Datapath X4, User Manual, Page: 13 / 28

13 18/10/2010
Configuring the x4
Factory Default Settings
The x4 stores a number of parameters to configure its operation. This allows it to operate
stand alone 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.
By default the x4 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, which can be run
on any Windows® platform and connected to the x4 via the supplied USB cable. A
description of the use of the application is provided in the
x4 Control Application section .
The sections below describe the settings that are possible and why they may be needed. For
details on how to program the x4 hardware with your desired configurations, please see the
x4 Control Application section.
Configuring DVI Input resolution
Because the timings and resolution of the DVI input are set by the DVI source machine, the
x4 can only configure this 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 x4 EDID, but they may need to be forced to re-detect
if the EDID contents are changed by the x4 application. This would typically be via a hot-plug
event caused by disconnecting and reconnecting the DVI input cable.
The configuration application will allow readback of the resolution that is currently being
detected, as well as the ability to read and write the internal EDID rom.
Monitor Outputs
The x4 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.
Please note that when different monitors are attached to the four outputs, each may advertise
a different Preferred Mode, therefore each output will be driven at a different mode.
Whenever the monitor EDID is used, the x4 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.
If an EDID cannot be read (for example if the monitor cable does not support the DDC signals
required), there is a default mode that can be programmed into the x4’s memory. This is
factory configured to 1080p.
In some cases it may be that the user requires a very specific output timing (for example
when genlocking to the input) irrespective of the monitor EDIDs. In this case the x4 can be
configured to always output the mode that has been programmed as the default mode.