RGB Spectrum Linx DVI 8x8 User manual

Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher
User’s Guide
Revision 1.1 — May 2008

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DOCUMENT
•Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher User’s Guide
•P/N 350-8794 Revision 1.1
•May 2008
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COPYRIGHT
© 2008 RGB Spectrum, Inc. All rights reserved.
This guide is for use with the RGB Spectrum Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix
Switcher. Use for any other purpose is not permitted. This guide was
prepared for viewing on a PC; a copy may be printed as required.
•The RGB Spectrum logo is a trademark of RGB Spectrum, Inc. in
the United States and other countries.
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NOTICE
RGB Spectrum reserves the right to make any modification to this guide
or the information contained herein at any time without notice.
All features, functions, and specifications are subject to change without
notice or obligation.
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COMPANY ADDRESS
RGB Spectrum
950 Marina Village Pkwy.
Alameda, CA 94501
•Telephone: [phone]
•Fax: [phone]
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The RGB Spectrum Web Control Panel (WCP)
uses the GoAhead WebServer.
Copyright © 2003 GoAhead Software, Inc. All rights reserved
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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LIMITED WARRANTY
RGB Spectrum (RGB) warrants that this product will be free from defects
in material and workmanship, under normal use and service when
correctly installed and maintained, for a period of three (3) years from
date of shipment. RGB’s liability under this warranty is limited solely to
replacing, repairing or issuing credit for any product which is shown to be
defective during the warranty period. Purchaser shall (i) notify RGB
promptly in writing of any claims, and (ii) provide RGB with an opportunity
to inspect and test the product claimed to be defective. Warranty does not
cover misuse, abuse, improper installation or application, improper
maintenance or repair, alteration, accident or negligence in use, improper
temperature, humidity or other environmental condition, storage,
transportation or handling. RGB Spectrum shall have no obligations under
this warranty with respect to any defect unless it receives notice and a
description of such defect no later than five (5) business days following
the expiration of the warranty period.
THE WARRANTIES STATED HEREIN ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING (BUT NOT
LIMITED TO) ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL RGB BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR LOSS, DAMAGE
OR EXPENSE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING FROM THE
PURCHASER’S INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT EITHER
SEPARATELY OR IN COMBINATION WITH ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT
OR FACILITIES, OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE.
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EXTENDED WARRANTY
An annual extended warranty may be purchased. Should the product fail
to operate properly during the covered period, RGB Spectrum will repair
the product and restore it to normal operation without charge for labor and
parts. For further information on obtaining an extended warranty, email
[email protected] or call [phone].

350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide i
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T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
List of Figures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
List of Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Chapter 1 Introduction and Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Physical Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
EDID Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
EDID Registers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hot Plug Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
EDID priority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
EDID list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
EDID Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Input Equalization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Video Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Control Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
RS-232 Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
10/100 BASE-T Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2 Communications Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Serial Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Launching a HyperTerminal Window . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Ethernet Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Setting the PC IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Beginning a Telnet Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Changing the Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher IP Address. 13
Chapter 3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Command Line Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Communication Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Switch Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
EDID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Exporting and Importing System Settings. . . . . . . 16
PRESETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
EDID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide ii
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Front Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
XY Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Presets Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Status Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
System Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Web Control Panel Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Routing Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Configuration Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Presets Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
EDID Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
System Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Serial Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter 4 Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Command Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Command Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Command Arguments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Predefined Parameter Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Query the Current Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Commands Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Communications Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Switch Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Preset Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
EDID Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Miscellaneous Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Chapter 5 Transferring Files and Updating Firmware . 44
Transferring Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Downloading a File from the Linx Switcher. . . . . . 44
Uploading a File to the Linx Switcher . . . . . . . . . . 46
Update System Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Chapter 6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . 49
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Appendix A Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Physical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Communications Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
DVI Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Ethernet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
RS-232 Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide iii
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Appendix B Contact Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide iv
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 1-2 Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 1-3 Selecting EDID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Figure 2-1 HyperTerminal Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Figure 2-2 Connection Description Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 2-3 Connect To Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 2-4 COM Properties Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Figure 2-5 Local Area Network Properties Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 2-6 Entering an IP Address for the PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 2-7 Run Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 2-8 Telnet Connected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 3-1 XY Control Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 3-2 XY Control Panel Ready to Take Change . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 3-3 Presets Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 3-4 Matrix Status Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Figure 3-5 System Information Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 3-6 Entering the IP Address in the Browser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 3-7 Web Control Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 3-8 Routing Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 3-9 Preview Preset Routings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 3-10 Configuration Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Figure 3-11 Presets Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Figure 3-12 Name and Save Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Figure 3-13 EDID Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 3-14 System Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 5-1 Run Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Figure 5-2 FTP Download Session. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Figure 5-3 Run Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Figure 5-4 FTP Upload Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Figure A-1 DVI Input and Output Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Figure A-2 Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Figure A-3 RS-232 Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide v
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Accessory Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Table 4-1 Alphabetical List of Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Table 4-2 Communications Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Table 4-3 Switch Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Table 4-4 Preset Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Table 4-5 EDID Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Table 4-6 Miscellaneous Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Table 6-1 Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Table A-1 Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Table A-1 Communications Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Table A-2 Digital Input and Output Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Table A-3 DVI Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Table A-4 Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Table A-5 RS-232 Connector Pin Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 1
1
INTRODUCTION AND
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INSTALLATION
The Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher is a non-blocking digital router.
Housed in a rugged steel chassis, it is ideal for challenging
environments including mobile applications. System features include:
•Eight DVI single-link inputs and outputs
•Up to 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution at 60 Hz - 1.65 Gbit/sec
•Supports HD resolutions including 1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1200,
and 2048 x 1080p at 60Hz
•EDID management
~Automatic pass-through
~Programmable input or output
•Automatic or selectable cable equalization on inputs up to 50
meters
•Pixel reclocking on input and output
•Embedded operating system
•Temperature controlled fan with washable front panel filter
•Multiple control methods
~Front panel touch screen
~Command interface (serial or network)
~Graphic user interface over Ethernet
•Single or multi-point control
Items in the Linx Switcher accessory kit include the items shown in .
Table 1-1 Accessory Kit
Item Part Number
User CD containing this manual 610-8793-01
Power cord - Domestic
OR
Power cord - International
510-8026-01
510-8026-02

INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION
Physical Description
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 2
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PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The Linx Switcher 2 RU chassis has standard rackmount brackets. Front
panel features include:
•Touch screen
•Air filter
•Indicator LEDs
~Active - Communication active
~Link - Ethernet link is present
~Power - AC power is on
~Alarm - System is overheated
Figure 1-1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher Front Panel
All connections are made on the rear panel of the Linx Switcher.
Figure 1-2 Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
Features on the rear panel include:
activelink
power
alarm
Linx D VI 8 x8
Output-1 Output-2 Output-3 Output-4 Output-5 Output-6 Output-7 Output-8
Input-1 Input-2 Input-3 Input-4 Input-5 Input-6 Input-7 Input-8
10-100 BASE-T
RS-232
10/100 BASE-T
Ethernet Port
RS-232
Serial Port DVI Inputs
DVI Outputs AC Power
•RS-232 port •10/100 BASE-T port
•Eight DVI inputs •Eight DVI outputs
•Input/output LED indicators •AC power connector

INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION
EDID Control
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 3
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EDID CONTROL
EDID, extended display identification data, is information which enables
a graphics adapter source to output a graphics standard best suited for
the connected display monitor. This information includes the display
resolution and frame rate. Linx Switcher supports EDID management
providing a choice of what EDID to supply to the source and arbitrates
when an input is routed to multiple output ports connected to displays of
differing capabilities.
Figure 1-3 Selecting EDID
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EDID REGISTERS There are three EDID registers within the Linx Switcher:
•Display EDID - Contains EDID for each output passed through
from the display device. The contents of the display register may
be saved as an entry in the EDID list.
•Emulated EDID - Contains EDID for each output selected from
the EDID list.
•Fixed EDID - Contains fixed EDID for each input selected from
the EDID list.
The factory default resolution for each register is 1280 x 1024 at a frame
rate of 60 Hz.
EDID I/F
Emulated
EDID
Display
EDID
Output 1
Output 8
Emulated
EDID
Display
EDID
Input 8 Fixed
EDID
Static
EDID
User selected from
EDID timing table
User selected from
EDID timing table
User selected from
EDID timing table Input EDID
Priority
Arbitration
Input #8
EDID
Output #1
EDID
Output #8
EDID
EDID data for
input #8 is
stored here
Pass Through EDID
Select between lowest
resolution or lowest output
number
Dynamic EDID

INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION
EDID Control
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 4
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The block diagram in Figure 1-3 illustrates the selection of EDID to be
passed to the host graphics adapter. The data is stored in the EDID
interface which can be read when the Linx Switcher is powered on or off.
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HOT PLUG EVENT When a display is connected to an output port, a hot plug event occurs
and the Linx Switcher downloads the display EDID parameters to the
display EDID register.
A hot plug event also occurs when a graphics source, host, is connected
to a Linx Switcher input port. A host can read the EDID interface
when
the Linx Switcher is powered off.
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EDID PRIORITY When an input is routed to multiple outputs, a number of options are
available. Fixed EDID can be selected from the EDID list or a priority
scheme used to select EDID from one of the output ports. Priority can be
set to select the active output with the lowest resolution or the lowest
numbered active output. EDID priority is applied to emulated and display
pass-through data.
Only active outputs are considered when establishing priority. Active
outputs are those having parameters stored in the Linx Switcher EDID
display register; these may be outputs currently connected or those with
assigned emulated EDID.
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EDID LIST The EDID list is used to apply parameters to the fixed and emulated
EDID registers. Entries in the list are numbered 1 to 100. Data contained
in the list include:
•List index number
•Name
•Display device manufacturer’s ID
•Resolution and frame rate
Advanced users may view and modify additional timing parameters with
third-party software such as Phoenix EDID Designer freeware available
at http://www.tucows.com/preview/329441.
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EDID MANAGEMENT EDID management may be performed through the WCP or command
line operation. EDID management is discussed in the Web Control
Panel Operation and Command Line Operation sections of this
chapter and in Chapter 4. Management functions include:
•Loading EDID from the EDID list to a register
•Saving display EDID to the EDID list
•Naming an EDID list entry
•Viewing an entry in the EDID list
•Deleting an EDID list entry
•Exporting and importing an EDID list entry

INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION
Input Equalization
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 5
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INPUT EQUALIZATION
Input equalization is used to compensate for the losses caused by the
electrical and physical characteristics of a DVI cable. The longer the
cable, the greater the need for equalization.
Input equalization is used to compensate for losses based on input
cable length. A non-equalized input may result in one of the following on
the displayed output:
•“Sparkles”
•Drop-out
•No signal
Equalization for an input can be set to OFF, AUTO, or to a level between
1 and 50. Enter a level value if the default setting, AUTO, does not yield
quality output.
No equalization should be needed for cables under 5 meters (15 feet) in
length or for fiber optic cables. For longer cables, set the manual
equalization level to a value that corresponds to the length, in meters, of
the cable. Each cable is unique relative to the amount of equalization it
may require. Tune equalization by entering higher or lower levels to
reach the final setting.
The input equalization command, INputEQualizer, is described on page
36; input equalization is not available on the front panel or WCP.
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INSTALLATION
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RACK MOUNTING If the Linx Switcher is to be rack mounted, it should be done before
making any cable connections. Use screws compatible with the rack to
secure the front of the unit.
VIDEO INPUTS AND
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OUTPUTS The quality of DVI cables is important to the performance when long
lengths are use. Cable using 24 AWG conductors may provide good
results up to 50 meters. Cable equalization is only available on input
channels so operation with 50-meter output cables will require an
external equalizer.
CONTROL
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CONNECTIONS Use of all the Linx Switcher commands and function requires connection
through the RS-232 or 10/100 BASE-T port.
RS-232 CONTROL
Connect the Linx Switcher RS-232 to a PC using a cable with standard
RJ-11 connectors.

INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION
Installation
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 6
. . . . .
10/100 BASE-T CONTROL
Connection to the 10/100 BASE-T port uses cables with RJ-45
connectors.
•Direct connection — Use an Ethernet crossover cable.
•LAN connection — Use a standard Ethernet cable.
. . . . . . . . .
POWER Connect the Linx Switcher to a power source using the supplied cord.
Note Computers that are set up to communicate on the
network are typically configured to have a dynamic IP
address. In this configuration, the computer is
provided with a suitable IP address by a network
DHCP server. When connecting directly to the Linx
Switcher a server will not be available; a static IP
address must be set manually on the computer. Refer
to the Setting the PC IP Address on page 10.
Note The Linx Switcher is configured at the factory with the
default IP address 192.168.1.200. Before connecting
to a network, verify that this is a valid IP address on
the network. Contact the network manager for
assistance. The IP address can be changed using the
IPADDRess command from either the serial port or
from a Telnet session over the Ethernet port. For
more details see Changing the Linx DVI 8x8
Matrix Switcher IP Address on page 13.

350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 7
2
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COMMUNICATIONS SETUP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERIAL COMMUNICATION
LAUNCHING A
HYPERTERMINAL
. . . . . . . . .
WINDOW
A command line interface is provided for Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher
using the serial port. A full description of available commands is
provided in Chapter 4 on page 30.
PCs running the Microsoft Windows operating system are provided with
serial emulation software known as HyperTerminal. This provides a
convenient method to communicate with the Linx Switcher.
Use the following steps to launch a HyperTerminal window on a PC:
1. Connect the Linx Switcher to a PC as described in section RS-
232 Control on page 5.
2. Click Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications >
HyperTerminal.
Figure 2-1 HyperTerminal Path

COMMUNICATIONS SETUP
Serial Communication
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 8
. . . . .
This action displays the Connection Description Dialog, a
sample of which is shown below.
Figure 2-2 Connection Description Dialog
3. In the dialog:
~Enter a name.
~Choose an icon.
~Click OK to display the Connect To dialog box.
Figure 2-3 Connect To Dialog
4. In the Connect To dialog box, ignore the Country, Area Code
and Phone Number fields. In the Connect Using field, select the
PC’s COM port to which the serial cable from Linx Switcher is
connected.

COMMUNICATIONS SETUP
Ethernet Control
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 9
. . . . .
5. Click OK to display the COM Properties dialog box.
Figure 2-4 COM Properties Dialog
6. Configure the PC to the Linx Switcher’s default settings as
follows:
~Bits per second (baud): 9600
~Data bits: 8
~Parity: None
~Stop bits: 1
~Flow control: XOn / XOff
If any parameters have been changed, enter accordingly.
7. Click OK to display the HyperTerminal window.
8. Confirm the communication with the Linx Switcher by typing ver
and pressing ENTER. The current firmware version should be
displayed. If not, check the settings outlined above and repeat.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ETHERNET CONTROL
The Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher can be controlled from the 10/100
Base-T Ethernet port using either a graphical user interface or a
command line interface.The graphical interface uses a standard web
browser such as the Microsoft Internet Explorer; the Linx Switcher can
be connected to a standard LAN or directly as a peer-to-peer
connection. The command line interface uses a Telnet session to a
private port.
Connection of the Linx Switcher via the Ethernet port requires it to have
a unique, static IP address. The factory default IP address is

COMMUNICATIONS SETUP
Ethernet Control
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 10
. . . . .
192.168.1.200. Consult the network administrator to obtain a valid IP
address before commencing the network setup.
To use the Linx Switcher on a Local Area Network (LAN), change the
unit’s IP address before putting it on the network. This avoids potential
conflicts between Linx Switcher’s default IP address and the network.
See Changing the Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher IP Address on page
13 for instructions.
SETTING THE PC
. . . . . . . . .
IP ADDRESS A PC connected directly to Linx Switcher through the 10/100 BASE-T
port must be assigned a static IP address. For Microsoft Windows
operating system, use the procedure below to set the PC network
address to one compatible with the Linx Switcher:
1. Use an Ethernet crossover cable or hub to connect directly
between the Linx Switcher’s Ethernet port and the network port
of a PC.
2. From the PC Start menu, select Control Panel.
3. In the Control Panel, select Network Connections.
4. In Network Connections, right click on Local Area
Connection and select Properties. A window similar to that
shown in Figure 2-5 will open.
Figure 2-5 Local Area Network Properties Window
5. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties.
6. Click the Use the following IP address radio button.
7. Enter an IP address compatible with the current address of the
Linx Switcher. If this is the factory default of 192.168.1.200, a
PC address 192.168.1.nnn may be entered where nnn is a
number between 1 and 255 except 200.

COMMUNICATIONS SETUP
Ethernet Control
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 11
. . . . .
Figure 2-6 Entering an IP Address for the PC
8. Close all windows opened during this procedure.
BEGINNING A
. . . . . . . . .
TELNET SESSION With the IP address of the PC set, a Telnet session can be started.
1. From the PC Start menu at the bottom of the Windows desktop
select Run...
2. In the Open dialog box type cmd as shown in Figure 2-7.
Figure 2-7 Run Window
3. Click OK to open the Windows command window.
4. At the prompt in the command window type:
telnet <ipaddress> 8000
where <ipaddress> represents the Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix
Switcher’s current IP address.

COMMUNICATIONS SETUP
Ethernet Control
350-8794 V1.1 Linx DVI 8x8 Matix Switcher User’s Guide 12
. . . . .
SExample: If the Linx DVI 8x8 Matrix Switcher’s IP address has
not been changed from its default value, type:
telnet 192.168.1.200 8000
... and press ENTER.
5. At the Password prompt type:
RGB
... and press ENTER. The password must be entered in upper
case.
At this point, the Telnet window starts and the Linx DVI 8x8
Matrix Switcher responds with the product name and copyright
notice as shown in the figure below.
Figure 2-8 Telnet Connected
To change the Linx Switcher IP address, see the following section.
Note To close a Telnet session, type EXIT and press
ENTER.