StarTech.com DS128 User manual

Video Extender
8-Port Cat5 VGA Digital Signage
Broadcaster with RS232 and
Audio
DS128
DSRXL
Instruction Manual
Cat5 VGA Digital Signage
Receiver with RS232 and Audio

FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.•
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver•
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.•
Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols
This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other
protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to
StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only
and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an
endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company
in question. Regardless of any direct acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of
this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered
trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this
manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders.

i
Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................... 1
Packaging Contents.....................................................................1
System Requirements .................................................................1
Front View - DS128......................................................................2
Rear View - DS128 ......................................................................2
Front View - DSRXL.....................................................................3
Rear View - DSRXL .....................................................................3
Installation....................................................................... 4
DS128 Transmitter Installation.....................................................4
DSRXL Receiver Installation .......................................................5
Driver Installation.........................................................................5
How to Use ...................................................................... 6
DSNet Manager...........................................................................6
DSRXL Video Configuration ........................................................9
DSRXL Monitor Configuration .....................................................10
Specifications.................................................................. 12
DS128..........................................................................................12
DSRXL.........................................................................................13
Technical Support........................................................... 14
Warranty Information...................................................... 14

1
Introduction
The StarTech.com’s “DS” series of Cat5 Digital Signage Solutions
with RS232 Serial and Audio offers a comprehensive audio and video
extension system, with the added benefit of serial control. Compatible
with virtually any VGA computer or Digital Signage media player,
the DS128 VGA Splitter lets you deliver VGA video as well as the
accompanying audio and serial control signals to Cat5 VGA Receivers
(DSRXL - purchased separately), all through one Cat5 cable. The
DSRXL receivers, then convert the signal back into distinct RS232
serial, VGA and Audio signals at the destination points.
Packaging Contents
1 x DS128 8-port broadcaster/transmitter•
or
1 x DSRXL receiver unit
1 x Software Installation CD (DS128 only)•
1 x Power Adapter•
1 x Instruction Manual•
System Requirements
DS128 and DSRXL units•
VGA enabled video source•
VGA enabled display device•
Available electrical outlet at all locations•

2
Front View - DS128
Rear View - DS128
DE-15 VGA•
(output)
DB9 (output)•
3.5mm mini-jack•
(output)
DE-15 VGA•
(input)
DB9 (input)•
3.5mm mini-jack•
(input)
Remote RJ45
Link LEDs LAN RJ45
Link, 10/100
LED
Ethernet RJ45
Link, 10/100
LED
Power LED
LAN/Ethernet
RJ45 connectors
RJ45 remote output
(DSRXL)

3
Front View - DSRXL
Rear View - DSRXL
3.5mm mini-jack
Audio output DE-15 VGA
output Power LED
DB9 serial
RJ45 output
RJ45 input
3.5mm mini-jack
Audio output
DE-15 VGA
output
DB9 serial
Power connector

4
Installation
Before setting up the Digital Signage broadcast system, make sure
there is a plan for the Cat5 cable deployment. The cabling layout
should be based on providing the shortest cable lengths, while
avoiding sources of electromagnetic interference. The cabling between
the transmitter unit and receivers should also not pass through any
standard networking equipment (e.g. routers, switches, etc) as they do
not communicate with each other using standard networking protocols.
DS128 Transmitter Installation
Make sure the VGA video source and all remote display devices are1.
powered off.
Place the DS128 broadcaster near the VGA video source and plug2.
in the power adapter.
Connect an RJ45 Ethernet cable from the Broadcaster Unit’s LAN3.
port to a network access point (e.g. network router, switch, hub, etc.).
The “Ethernet” port acts as a network hub, if the video source also
requires a network connection.
Connect the VGA video source to the input connector on the4.
Broadcaster using a standard male/female VGA cable. If using audio
as well, connect a 3.5mm mini-jack cable from the audio source to
the audio input connector on the Broadcaster.
OPTIONAL: Connect a DB9 serial cable from the serial control unit
(e.g. computer system) to the DB9 serial input on the Transmitter with
the appropriate type of serial cable for your setup.
OPTIONAL: Connect a local monitor and/or speakers to the “Monitor”
VGA and 3.5mm mini-jack connector on the Broadcaster.
Connect an RJ45 terminated Category 5e UTP cable to the output5.
connectors on the Broadcaster for each remote display device. This
cable must be a straight run from the Broadcaster to the remote
location, without passing through any networking equipment (e.g.
router, switch, hub, etc.).

5
DSRXL Receiver Installation
Place the DSRXL Receiver unit near the remote video display device1.
and connect the power adapter to the Receiver unit.
Connect the Receiver unit’s “Monitor 1” VGA connector to the video2.
display device with a standard male/male VGA cable. If using audio,
connect the audio receiver/speakers to the “Audio” connector for
“Monitor 1”, using a 3.5mm mini-jack cable.
OPTIONAL: Connect the serial controlled device (i.e. the display
device) to the RS232 DB9 connector for “Monitor 1”.
NOTE: A second set of devices can be connected to a single Receiver
unit, by connecting them to the “Monitor 2” connectors.
Connect the UTP cable from the Transmitter unit to the “System In”3.
connector on the Receiver Unit.
NOTE: Receiver Units can be daisy-chained together by connecting
a UTP cable from the “System Out” connector to the “System In”
connector on another Receiver Unit. Up to 5 levels of Receiver Units
can be chained together.
Repeat previous steps for each Receiver unit that needs to be set4.
up.
Once all receiver units are setup, power on the devices connected to5.
the Receiver units and then power up the devices connected to the
Transmitter unit.
Driver Installation
This Extender is a complete hardware solution, so is normally invisible
to any other devices. No driver installation is required for use.

6
How to Use
DSNet Manager
The DSNet Manager is a Java based application. Make sure that all
client computer systems have the latest version of the Java Runtime
Environment installed (available at www.java.com).
Copy the DSNet Manager application files to a networked computer1.
system on the same network as the DS128 transmitter unit.
Run the DSNet Manager application. The first dialog screen will2.
prompt for the IP address of the DS128 transmitter unit.
The default IP address is: 192.168.1.100:5000
The next dialog screen will prompt for the login user name and3.
password.
Default user name: superuser
Default password: superu

7
Once logged into the system, the4.
main window will appear. For a first
time setup, have the DSNet Manager
scan the network by clicking on the
“Menu” option, followed by “Rescan
Network”. This will attempt to detect
all DS128 and DSRXL units currently
available on this network.
B8 indicates the DS128 broadcaster
unit. The default label “8-Port
Broadcaster” can be edited through the
software.
R2 indicates the DSRXL receiver units.
The default label can be edited through
the software.
This indicates a connected display
device and speakers. The default label
can be edited through the software.
Indicates an available port on the DS128 transmitter. “NC” indicates a
port with no Receiver unit connected to it.
File
Save Settings to File:• save all settings to a file as backup.
Restore Settings to File:• use a previously saved configuration file
to restore configuration settings.
Restore Factory Settings:• restore the DSNet system to the factory
default settings.
Upgrade Software:• upgrade the Broadcaster software.
Save User Name and Password:• Save the user name and
password login, so as not to be prompted again.

8
Exit (Shift + X):• close the DSNet Manager window
Main
TCP/IP Settings:• configure the TCP/IP settings such as Host Name,
Domain Name, IP address, TCP port, network mask, Gateway, DNS,
etc.. DHCP mode can also be enabled.
Date and Time:• Set the current date and time.You can sync the
Broadcaster’s time with the computer time and specify two NTP time
servers to synchronize with.
Rescan Network (F5):• Redetects all hardware on the network.
Update Receivers and Splitters:• Update the firmware on the
Receivers using the resident software/firmware on the Broadcaster.
Default Network Tree:• Clears all the monitor listings and resets all
of the labels to their default values, then proceeds to do a network
rescan.
Redraw Network Tree (F6):• Refresh the main window view.
Log
Log (F7):• Will record the client access IP and also the important
system messages and error messages.
Groups
New Group:• Sets up a new Group of Monitors. To join monitors to a
group, you need first checkmark them in the main window.
List of Groups:• Gives a listing of all Groups available.
Send Command to Checked Monitors:• Send commands such
as Video ON/OFF, Audio ON/OFF and also the audio volume
adjustment command to the Monitor itself via RS-232 interface. Also
you can set the serial connection parameters on the Receiver side.
Users
New User:• Set up a new user account.
Edit User:• Edit a user account.

9
DSRXL Video Conguration
Each DSRXL receiver unit can be individually calibrated for varying
physical and environmental conditions. To access the calibration
settings, select the Receiver Unit to adjust and right-click on it to bring
up the configuration menu and select “Properties”.
Compensation:• adjusts the level of compensation.
Gain:• adjusts video brightness.
Red Shift:• adjusts red level video skew.
Blue Shift:• adjusts green level video skew.

10
DSRXL Monitor Conguration
Each DSRXL receiver unit has two sets of “Monitor” outputs.
These can be individually configured through the DSNet Manager
application. To access the Monitor Configuration Menu, right-click on
the appropriate Monitor output on the Receiver unit and select the
“Properties” option.
Audio Video
Video ON:• check/uncheck the box to toggle the video stream on the
DE-15 VGA connector.
Audio ON:• check/uncheck the box to toggle the audio stream on the
3.5mm mini-jack connector.
Audio Volume:• adjust the slider bar to adjust the audio output on
the 3.5mm mini-jack connector.

11
Connection
Bidirectional Serial Communication:• check/uncheck for
bidirectional serial communication support.
Bit Rate:• set the bit rate (baud) for serial communication on the DB9
serial connector.
DDC
Capture Monitor Information:• capture DDC information from the
connected display device.
Send to Broadcaster:• send the captured DDC information to the
Broadcaster unit for use in DDC emulation.

12
Specications
DS128
Video Format VGA (RGBHV)
Connectors
8 x RJ45
2 x RJ45 Ethernet
1 x DE-15 VGA female
1 x DE-15 VGA male
1 x DB9 female
1 x DB9 male
1 x DC Power
LEDs
8 x Receiver Link
2 x RJ45 Link
2 x RJ45 10/100 indicator
1 x Power
Maximum Video Resolution 1600x1200
Maximum Distance 100m/330ft
Ethernet Speed 10/100Mbps
Serial Protocol RS232
Power Adapter 5VDC, 2A, center positive
Operating Temperature 0oC ~ 40oC (32oF ~ 104oF)
Storage Temperature -20oC ~ 60oC (-4oF ~ 140oF)
Humidity 0 ~ 90% RH
Dimensions 300.0mm x 160.0mm x 40.0mm
Weight 1400g

13
DSRXL
Video Format VGA (RGBHV)
Connectors
2 x DE-15 VGA female
2 x DB9 serial male
2 x RJ45
2 x 3.5mm mini-jack
1 x DC Power
LEDs 1 x Power
Serial Protocol RS232
Operating Temperature 0oC ~ 40oC (32oF ~ 104oF)
Storage Temperature -20oC ~ 60oC (-4oF ~ 140oF)
Humidity 0 ~ 90% RH
Power Adapter 5VDC, 2A, center positive
Dimensions 130.0mm x 135.0mm x 25.0mm
Weight 700g

14
Technical Support
StarTech.com’s lifetime technical support is an integral part of our
commitment to provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need
help with your product, visit www.startech.com/support and access
our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and
downloads.
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a one year warranty.
In addition, StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in
materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial
date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned
for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion.
The warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does
not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse,
abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA
LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages
(whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or
otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss, arising
out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid
for the product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations
or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.

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