TV One MAGENTA Pathfinder 500 Series User manual

PDF-MG-KVM-53x-V1.00
Feb 2020
Pathfinder 500 series
MG-KVM-531
MG-KVM-532
User Guide V1.00

In this guide
Hardware recommendations ............................................................................................................................ 1
Multi-mode optical fiber................................................................................................................................. 2
Single-mode optical fiber ............................................................................................................................... 2
Network switches............................................................................................................................................ 2
RS-232 connector pinning.............................................................................................................................. 2
RJ11 connector pinning .................................................................................................................................. 2
System requirements for Pathfinder Control.................................................................................................. 2
About your Pathfinder 500 series device......................................................................................................... 3
About the status LED light ................................................................................................................................. 5
Fitting or replacing the SFP module ................................................................................................................. 6
Installing single and multiple endpoints .......................................................................................................... 6
Extending a single PC ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Connecting to multiple endpoints ................................................................................................................ 7
Quick start ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Connecting your hardware ............................................................................................................................ 9
Setting up your system in Pathfinder Control ............................................................................................. 9
To set up your system in Pathfinder Control......................................................................................... 10
Updating your firmware............................................................................................................................... 11
Connecting encoders and decoders in Pathfinder Control ..................................................................... 12
Next steps ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
The on-screen display –the Home menu ...................................................................................................... 13
Opening the on-screen display ................................................................................................................... 13
The Home menu ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Connecting and disconnecting with the on-screen display ......................................................................... 14
Opening the on-screen display ................................................................................................................... 14
Using keyboard shortcuts ........................................................................................................................ 14
Connecting and disconnecting .................................................................................................................... 14
To log in to a PC......................................................................................................................................... 14
To connect to an encoder ........................................................................................................................ 14
To disconnect from an encoder .............................................................................................................. 14
To open a point-to-point connection ...................................................................................................... 15
Searching in a list .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Managing devices with the on-screen display............................................................................................... 15
Opening the on-screen display ................................................................................................................... 15
Getting information about your status ...................................................................................................... 15
Choosing and using favorite devices .......................................................................................................... 16
To choose a favorite device...................................................................................................................... 16

To view your list of favorite devices ........................................................................................................ 16
To connect to a favorite encoder ............................................................................................................ 16
Sharing your connection with another user .............................................................................................. 16
To switch between the Share Device Push and Share Device Get menus ......................................... 17
To push your connection to another user ............................................................................................. 17
To view another user’s connection ......................................................................................................... 17
To control another user’s PC.................................................................................................................... 17
Managing settings with the on-screen display.............................................................................................. 18
Opening the on-screen display ................................................................................................................... 18
Defining what DDC or EDID data your PC uses ......................................................................................... 18
Managing encoder settings ......................................................................................................................... 18
Changing your display settings ............................................................................................................. 19
Managing decoder settings ......................................................................................................................... 20
Setting the audio volume ......................................................................................................................... 20
Setting a baud rate for your RS-232 connection ................................................................................... 20
Choosing what to show on the decoder monitor when there is no connection ............................... 21
Power save mode...................................................................................................................................... 22
Protecting your PC from viruses from a USB drive................................................................................... 22
Selecting QWERTY, AZERTY, or QWERTZ keyboard layout.................................................................... 22
Changing keyboard fallback mode.......................................................................................................... 22
Changing your keyboard shortcuts......................................................................................................... 23
Hiding the status menu................................................................................................................................ 23
Locking the on-screen display ..................................................................................................................... 23
Enabling other users to control your PC when you share your connection .......................................... 24
Enabling HDCP protected video .................................................................................................................. 24
Reducing video tearing with monitor synchronization......................................................................... 25
Network settings and more............................................................................................................................. 25
Troubleshooting and FAQs .............................................................................................................................. 26
Updating your firmware............................................................................................................................... 26
No power is getting to my Pathfinder device ............................................................................................ 26
My USB keyboard or mouse isn’t working ................................................................................................. 26
No video is reaching the monitor connected to the decoder.................................................................. 27
Video is poor quality or stripy ..................................................................................................................... 27
I can’t hear any audio ................................................................................................................................... 27
General troubleshooting checklist.................................................................................................................. 27
Returning a product for repair........................................................................................................................ 28
Contact us.......................................................................................................................................................... 29

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Thanks for buying this Magenta Pathfinder 500 series device. Pathfinder 500 series devices provide a
scalable, zero latency, KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse, and USB 2.0) extension and switching solution.
Capable of over 3000 high-quality endpoints in a single system, Pathfinder is the perfect solution for
mission critical control and collaboration including medical, broadcast, and control room operations.
Pathfinder devices come with a choice of Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers. Choose from
single-mode optical fiber, multi-mode optical fiber, or RJ45 Ethernet for a fully flexible experience.
The Pathfinder 500 series includes:
▪1x MG-KVM-531 HD DVI encoder
▪1x MG-KVM-532 HD DVI decoder
Pathfinder Features
Some features are only available in Pathfinder networks that include 500 and 800 series devices.
▪KVM matrixing solution with over 3000 endpoints
▪Use either Ethernet or fiber optic cable for KVM, USB, and video
▪Up to 4K @60 Hz video
▪Mix-and-match HD and 4K endpoints
▪Zero latency performance
▪Point-to-point extension up to 20 km (12 miles)
▪Mix copper and fiber cables for maximum flexibility in your system design
▪Plug'n'play installation over IP
▪Monitor up to 4 PCs from a single 4K monitor, keyboard, and mouse
▪Extend PC desktop to dual displays over single cable
▪Local monitor loop out
Hardware recommendations
At tvONE, we design our products to the highest quality standards. To get the best results from our products, we
recommend that you use the best quality connectors, cables, and adapters. Consider the points below when you
choose accessories and position equipment.
▪For best results with HDMI/DVI, use cables under 15 m long, or shorter if you use connection
adapters, or your signal is 4K. If you need to place your products more than 15 m apart, use a
signal extender.
▪See our range of signal extenders at tvone.com/signal-extension-systems.
▪For best results with HDMI, use High Speed or Premium High Speed HDMI cables.
▪In industrial environments, use shielded Ethernet cables for signal extension systems.
▪Shielded Ethernet cables are often marked F/UTP or FTP. Use shielded Cat 6 cables with HDBaseT
input and output modules and Streaming media and 4K playback input modules.

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Multi-mode optical fiber
▪Maximum length 500 m (1640 feet).
▪Duplex Multimode 50/125 μ (OM2).
▪LC connector 850 nm.
Single-mode optical fiber
▪Maximum length 20 km (12.43 miles).
▪Duplex single-mode.
▪LC connector 310 nm TX -1550 nm RX.
Network switches
Your Pathfinder network requires its own dedicated network. As Pathfinder uses multicast, you must
place it on its own VLAN or dedicated switches.
The network switch must fulfil the following specifications:
▪The Pathfinder 500 series requires a 1 Gigabit switch, with true port-to-port transfer rates of 1
Gigabit/second.
▪Network switches must support IGMP snooping and IGMP snooping must be switched on.
RS-232 connector pinning
Encoder
Decoder
Pin
Function
Direction
Pin
Function
Direction
2
TxD
OUT
2
RxD
IN
3
RxD
IN
3
TxD
OUT
4
DTR
IN
4
DTR
OUT
5
GND
—
5
GND
—
8
CTS
OUT
8
CTS
IN
The pin numbers refer to a 9-pin D-sub plug.
RJ11 connector pinning
RJ11 pin
Function
Direction
1
CTS
In
forwarded to partner DTR
2
DTR
Out
forwarded from partner CTS
3
TXD
Out
Serial Data
4
GND
5
RXD
In
Serial Data
6
RTS
1k Resistor to DTR
Some applications need RTS pulled high
System requirements for Pathfinder Control
▪Windows 7 (32bit/64bit) or higher
▪1 GB RAM
▪50 MB free storage
▪1 Gbit dedicated network interface

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About your Pathfinder 500 series device
The Pathfinder 500 series includes a DVI encoder and decoder, capable of extending a 1080p signal up
to 20 km (12 miles).
MG-KVM-531 encoder rear panel
DVI IN
DVI-I in. Connect to the PC you want to control.
Audio in from PC.
Connect to the PC with 3.5 mm jack.
RS232
Connect to a control device with Ethernet cable.
Audio out to PC.
Connect to the PC with 3.5 mm jack.
DVI LOOP
OUT
DVI-I out. Connect to a monitor.
12VDC
Connect to 12 V power supply.
USB
Connect to USB port of PC.
KVM-LINK
Depending on your SFP, connect to one of the following:
▪Single-mode optical fiber cable
▪Multi-mode optical fiber cable
▪Ethernet cable

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MG-KVM-532 decoder rear panel
Audio in.
Connect an audio input device, for example, a microphone.
RS232
Connect a control device.
Audio out.
Connect to an audio output device, for example, speakers.
12VDC
Connect to 12 V power supply.
DVI OUT
DVI-I out.
Connect to a monitor.
USB 2.0
Connect to a keyboard, a mouse, and any other USB devices.
KVM-LINK
Depending on your SFP, connect to one of the following:
▪Single mode optical fiber cable
▪Multi mode optical fiber cable
▪Ethernet cable

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About the status LED light
The Status LED light can be red, orange, or green.
Color
Blinking
Physical
link
Active
connection
Video
extended
USB
Initialization
USB
data
received
Identify
command
Auto-update
mode
Main LED
Red
None
Yes
No
No
Update
failed
Red
Slow
No
No
No
Orange
None
Yes
Yes
No
Orange
Fast
Update in
progress
Green
None
Yes
Yes
Yes
Update
succeeded
Green
V. fast
Yes
Yes
Red/Green
V. fast
Ethernet port LEDs, 500 series only
Yellow
None
No
Yellow
Slow
Yes
Green
None
Yes
Green
V. fast
Yes
Read troubleshooting information on page 26.

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Fitting or replacing the SFP module
Only use SFP modules from, or recommended by, tvONE.
1. Remove the black dust protector from the SFP module.
2. Pull the metal latch of the SFP module forwards until it is at a right angle.
3. Insert or replace the SFP module.
4. Push the metal latch back into position.
Installing single and multiple endpoints
You can use your Pathfinder 500 series devices to extend a single PC, or you can use a network switch
to connect multiple endpoints.
If your network only contains Pathfinder 500 series devices, use a 1G switch. If your network also
contains Pathfinder 800 series devices, use a mixed 1G and 10G switch, or a 10G switch.
Extending a single PC

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Connecting to multiple endpoints

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Quick start

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If you’re setting up a network with multiple endpoints, for best results connect just a few Pathfinder
devices at a time, and then add them to Pathfinder Control and update the firmware before you move
on to the next set. This makes it much easier to find, name, and connect your devices.
Connecting your hardware
1. Connect the USB-A port on your PC to the USB-B port of the encoder.
2. Connect a keyboard and mouse to the decoder.
3. Connect the PC video output to the DVI In port of the encoder.
4. Connect the encoder and the decoder with fiber optical or Ethernet cable.
Or
Connect all endpoints to a network switch. Ensure that all connections have a bandwidth of 1
Gbit/sec minimum.
For video sharing the network switch must support IGMP snooping, and IGMP snooping must be
switched on.
5. Connect the remote monitor to the decoder with HDMI-DVI.
6. OPTIONAL: use a 3.5 mm jack to connect the port of the encoder to a speaker, or to the mic
port of your PC. Connect the port of the encoder to the headphone port of your PC.
7. OPTIONAL: use a 3.5 mm jack to connect the port of the decoder to a speaker. Connect the
port to a microphone.
8. Switch on your PC and monitors.
9. If you’re using a network switch, connect the power supply to an electrical outlet.
10. Connect the encoder and decoder to electrical outlets with the included 12 V 1 A power supplies.
Your Pathfinder devices start.
Setting up your system in Pathfinder Control
Use Pathfinder Control to set up your system and upgrade your firmware.
If your Pathfinder network includes a network switch, Pathfinder Control must run on your
Pathfinder network at all times. You don’t have to be logged in.

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To set up your system in Pathfinder Control
1. Install Pathfinder Control on a dedicated PC connected to the Pathfinder network.
Download Pathfinder Control from tvone.com/tech-support/software.
2. Open Pathfinder Control and log in as an administrator. The default username is admin, and the
default password is admin.
3. Select General Settings.
4. Make sure Enable extender automatic add is selected. If it isn’t, select it, then save. Pathfinder
Control closes. Open it again.
5. Optional settings:
▪If you want users to be able to use the on-screen display to connect to and disconnect from
devices, or share their connection with other users, select Enable Extender User System.
Users can only log in to devices they are bound to.
▪If you want users to be logged out of an on-screen display after a set time, enter a time in
minutes in Time Until Logout. If you want users to have to log in every time they open the on-
screen display, enter a time of 0 minutes.
▪If you want your network to automatically log off inactive devices:
▪Choose how often your network checks for inactive devices. Enter the time in seconds in
Extender TTL Timer Interval.
▪Choose how long the network waits to hear from the device. Enter the time in seconds in
Extender Time To Live.
This task is for administrators.

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▪If you want devices that are not currently connected to the network to be hidden in Layout >
List, select Hide Inactive Extenders.
▪If you want to restore the last connections made between encoders and decoders when the
software starts, select Restore Last Connection.
Note: this setting also re-connects any devices that lost power or are powered off when
power returns.
▪If you want users to be able to share control of their connection as well as their video signal,
select Enable USB HID Share Mode or Enable USB 2.0 Share Mode.
▪You can choose the default layout view. Select your layout from Default Extenders Layout.
6. Select your language from Default Language.
7. Select Search for new Extenders.
8. Select Endpoints > Extender Settings.
9. Double-click each extender and give it a name.
Updating your firmware
1. Download the latest firmware from tvONE.com/tech-support/software.
2. In Pathfinder Control, select System > Update Management.
3. In UPDATE SETTINGS, select and navigate to the firmware file you downloaded in step 1.
The firmware .bmp file appears under 500 Series Firmware:.
4. Select (Un)Mark All to select all the devices on your network.
5. Select Send and Update Firmware.
Your devices update. When the firmware update is complete, Finished! appears under Alerts.

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▪If Error! Try again! appears, restart the device or devices that did not update.
▪If that doesn’t work, repeat the steps above.
You can now add your next batch of devices. Start again from To set up your system in Pathfinder
Control on page 10.
Connecting encoders and decoders in Pathfinder Control
This task is for systems with multiple endpoints only. If you’re only extending a single PC, skip this task
and go to The on-screen display –the Home menu on page 13.
1. Select Layout > List.
2. For the devices you want to connect, select the box in the Grid column. If you don’t want to
connect a device right now, clear the box in the Grid column.
3. Select Layout > Grid.
4. From Decoders, select a decoder. When the decoder turns green, select an encoder from
Encoders. When the two devices are connected, they turn blue.
Next steps
Congratulations, your basic network is set up. You can now log on to and use your Pathfinder network
with just the on-screen display.
Read on for information about how users can log on to a PC and connect to an encoder.
You can also set up more sophisticated features in Pathfinder Control, such as device groups, Cross-
Click, and WindowView.
Read more about setting up extra features in the User Guide. Download the User Guide from
help.tvone.com/products/mg/mg-kvm.

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The on-screen display –the Home menu
Opening the on-screen display
To open the on-screen display, press Scroll Lock (ScrLk) quickly five times.
If your keyboard doesn’t have a Scroll Lock key, open the on-screen keyboard.
Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
The Home menu
The Home menu includes a list of sub menus and your current firmware version.
Update your firmware with Pathfinder Control software.
T
Status Overview
Menu status / current status
U
Update Flash FW
Update firmware
O
DDC Option
Set your DDC/EDID
W
Network Settings
Network settings
G
Extender Settings
Encoder and decoder settings
L
Show Device List
List of all pathfinder devices on the network
Q
Exit
Exit

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Connecting and disconnecting with the on-screen display
Use the monitor and keyboard connected to your decoder to open the on-screen display. The on-
screen display opens displaying the Home menu.
Opening the on-screen display
To open the on-screen display, press Scroll Lock (ScrLk) quickly five times.
If your keyboard doesn’t have a Scroll Lock key, open the on-screen keyboard.
Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
Using keyboard shortcuts
You can use keyboard shortcuts even if the on-screen display is closed, for example, to connect to a
favorite encoder. If you use a keyboard shortcut when the on-screen display is closed, the shortcut is
also sent to the PC you are connected to.
When you use Cross-Click or WindowView to work across multiple PCs, the shortcut is sent to the PC
you are currently working on.
Read about viewing and changing keyboard shortcuts on page 23.
Connecting and disconnecting
To log in to a PC
1. Open the on-screen display.
2. In the Home menu, press A.
3. Enter your username and password.
To connect to an encoder
1. Open the on-screen display.
2. In the Home menu, press L.
3. In the Device List menu, find the encoder you want to connect to, and press the number
button for that encoder.
If your network has many endpoints, but you only use a few of them regularly, you might want
to set up a list of favorites.
Read more about favorites on page 16.
To disconnect from an encoder
1. Open the on-screen display.
2. In the Home menu, press D.

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To open a point-to-point connection
If you are not connected through a network switch, you can connect directly to an encoder in point-to-
point mode.
1. Open the on-screen display.
2. In the Home menu, press P.
Searching in a list
Several menus of the on-screen display show lists. If the menu shows [TAB] –insert into filter, you
can search in the list.
▪To search in the list, press TAB, enter the first few letters of a device name, and press Return.
Managing devices with the on-screen display
Opening the on-screen display
To open the on-screen display, press Scroll Lock (ScrLk) quickly five times.
If your keyboard doesn’t have a Scroll Lock key, open the on-screen keyboard.
Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
Getting information about your status
To open the Status menu, in the Home menu, press T.
The Status menu also appears on your monitor when you are not connected to an encoder. You
can turn off this feature.
Read more about hiding the Status menu on page 23.
The Status menu shows the current status of your connection. It provides information on the
connection itself, resolution of the video channel, and the status of the USB.
▪Enabled options and the current firmware version are displayed in the left top section.
▪LINK shows whether there is a physical connection available.
▪VIDEO and USB show if data is currently being transmitted.

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Choosing and using favorite devices
Each user can save up to eight favorite devices assigned to shortcut keys. Assign favorite devices in
the Device List menu.
To choose a favorite device
1. To open the Device List menu, in the Home menu, press L.
2. Use the arrow keys to select your favorite device.
3. Press a key from F1 to F8.
To view your list of favorite devices
View your list of favorite devices in the Favorite List menu. To open the Favorite List menu, in the
Home menu, press F.
To connect to a favorite encoder
1. Log in to your account. In the Home menu, press A, and then enter your username and password.
2. Press Ctrl+Alt+F#, where F# is the F key you assigned to the favorite encoder.
Sharing your connection with another user
You can share your connection with another user in two ways: push and get. When you push, you
allow another user to view your connection. When you get, you ask another user to show their
connection to you.
Share connections with the Share Device Push and Share Device Get menus. To open either menu, in
the Home menu, press S.
The on-screen display remembers which menu you chose last time.

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To switch between the Share Device Push and Share Device Get menus
▪In the Share Device Push menu, press G.
▪In the Share Device Get menu, press P.
To push your connection to another user
1. In the Home menu, press S.
2. If you arrive at the Share Device Get menu, press P.
3. In the Share Device Push menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the decoder of the user you
want to view your connection.
4. Press Enter.
To view another user’s connection
1. In the Home menu, press S.
2. If you arrive at the Share Device Push menu, press G.
3. In the Share Device Get menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the decoder of the user whose
connection you want to view.
4. Press Enter.
To control another user’s PC
Normally you only view another connection. You can control the PC as well if the other user enables
the USB Share any Key option. If the other user enables that option, press any key to start controlling
their PC.
Read more about USB Share any Key on page 23.
You can take control of another user’s PC even if they haven’t enabled USB Share any Key. When you
view a connection, press Ctrl twice, quickly.