Gefen
1:4 Splitter for
HDMI® with FST
GTB-HDFST-144
GTB-HDFST-144-BLK
User Manual
www.gefentoolbox.com
CONTENTS
1
Introduction
2
Operation Notes
Features
3
4
Panel Layout
Panel Descriptions
5
6
Connecting And Operating The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST
EDID Management
7
7
Understanding EDID
8
EDID Mode Selection
9
Audio Channel Selection
10
11
External EDID Management
Internal EDID Specifications
12 Fast Switching Technology
13 Wall Mounting Instructions
14 Specifications
15 Warranty
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with
FST. Your complete satisfaction is very important to us.
About Gefen
We specialize in total integration for your home theater, while also focusing on
going above and beyond customer expectations to ensure you get the most from
your hardware. We invite you to explore our distinct product line. Please visit
or call us between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, Pacific
Standard Time for assistance with your A/V needs. We’ll be happy to assist you.
Why GefenToolBox?
The GefenToolBox line offers portable and easy-to-install solutions for common
A/V system integration setups using HDMI connectivity. GefenToolBox products
are wall-mountable and small in size. GefenToolBox products are easily
transported in the field and are ready for immediate and simple installations in
working environments. These products come finished in a glossy color to blend in
with either a white wall or black cabinet.
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST sends one digital HDMI A/V
source to four (4) HDTV displays at the same time. It supports all HDMI equip-
ment such as Blu-ray and DVD players, satellite set-top boxes, and all HDMI
displays. Features include transmission of high-def deep color video resolutions
up to 1080p Full HD combined with advanced lossless digital audio formats for
pristine sound reproduction.
How It Works
Connect a Hi-Def source to the Splitter’s input using the supplied HDMI cable.
Connect up to four (4) HDTV displays to the Splitter’s four (4) HDMI outputs. 3D
content can be displayed when connecting a 3DTV and 3D source. Apply power
to the sources and displays. The source signal will now be seen on all four dis-
plays at the same time.
1
OPERATION NOTES
READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR OPERATING
THE GEFENTOOLBOX 1:4 SPLITTER FOR HDMI WITH FST
•
•
EDID contains the A/V capabilities of a display device in regards to video
resolutions and audio formats supported. This information is used by
the source device to determine the format of the A/V signal it outputs.
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST has advanced EDID
management features to ensure complete compatibility with all sources and
display devices. See pages 7-11 for more details.
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST detects the presence of
Deep Color automatically and disables Deep Color EDID features across
all outputs if any connected device or display is not capable of Deep Color.
This automatic behavior insures compatibility among all output devices in a
mixed-device environment. This feature cannot be disabled.
2
FEATURES
Supported HDMI 1.3 Features
•
•
•
•
225 MHz (up to 12 bit YUV 444 @ 1080p)
Deep Color
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
Lip Sync
General Features
•
Simultaneously displays a single Hi-Def source on up to four (4) HDTV
displays without signal loss.
•
Maintains high resolution video - beautiful, sharp HDTV resolutions up to
1080p Full HD and 1920x1200@60 Hz.
•
•
3DTV Pass-Through
Fast Switching Technology for quick and responsive HDMI signal routing.
See page 12 for details.
•
•
Auto-EDID Management for rapid integration of sources and display devices.
Supports modern advanced digital audio formats including LPCM 7.1 audio,
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
•
•
Supports the use of DVI sources and DVI displays with an HDMI-to-DVI
converter cable or adapter.
Input and output cables can be as long as 15 feet when using 8-bit or 12-bit
color. The length of input and output cables also depends on the quality of
cables used.
•
This product is HDMI-compliant and HDCP-compliant.
Package Includes
(1) GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST
(1) 6-foot Locking HDMI cable (M-M)
(1) 5V DC Locking Power Supply
(1) User Manual
3
PANEL LAYOUT
1
2
3
4
8
6
5
7
4
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
1
2
3
HDMI Output Ports 1-4
Connect HDMI source devices to these ports.
Fast / Slow Switch
Switches between Fast and Slow Switching. See page 12 for more information.
Audio Channel Selection Switch
This switch will modify the EDID to specify the number of supported audio
channels when using the INTERNAL EDID mode. This setting will not affect the
EDID information when using the EXTERNAL EDID mode.
4
EDID Mode Selection Switch
This switch will control the type of EDID used by the Splitter. The options are
EXTERNAL and INTERNAL. See pages 7 -11 for details.
5
6
7
8
USB Service Port
Mini-USB service port used for upgrading the firmware.
HDMI Input Port
Connect HDMI source devices to these ports.
5V DC Locking Power Receptacle
Connect the included 5V DC Locking Power Supply to this receptacle.
Power Indicator
This LED indicator will glow red when the unit is powered.
5
CONNECTING AND OPERATING
THE GEFENTOOLBOX 1:4 SPLITTER FOR HDMI WITH FST
How to Connect the GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST
1. Use the supplied HDMI cable to connect the source device to the HDMI input
port of the GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST.
2. Use additional user-supplied HDMI cables to connect up to four (4) HDTV
displays to the output ports on the 1:4 Switcher for HDMI with FST.
3. Connect the included 5V DC power supply to the power receptacle on the
Splitter.
4. Connect the other end of the power supply to an available power outlet.
How to Operate the GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST does not require any
configuration to begin splitting the incoming HDMI input signal. However,
depending on the features required by the user, the EDID Mode and Audio
Channel Selection switches may need to be adjusted. Please see the following
section for more information on the usage of these switches.
Gefen
HDMI CABLE
HDMI Source
HDMI Display
HDMI Splitter
HDMI Display
HDMI Display
GTB-HDFST-144
HDMI Display
Wiring Diagram for the GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST
6
EDID MANAGEMENT
Understanding EDID
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST features automatic and manual
EDID adjustments to maximize compatibility of all attached devices. First it is
necessary to understand EDID and what it is used for.
EDID. What is it and what is it used for?
Under normal circumstances, analog (i.e. VGA computer) and digital (i.e. Blu-ray
player) source devices will require information about a connected device/display
to assess what resolutions and features are compatible. This required information
is read from a standardized file called the EDID (Extended Display Information
Data). Almost all types of output devices/displays (computer monitor, HDTV, A/V
receiver) will carry and transmit its EDID to a connected source. The source will
then read this EDID file and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that only
compatible features are released to the device/display. A source can only accept
and read one EDID from a connected device/display. Likewise, the source can
only output one resolution and audio type for a connected device/display to use.
Why is EDID so important with the GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with
FST?
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST is a complex piece of
technology that replicates a single input signal to multiple outputs. The single
source device will require one EDID to read. Multiple devices/displays can be
connected to the outputs on the GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST,
each with its own EDID, so management of this information is key to ensure that
maximum compatibility is maintained between all devices.
What options do I have to manage the EDID in the GefenToolBox 1:4
Splitter for HDMI with FST?
It is important to understand that the EDID contains much more than just listings
of supported resolutions and audio formats. However, resolutions and audio
formats are the two key types of information that a user will need to understand
how to use these EDID management functions.
Common problems that a user may encounter while using a splitter can be:
1. Video may not be visible on all output devices/displays.
2. Audio may not be heard on all output devices/displays.
These symptoms usually arise from video resolution / audio format
incompatibilities between the devices / displays connected to the splitter.
TheGefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST can use one of two methods
to acquire and retransmit an EDID to the A/V source device telling it about
the kind of output devices that are connected to the Splitter, thus curing the
incompatibility. Either the Splitter can obtain EDID from display devices and
pass it on to source devices (External Mode), or the Splitter can use a factory-
programmed EDID that is compatible with most display devices on the market
(Internal Mode).
7
EDID MANAGEMENT
EDID Mode Selection
1. EXTERNAL MODE:
To use this mode, set the EDID Mode Switch on the front panel to the EXT
position. In External EDID mode, the Splitter directly retrieves EDID data
from each connected A/V display device and builds a new EDID created
from the highest common video resolution that all display devices can use
together and the highest audio capability. This new EDID is sent back to the
source device.
If sufficient EDID data is unavailable from external display devices or EDID-
related problems are encountered, Internal EDID Mode should be used to
provide a single compatible EDID for all connected devices.
2. INTERNAL MODE:
To use this mode, set the EDID Mode Switch on the front panel to the INT
position. This mode will use a preset EDID that is stored in the GefenToolBox
1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST from the factory. This pre-programmed
standard EDID data structure is compatible with most A/V display devices.
All resolutions and audio formats specified in this EDID will be passed to
the source device. See page 11 for a complete listing of the resolutions and
audio formats listed in this EDID.
NOTE: All other HDMI capable devices/displays connected to the output
ports MUST be compatible with at least one resolution/audio format specified
in this EDID. It is recommended to set, on the source device, a common
resolution and audio format shared by all attached devices/displays. This is
to ensure a compatible signal is output to all connected devices/displays.
8
EDID MANAGEMENT
Audio Channel Selection
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST features a switch that will
modify the supported audio formats listed in the pre-programmed EDID. This
feature is useful for limiting the output of the source device to either 2 or multi-
channel audio formats.
NOTE: This selector switch will only affect the pre-programmed EDID in the
INTERNAL (INT) EDID Mode.
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST can use either of the following
settings for audio format support:
1. 2 Channel: This setting will limit the audio formats listed in the pre-
programmed EDID to 2 channel LPCM. See page 11 for a full listing of the
audio formats in this mode.
To use this mode, set the Audio Selection Switch on the front panel to the 2
CH position.
This mode is useful in scenarios where all output devices/displays are HDTV
only support 2 channel LPCM. This setting will ensure that all connected
devices will receive and produce sound.
2. Multi-Channel: This setting will enable all common audio formats in the pre-
programmed EDID. See page 11 for a full listing of the audio formats in this
mode.
To use this mode, set the Audio Selection Switch on the front panel to the
Multi CH position.
This mode is useful in scenarios where the output devices/displays are
varying devices (i.e. HDTV display and audio receivers). Please note that
sound may not be heard from all output devices/displays if a shared common
audio format is not used by the source device.
9
EDID MANAGEMENT
External EDID Management
The 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST features EDID Management. Before the
source can send video or audio signals to the display, the source devices reads
the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) of each device connected to
an output. The EDID contains information about what type of A/V data that the
source can send to each display.
The 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST distributes a single source to multiple
output devices. This involves reading EDID data from more than one device.
Management of the EDID data is important to maintain compatibility between all
devices.
Display Connections
•
•
If a display is not connected to Output 1, then no EDID changes are made,
meaning that the previous EDID information will be used. This state will be
in effect until a display is connected to Output 1 and the Splitter is power-
cycled.
EDID is copied from Output 1 to all other outputs. The audio block will be
copied from Output 1. EDID-copying is performed only when the Splitter is
reset or power-cycled.
3DTV Support
•
3D signals are supported if a 3DTV is connected to Output 1.
Deep Color
•
Deep Color will be disabled if one of more other displays connected to the
Splitter do not support Deep Color.
10
EDID MANAGEMENT
Internal EDID Specifications
The table below lists the settings that comprise the built-in Internal EDID data
structure:
Audio Data Block
Speaker Allocation
xvYCC
Video Data Block
1080p@60Hz
2-channel:
2-channel:
FL/FR
xvYCC 709
xvYCC 601
1080p@50Hz
LPCM 2CH
Multi-channel:
1080i@60Hz (native)
1080i@50Hz
Multi-Channel:
LPCM 2CH
LPCM 8CH
AC-3 6CH
DTS 7CH
RLC/RRC
RL/RR
FC
LFE
Dolby Digital+ 8CH FL/FR
Dolby TrueHD 8CH
DTS-HD 8CH
MAT(MLP) 8CH
11
FAST SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY
FAST SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY
Fast Switching Technology
Fast Switching Technology (FST) is a Gefen software implementation for
HDMI 1.3 products. FST was created to improve the inherent lengthy HDMI
authentication process, based on the HDMI and HDCP specifications.
FST provides quicker A/V source switching and greatly improves the overall A/V
system behavior and performance when more than one HDTV display is used in
the system setup.
FST allows connecting / disconnecting or turning ON / OFF of HDTV displays
without having these activities affect other Hi-Def sources routed to any other
HDTV display in the same system.
FAST MODE:
Setting the Splitter to FAST mode will improve performance when connecting /
disconnecting Hi-Def sources, and powering ON / OFF HDTV displays.
NOTE: When switching from SLOW mode to FAST mode, the HDTV displays
connected to the Splitter will blink momentarily.
SLOW MODE:
When set to SLOW mode, the Splitter will follow the standard authentication
process, based on the HDMI and HDCP specifications. SLOW mode is
recommended when the source does not support multiple devices.
12
WALL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
The GefenToolBox 1:4 Splitter for HDMI with FST should be mounted vertically
in a wall or cabinet with wood/drywall screws as shown in the diagram above.
There should be an inch or two of clearance between the edges of the unit and
any walls or vertical surfaces to allow for enough clearance for insertion and
retraction of cables at the HDMI connectors.
For installation on a drywall surface, use a #6 drywall screw. It is recommended
when installing on a drywall surface that studs be used to secure the Splitter
should undue stress be applied when connecting and disconnecting HDMI
cables.
13
SPECIFICATIONS
Single Link Bandwidth ............................................................................. 225 MHz
Pixel Clock / Speed .................................................................................. 165 MHz
Maximum Video Resolution ......................................... 1080p, 1920x1200@60Hz
with 12-bit Deep Color
Input Video Signal .............................................................................. 1.2 volts p-p
Input DDC Signal ......................................................................... 5 volts p-p (TTL)
HDMI Connectors................................... type A 19 pin female; (1) input, (4) output
LED Indicator: (Power)................................................................................ (1) Red
EDID Mode Switches (2)...................................... Audio Channels, INT/EXT Mode
Power Supply .............................................................................................. 5V DC
Power Consumption ............................................................................. 10W (max)
Dimensions ............................................................................. 3”W x 10½”H x ¾”D
Operating Temperature ............................................................................ 0 - 40 °C
Compliancy.............................US/EU Standards, HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.2, HDCP 1.1,
DVI 1.0
Certifications.............................................................UL (power supply), RoHS, CE
Shipping Weight ............................................................................................ 3 lbs.
14
WARRANTY
Gefen warrants the equipment it manufactures to be free from defects in material
and workmanship.
If equipment fails because of such defects and Gefen is notified within two (2)
years from the date of shipment, Gefen will, at its option, repair or replace the
equipment, provided that the equipment has not been subjected to mechanical,
electrical, or other abuse or modifications. Equipment that fails under conditions
other than those covered will be repaired at the current price of parts and labor in
effect at the time of repair. Such repairs are warranted for ninety (90) days from
the day of reshipment to the Buyer.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, including
without limitation, any implied warranty or merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose, all of which are expressly disclaimed.
1. Proof of sale may be required in order to claim warranty.
2. Customers outside the US are responsible for shipping charges to and from
Gefen.
3. Copper cables are limited to a 30 day warranty and cables must be in their
original condition.
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to
be accurate. However, Gefen assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies
that may be contained in this manual. In no event will Gefen be liable for
direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from
any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such
damages. The technical information contained herein regarding the features and
specifications is subject to change without notice.
For the latest warranty coverage information, refer to the Warranty and Return
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please register your product online by visiting the Register Product page
under the Support section of the Gefen Web site.
15
Rev B2
20600 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth CA 91311
1-800-545-6900 818-772-9100 fax: 818-772-9120
Pb
This product uses UL listed power supplies.
|