Sonifex Redbox RB-VHDA2X4 User manual

Manufacturers of audio & video
products for radio & TV broadcasters
Redbox RB-VHDA2X4
3G/HD/SD-SDI 2 Input,
8 Output Video Distribution
Amplifier
HANDBOOK

RB-VHDA2x4 Handbook
This handbook is for use with the following product:
Redbox RB-VHDA2x4 3G/HD/SD-SDI 2 Input, 8 Output Video Distribution Amplifier
Stock Code: 30-290
Revision 2.00, September 2014
©Sonifex Ltd, 2014
All Rights Reserved
Sonifex Ltd, 61, Station Road, Irthlingborough,
Northants, NN9 5QE, England.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]o.uk
Website: http://www.sonifex.co.uk
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of the vendor. Sonifex Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage
whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, information storage and retrieval systems, for any
purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of Sonifex
Ltd. Unless otherwise noted, all names of companies, products and persons contained herein are
part of a completely fictitious adaptation and are designed solely to document the use of Sonifex
product.
Made in the UK by

Contents & Figures
Contents
Product Warranty - 2 Year i
Sonifex Warranty & Liability Terms & Conditions i
1. Definitions i
2. Warranty i
Unpacking Your Product iii
Repairs & Returns iii
Safety & Installation of Mains Operated Equipment v
Voltage Setting Checks v
Fuse Rating v
Power Cable & Connection v
WEEE Directive vi
RoHS Directive vi
Atmosphere vi
Fitting Redboxes vi
Introduction 1
System Block Diagram 1
Front Panel Controls and Indicators 2
Power Led 2
Reset Button 2
Input Status 2
Mode Select 2
Rear Panel Connections 3
Mains Power 3
DC Power 3
Ethernet 3
SDI Inputs 3
SDI Outputs 1 to 8 4
Webserver & Unit Discovery 4
Technical Specification For RB-VHDA2x4 5
Figures
Fig 1-1: The RB-VHDA2x4 3G/HD/SD-SDI 2 Input, 8 Output Video
Distribution Amplifier 1
Fig 1-2: The RB-VHDA2x4 System Block Diagram 1
Fig 2-1: The RB-VHDA2x4 Front Panel 2
Fig 2-2 The RB-VHDA2x4 Rear Panel 3

Warranty Registration
Sonifex Limited y61 Station Road yIrthlingborough yNorthamptonshire yNN9 5QE yUnited Kingdom
Tel: [phone] yFax: [phone] yEmail: [email protected] yInternet: www.sonifex.co.uk
As standard, Sonifex products are supplied with a 1 year back to base
warranty.
If you register the product online, you can increase your product warranty to
2 years and we can also keep you informed of any product design
improvements or modifications.
To register your product, please go online to www.sonifex.co.uk/register
Register Online for an
Extended 2 Year Warranty

i
Warranty
Product Warranty - 2 Year
As standard, Sonifex products are supplied with a 1 year back to base
warranty. In order to register the date of purchase and so that we can keep
you informed of any product design improvements or modifications, it is
important to complete the warranty registration online. Additionally, if you
register the product on the Sonifex website within 30 days of purchase, you
can increase your product warranty to 2 years. Go to the Sonifex website at:
http://www.sonifex.co.uk/technical/register/index.asp to apply for your 2
year warranty.
Note: For your own records the product serial number is recorded on the
CE certification page of this handbook.
Sonifex Warranty & Liability Terms & Conditions
1. Definitions
‘the Company’ means Sonifex Ltd and where relevant includes companies
within the same group of companies as Sonifex Limited.
‘the Goods’ means the goods or any part thereof supplied by the Company
and where relevant includes: work carried out by the Company on items
supplied by the Purchaser; services supplied by the Company; and software
supplied by the Company.
‘the Purchaser’ means the person or organisation who buys or has agreed
to buy the Goods.
‘the Price’ means the Price of the Goods and any other charges incurred by
the Company in the supply of the Goods.
‘the Warranty Term’ is the length of the product warranty which is usually
12 months from the date of despatch; except when the product has been
registered at the Sonifex website when the Warranty Term is 24 months
from the date of despatch.
‘the Contract’ means the quotation, these Conditions of Sale and any
other document incorporated in a contract between the Company and the
Purchaser.
This is the entire Contract between the parties relating to the subject
matter hereof and may not be changed or terminated except in writing in
accordance with the provisions of this Contract. A reference to the consent,
acknowledgement, authority or agreement of the Company means in
writing and only by a director of the Company.
2. Warranty
(a) The Company agrees to repair or (at its discretion) replace Goods
which are found to be defective (fair wear and tear excepted) and
which are returned to the Company within the Warranty Term
provided that each of the following are satisfied:
(i) notification of any defect is given to the Company immediately
upon its becoming apparent to the Purchaser;
(ii) the Goods have only been operated under normal operating
conditions and have only been subject to normal use (and
in particular the Goods must have been correctly connected
and must not have been subject to high voltage or to ionising
radiation and must not have been used contrary to the
Company’s technical recommendations);
(iii) the Goods are returned to the Company’s premises at the
Purchaser’s expense;
(iv) any Goods or parts of Goods replaced shall become the
property of the Company;
(v) no work whatsoever (other than normal and proper
maintenance) has been carried out to the Goods or any part of
the Goods without the Company’s prior written consent;

ii
Warranty
(vi) the defect has not arisen from a design made, furnished or
specified by the Purchaser;
(vii) the Goods have been assembled or incorporated into other
goods only in accordance with any instructions issued by the
Company;
(viii) the defect has not arisen from a design modified by the
Purchaser;
(ix) the defect has not arisen from an item manufactured by
a person other than the Company. In respect of any item
manufactured by a person other than the Company, the
Purchaser shall only be entitled to the benefit of any warranty or
guarantee provided by such manufacturer to the Company.
(b) In respect of computer software supplied by the Company the
Company does not warrant that the use of the software will be
uninterrupted or error free.
(c) The Company accepts liability:
(i) for death or personal injury to the extent that it results from the
negligence of the Company, its employees (whilst in the course
of their employment) or its agents (in the course of the agency);
(ii) for any breach by the Company of any statutory undertaking as
to title, quiet possession and freedom from encumbrance.
(d) Subject to conditions (a) and (c) from the time of despatch of
the Goods from the Company’s premises the Purchaser shall be
responsible for any defect in the Goods or loss, damage, nuisance
or interference whatsoever consequential economic or otherwise or
wastage of material resulting from or caused by or to the Goods. In
particular the Company shall not be liable for any loss of profits or
other economic losses. The Company accordingly excludes all liability
for the same.
(e) At the request and expense of the Purchaser the Company will test
the Goods to ascertain performance levels and provide a report of
the results of that test. The report will be accurate at the time of the
test, to the best of the belief and knowledge of the Company, and the
Company accepts no liability in respect of its accuracy beyond that
set out in Condition (a).
(f) Subject to Condition (e) no representation, condition, warranty or
other term, express or implied (by statute or otherwise) is given by
the Company that the Goods are of any particular quality or standard
or will enable the Purchaser to attain any particular performance
or result, or will be suitable for any particular purpose or use
under specific conditions or will provide any particular capacity,
notwithstanding that the requirement for such performance, result or
capacity or that such particular purpose or conditions may have been
known (or ought to have been known) to the Company, its employees
or agents.
(g) (i) To the extent that the Company is held legally liable to the
Purchaser for any
single breach of contract, tort, representation or other act or
default, the Company’s liability for the same shall not exceed
the price of the Goods.
(ii) The restriction of liability in Condition (g)(i) shall not apply to
any liability accepted by the Seller in Condition (c).
(h) Where the Goods are sold under a consumer transaction (as defined
by the Consumer Transactions (Restrictions on Statements) Order
1976) the statutory rights of the Purchaser are not affected by these
Conditions of Sale.

iii
Repairs & Returns
Unpacking Your Product
Each product is shipped in protective packaging and should be inspected
for damage before use. If there is any transit damage take pictures of the
product packaging and notify the carrier immediately with all the relevant
details of the shipment. Packing materials should be kept for inspection and
also for if the product needs to be returned.
The product is shipped with the following equipment so please check to
ensure that you have all of the items below. If anything is missing, please
contact the supplier of your equipment immediately.
Item Quantity
Product Unit 1
IEC Mains lead fitted with moulded mains plug 1
Handbook and warranty card 1
If you require a different power lead, please let us know when ordering the
product.
Repairs & Returns
Please contact Sonifex or your supplier if you have any problems with your
Sonifex product. Email [e-mail] for the repair/
upgrade/returns procedure, or for support & questions regarding the
product operation.
പ

iv
CE Certification
61 Station Road • Irthlingborough • Northants
NN9 5QE • United Kingdom • www.sonifex.co.uk
T: [phone] • F: [phone]
Registered Office • 61 Station Road • Irthlingborough • Registered in England 1717864 • VAT Reg No. GB 119 85 32 52
CE Declaration of Conformity and Approval Information
Product:
Serial No:
This document certifies that the Sonifex product that you have purchased is
compliant with CE specifications. If you would like further information on
compliance of all Sonifex products, please check the website at the address
above where full information is available.
Sonifex Limited hereby certify that the following product with serial
number shown has been designed and manufactured in accordance with
the following specifications :
EMC: EN 55103-1: 1997 Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Limits of disturbance for audio apparatus for professional use
For use in environments 1 to 4.
EN 55103-2: 1997 Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Limits of disturbance for audio apparatus for professional use
For use in environments 1 to 4.
Safety: EN 60950: 1992 Safety of Information Technology Equipment
Including Electrical Business Equipment.
Hybrid BS6301, BS7002, BS415, CTR21,
Approvals: R&TTE directive (1999/5/EC)
The Reference Technical Justification File for this product is available at
Sonifex Ltd.
Authorised By:
Name: Chris Stills
Position: Technical Director
Date of Issue: 01 September 2014
Signature:

v
Safety & Installation
Safety & Installation of Mains
Operated Equipment
There are no user serviceable parts inside the equipment. If you should
ever need to look inside the unit, always disconnect the mains supply
before removing the equipment covers. The cover is connected to earth
by means of the fixing screws. It is essential to maintain this earth/
ground connection to ensure a safe operating environment and provide
electromagnetic shielding.
Voltage Setting Checks
Ensure that the machine operating voltage is correct for your mains power
supply by checking the box in which your product was supplied. The voltage
is shown on the box label. The available voltage settings are 115V, or 230V.
Please note that all products are either switchable between 115V and 230V,
or have a universal power supply.
Fuse Rating
The product is supplied with a single fuse in the live conducting path of the
mains power input. For reasons of safety it is important that the correct
rating and type of fuse is used. Incorrectly rated fuses could present a
possible fire hazard, under equipment fault conditions. The active fuse is
fitted on the outside rear panel of the unit.
Power Cable & Connection
An IEC power connector is supplied with the product which has a moulded
plug attached – this is a legal requirement The mains lead is automatically
configured for the country that the product is being sent to, from one of :
Territory Voltage IEC Lead Type Image
UK & Middle East 230V UK 3 pin to IEC lead
Europe 230V European Schuko round 2 pin to
IEC lead
USA, Canada and
South America 115V 3 flat pin to IEC lead
Australia & New
Zealand 230V Australasian 3 flat pin to IEC lead
Connect the equipment in accordance with the connection details and
before applying power to the unit, check that the machine has the correct
operating voltage for your mains power supply.
Important Note: If there is an earth/ground terminal on the rear panel of
the product then it must be earthed/grounded.

vi
Safety & Installation
WEEE Directive
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive was agreed on 13 February 2003, along with the
related Directive 2002/95/EC on Restrictions of the use of
certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic
equipment (RoHS). The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE) aims to minimise the impacts of electrical and electronic equipment
on the environment during their life times and when they become waste.
All products manufactured by Sonifex Ltd have the WEEE directive label
placed on the case. Sonifex Ltd will be happy to give you information about
local organisations that can reprocess the product when it reaches its “end
of use”, or alternatively all products that have reached “end of use” can be
returned to Sonifex and will be reprocessed correctly free of charge.
RoHS Directive
The RoHS directive limits the use of certain hazardous
substances currently used in EEE manufacture, including
lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and
halide-containing compounds PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) and PBDE
(polybrominated diphenyl ether). Elimination of these substances will result
in more environmentally friendly recycling of electronic equipment.
Sonifex Ltd practices lead-free (LF) manufacturing processes and does not
use any of the hazardous substances identified in the European Union’s
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. The manufacturing
processes include the assembly of purchased components from various
sources. Product is offered as RoHS compliant, or LF, only after sufficient
evidence is received from the component manufacturers that their
components are RoHS compliant. Sonifex Ltd relies solely on the distributor,
or manufacturer, of the components for identification of RoHS compliance.
Thus whilst every effort is made to ensure compliance, Sonifex Ltd makes
no warranty, or certification, or declaration of compliance concerning said
components.
Atmosphere
The units should be installed in an area that is not subject to excessive
temperature variation (<0°C, >50°C), moisture, dust or vibration.
Fitting Redboxes
Redboxes can be fixed to the underside of a mixing desk, or other surfaces
using 4.2mm holes in the sides and fixed with 2 x M4 screws or 2 x No. 6
countersink wood screws.
They can also be rack-mounted, with either the front, or rear of the Redbox
positioned at the front of the rack:
Rear Mounting a 1U Rackmount Redbox:
The RB-RK3 1U rear panel rack kit can be used for large 1U rackmount
Redboxes.
Note: When fitting the RB-RK3 rear-mounting rack-kits, a notch has been left on the inside of the right-hand rack-piece for the mains cable to pass through.
Make sure that the mains cable has been put through the notch before attaching the right hand rack-piece.

1
Introduction 1
SDI Input 1
SDI Input 2 Crosspoint
Reclock
Reclock
SDI Output 1
SDI Output 2
SDI Output 3
SDI Output 4
SDI Output 5
SDI Output 6
SDI Output 7
SDI Output 8
Introduction
Fig 1-1: The RB-VHDA2x4 3G/HD/SD-SDI 2 Input, 8 Output Video Distribution Amplifier
The RB-VHDA2x4 is a high performance, reliable dual input and eight output
digital video distribution amplifier for re-clocking and distributing up to two
3G, HD (high definition) or SD (standard definition) SDI sources.
By default, the RB-VHDA2x4 acts as two independent video distribution
amplifiers, with input 1 routed to outputs 1-4 and input 2 routed to outputs
5-8. Either input can also be routed to all outputs if desired which can be
selected by the Input Select switch on the front panel or via the built-in
webserver. The webserver also provides status information for the unit.
The unit provides automatic input detection, re-clocking and cable
equalisation of the input signals to 100/350 meters (HD/SD) of coax cable.
The full range of 3G, SD and HD standards are supported by the unit
allowing PAL and NTSC signals up to 1080p 60Hz to be distributed. Each
output is individually buffered providing separately driven outputs for
greater reliability.
As well as an AC power input, the unit also has a 12V DC input for use, for
example, in outside broadcast vehicles. Both power inputs can be used to
give a dual redundant power supply.
System Block Diagram
Fig 1-2: The RB-VHDA2x4 System Block Diagram

2
2 Connections and Operation
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Fig 2-1: The RB-VHDA2x4 Front Panel
Power LED
The POWER LED illuminates whilst internal power is present within the
unit. If this indicator is not on, the most likely reason is simply the absence
of mains power, but under fault conditions it may also indicate a ruptured
mains fuse or a problem with the internal power supply module.
Reset Button
In the unlikely event that the unit fails to respond, press the reset button to
reboot the unit.
Input Status
There are two LED indicators on the front panel to provide input lock
status. When a valid input signal has been applied to either input then the
corresponding LED will be lit solid green. When an input has not detected
a valid signal the LED will flash green. Each input has its own status
indication.
Mode Select
This button provides local control to allow the user to cycle through the
routing modes available. Pressing the button once will indicate the current
mode selected using the two front panel status LEDs. Pressing again while
the current mode is displayed will cycle though the modes. The modes and
the corresponding LED states are described below.
Mode Selection Table
Mode Input 1 Status Input 2 Status
Input 1
Input 1 to Outputs 1-8
ON OFF
Input 2
Input 2 to Outputs 1-8
OFF ON
Dual
Input 1 to Outputs 1-4
Input 2 to Outputs 5-8
ON ON
Mode
Select
Reset
Button
Power
LED
Input
Status

3
Connections and Operation 2
Rear Panel Connections
Fig 2-2 The RB-VHDA2x4 Rear Panel
Mains Power
Power is applied via a standard three-pin IEC male socket. Mains voltages
between 85V and264V AC and frequencies between 47 and 63Hz are
accepted without adjustment. A 1A, 5 x 20mm SB fuse is used. The Earth
pin MUST be connected to ensure safety.
DC Power
The unit provides a secondary power source for the unit via a DC input.
This power input can accept voltages in the range of 9 – 14V and must be
able to source 500mA. Both mains and DC power sources can be connected
at the same time.
Ethernet
The Ethernet port is connected using a standard RJ-45 connector on the
rear of the panel.
It is a 10/100Mbps link. The unit can be controlled remotely over the
Ethernet connection using the built-in webserver. By default the unit is
configured for dynamic addressing using DHCP and Auto-IP. If a static IP
address is required then this must be configured through the webserver.
Ethernet Connector (RJ-45)
Pin No. Function
1 Transmit Data (+)
2 Transmit Data (-)
3 Receive Data (+)
4 No connection
5 No connection
6 Receive Data (-)
7 No connection
8 No connection
SDI Inputs
dŚĞ^/ŝŶƉƵƚƐĂƌĞĐŽŶŶĞĐƚĞĚƵƐŝŶŐĂĨĞŵĂůĞEĂŶĚŚĂǀĞĂϳϱɏŝŶƉƵƚ
impedance. They are both a triple rate SDI receiver with automatic input
rate detection and equalisation. They support the full range of 3G, SD and
HD standards from NTSC and PAL up to 1080p 60Hz. The status of the inputs
are displayed on the status LEDs on the front panel. When the SDI input
rate and format has been detected, the indicator will be lit solid green.
Ethernet Fuse
Mains InletDC InputSDI Inputs SDI Outputs

4
2 Connections and Operation
SDI Outputs 1 to 8
The eight SDI outputs are connected using the female BNC connectors on
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SMPTE standard and are both re-clocked and independently buffered.
Webserver & Unit Discovery
The RB-VHDA2x4 uses the Zeroconf networking methodology to allow the
unit to be a “plug and play” device. Just simply connect it to the network
and use it. The unit is assigned an IP address using a DHCP server, or a self-
assigned address using AUTOIP when one isn’t available.
The RB-VHDA2x4 uses Bonjour discovery on a network. Once the unit has
been connected to the network it will try to obtain an IP address from
a DHCP server on the network, if none is found then the unit will use
Auto-IP to assign itself an IP address. There is no direct method for the
user to determine exactly which IP address has been assigned to the unit.
Using a Bonjour discovery application or browser plug-in, the unit can be
discovered and connected to with relative ease. Bonjour is available as
standard on MAC OS and as plug-in for Internet Explorer for the Bonjour for
windows download. You can also use the discovery application provided by
Sonifex and available from the download page.

5
Technical Specification 3
Compatible Standards: SMPTE-424M (3G)
SMPTE-292M (HD-SDI) SMPTE-259M-AC1
(SD-SDI)
SMPTE 344M
DVB-ASI at 270Mb/s
1. Other rates will be passed without
reclocking.
1. Other rates will be passed without reclocking.
Impedance: 75Ω terminating
Equalisation: Up to 100m of Belden 1694A at
1.485Gbps
Up to 350m of Belden 1694A at 270 Mbps
Data Rates: 143, 270, 1483.5,
Fully supported Passed
but not reclocked:
1485, 2967 & 2970Mbps
177, 360 & 540Mbps
Reclocking &
Equalisation:
Automatic
Resolution: Automatic
Return Loss: >15dB at 1500MHz
Output Jitter: <0.2UI
Signal Level: 800mV ±10%

Front Panel Indicators
Power LED: Red indicates power is present
Input Status 1 & 2 LEDs: Green indicates signal is present, ashing
green indicates signal is missing.
Technical Specification For RB-VHDA2x4
Rear Panel Connections
3G/HD/SD-SDI Video
Input:
2 x BNC (Unbalanced)
3G/HD/SD-SDI Video
Outputs:
8 x BNC (Unbalanced)
Ethernet Port: RJ45 with status LEDs
Power Supply:
AC:
Filtered IEC, continuously rated 85-
264VAC,
47-63Hz, fused, max 10W
Fuse Rating:
DC:
Anti-surge fuse 1A 20 x 5mm 12V 500mA
max, DC supply, 2.5mm socket fused
Equipment Type
RB-VHDA2x4: 3G/HD/SD-SDI 2 inputs, 8 output video
distribution amplier
Physical Specication
Dimensions (Raw): 48cm (W) x 10.8cm (D) x 4.3cm (H)
19” (W) x 4.3” (D) x 1.7”(H) (1U)
Dimensions (Boxed): 58.5cm (W) x 22.5cm (D) x 7cm (H)
23” (W) x 8.9” (D) x 2.8”(H)
Weight: Nett: 1.3kg  Gross: 1.9kg
Nett: 2.9lbs Gross: 4.2lbs
Accessories
RB-RK3: 1U Rear panel rack kit for large Redboxes

www.sonifex.co.uk
t:[phone]
f:[phone]
[email protected]