Kramer VSM-4x4X User manual

P/N: 2900-301565 Rev 1 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VSM-4x4X
4K 4x4 Seamless Matrix
Switcher/Multi-Scaler

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VSM-4x4X –Contents
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Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Typical Applications 3
Defining VSM-4x4X 4
Mounting VSM-4x4X 6
Connecting VSM-4x4X 7
Connecting the Output to a Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Acceptor 8
Connecting to VSM-4x4X via RS-232 8
Operating VSM-4x4X Via the Front Panel Buttons 9
Storing and Recalling a Preset 9
Switching an Input to an Output in the Matrix Mode 10
Selecting a Multi-View Mode Configuration 10
Selecting a Video Wall Configuration 11
Operating via Ethernet 13
Using Embedded Web Pages 16
Defining AV Settings 17
Operating and Controlling in the Matrix Mode 22
Operating and Controlling in the Multi-View Mode 23
Operating and Controlling the Video Wall Mode 40
Managing EDID 44
Defining General Settings 45
Defining Interface Settings 48
Defining VSM-4x4X User Access 49
Viewing the About Page 51
Upgrading the Firmware 52
Technical Specifications 53
Default Communication Parameters 54
Default EDID 54
Protocol 3000 57
Understanding Protocol 3000 57
Protocol 3000 Commands 58
Result and Error Codes 76

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VSM-4x4X –Introduction
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Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been providing a world
of unique, creative, and affordable solutions to the vast range of problems that confront the
video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we
have redesigned and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better!
Getting Started
We recommend that you:
•Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packaging materials for
possible future shipment.
•Review the contents of this user manual.
Go to www.kramerav.com/downloads/VSM-4x4X to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving Best Performance
•Use only good quality connection cables (we recommend Kramer high-performance,
high-resolution cables) to avoid interference, deterioration in signal quality due to poor
matching, and elevated noise levels (often associated with low quality cables).
•Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils.
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely influence
signal quality.
•Position your Kramer VSM-4x4X away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust.
Safety Instructions
Caution:
•This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
•For products with relay terminals and GPI\O ports, please refer to the permitted rating
for an external connection, located next to the terminal or in the User Manual.
•There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Warning:
•Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit.
•Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall before installing.
•Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause electrical shock! Servicing by qualified
personnel only.
•To ensure continuous risk protection, replace fuses only according to the rating
specified on the product label which is located on the bottom of the unit.

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VSM-4x4X –Introduction
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Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC aims to reduce
the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by requiring it to be collected
and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive, Kramer Electronics has made
arrangements with the European Advanced Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any
costs of treatment, recycling and recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on
arrival at the EARN facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling arrangements in your particular
country go to our recycling pages at www.kramerav.com/il/quality/environment.
Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VSM-4x4X 4K 4x4 Seamless Matrix
Switcher/Multi-Scaler. The VSM-4x4X is a 4X4 seamless matrix switcher that can also be
used as a video wall driver (2X2 or 1X4), a quad-viewer, or a 4 picture multi-viewer. The unit
allows instantaneous switching between inputs (that is, with a clean, frame-to-frame video
cut). The VSM-4x4X supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, with resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4,
per-port HDCP and EDID settings, passing of 4 channels of embedded audio, and analog
stereo de-embedded audio for each of the 4 outputs.
VSM-4x4X provides exceptional quality, advanced and user-friendly operation, and flexible
connectivity.
Exceptional Quality
•PixPerfect™Scaling Technology –Kramer’s precision pixel mapping and high quality
scaling technology.
•Matrix Switching Modes –Truly seamless switching mode (zero-time video cuts), or
fade-through-black mode (enabling independent output resolutions).
•Built-in ProcAmp –Color, hue, sharpness, noise, contrast and brightness.
•Multiple Aspect Ratio Selections –Full, 4:3, 16:9 and best fit.
•4 Preset Memory Locations –For each operation mode for quick access to common
IN-OUT configurations.
•Non-Volatile Memory –Saves final settings.
•Built-in noise reduction and picture enhancement features.
•HDMI Support –4K@60Hz, Deep Color, x.v.Color™, 7.1 PCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD,
as specified in HDMI 2.0.
Advanced and User-friendly Operation
•Selectable Operation Modes –4x4 matrix switcher, video wall (2x2 or 1x4 configuration),
multi-view display Split, Side-by-Side, PIP, POP, Stacked or Quad display.
•Bezel Correction Options –In video wall mode.
•Constant Output Sync –For all modes of operation.
•Multiple aspect ratio selections.

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VSM-4x4X –Introduction
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•STO, RCL and IDENTIFY buttons, a RESET TO XGA/1080P button (to hardware-reset
the output resolution) and a PANEL LOCK button.
•Built-in video Proc-Amp –color, hue, sharpness, contrast, and brightness are set
individually for each input.
•Firmware Upgrade –Ethernet-based, via a user-friendly software upgrade tool.
•Advanced EDID management per input.
•Includes non-volatile memory that retains the last settings, after switching the power off
and then on again.
Flexible Connectivity
•4 HDMI Inputs and 4 Scaled HDMI Outputs.
•4 balanced audio outputs with independent volume settings per output, embedded audio
on the HDMI inputs and outputs.
Typical Applications
VSM-4x4X is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Presentation and multimedia.
•Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, hotels and churches,
production studios, rental and staging.
•Video wall: large signage applications in public places.
•Any application where high quality conversion and switching of multiple and different
video signals to graphical data signals is required for display or projection purposes.
Controlling your VSM-4x4X
Control your VSM-4x4X directly via the front panel push buttons (with on-screen menus, or:
•Via the Ethernet using built-in user-friendly Web pages.
•By RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial
controller.
•Remotely, from the infrared remote control transmitter.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VSM-4x4X –Defining VSM-4x4X
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Defining VSM-4x4X
This section defines VSM-4x4X.
Figure 1: VSM-4x4X 4K 4x4 Seamless Matrix Switcher/Multi-Scaler Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
IN SELECTOR
Buttons
Press to select an HDMI input (from 1 to 4) to switch to an output or a
window.
Press together with STO/RCL buttons to store a configuration and recall it
when required (see Storing and Recalling a Preset on page 9).
OUT SELECTOR
Buttons
In the MATRIX mode: select the output to which the input is switched (A, B,
C or D).
In the VIDEO WALL mode: not used.
In the MULTI-VIEW mode: select the input for each window on the display.
ALL Button
Press ALL followed by an INPUT button to connect that input to all the
outputs (not available for the video wall mode).
OFF Button
Press after pressing an output button to disconnect the selected output
from the inputs. To disconnect all the outputs, press ALL followed by OFF.
MATRIX Mode
Press to operate the system as a matrix switcher.
VIDEO-WALL Mode
Press to operate as a video wall.
2x2
Configure a 2x2 video wall.
1x4
Configure a 1x4 video wall.
MULTI-VIEW Mode
Press to operate in multi-view configurations:
Quad
4 windows filling the display.
PiP
1 window over a background image.
2 windows over a background image.
3 windows over a background image.
Stacked
4 images, overlapping (maintaining aspect ratio).
PoP
2 images, side-by-side (maintaining aspect ratio).
2 images, displayed as a split-screen (elongated
images).
1 large window and 3 smaller images on the side
(maintaining aspect ratio).
RCL Button
Press, followed by an input button, to recall a configuration.
STO Button
Press, followed by an input button, to store a configuration.
IDENTIFY Button
Press to indicate which input is displayed on each output or window.
RESET TO
XGA/1080p Button
Press and hold for about 5 seconds to toggle resetting the video resolution
to XGA or 1080p.
PANEL LOCK
Button
Press and hold for about 5 seconds to toggle locking the front panel
buttons.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

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VSM-4x4X –Defining VSM-4x4X
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Figure 2: VSM-4x4X 4K 4x4 Seamless Matrix Switcher/Multi-Scaler Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
HDMI INPUT Connectors
Connect to the HDMI sources (from 1 to 4).
HDMI OUTPUT Connectors
Connect to HDMI acceptors (from A to D).
AUDIO OUT 5-pin Terminal
Block Connector
Connect to a balanced audio acceptor (from 1 to 4).
RESET Recessed button
Press and hold while powering the device to reset to factory default
parameters.
ETHERNET Connector
Connect to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer
networking.
RS-232 3-pin Terminal Block
Connector
Connect to the PC or a remote controller.
Mains Power Connector,
Fuse and Switch
Connect to the mains supply and use the switch to turn the unit on
or off.
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VSM-4x4X –Mounting VSM-4x4X
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Mounting VSM-4x4X
This section provides instructions for mounting VSM-4x4X. Before installing, verify that the
environment is within the recommended range:
•Operation temperature –0to 40C (32 to 104F).
•Storage temperature –-40to +70C (-40 to +158F).
•Humidity –10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing.
Caution:
•Mount VSM-4x4X before connecting any cables or power.
Warning:
•Ensure that the environment (e.g., maximum ambient temperature & air flow) is
compatible for the device.
•Avoid uneven mechanical loading.
•Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used for avoiding
overloading of the circuits.
•Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.
Mount VSM-4x4X in a rack:
•Attach both rack ears by removing the screws from each
side of the machine and replacing those screws through
the rack ears.

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VSM-4x4X –Connecting VSM-4x4X
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Connecting VSM-4x4X
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your VSM-4x4X. After
connecting your VSM-4x4X, connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.
Figure 3: Connecting to the VSM-4x4X Rear Panel
To connect VSM-4x4X as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect up to 4 HDMI sources (for example, a Blu-ray player, a set top box, a work
station, and so on) to the HDMI INPUT connectors .
2. Connect the 4 HDMI outputs to up to four HDMI acceptors (for example, displays).
3. Connect the 4 AUDIO OUT 5-pin terminal block connectors to to up to 4 balanced
stereo audio acceptors (for example, Kramer active speakers).
4. Connect the ETHERNET RJ-45 port to a control system.
5. Connect the RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector to a laptop.
6. Connect the power to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 3).
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VSM-4x4X –Connecting VSM-4x4X
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Connecting the Output to a Balanced/Unbalanced
Stereo Audio Acceptor
The following are the pinouts for connecting the output to a balanced or unbalanced stereo
audio acceptor:
Figure 4: Connecting to a Balanced Stereo Audio
Acceptor
Figure 5: Connecting to an Unbalanced Stereo Audio
Acceptor
Connecting to VSM-4x4X via RS-232
You can connect to VSM-4x4X via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC.
VSM-4x4X features an RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector allowing the RS-232 to control
VSM-4x4X.
Connect the RS-232 terminal block on the rear panel of VSM-4x4X to a PC/controller, as
follows:
From the RS-232 9-pin D-sub serial port connect:
•Pin 2 to the TX pin on the VSM-4x4X RS-232 terminal
block
•Pin 3 to the RX pin on the VSM-4x4X RS-232 terminal
block
•Pin 5 to the G pin on the VSM-4x4X RS-232 terminal block
RS-232 Device VSM-4x4X
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VSM-4x4X –Operating VSM-4x4X Via the Front Panel Buttons
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Operating VSM-4x4X Via the
Front Panel Buttons
VSM-4x4X front panel buttons enable performing the following functions:
•Storing and Recalling a Preset on page 9.
•Switching an Input to an Output in the Matrix Mode on page 10.
•Selecting a Multi-View Mode Configuration on page 10.
•Selecting a Video Wall Configuration on page 11.
Storing and Recalling a Preset
Store and recall user presets via the INPUT front panel buttons or via the P3K commands
(see Protocol 3000 Commands on page 58).
Inputs 1 to 4 can store 4 device presets, which can be recalled when needed.
Each preset stores:
•The video mode (matrix, multi-view and video wall different modes).
•Video saturation, contrast and brightness.
•Borders, labels and their properties (for example, color and background color).
•Audio settings (for example, mute state and volume settings).
Presets 1 to 4 can be stored via input
Last preset is recalled at power up.
Storing a Preset
You can store 4 presets via the front panel input buttons (1 to 4).
To store a preset:
1. Set the device to the desired configuration.
2. Press STO. The STO button lights.
3. Press an input button (1 to 4).
The configuration is saved to the selected preset.
Recalling a Preset
You can recall a stored preset from any of the 4 presets via the front panel input buttons
(1 to 4).

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VSM-4x4X –Operating VSM-4x4X Via the Front Panel Buttons
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To recall a preset:
1. Press RCL. The RCL button lights.
2. Press an input button (1 to 4) to select the desired configuration.
The selected preset is loaded.
Switching an Input to an Output in the Matrix Mode
The VSM-4x4X matrix switcher mode is the default operation mode. Any of the four inputs can
be switched to any of the four outputs. Switching is immediate and seamless (see Connecting
VSM-4x4X on page 7) .
To switch an input to an output via the front panel buttons:
1. Select the Matrix operation mode.
2. Press an output and then an input to switch to the selected output.
An input is switched to the output.
Selecting a Multi-View Mode Configuration
Set multi-view mode to multiple configurations and output each configuration identically to all
the acceptors that are connected to the output. You can set the multi-view configuration via
the front panel buttons and select the specific inputs for each configuration via the embedded
web pages.
To define the multi-view mode:
1. Connect the inputs and the outputs in the same way as in the matrix mode
(see Connecting VSM-4x4X on page 7).
2. Press a multi-view front panel buttons to set the following multi-view modes (the input
images on each display are defined as pictures):
Press
Function Description
Result per Output
QUAD –Displays any of the four inputs on one
screen (each quarter of a screen can show any
selected input) and outputs it identically to all four
outputs (HDMI OUTPUT A to D).
PiP 1 –Picture A appears in the background and
Picture B appears over picture A.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VSM-4x4X –Operating VSM-4x4X Via the Front Panel Buttons
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Press
Function Description
Result per Output
PiP 2 –Picture A appears in the background, and
Picture B and Picture C appear over picture A.
PiP 3 –Picture A appears in the background, and
Picture B, Picture B and Picture D appear over
picture A.
Stacked –Pictures A, B, C, and D appear stacked,
overlapping one another (or as independent pictures
if positioned in a manner where they do not overlap).
Side by side –Picture A and Picture B appear side
by side, while maintaining aspect ratio.
Split –Picture A and Picture B appear side by side
and fill the screen. Aspect ratio is not maintained.
PoP 3 –Pictures B, C and D appear on the right side
of the screen and picture A fills the remaining empty
area, while maintaining aspect ratio.
The input images that appear in each picture are set as follows by default: Input
1 to Picture A, Input 2 to Picture B Input 3 to Picture C and Input 4 to Picture D.
you can assign a different input to a picture via the embedded web pages
(see Operating and Controlling in the Multi-View Mode on page 23).
Selecting a Video Wall Configuration
The video wall mode lets you display the output on a set of four monitors / TV sets that are
tiled together in a 2x2 or 1x4 setting to form one large display.
Each output shows part of the image as shown in the example in Figure 6. In the video wall
mode the audio of the selected input is routed to one of the outputs.

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VSM-4x4X –Operating VSM-4x4X Via the Front Panel Buttons
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Figure 6: The VSM-4x4X Video Wall Operation Mode
Connecting the VSM-4x4X in the Video Wall Operation Mode
Before configuring the video wall, you need to set up a video wall configuration.
Figure 7: Connecting the VSM-4x4X in the Video Wall Operation Mode
To set up a 2x2 video wall :
1. Connect up to 4 HDMI sources (for example, Blu-ray players) to the HDMI INPUT
connectors (1 to 4), not shown in Figure 7.
2. Connect the HDMI output connectors to the video wall screens. Connect the:
▪OUTPUT A connector to the top left screen.
▪OUTPUT B connector to the top right screen.
▪OUTPUT C connector to the bottom left screen.
▪OUTPUT D connector to the bottom right screen.
3. Connect the power.
4. Press (VIDEO WALL 2x2 button).
Video Wall is configured.

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VSM-4x4X –Operating via Ethernet
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Operating via Ethernet
You can connect to VSM-4x4X via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
•Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Connecting Ethernet Port Directly to a
PC on page 13).
•Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see Connecting
Ethernet Port via a Network Hub on page 15).
Note: If you want to connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6, speak to your
IT department for specific installation instructions.
Connecting Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of VSM-4x4X directly to the Ethernet port on your PC using
a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying VSM-4x4X
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting VSM-4x4X to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and click Change
settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network adapter appears
as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8: Local Area Connection Properties Window

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VSM-4x4X –Operating via Ethernet
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4. Highlight either Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet Protocol Version 4
(TCP/IPv4) depending on the requirements of your IT system.
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears as shown in
Figure 9 or Figure 10.
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window
Figure 10: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address for static IP addressing and fill in the details as
shown in Figure 11.
For TCP/IPv4 you can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255
(excluding 192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT department.

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VSM-4x4X –Operating via Ethernet
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Figure 11: Internet Protocol Properties Window
7. Click OK.
8. Click Close.
Connecting Ethernet Port via a Network Hub or Switch
You can connect the Ethernet port of VSM-4x4X to the Ethernet port on a network hub or
using a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
Configuring Ethernet Port
You can set the Ethernet parameters via the embedded Web pages.

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VSM-4x4X –Using Embedded Web Pages
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Using Embedded Web Pages
VSM-4x4X can be operated remotely using the embedded Web pages. The Web pages are
accessed using a Web browser and an Ethernet connection.
Before attempting to connect:
•Perform the procedures in Operating via Ethernet on page 13.
•Ensure that your browser is supported.
The following operating systems and Web browsers are supported:
Operating Systems
Browser
Windows 7
Firefox
Chrome
Safari
Windows 10
Edge
Firefox
Chrome
Mac
Safari
iOS
Safari
Android
N/A
Some features might not be supported by some mobile device operating systems.
VSM-4x4X enables performing the following:
•Defining AV Settings on page 17.
•Operating and Controlling in the Matrix Mode on page 22.
•Operating and Controlling in the Multi-View Mode on page 23.
•Operating and Controlling the Video Wall Mode on page 40.
•Managing EDID on page 44.
•Changing Device Name on page 46.
•Viewing the About Page on page 51.
To browse the web pages:
1. Open your Internet browser.
2. Type the IP number of the device in the Address bar of your browser. For example, the
default IP number:

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VSM-4x4X –Using Embedded Web Pages
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The Controller application page appears.
Figure 12: Controller Application Page with Navigation List on Left
3. Click the tabs on the left side of the screen to access the relevant web page.
Defining AV Settings
VSM-4x4X has 3 major operation modes, Matrix, Multi-View and Video Wall which can be
controlled via the embedded web pages. By default, the AV Settings page is set to the Matrix
mode.
For each operation mode:
•Selecting Device Operation Mode on page 18.
•Configuring the Layout on page 19.
•Adjusting Input Parameters on page 20.
•Adjusting Output Parameters on page 21.

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VSM-4x4X –Using Embedded Web Pages
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Selecting Device Operation Mode
Use the webpage header to select the device active operation mode. When selecting
To select the active mode configuration:
1. Click AV on the Navigation List. The AV Settings page appears (Figure 12).
2. Next to Active Mode view the current operation mode.
3. Click the Active Mode drop-down box.
Figure 13: Selecting the Operation Mode
4. Select the desired configuration:
▪In the Matrix mode, select independent resolutions or fast switching (same output
resolution for all the outputs).
▪In the Multi-View mode, select one of the listed configurations.
▪In the Video Wall mode, select 2x2 or 1x4.
The active operation mode is selected.