Black Box VSC-VPLEX4 Manuel D’Utilisation
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Chapter 4: Configuring the VideoPlex4
4. Configuring the VideoPlex4
4.1 Factory Default Settings
The VideoPlex4 stores a number of parameters to configure its operation. This allows it to operate standalone in a very flexible
manner. The configurations affect the input and output display modes as well as the required partitioning of the input image
between monitors.
manner. The configurations affect the input and output display modes as well as the required partitioning of the input image
between monitors.
By default the VideoPlex4 is configured as follows:
• Input EDID Preferred Mode: 1920 x 1080 x 60Hz (SMPTE timings)
• Output monitor mode: Use Monitor Preferred Mode; Default: 1920 x 1080 x 60Hz (SMPTE)
• Cropping Mode: 2x2 equal split (960x540); No Rotation
The default settings are changed using the Windows
®
application provided. It runs on any Windows
®
platform and connects to
the VideoPlex4 via the supplied USB cable. How to use the application is explained in Chapter 6.
The sections below describe the settings that are possible and why they may be needed. For details on how to program the
VideoPlex4 hardware with your desired configurations, please see Chapter 6, VideoPlex4 Control Application.
VideoPlex4 hardware with your desired configurations, please see Chapter 6, VideoPlex4 Control Application.
4.2 Configuring DVI Input Resolution
Because the timings and resolution of the DVI input are set by the DVI source machine, the VideoPlex4 can only configure this
indirectly by presenting a programmable “Preferred Mode” as part of its EDID (Extended Display Identification Data).
indirectly by presenting a programmable “Preferred Mode” as part of its EDID (Extended Display Identification Data).
Most graphics cards and HDMI appliances automatically select the “Preferred Mode” resolution and timings presented by the
VideoPlex4 EDID, but they may need to be forced to re-detect if the EDID contents are changed by the VideoPlex4 application.
This would typically be via a hot-plug event caused by disconnecting and reconnecting the DVI input cable.
VideoPlex4 EDID, but they may need to be forced to re-detect if the EDID contents are changed by the VideoPlex4 application.
This would typically be via a hot-plug event caused by disconnecting and reconnecting the DVI input cable.
The configuration application will allow read back of the resolution that is currently being detected, as well as the ability to read
and write the internal EDID ROM.
and write the internal EDID ROM.
4.3 Monitor Outputs
The VideoPlex4 can be configured to read the corresponding EDID of each monitor that is connected and to drive out a signal
that corresponds to the resolution, timings, and mode (RGB or DVI) of the Preferred Mode. This is the factory default
configuration.
that corresponds to the resolution, timings, and mode (RGB or DVI) of the Preferred Mode. This is the factory default
configuration.
NOTE: When different monitors are attached to the four outputs, each may advertise a different Preferred Mode, so each output
will be driven at a different mode.
Whenever the monitor EDID is used, the VideoPlex4 will calculate the internal scale factors to ensure that the monitor (at
whatever resolution it is being driven) will still display the correct proportion of the input image.
whatever resolution it is being driven) will still display the correct proportion of the input image.
If an EDID cannot be read (for example, if the monitor cable does not support the DDC signals required), a default mode can be
programmed into the VideoPlex4’s memory. This is factory configured to 1080p.
programmed into the VideoPlex4’s memory. This is factory configured to 1080p.
In some cases, the user may require a very specific output timing (for example, when frame-locking to the input) regardless of the
monitor EDIDs. In this case, the VideoPlex4 can be configured to always output the mode that has been programmed as the
default mode.
monitor EDIDs. In this case, the VideoPlex4 can be configured to always output the mode that has been programmed as the
default mode.
4.4 Selecting the Regions to Be Displayed
Each output of the VideoPlex4 can take its display data from any arbitrary rectangular region of the captured input image. The
factory default for these cropping rectangles configures the four monitors to display a quarter of the input as a 2x2 array, and
these proportions are maintained across different input resolutions.
factory default for these cropping rectangles configures the four monitors to display a quarter of the input as a 2x2 array, and
these proportions are maintained across different input resolutions.
For a 1080p input, 960 x 540 pixels from the input image would be scaled up by a factor of two inches in each direction if the
selected output resolution was 1080p.
selected output resolution was 1080p.