XI-MACHINES FM4 MAX, Operating Manual

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www.flexible-mediaserver.com | FM4 MAX / Operating Manual / Q2.23
11
Cable Route & Display Adapters
After setting up your individual display scenario, should you experience image artifacts, unstable display signals,
or even signal loss, these problems are rarely caused by the mediaserver hardware itself. As matter of fact, our
project experience shows that most of the time, these are caused by using the wrong cables, too long cable runs
and/or unsuitable adapters. These issues can usually be resolved by following the recommendations below:
Using HDMI:
• Normal HDMI cables (Type 2.0 and above) can be used reliably up to a total length of 15 meters (50 feet). After
that, signal degradation may occur. Keep in mind that any cable that has the HDMI logo printed on it must be
certified by the HDMI organization and can theoretically be used without problems. However, since there are
many cheap imitations on the market, make sure to only use well-known brands.
• In order to be able to continue using HDMI with a cable length of more than 15 meters, the use of signal
amplifiers is recommended.
• As an alternative to using normal copper-wired HDMI cables, HDMI to CAT converters can be used instead.
When using CAT cables, lengths of up to 50 meters (164 feet) can be achieved without signal degradation.
• A method of extending HDMI signals over even longer distances is by using fiber optic cables. These have a
practically infinite usable cable length, but can easily be damaged if handled carelessly.
Using DisplayPort:
• DisplayPort is a standard with lower operating voltages compared to HDMI and therefore can only be used
for up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) of effective cable length before signal degradation or even signal loss may occur.
Keep in mind that any cable that has the DP logo printed on it must be certified by the VESA organization and
can theoretically be used without problems. However, since there are many cheap imitations on the market,
make sure to only use well-known brands.
• In order to be able to continue using DisplayPort with a cable length of more than 5 meters (16.4 feet), the use
of signal amplifiers is recommended.
• As an alternative to using normal copper-wired DisplayPort cables, DisplayPort to CAT converters can be
used instead. When using CAT cables, lengths of up to 50 meters (164 feet) can be achieved without signal
degradation.
• A method of extending DisplayPort signals over even longer distances is by using fiber optic cables. These
have a practically infinite usable cable length, but can easily be damaged if handled carelessly.
Using Adapters:
• When using any sort of adapters, no matter the display standard they convert from or to, make sure to only
use certified adapters from well-known brands.
• Make sure that the adapters used are certified for use with Nvidia graphics cards, as this can otherwise cause
serious signal issues such as image artifacts, instable display signals, or even loss of signal.
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Be sure to always use so-called “active adapters”, as they have active electronic components inside them that
actually convert one display standard to another and not just rewire the connectors.