Modular 8×8 Firmware version 1.5.100 – IMPORTANT

On Monday 18th of May we rolled out a firmware release to all live Modular 8×8 units. Whilst the update was being delivered to the units we suffered an ISP issue causing the update file to be corrupted in some instances. Most units will repair themselves automatically. If your unit is displaying a ’1021 cant reach gateway’ error or stuck in a boot loop please follow the instructions below

1. Remove and re-insert the SDCard from the slot on the front by pressing it once to pop it out and press again to pop it back in. This should resolve things in most cases. (This may need to be repeated if the first attempt fails)

2. In more rare cases, it may be that removing all of the cat5 cables from any HDBaseT outputs and then removing and replacing the SDCard is required.

3. In extreme instances, a manual software update is required. To perform this, the SDCard needs to be fully removed from the unit and placed in a Windows based PC. Open The SD Card and remove all files except the ‘SETTINGS.INI’ File. Then file below needs to be downloaded, extracted, then the three files within need to be placed on the root of the 8×8 SDCard. Once there, the card can be inserted back into the 8×8, it should reboot and apply the correct software. Normal operation of the 8×8 will then resume.

If none of the above works, or you require further assistance please contact the technical team via phone or email on 01684576348 & support@hdanywhere.com

Firmware files – Download

HDMI 2.0- the must-know info.

hdmi-2.0-the-must-know-info

HDMI 2.0

HDMI technology has different versions or specifications, the newest of which is HDMI 2.0, which has been causing a lot of confusion and questions within the AV distribution world.

The main feature of this HDMI 2.0 specification which is relevant to custom installers, is this:

“The HDMI 2.0 specification defines a new, more efficient signalling method, for speeds above the limits of the earlier HDMI 1.4b specification (10.2Gbps), to allow higher bandwidths (up to 18Gbps) over existing High Speed HDMI Wire Cables.” (HDMI.org) 

What does this mean?

This will allow transmission of higher bandwidth video formats such as 2160p @60Hz 4:4:4 UHD / 4K and 4:2:0 UHD with HDR. It’s worth pointing out that currently there is only ONE HDMI source device in existence (the Sony FMP-X10 4K) that is capable of outputting these resolutions and is HDMI 2.0 licensed. But more HDMI 2.0 licensed source devices will probably begin to appear at the end of 2015.

Will you need new cables or specific HDMI 2.0 cables?

HDMI 2.0 is backwards compatible, so you won’t need new cables (as long as the HDMI cables you’ve been using are high speed, passive and under 5m)

What is HDCP 2.2? 

HDCP 2.2 is the new encryption format for UHD content. It’s designed to create a secure connection between a source and a display. This is so you can’t take the output from a source (a Blu-ray player, say) and plug it into a recording device to make a copy of the content. HDCP doesn’t care what goes across the cable, as long as that cable is secure.

The key point is all devices in a chain need to be HDCP 2.2 compliant or you’ll get an error message.

What is the point of HDMI matrixes with HDCP 2.2 but NOT HDMI 2.0? Should I invest?

The best way to answer that is with another question: ‘what HDCP 2.2 compliant devices are you planning on installing that don’t need HDMI 2.0?’

The big push for compliance is going to come at the end of the year when new UHD Blu-Ray players are released. These will definitely require HDMI 2.0 and won’t work on the HDCP 2.2 matrices that have just hit the market.

Another key point is that HDMI 2.0 will require HDCP 2.2, but HDCP 2.2 does NOT require HDMI 2.0. Hence new HDCP 2.2 compatible matrices hitting the market before HDMI 2.0 + HDCP 2.2 compliant matrices.

 The other big factor is what Sky will do with UHD. The current industry belief is that the new sky box won’t need HDCP 2.2. The logic is that there are not enough HDCP 2.2 compatible TV’s in the UK currently to be able to justify a new Sky box that isn’t compatible.

What TVs are HDMI 2.0?

The vast majority of  TV’s marketed as UHD or 4K that were bought  before 2015 don’t have HDMI 2.0 and don’t have HDCP 2.2. Some manufacturers have produced TVs with one or more HDMI 2.0 ports with HDCP 2.2, these are below:

Samsung UE65HU8500

Samsung UE55HU7500

Sony KD-65X9005B

Panasonic CX600 and CX 650 Series

 

EDID management: Modular 4×4 and 8×8

EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is information provided by a display to describe its capabilities to a source. It contains information including resolution, audio formats and frame rates. Modular has the ability to ‘Fix’ the EDID profile to allow a source to always pass video with a fixed resolution and/or specific audio output (i.e 1080p 60Hz, with 5.1 multi-channel audio)

If the system is functioning as normal, then no EDID management is required, however if you have a source that will not output the correct resolution/audio type, this can be resolved by following the instructions below

Please remove the SD card from the unit and connect it to a PC (Please do not use a MAC). On the route of the SD card is a file called ‘settings.ini’, this is the file that will be edited. Open the file in a text editor such as notepad, then scroll down to the bottom of the file

Enter one or more the following lines where required

edidprofile1 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input 1
edidprofile2 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input 2
edidprofile3 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input3
edidprofile4 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input4
edidprofile5 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input 5  (8×8 only)
edidprofile6 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input6 (8×8 only)
edidprofile7 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input 7 (8×8 only)
edidprofile8 = x     ; sets the EDID profile for source connected to input 8 (8×8 only)

where x equals:
0 – Presents the source with the 1080p template EDID
1 – Fixes the EDID
2 – presents the source with the 4K template EDID
3 – presents the source with the 1080p template EDID with 5.1 enabled
101  – presents source with the EDID of the Sink connected to Output 1
..

108  – presents the source with the EDID of the Sink connected to Output 8

 

Once all editing has been done, save the settings.ini file, and reinsert the SD card back into the Modular unit.

Also please reboot any source where the EDID profile has been modified to allow the new EDID data to be passed.

mHub 4K Network Discovery Tool

mHub 4K Network Discovery tool

To enable access to the mHub 4K web interface, you will require the IP address of the unit.

This is found using the Network Discovery tool. Simply download and run the software below and this will give you the current IP settings of your unit, and also the option to change the settings to suit you network infrastructure.

Discoverytool

To change to fixed IP settings, please click ‘Enabled’. This then allows you to manually enter network information. Finally click ‘Update Settings’ to store entered information.

Download software – Network Discovery Tool

Using the HDC Trade Modular System Builder

The Modular System Builder is an invaluable tool when you need to get a quote or setup a Modular system quickly and correctly. But before you do start configuring your system make sure that you note the following:

  1. The Modular Chassis options for the 4×4 and 8×8 have different power requirements.
    1. The 4×4 can be fitted with an optional PSU module if a redundant power supply option is needed. It’s should be set to 1 as a default.
    2. The 8×8 has its power supplies built in to the unit. There is no need to add any if you are specc’ing one of these.
  2. IEC power cables
    1. You will need x1 cable per PSU module, again the default should be set to 1
    2. 8×8′s will require x2 IEC cables are the main unit contains two power supplies
  3. Blank plates for unused ports can only be added to 8×8 systems
  4. Forwards IR is only supported by the 8×8 and needs additional configuration – please call us 01684 576 348 if you need this functionality or contact us.
  5. IR hardware is sold as an individual units, you will need to add as many transmitters and receivers as you need, HDMI Input/Output modules do not support IR Passback
  6. HDanywhere SmartControls are pre-programmed to operate with the Modular Chassis included in the builder.

HDanywhere Modular 8×8, 4×4 and mHub 4K Product Support For Loxone

HDanywhere Modular 8×8, 4×4 and mHub 4K Product Support For Loxone

We are pleased to say that we have an IP based ready-made control system driver for Loxone for HDanywhere Modular 8×8 and 4×4 and the mHub 4K. The driver currently supports video switching and may grow to encompass larger parts of the API over time. The driver now comes bundled inside the Loxone Config software so no download is required.

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Troubleshooting: remote Control battery installation

 

 

When using the remote with the penny type battery, the battery needs to be inserted in a specific way. When you remove the battery cover, there is a small metal tab on the right hand side of the battery compartment. the penny battery needs to be placed underneath this small tab, please see attached image for correct insertion method.

iRule control drivers for HDanywhere multiroom systems

HDanywhere Product Support within iRule

We have pleased to say that ready-made control system drivers available for the range of HDanywhere product listed below, natively, within the iRule software itself. iRule have built these drivers in-house and tested them internally. Drivers are accessed from within the iRule programming software. Where possible, for maximum compatibility, drivers are infrared, RS232 and IP. Products and protocols will continue to be added and this support page updated.

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Control Drivers for 4×4 Multiroom+ POE System (IP / RS232 / IR) – HKHDA44P

Control Drivers for 4×4 Multiroom+ and POE System -  HKHDA44P

We have ready-made control system drivers available for the 4×4 Multiroom+ Version 3 and POE Systems for the major control systems used in the UK. These are either IP, IR or RS232 Based.

Each download package for Control4, AMX, Crestron and RTI also includes support for the 4×4 HDMI Matrix (HKM44-UK, both V1 and V2), 4×4 Multiroom+ Singlewire (HKHA414SW, V1, V2 and V3) and the Multiroom+ 8×8 System (HKHA818SW).

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HDanywhere Multiroom+ PoE and 4×4 V3 System IP Software

The Multiroom+ PoE and 4×4 V3 systems have a user accessible web page built into them. This web page has an address that you type into a web browser (such as internet explorer or Google Chrome) and it allows you to control the matrix as well as change settings to do with the central hub.

All of the multiroom+ PoE and 4×4 V3 units ship with these default network settings:

IP Address: 192.168.1.88
Subnet mask:255.255.255.0
Default gateway:192.168.1.1

In most cases these will need to be changed to work with the network the central hub is connect to.

To achieve this, you first need to connect the central hub LAN port on the rear of the main hub to a Lan socket on your home network hub or router. Once this has been done, you need to discover the central hub on your network.

Once this software is installed on your PC, you’ll be able to discover and set the central hubs’ network settings. Instructions on how to do so are included in the associated system manual.

Please follow the link below to download the software:

HDanywhere Multiroom+ 4×4 PoE IP Software

The correct approach to troubleshooting your system

When attempting to troubleshoot any issue, we need to isolate where the root cause of the fault could lie by a logical process of elimination.

The art of effective troubleshooting is the application of logic and deductive reasoning.

At the start of a troubleshooting process, never rule out anything as not a potential cause of the problem. Every aspect of the installation should be considered as a potential suspect. Each component of the installation should be ruled out one-by-one and only then eliminated from the troubleshooting process as the potential problem.