Gbps 4K UHD+ with HDR signals
• DVI 1.0 compliant with the use of an HDMI to DVI adapter
• HDCP 1.x and 2.2 compliant
• HDMI inputs and outputs support UHD+ resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz (4:4:4, 8-bit)
• Supports 16-bit Deep Color up to 1080p60
• Supports pass-through of LPCM (up to 8 channels), bitstream and HD bitstream audio formats
• High-quality DAC (Digital to Analog audio Conversion) with local analog stereo audio
breakout for each HDMI output (LPCM 2.0 sources only)

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• Supports six internal EDIDs, eight external EDIDs copied from connected devices, and eight
user provided EDIDs
• OSD with user customizable information text
• Controllable via front-panel buttons with LCD, WebGUI, Telnet, RS-232, and IR remote
6. OPERATION CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
6.1 Front Panel
1. POWER Button: Press this button to power the unit on (green LED) or place it into
stand-by mode (red LED).
2. IR Window: Accepts IR signals from the included IR remote for control of this unit only.
3. IN 1~8 & OUT A~H Buttons: Press these buttons to configure the video routing. Selection
behavior depends on the current Keypad Action Mode.
• In Standard Mode: Press the “OUT” buttons (A~H) of the outputs you wish to route
a source to (the letters will flash in the LCD to indicate selection). Next, press the
“IN” button of the input (1~8) you wish to route to the selected outputs. Finally, press
“CONFIRM” to confirm your selection and execute the routing change.
• In User Mode: Press the “OUT” button (A~H) of an output you wish to route a source
to (the letter will flash in the LCD to indicate selection). Next, press the “IN” button of
the input (1~8) you wish to route to the selected output. Repeat this process as many
times as needed to select all new routes. Finally, press “CONFIRM” to confirm your
selections and execute the routing changes.
4. CONFIRM Button: Press this button to confirm newly made input/output routing selections
5. CANCEL Button: Press this button to cancel newly made input/ output/preset routing
selections before they have been confirmed.
6. MENU BUTTON: Press to enter the LCD menu, or to back out from menu items.
7. ENTER Button: Press to confirm a selection within the LCD menu or to go deeper into a
menu item.
8. + (PLUS) & - (MINUS) Buttons: Press to move up and down or adjust selections within
the LCD menu.
9. ALL Button: Press this button to select all outputs simultaneously for routing. Next, press

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the “IN” key of the input (1~4) you wish to route to all outputs. Finally, press “CONFIRM”
to confirm your selection and execute the routing change.
10. PRESET Button: Press to enter the preset recall menu in the LCD window. Press the “+/-”
buttons followed by the “ENTER” button to select and activate the preferred preset.
11. LOCK Button: Press to lock all button functions on the front panel. Press and hold for 3
seconds to release the lock function. The LCD will display “Lock” when the function is active.
12. MUTE Button: The “MUTE” button functions as a blank audio/video source. To use it,
follow the standard matrix routing instructions, but use the “MUTE” button as the input
to blank out the selected outputs. When a “MUTE” input is in use it will show up as “M”
within the routing display.
13. LCD window: Displays the unit’s menu, settings and information.
6.2 Rear Panel
1. HDMI IN 1~8 Ports: Connect to HDMI source equipment such as media players, game
consoles or set-top boxes.
2. HDMI OUT A~H Ports: Connect to HDMI TVs, monitors, or amplifiers for digital video
and audio output.
3. AUDIO OUT A~D Ports: Connect to powered speakers or an amplifier for analog
stereo audio output. The audio from each stereo analog output will be the same as
the HDMI output it is paired with.
Note: Supports LPCM 2.0 audio sources only.
4. IR IN Port: Connect to the provided IR Extender to extend the IR control range of the
unit. Ensure that the remote being used is within direct line-of-sight of the IR Extender.
5. CONTROL Port: Connect directly, or through a network switch, to your PC/laptop to
control the unit via Telnet/WebGUI.
6. RS232 Port: Connect directly to a PC, laptop or other serial control device to send RS-
232 commands to control the unit.
7. SERVICE Port: This slot is reserved for firmware update use only.
8. DC 24V Port: Plug the 24V DC power adapter into the unit and connect it to an AC
wall outlet for power.

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6.3 Remote Control
1. POWER Button: Press to power the unit on or place it into
stand-by mode.
2. 1/A ~ 8/H Button: Press these keys to configure the video
routing. Selection behavior depends on the current Keypad
Action Mode.
• In Standard Mode: Press the “OUT” key followed by the
key (A~H) of the output you wish to route to. Next, press
the “IN” key followed by the input (1~8) you wish to route to
the selected output. Repeat this process as many times as
needed. Finally, press “ENTER” to confirm your selection.
• In User Mode: Press the “OUT” key followed by the key
(A~H) of the output you wish to route to. Next, press the
“IN” key followed by the input (1~8) you wish to route to
the selected output. Repeat this process as many times as
needed. Finally, press “ENTER” to confirm your selection.
3. ALL Button: Press this key to select all outputs simultaneously
for routing. Next, press the key of the input (1~4) you wish to
route to all outputs. Finally, press “ENTER” to confirm your
selection and execute the routing change.
• MUTE Button: Press this key to mute video output. Press
the key of the input (1~4) you wish to route then press
mute key to mute video output.
• INFO Button: Switches the information displayed on each
output’s OSD between the user customized text and the
current video/ Ethernet details.
• PRESET Button: Press to enter the preset call menu in
the LCD window. Press the “+/IN” and “-/OUT” buttons
followed by the “ENTER” button to select and activate the
preferred preset.
4. MENU Button: Press to enter the LCD menu, or to back out
from menu items.
ENTER Button: Press to confirm a selection within the LCD
menu or to go deeper into a menu item.
CANCEL Button: Press to cancel newly made input/output/
preset routing selections before they have been confirmed.
+ (PLUS)/IN Button: Press to navigate up within menus or to
begin the selection of an input for routing.
- (MINUS)/OUT Button: Press to navigate down within menus
or to begin the selection of outputs for routing.

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6.4 IR Cable Pinout
6.5 RS-232 Pinout and Defaults
Serial Port Default Settings
Baud Rate 19200
Data Bits 8
Parity Bits None
Stop Bits 1
Flow Control None

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6.6 Front Panel LCD Menu
All primary functions of this unit can be controlled by using the front panel LCD menu
which is activated by pressing the MENU button on the front of the unit. Use the + (PLUS),
- (MINUS), and ENTER buttons to navigate the LCD menu. Press the MENU button to back
out from any menu item and then press it again to close the menu.
MAIN MENU
Video Setup
Driver Setup
System Setup
Network Status
Network Setup
The individual functions of the LCD menu will be introduced in the following section.
Items marked in BOLD are the factory default settings.

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VIDEO SETUP
2ND LEVEL 3RD LEVEL 4TH LEVEL 5TH LEVEL
EDID Setup
EDID Mode ALL MODE
Appoint Mode
11 User 1
IN1~IN8
FHD 2CH
12 User 2 FHD MCh
13 User 3 UHD 2Ch
14 User 4 UHD MCh
01 FHD 2CH UHD+ 2Ch
02 FHD MCh UHD+ MCh
03 UHD 2Ch User 1~8
04 UHD MCh Sink A~H
All Mode EDID
FHD 2CH
FHD MCh
UHD 2Ch
UHD MCh
UHD+ 2Ch
UHD+ MCh
User 1~8
Sink A~H
Preset Setup 1~8
Downscale Setup A~H N (OFF)
Y (On)
1. EDID Setup: Provides a variety of ways to set the EDID(s) used by the inputs on the unit
• EDID Mode: Selects the EDID assignment mode used by the unit. Selecting “All
Mode” will assign a single EDID to be used by all inputs. Selecting “Appoint Mode”
allows the assignment of a different EDID to each input.
Note: In most cases, changing the EDID mode will cause all inputs to briefly blink out while the
source adapts to the new information.
• Appoint Mode EDID: Select the EDID to be used by each input when Appoint
Mode is active.
• All Mode EDID: Select the EDID to be used by all inputs when All Mode is active.
2. Preset Setup: Use the “+”/“-”keys to select a preset number then press the “Enter”
key to store the current routing state in that preset.

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3. Downscale Setup: Enables or disables the 4K to 1080p downscaling functionality of
each output. Press the front panel button associated with each output to toggle the
setting and then press the “Enter” key to confirm it. When this setting is turned on,
4K sources will be automatically downscaled to 1080p while maintaining the original
framerate.
Drivers Setup
2ND LEVEL 3RD LEVEL
Temperature [Info Display]
Fan Ctrl ALWAYS ON MODE
Auto Mode
IR Discrete [Info Display]
1. Temperature: Provides information about the unit’s current internal temperature.
2. Fan Ctrl: Controls the behavior of the internal fan. Selecting “Auto Mode” will only
activate the fan when the internal temperature exceeds a safe level.
3. IR Discrete: Displays the current Discrete IR code prefix.
Note: This code is configured within the WebGUI
System Setup
2ND LEVEL 3RD LEVEL 4TH LEVEL
Firmware [Current Link Status]
Firmware Update Do USB Update? NO
Yes
Factory Reset Do Factory Reset? NO
Yes
Keypad Action Mode STANDARD MODE
User Mode
Show Timing Info A~H Y (SHOW)
N (Don’t Show)
1. Firmware: Displays the unit’s current firmware version.
2. Firmware Update: Provides a way to update the unit’s firmware. To begin a firmware
update, select “Yes” and then insert a USB thumb drive, with a valid firmware file
(*.bin format) in the root directory, into the unit’s USB service port. After the update
is complete the unit will automatically reboot.
3. Factory Reset: Selecting YES will reset the unit’s settings back to their factory
defaults.
Note: The unit will automatically reboot after the factory reset is complete.

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4. Keypad Action Mode: Provides a way to switch between the “Standard” (single input routing
selection) and “User” (multiple output routing selection) keypad action modes.
5. Show Timing Info: Enables or disables the display of resolution timing information on the
OSD whenever the source’s timing changes. Press the front panel button associated with
each output to toggle the setting and then press the “Enter” key to confirm it.
Network Setup
2ND LEVEL 3RD LEVEL
Link: [Current link status]
Mode: [Current network mode]
IP: [Current IP Address]
Mask: [Current Netmask]
Gate: [Current gateway Address]
MAC: [MAC Address]
1. Network Status: Displays the unit’s current networking information or status for each
item.
Network Setup
2ND LEVEL 3RD LEVEL
Link: STATIC
DHCP
IP: [Editable static IP address]
Mask: [Editable Netmask]
Gate: [Editable gateway Address]
1. Mode: Set the unit to Static or DHCP mode. When DHCP mode is selected, all IP
address information will be assigned automatically by the local DHCP server. When
Static is selected, the IP address, netmask and gateway must be set manually and
additional menu items become available.

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2. IP: When DHCP is off, the IP address can be set here. Press the “Enter” button to
begin editing the address and use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust each value.
Press the “Enter” button to store the current number segment and move to the next
segment.
Note: The unit’s default static IP address is 192.168.1.50.
3. Mask: When DHCP is off, the netmask can be set here. Press the “Enter” button to begin
editing the address and use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust each value. Press the “Enter”
button to store the current number segment and move to the next segment.
4. Gate: When DHCP is off, the gateway address can be set here. Press the “Enter”
button to begin editing the address and use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust each
value. Press the “Enter” button to store the current number segment and move to the
next segment.
6.7 WebGUI Control
• Device Discovery
Please obtain the “Device Discovery” software from your authorized dealer and save it in
a directory where you can easily find it.
Connect the unit and your PC/Laptop to the same active network and execute the
“Device Discovery” software. Click on “Find Devices on Network” and a list of devices
connected to the local network will show up indicating their current IP address.
Note: The unit’s default IP address is 192.168.1.50.

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By clicking on one of the listed devices you will be presented with the network details of that
particular device.
1. IP Mode: If you choose, you can alter the static IP network settings for the device,
or switch the unit into DHCP mode to automatically obtain proper network settings
from a local DHCP server. To switch to DHCP mode, please select DHCP from the IP
mode drop-down, then click “Save” followed by “Reboot”.
2. WebGUI Hotkey: Once you are satisfied with the network settings, you may use
them to connect via Telnet or WebGUI. The network information window provides a
convenient link to launch the WebGUI directly.
• WebGUI Overview
After connecting to the WebGUI’s address in a web browser, the login screen will appear.
Please enter the appropriate user name and password then click “Submit” to log in.
Note: The default user name and password is “admin”.

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On the left side of the browser you will see the following menu tabs where all primary
functions of the unit are controllable via the built in WebGUI. The individual functions
will be introduced in the following sections.
Clicking the red “Logout” tab will automatically log the currently connected user out of
the WebGUI and return to login page.
6.7.1 Switch Tab
This page provides video routing settings, preset saving/loading, and I/O renaming
options. To begin assigning a new video route, please click the button of the HDMI
output you wish to send video to and then click on the button of the preferred HDMI
input port. If desired, you may select more than one output prior to selecting the input.
As you select each button they will change their color to orange. The new route will
become active immediately after selecting the input port and the routing information
displayed on the buttons will change accordingly.

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1. Output: Buttons for selecting the output (A~H) to route A/V Inputs to. Details
about the output names and currently selected Input are also displayed here.
2. Input: Buttons for selecting the input to route to the selected output(s). Detail
about the input names and signal information is also displayed here.
3. Output Edit: A variety of output settings, including name, muting, test pattern
configuration, downscaling, and OSD options can be configured here. Please click
the “Edit” icon ( ) within the Output button to open up the Output Edit window.
■Set Output Name: To rename the output port, type the new name in the space
provided in the Edit window. Click the “Save” button to confirm the change.
Note: Blank spaces (“ ”) are not allowed in names.
■Mute: Each output can be individually muted (black video, no audio). To mute
an output, please click on the switch so it reads “ON”.
■Pattern Timing: This setting configures the output resolution used when
“Pattern” has been selected as the input source. The following resolutions are
supported: 4K@25/30/50/60Hz, 1080P@50/60Hz and 720P@50/60.

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■Pattern Color Control: This setting configures the contents of the test pattern
when “Pattern” is selected as the input source. Available patterns are: black,
blue, green, cyan, red magenta, yellow, white, and color bars.
■Downscaling: This switch enables or disables the downscaling functionality
of the output. When this setting is turned on, 4K sources will be automatically
downscaled to 1080p while maintaining the original framerate.
■OSD: This switch enables or disables the custom text display for this output.
When enabled, the OSD text will be displayed in the upper-left corner of the
selected output.
■OSD Background Color: Use the dropdown to select the preferred background
color for the OSD custom text. Available colors are: black, white, red, green,
blue, magenta, yellow, cyan, and gray.
■OSD Text: Each output can display up to 2 lines of customized OSD text. Enter
the text here. Click the “Save” button to confirm changes.
Note: Each line of text can have up to 64 characters, after 64 characters the text
automatically wraps to the next line.
■OSD Text Size: Use the dropdown to select the preferred size for the OSD
custom text. Available sizes are: 1x, 2x, and 4x.
■OSD Text Color: Use the dropdown to select the preferred color for the OSD
custom text. Available colors are: black, white, red, green, blue, magenta,
yellow, cyan, and gray.
■OSD Transparency: Use the dropdown to select the preferred transparency
level of the OSD custom text’s background. The available range is from Level 1
(fully opaque) to Level 8 (fully transparent).
4. Input Edit: Each input allows for Individual control over the name of the input
and the behavior of HDCP. To edit the settings of an input port please click the
“Edit” icon ( ) within the appropriate button.

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■Set Input Name: To rename the input port, type the new name in the space
provided in the Edit window. Click the “Save” button to confirm the change.
Note: Blank spaces (“ ”) are not allowed in names.
■HDCP: Provides control over the HDCP behavior of each HDMI input.
- HDCP Support Off: Completely disables support for HDCP on that input.
- Refer to Source: Makes the input port support the same HDCP version as
required by the connected source.
- Refer to Display: Makes the input support the HDCP version of the currently
routed display.
5. Preset Settings: This matrix can store up to eight video routing presets.
Presets can be utilized to store multiple different routing states in advance for
rapid, hassle-free, recall.
■Store Preset: Once you have the matrix set the way you like, you can click
the “Store” icon ( ) in the upper right corner of the window and the Store
Current I/O Position window will open. Hovering the mouse over each button
will display the current routing stored within it. You may also name the preset
at this stage by selecting the “Edit” icon ( ). Click the center of the preset’s
button to store the current routing state in that preset.

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■Recall Preset: When you wish to load a previously stored preset, please click
the “Recall” icon ( ) and you will be presented with a choice of the 8 available
presets. Hovering the mouse over each button will display the routing stored
within it. The preset will load immediately upon clicking the button.
6.7.2 EDID Settings Tab
This matrix provides the option of six standard EDIDs, four sink sourced EDIDs and four
user uploaded EDIDs that can be assigned to each input port individually. The names of
the four user uploaded EDIDs can changed if desired.
1. Customer EDID Settings:
• Save Name: To change the name of a Customer EDID, type the new name in the
space provided, then click on the “Save Name” button.
• Download: To save an existing user EDID to your local PC please press the
“Download” button next to the EDID you would like to save. Depending on your
browser settings you will either be asked where to save the downloaded file, or the
file will be transferred to the default download location on your PC.

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• Upload: To upload a new user EDID, please click the “Upload” button next to the
Customer EDID Settings item you would like to change. An EDID Upload window will
appear, allowing you to locate and upload the preferred EDID file (*.bin format) from
a local PC. Once the correct file has been selected, please click the “Upload” button
in the window, and the file will be transferred to the matrix.
2. Sink EDID Download: To save the EDID from one of the connected displays to
your local PC, select the appropriate sink from the dropdown list then press the
“Download” button. Depending on your browser settings you will either be asked
where to save the downloaded file, or the file will be transferred to the default
download location on your PC.
3. Set EDID Input Content: This section provides controls for assigning EDID to the
matrix’s inputs. Selecting “Appoint” allows for different EDID to be assigned to each
individual input, selecting “ALL” allows for a single EDID to be assigned to all inputs.
■EDID Source: Click on the preferred input(s) to open the EDID Source management
window. Multiple inputs can be selected at once, if desired. Select the new EDID
source to use and the change will occur immediately.
Note: In most cases, assigning a new EDID to an input will cause the affected input to briefly blink
out while the source adapts to the new information.
This matrix provides the following 6 default EDIDs:
Unit’s Default EDID
FHD/2CH 1920 x 1080p@60Hz (4.95Gbps) & 8-bit color,
LPCM 2.0
FHD/MCH 1920 x 1080p@60Hz (4.95Gbps) & 8-bit color,
LPCM 7.1 & Bitstream
UHD/2CH 3840 x 2160p@30Hz (10.2Gbps) & Deep Color
(8/10/12-bit), LPCM 2.0
UHD/MCH 3840 x 2160p@30Hz (10.2Gbps) & Deep Color
(8/10/12-bit), LPCM 7.1 & Bitstream
UHD+/2CH 3840 x 2160p@60Hz (18Gbps) & Deep Color
(8/10/12-bit), LPCM 2.0
UHD+/MCH 3840 x 2160p@60Hz (18Gbps) & Deep Color
(8/10/12-bit), LPCM 7.1 & Bitstream
Note: In some rare cases it is possible for custom or external EDIDs to cause compatibility issues
with certain sources. If this happens, it is recommended to switch to one of the 6 default EDIDs for
maximum compatibility.