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KB01274 - How to use and interpret the AT-HDR-EX Series HDBaseT Analyzer


SKUs: AT-HDR-EX-70-2PS, AT-HDR-EX-100CEA-KIT, AT-HDR-EX-70C-KIT

Summary: How to use and interpret the HDBaseT Analyzer—

This article provides a summary of the Analyzer software and its uses.


 

Contents

 

Step 1: Download and Install

 

 

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to install Analyzer.

 

Step 2: Launching Software and Connecting

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  • Connect your AT-HDR extender to your Windows machine via the mini-USB port labeled "FW" on the front of the extender.

 

  • After installing the software and launching it, select the proper COM port (top left of window).

 

  • If you have issues finding the devices, check the “Port” area at the top of the software: 
    • While the device will try to automatically select the correct COM Port, multiple units or COM devices connected to the computer can cause there to be multiple available COM ports.
    • You may access your “Device Manager” on a Windows PC to verify which port has the “Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port.”
    • In some cases you may need to install a driver for Windows to recognize your extender.
    • For a step-by-step guide on how to locate and use Device Manager on Windows 7/8/10 machines, please see this article.
    • Finally, make sure your mini-USB cable supports data. Many of them are for charging only.

Analyzer main window

 

Extender USB-to-Serial connection in Windows Device Manager.

  

Step 3: Running the Test

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Start in HDBaseT Mode

  

     

 

 

 

 

  • While the units are powered off, set the dip switch on the bottom of each unit to HDBaseT. This is the default position.

 

  • Power up both extenders.

 

  • Connect an HDMI source to the transmitter and an HDMI display to the receiver.

 

  • Verify that everything is set up to pass video from the source to the display.
    • While video may not pass, its important to give the HDBaseT test signal to test the bandwidth capabilities of the cable.

 

 

With Everything Powered Up, Flip to UNIT Mode

  • Set the dip switch on each unit back to UNIT.

 

  • Connect a PC running the HDBaseT Analyzer Software to the FW USB port of either the TX or RX (you can connect to either unit).

 

  • Click the START button.

 

 

 

 

After the test is complete, set the dipswitch on both units to HDBaseT to return to the normal operating mode.

 

 

Step 4: Interpreting Signal Information Test Results

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  • When passing a good signal, you should see "ON" () for HDBaseT Link, HDMI 5V and HPD.

 

  • HDBaseT Link is the link between TX and RX. This will confirm that the TX and RX units are able to see each other. If you see "OFF" () then this means there may be an issue with the CAT cable being used. Please try another CAT cable (preferably one that has been known to work with other extenders).

 

  • HDMI 5V (5-volt) refers to the 5-volt signal an HDMI source sends out along with the video/audio information. This allows an HDMI source to read the EDID information of a display as well carry video from the source to the display. A lack of adequate 5V current can cause issues with signal pass-through.

 

  • HPD (Hot Plug Detect) is the communication passed from a source to an HDMI/DVI display which allows the display to be aware that a signal is being passed to it. This is what will cause monitors to turn themselves on from a standby state when a source begins passing signal to them. Issues with HPD can cause a display to stay in standby mode or report not having a signal.

 

  • TMDS Clock (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) is a method for transmitting high-speed digital information. This uses a unique algorithm that helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and enables the HDMI clock signal to stay synced, even at long transmission distances. This number will fluctuate based on the resolution being passed. A 0 value implies issues with the CAT or HDMI cables.
    • Typically, a UHD signal (i.e. 3840x2160@30hz – 4:2:0) will use 300Mhz clock
    • A HDR (4K@60Hz – 4:4:4) will use 600Mhz clock

 

  • Cable length (estimated) is used to estimate the length of cable being used. While this number is not 100% exact, it helps you get an estimate of the CAT cable being used to see if its within specifications for the extenders.

 

  • Video Quality (video BER) is the BIT error rate for the video signal. This is the number of bit errors per a specific unit of time. The bit error ratio (also BER) is the number of bit errors divided by the total number of transferred bits during a studied time interval. This area will only report a numerical value (in RED) if there is an error with video quality. Otherwise, you will see a green “Pass” as shown. However, video quality issues (such as dots appearing on the screen) may not be visually noticeable, even if the HDBaseT test reports errors being present. If you can visually confirm that errors are present, consider replacing your HDMI cables on both ends (try using cables under 15ft in length), consider trying another CAT cable, and lastly, consider trying another resolution or another video source to see if the same visual issues are present. If you do not see any errors in video playback, but had the test report a value for Video Quality, you do not need to be concerned.

 

Step 5: Interpreting Signal Quality

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  • The Signal Quality test analyzes all 4 pairs of a 568B terminated CAT cable (for a total of 8 conductors). Please note, if you are using a 568A termination, the pins shown in the software’s diagram will not match your cables pin out (the test results should be the same). With this test, you want all 4 pairs to show a "PASS" ().

 

  • If you notice any pair showing as not passing, please consider using a new CAT cable or re-terminating the existing one.                                                 

                                                                                                                                

Step 6: Analyzing Firmware

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  • After connecting to either the TX or RX and running the HDBaseT test, you will be able to see the firmware version of the device you are communicating with. To check the firmware of the other device, simply hit "STOP" () on the current test. Next, connect your USB cable to the “FW” port on the other device and hit "START" ().
  • When connected to the TX or RX (either one) you will see a TX and RX HDBaseT Version. This is the firmware version of the HDBaseT chip being used.
  • You can also perform firmware updates using this software. When new firmware is available, you will simply download the firmware file, browse for it on your PC using this software and hit load. The status bar below the Browse area will give you the current update status.

 

Step 7: Starting Debug Mode, Saving Log

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  • The debug mode will capture all data being processed by the extender set. This is helpful in troubleshooting. To run this simply click "STOP" () on the HDBaseT test and click "Debug" ().

 

  • You can use "Save" () to save the log file and share it with Atlona Technical Support for further assistance.

 

Step 8: Concluding Testing

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  • After conducting testing, simply click "Stop" () on any testing being performed and disconnect the USB cable from the TX/RX unit.

 

  • Make sure both of your extender dip switches are set to HDBaseT.

 

  • Then perform a power cycle on both TX and RX to ensure they are back to their normal operating state.

 

 

Article ID: KB01274 

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