Link HD8X8 User manual

HD8X8HD8X8
USER MANUAL
www.mstrbrand.com

SAFETY & NOTICE
The LINK HD8X8 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher with Full 3D Support has been tested for conformance to safety
regulations and requirements, and has been certified for international use. However, like all electronic equipment, the
HD8X8 should be used with care. Please read and follow the safety instructions to protect yourself from possible
injury and to minimize the risk of damage to the unit.
•Follow all instructions and warnings marked on this unit.
•Do not attempt to service this unit yourself, except where explained in this manual.
•Provide proper ventilation and air circulation and do not use near water.
•Keep objects that might damage the device and assure that the placement of this unit is on a stable surface.
•Use only the power adapter and power cords and connection cables designed for this unit.
•Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to the device before
cleaning.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................1
FEATURES ................................................................................................................................1
PACKAGE CONTENTS..............................................................................................................1
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................2
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS ............................................................................................................3
HARDWARE INSTALLATION ............................... .....................................................................4
CONNECTION DIAGRAM..........................................................................................................4
OPERATION APPROACH..........................................................................................................5
EDID LEARNING ......................................................................................................................16
FAQ ............................................................................................................................................17
WARRANTY.............................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
FEATURES
PACKAGE CONTENTS
The HD8X8 8x8 HDMI Non-UTP Matrix provides the most flexible and cost effective solution in the market to
route high definition video source plus multi-channel (up to 7.1-channel) digital audio from any of the four HDMI
sources to the remote displays at the same time. This solution is well suited for use in home theater, conference room
presentation systems, or other similar settings or applications.
• Support HDMI Deep Color & full 3D
• HDCP Compliant
• Allows any source to be displayed on multiple displays at the same time.
• Allows any HDMI display to view any HDMI source at any time
• Supports 7.1 channel digital audio
• Supports default HDMI EDID and learns the EDID displays
• The matrix master can switch every output channels to any HDMI inputs by push-in button, IR remote control,
RS-232 control, and Ethernet control.
• Easy installation with rack-mounting and wall-mounting designs for master and receiver respectively
• Fast response time - 2~5 seconds for channel switch
• 1x HD8X8 • 1x Rack-mounting ear set
• 1x IR Receiver • 1x Installation software CD
• 1x DC 12V 5A • 1x User Manual
• 1x IR Remote control*
* Additional IR remote controllers and IR blasters can be purchased as optional accessories to
control the HDMI sources located separately.
1

• Support HDMI Deep Color & full 3D
• HDCP Compliant
• Allows any source to be displayed on multiple displays at the same time.
• Allows any HDMI display to view any HDMI source at any time
• Supports 7.1 channel digital audio
• Supports default HDMI EDID and learns the EDID displays
• The matrix master can switch every output channels to any HDMI inputs by push-in button, IR remote control,
RS-232 control, and Ethernet control.
• Easy installation with rack-mounting and wall-mounting designs for master and receiver respectively
• Fast response time - 2~5 seconds for channel switch
SPECIFICATIONS
2
Model Name
HD8X8
Technical
Role of usage
True 8x8 matrix
HDMI compliance
HDMI DeepColor & full 3D
HDCP compliance
Yes
Video bandwidth
Single -link 225MHz [6.75Gbps]
Video support
480i / 480p/ 720p/ 1080i / 1080p60 36 -bit color
Audio support
Surround sound (up to 7.1ch) or stereo digital audio
ESD protection
[1] Human body model ±19kV [air -gap discharge] & ±12kV [contact discharge]
[2] Core chipset ±8kV
PCB stack -up
4-layer board [impedance control dierential 100; single 50 ]
Input 8x HDMI / 1x RS -232 / 1x Ethernet / 1x IR socket for IR receiver
Output
8x HDMI
HDMI Input selection
Push -in button / IR remote control / RS -232 control / Ethernet control
IR remote control
Electro -optical characteristics: 38kHz
HDMI connector
Type A [19 -pin female]
RJ- 45 connector
WE/SS 8P8C with 2 LED indicators
RS-232 connector
DE -9 [9 -pin D-sub female]
3.5mm connector
[System IR] Receives IR commands from remote control
Mechanical
HD8X8
Enclosure
Metal case
Dimensions
(L x W x H)
Model
440 x 156 x 4 4mm [17.3 " x 6.1 " x 1 .7 "]
Package
524 x 265 x 76mm [20.6 " x 10.4 " x 3"]
Carton
542 x 411 x 300mm [21.3 " x 16.2 " x 1 1.8 "]
Weight
Model
2033g [71.7 oz]
Package
3062g [6.8 lbs]
Fixedness 1RU rack -mount with ears and Wall hanging holes
Power supply
12V 5A DC
Power consumption
20 Watts[max]
Operation temperature
Storage temperature
--
Relative humidity
20~90% RH [no condensation]

3
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL
1. PORT SELECT OUTPUT 1~8: Push round button 1~8 for selecting output source channels. Round
button shows blue light after selecting.
2. PORT SELECT INPUT 1~8:
1)After selecting output round button, user can switch input port.
2)Push round button #1~8 for selecting input source channels. Round button shows blue light after
selecting.
3)Example: Push output button #3 -> Push input button #4 -> Push TAKE button then action.
3. LOCK CLEAR: Push button to clean the I/O selection.
4. TAKE: Enter the selection.
5. +12V DC: 12V DC power jack
6. OUTPUT 1-8: HDMI outputs
7. INPUT 1-8: HDMI inputs
8. System IR Receiver: Ext. IR receiver
9. RS-232: RS-232 control port
10. Ethernet: Ethernet control port

4
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
HD8X8 AS MASTER
1. Connect all sources to HDMI Inputs on the 8x8 HDMI Matrix HD8X8.
2. Connect all displays to HDMI Outputs on the 8X8 HDMI Matrix HD8X8.
3. Connect the +12V 5A DC power supply to the 8x8 HDMI Matrix HD8X8.
CONNECTION DIAGRAM

OPERATION APPROACH
5
METHOD A: PUSH-IN BUTTON
1. Push output round button for selecting output source channels. Round button shows blue light after
selecting.
2. After selecting output round button, user can switch input port.
3. Push input round button for selecting input source channels. Round button shows blue light after
selecting.
4. Push TAKE button then action.
Example: Push output button #3 -> Push input button #4 -> Push TAKE button then action.
5. User can push LOCK/CLEAR button to lock/unlock front panel or clean the I/O selection
1) CLEAR function: User can push this button to clean the I/O selection
2) LOCK function: User can keep pushing this button for 3 seconds to lock front panel.
This round button shows blue light after locking front panel.
3) UNLOCK function: User can push this button to unlock front panel.
If no button activity for 5 minutes, the system will enter Sleeping Mode. In Sleeping Mode, all blue lights will
turn off. Press any round button to wake up system.

6
METHOD B: IR REMOTE CONTROL
1
2
1. IN/OUT SWITCH
Operation Procedure 7-Segment LED
IN/OUT Switch
Output Number (1~8 ) + Input Number (1~8 )
Ex: Input 2
To Output 3
1. Press output number key 3 to select Output 3
3
-
2. Press input number key 2 to select In put 2
3
2

7
2. FUNCTION KEY
Button Function
OFF
Standby mode
ON
Power on the matrix switcher
MUTE
Turn o output s video and audio
STATUS
Preset output status
SAVE
Save current mapping mode
PRESET
Preset mapping mode
DEFAULT EDID
Begin default EDID selection
LEARN EDID
Begin EDID learning from one output
CLEAR
Clear the previous IR operation procedure
TAKE
Trigger the previous setting
F1
Reserved
F2
Reserved

8
Operation Procedure 7-Segment LED
Output Status
Status + Output Number (1~8) + Take
Ex: Output 4
(Input 2)
1.Press STATUS button
-
-
2.Press output number key 4 to select Output 4
4
-
3.Press TAKE button
4
2
Save Current Mapping
Save + Output Number (1-8 storage site) + Take
Ex: Save current
mapping to 5
1.Press SAVE button
d
-
2.Press output number key 5 to select the storage
site 5
d
5
3.Press TAKE button
Preset Mapping
Preset + Output Number (1-8 storage site) + Take
Ex: Preset saved
mapping from 5
1.Press PRESET button
P
-
2.Press output number key 5 to select the storage
site 5
P
5
3.Press TAKE button
Learn default EDID
Default EDID + Output Number (1-8 default EDID) +
Input Number (input 1~8) + Take
Ex: Default EDID 2
Input 3
1.Press DEFAULT EDID button
E
d
2.Press o utput number key 2 to select default EDID 2
2
d
3.Press input number key 3 to select Input 3
2
3
4.Press TAKE button
0 F
0 (success)
F(fail)
Learn Output EDID
Learn + Output Number (Output 1~8) +Input
Number (input 1~8) + Take
Ex: Learn Output 4
Input 3
1.Press LEARN button
E
L
2.Press output number key 4 to select Output 4
4
L
3. Press input number key 3 to select Input 3
4
3
4.Press TAKE button
0 F
0 (success) F(fail)
Mute Output
Mute + Output Number (1 ~8) + Take
Ex: Mute Output 3
1. Press MUTE button
-
0
2. Press output number key 3 to select Output 3
3
0
3.Press TAKE button
3
0

9
METHOD C: SOFTWARE CONTROL THROUGH
RS-232 PORT / ETHERNET PORT
METHOD D: SOFTWARE CONTROL THROUGH
RS-232 PORT
1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENT
1) OS Information: MS WinXP/7
2) Baud rates: 9600
3) Software size: 3 MB
4) Minimum RAM requirement: 256 MB
12 3 45
6 7 8 9 10
1I/O Routing Button
2Rename I/O Button
3EDID Button
4Network Button
5F/W Update & Default Reset Button
6Refresh COM Port
7COM Port Selection
8Connection Status
9Connect/Disconnect Button
10 Control SW via RS-232
11 Control SW via Network

10
1. I/O ROUTING BUTTON
1) I/O:
a) Select the input
b) Click “Send” to change the I/O setting
2) Save Mapping:
a) Select Mapping (1-8)
b) Click “Save” button to save current mapping
3) Preset Mapping:
a) Select Mapping (1-8)
a) Click “Recall” button to recall previous mapping which are saved

11
2. RENAME I/O BUTTON
1) Rename I/O:
a) Rename output name
b) Rename input name
2) Rename Mapping:
a) Rename Mapping name

12
3. EDID BUTTON
1) Learn EDID from Default
a) Select Default EDID (1-8 Default EDID)
b) Select Input
c) Click “Send” button to learn default EDID
2) Learn EDID From Display
a) Select output
b) Select Input
c) Click “Send” button to learn display EDID
3) Load EDID File to Input
a) Select Input
b) Click “Load” button to select the EDID file
4) View EDID
a) Select Input or HDMI output
b) Click “View” button to read the EDID and analysis
5) Create EDID
a) Click “Create” button to create EDID file

13
b) Select the EDID content
c) Click “Save EDID on Computer” to save the generated EDID as a file

14
a) DHCP mode
=> Click DHCP and then click the “Read Setting” button to get the IP address Info
b) Static mode
=> Click Static and then key in the “IP”, “MASK”, ”GATEWAY” info. After setting IP Address,
please click “Save Setting” to save IP address Info
c) Save Setting
=> Save the IP address which you key in on the column
d) Read Setting:
=> Read the IP address from the device
PS: The default IP address is 192.168.1.111

15
5. SYSTEM BUTTON
6. COM PORT SELECTION
1) Version:
=> To get the F/W version information
2) Factory Reset
3) Help
=> To view the steps of the firmware update
4) Firmware Update Main Board
5) Firmware Update Front Panel
Click “ ” button to select COM Port

16
1) Connected Status:
2) Connecting Status:
3) Disconnected Status:
7. CONNECTION STATUS
8. CONNECT/DISCONECT BUTTON
9. RS-232 BUTTON
10. ETHERNET BUTTON
Click this button “ ” to change connection status
1) Click “ ” button to switch to RS-232 function.
2) If RS-232 is connected, the button will show the sign image to let you know.
1) Click “ ” button to switch to Ethernet function
2) If Ethernet is connected, the button will show the sign image to let you know.

17
The EDID learning function is only necessary whenever you encounter any display on the
HDMI output port that cannot play audio and video properly. Because the HDMI source devices and
displays may have various level of capability in playing audio and video, the general principle is that
the source device will output the lowest standards in audio format and video resolutions to be
commonly acceptable among all HDMI displays. In this case, a 720p stereo HDMI signal output would
be probably the safest choice. Nevertheless, the user can force the matrix to learn the EDID of the
lowest capable HDMI display among others to make sure all displays are capable to play the HDMI
signals normally.
There are THREE methods to do EDID Learning as below:
1. Front Panel Push-in Button: Please refer to the Operation Approach\ Method A: Push-in
Button (Page 5)
2. IR Remote Control: Please refer to the Operation Approach\ Method B: IR Remote Control
(Page 6-8)
3. Software Control: Please refer to the Operation Approach\ Method C: Software Control
through RS-232 port (Page 9-15)
There are eight embedded default EDID as below,
1. Full-HD (1080p@60)-24bit 2D & 2ch
2. Full-HD (1080p@60)-24bit 2D & 7.1ch
3. Full-HD (1080p@60)-24bit 3D & 2ch
4. Full-HD (1080p@60)-24bit 3D & 7.1ch
5. HD (1080p@60)(720p@60)-24bit 2D & 2ch
6. HD (1080p@60)(720p@60)-24bit 2D & 7.1ch
7. Full-HD (1080p@60)-36bit 2D & 2ch
8. Full-HD (1080p@60)-36bit 2D &7.1ch
EDID LEARNING

18
Q: Can every TV work with the HDMI matrix?
A: Basically, the answer is YES. But if your TV can not support 1080p, please refer the EDID LEARNING
section to learn EDID from your TV.
Q: What is EDID? Why do I need to learn EDID?
A: EDID contains the whole information of the display such as the resolution and audio setting which this
display can support. Therefore, based on the EDID information, the media player will pick up the most
suitable resolution and audio setting to the display. In order to faithfully transmit the EDID information from
display to the media player, learning EDID from display to this device is necessary.
Q: What should I do to learn EDID for the matrix?
A: Due to the limitation of HDMI, the source device can only output one format of video and audio. In other
words, the source device cannot output 720p and 1080p video at the same time, or output stereo and
surround sound at the same time.Therefore, you may need to maunally setup each HDMI input for
desirable audio/video output format. The mechanism of EDID Learning is to pick up the HDMI display with
the lowest capability among the ones you would use for this source. For example, if you would like to play
the input-2 upon output-2, output-3 and output-4, and only output-3 cannot support 1080p [support up to
720p only], please learn the EDID from the display connected to the output-3 at the Input-2 port. Of course,
if output-3 would get to the HDMI signals from every HDMI input, please learn EDID information from
output-3 to all four HDMI inputs. For more information about EDID Learning, please refer to EDID
LEARNING section.
Q: My TV can support 1080p, why is there no audio?
A: The factory default EDID of this device is 1080p & 2ch audio. However, there would be a problem after
you change to use 1080p & 7.1ch if the TV cannot support 7.1ch audio. Please use the default EDID,
1080p & 2ch audio.
Q: I set an audio amplifier (AV receiver) between the TV and the matrix to extract 7.1ch audio, why is
there still no audio?
A: Basically, the default EDID of the chosen input can support 7.1ch audio, but the problem is that the EDID
of the amplifier still cannot match the default setting. Therefore, the best method is to learn EDID from the
amplifier directly. Please refer to EDID LEARNING section and follow the steps to learn the EDID. When
learning EDID from the amplifier, user just needs to connect the matrixand amplifier. Please don’t connect
HDMI cable between amplifier and tv when the EDID learning is proceeding.
Q: When I play the same content upon multi-displays, only the TV equipped with the amplifier has
7.1ch audio. Why don’t the others have 7.1ch audio or at least stereo?
A: Due to the limitation of HDMI, the source only can choose one video and one audio format to play, which
can be either 1080p and 7.1ch or 1080p and stereo audio. It means when the user sets the matrix at 1080p
and 7.1ch, the source will only play the content under this format. Therefore if the TV cannot decode 7.1ch
audio, there will be no audio.
FAQ
FAQ