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
- Step 2: Launching Software and Connecting
- Step 3: Running the Test
- Step 4: Interpreting Signal Information Test Results
- Step 5: Interpreting Signal Quality
- Step 6: Analyzing Firmware
- Step 7: Starting Debug Mode, Saving Log
- Step 8: Concluding Testing
Step 1: Download and Install
- To download the HDBaseT Analyzer Software please access the resource tab here and click on the Software URL. Analyzer is only available for Windows.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Analyzer.
Step 2: Launching Software and Connecting
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Analyzer main window
Extender USB-to-Serial connection in Windows Device Manager. |
Step 3: Running the Test
Start in HDBaseT Mode
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With Everything Powered Up, Flip to UNIT Mode
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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
- 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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Step 6: Analyzing Firmware
- 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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Step 8: Concluding Testing
- 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