Extron Electronics VN-Matrix 250 User Guide: Introduction
Introduction: Extron Electronics VN-Matrix 250 User Guide
Introduction
This section provides an overview of the user guide and describes the Extron
VN‑Matrix (VNM) 250 series. Topics that are covered include:
z About this Guide
z About the VNM 250
z VNM 250 System Controller
z Transport Protocols Used for Streaming
z Definitions
z Features
About this Guide
The VN‑Matrix 250 (VNM 250) series consists of the VNE 250 encoder and the VND 250
decoder. This guide contains installation, configuration, and operating information for both
the encoder and the decoder.
In this guide:
z The term "encoder" refers specifically to the VNE 250 encoder.
z The term "decoder" refers specifically to the VND 250 decoder.
z The term "stream" refers to multimedia that is constantly received by (and normally
presented to) an end‑user while being delivered by a VN‑Matrix encoding device.
About the VNM 250
The VNE 250 distributes video, audio, and data input across an IP network to one or
more VND 250 decoders. Transport across the network must be coordinated by a
control device. For a small system (ten devices or fewer connected to the network) the
controller can be another VNM 250 (either an encoder or a decoder). For larger systems,
aVNMEnterpriseController is required.
The VNE 250 encodes video, audio, and data inputs into PURE3 data streams for transport
across a local area or wide area network. Elsewhere on the network one or more VND 250
units decode the stream.
VNE 250 inputs can include:
z Analog (VGA) video
z Digital (HDMI) video
z Analog audio
z Digital audio that is contained in an HDMI signal.
z Serial (RS‑232) and UDP data
z USB connections for remote mouse and keyboard
The individual video, audio, and data streams are synchronized and treated as a single
logical stream.
VNM 250 • Introduction 1
The VNM 250 series also supports a reverse audio channel for collaborative applications
where 2‑way communication is required.
The VND 250 video output is available only in digital format. It can be configured to display
at the same resolution and refresh rate as the encoder input or it can be scaled to match the
requirements of the display attached to the decoder.
The decoder supports both digital audio, analog audio, or both. The audio output is
independent of the encoder audio source.
UDP network data originating from an external source is streamed along with the video and
audio content to the appropriate decoder, where it is extracted for onward processing.
RS‑232 pass‑through data transport is full duplex. It can originate at either the encoder or
decoder and may be sent to multiple destinations. It passes through the system unchanged
and may not be recorded.
Figure 1 shows a typical application for the VNM 250.
Extron
VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller
Encoded Inputs Location 1 Decoding
Extron
VNE 250 Matrix
Extron
Extron
VN-Matrix Encoder
IPL 250
TLP 1000TV
RGB
IP Link Control
10" Tabletop
HDMI/RGB
Ethernet
Processor
TouchLink
LAN 1
COM1
COM 2 IR
RELAY
Touchpanel
POWER
12V
USB
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
LOOP
THRU
AUDIO
RETURN AUDIO
TxRx
RTS CTS
TxRx
1
2
1
2
Ethernet
-A MAX
HDMI
RESET
RGB
TxRx
L
GTxRxNOG IN GOUT
R
LR
OUTPUT
POWER
12V
500mA
MAX
LAN
I/O
1234
INPUT
COM 3 IR
ACT/
LINK
COMS
TxRx
3
SGSG
RELAY
STREAMINGCONTROL
LAN 2
PC
LOOP THRU LOOP THRU
PASS THRUALARM TTLCONTROL
SGSG
4
3
4
Flat Panel Display
Extron
MODEL 80
PC
Ethernet
RGB
VND 250 Matrix
Ethernet
VN-Matrix Decoder
HDMI/RGB
LAN 1
-A MAX
POWER
12V
1
OUTPUT
RETURN AUDIO
AUDIO
R
L
2
USB
RESET
L
COMS INPUT
TxRx
GTxRxNOG IN GOUT
R
OUTPUT
Extron
I/O
Ethernet
STREAMINGCONTROL
LAN 2
ACT/
LINK
HDMI
PASS THRUALARM GENLOCKCONTROL
VNE 250 Matrix
HDMI
HDMI
VN-Matrix Encoder
FLAT PANEL
HDMI/RGB
LAN 1
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
LOOP
THRU
AUDIO
RETURN AUDIO
Flat Panel Display
-A MAX
POWER
12V
USB
HDMI
RESET
RGB
L
TxRx
R
LR
OUTPUT
STREAMINGCONTROL
LAN 2
ACT/
LINK
PC
LOOP THRU LOOP THRU
PASS THRUALARM TTLCONTROL
COMS
GTxRxNOG IN GOUT
I/O
Extron
MODEL 80
IP
Ethernet
Network
VND 250 Matrix
PC
HDMI
Virtual
VN-Matrix Decoder
Switching
HDMI/RGB
LAN 1
OUTPUT
RETURN AUDIO
AUDIO
-A MAX
POWER
12V
1
USB
RESET
TxRx
L
GTxRxNOG IN GOUT
R
L
R
OUTPUT
STREAMINGCONTROL
LAN 2
ACT/
LINK
2
PASS THRUALARM GENLOCKCONTROL
COMS INPUT
I/O
Extron
Ethernet
HDMI
HDMI
VNE 250 Matrix
FLAT PANEL
HDMI
VN-Matrix Encoder
HDMI/RGB
LAN 1
INPUT 2
LOOP
THRU
AUDIO
RETURN AUDIO
-A MAX
POWER
12V
USB
INPUT 1
HDMI
RGB
L
GTxRxNOG IN GOUT
R
LR
OUTPUT
STREAMINGCONTROL
LAN 2
ACT/
LINK
TxRx
PC
LOOP THRU LOOP THRU
RESET
PASS THRUALARM TTLCONTROL
COMS
I/O
Location 2 Decoding
PC
Ethernet
HDMI
Extron
TLP 1000TV
HD PTZ Camera
10" Tabletop
Extron
TouchLink
Touchpanel
VNE 250 Matrix
Ethernet
HDMI
VN-Matrix Encoder
Flat Panel Display
Extron
MODEL 80
HDMI/RGB
LAN 1
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
LOOP
THRU
AUDIO
RETURN AUDIO
-A MAX
POWER
12V
USB
HDMI
RESET
RGB
L
TxRx
GTxRxNOG IN GOUT
R
LR
OUTPUT
VND 250 Matrix
STREAMINGCONTROL
LAN 2
ACT/
LINK
PC
LOOP THRU LOOP THRU
PASS THRUALARM TTLCONTROL
COMS
I/O
VN-Matrix Decoder
Ethernet
HDMI/RGB
LAN 1
RETURN AUDIO
POWER
12V
1
OUTPUT
AUDIO
-A MAX
L
R
LR
OUTPUT
Ethernet
STREAMINGCONTROL
LAN 2
ACT/
LINK
2
USB
RESET
TxRx
HDMI
PASS THRUALARM GENLOCKCONTROL
COMS INPUT
GTxRxNOG IN GOUT
I/O
Ethernet
HDMI
FLAT PANEL
Extron
VNR 100
VN-Matrix Recorder
Figure 1. A Typical VNM 250 Application
VNM 250 • Introduction 2
VNM 250 System Controller
All Matrix systems require one device that acts as the system controller. For small systems
(ten devices or fewer), this can be either a VNE 250 or VND 250. For larger systems, a
VN‑Matrix Enterprise Controller must be used.
Systems Controlled by
Systems Controlled by
VNMEnterpriseController
VNM250Device
The VNM Enterprise Controller is able to
A VNM 250 device can control small systems
control all VN‑Matrix systems (large and small)
(10 devices or fewer). It is less effective as the
but is required for large systems (more than
system size increases.
10 devices).
The system is controlled through a powerful
The system is controlled through a more
web‑based user interface served from the
limited web‑based user interface served from
Enterprise Controller.
the VNM250 controller device.
Supports all VN‑Matrix devices, including
Supports VNM 250 encoders and decoders
recorders.
and PCs running the VNS 104 software
decoder. Does not support recorders.
NOTES:
• A small system that includes a VNM 250 device must be controlled by either a
VNMEnterprise Controller or a VNM 250 device.
• If an incompatible VN‑Matrix device is added to a small system controlled by a
VNM250 device, the controller is unable to detect or control that device.
Transport Protocols Used for Streaming
The source data from a VN‑Matrix encoder can be distributed to multiple displays/decoders
(one‑to‑many) or to a single display/decoder (point‑to‑point). A previously recorded stream
can be distributed in the same way and may be thought of as an encoder in this context.
A stream may be transported from the source (encoder, recorded stream) to the display
(decoder) using one of three methods:
z See Multicast Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) on page 4.
z See Unicast Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) on page 5.
z See Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) on page 5.
VNM 250 • Introduction 3
Multicast RTP — An Overview
Multicast RTP allows a source to be displayed on multiple displays. This method uses a
real‑time variation of UDP (User Datagram Protocol) called RTP (Real‑time Transport
Protocol).
SOURCE
DISPLAYS
RTP (m)
Encoder sends data using
RTP
to a multicast gr
oup.
Multiple decoders can be
part of the multicast gr
oup.
RTP (m)
CONTROL
ADJUST
Network
CONTROL
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STREAM
MENU
STATUS
STREAM
ALARM
NEXT
STATUS
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VNE 250
CONFIG
ALARM
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
RTP (m)
CONTROL
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STREAM
STATUS
ALARM
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
RTP (m)
CONTROL
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STREAM
STATUS
ALARM
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
RTP (m)
CONTROL
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STREAM
STATUS
ALARM
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
RTP (m)
Figure 2. Multicast RTP Streaming
The source encoder uses RTP to send data to a multicast group. The source does not need
to know the IP address of the decoders that are using the source.
RTP provides very low latency which is important for video streaming. Unlike other
protocols, RTP packets include a time stamp. If packets are received in the wrong
order, they are sorted into the correct order for display or discarded if the time stamp is
out‑of‑date.
However, because RTP is a connectionless protocol, data delivery is not guaranteed.
When data packets are lost (for example, due to excessive network traffic), the
VNM 250 devices carefully manage the data stream to minimize any image disruption.
VNM 250 • Introduction 4
Unicast RTP — An Overview
Similar to multicast RTP, this method uses a real‑time variation of UDP protocol, called
unicast RTP. This method can be used where the network infrastructure does not support
multicast traffic. Typically, this protocol is used for point‑to‑point configuration (single source
to single display), but can be configured to use up to a maximum of four displays.
NOTE: The encoder sends an individual stream to each decoder. This means that the
total bandwidth of the VN‑Matrix system increases as more decoders are added.
RTP (1-4)
Network
RTP 3
RTP 4
DISPLAYS
RTP 1
CONTROL
STREAM
MENU
ADJUST
CONTROL
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STATUS
ALARM
NEXT
STREAM
STATUS
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VNE 250
CONFIG
ALARM
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
Encoder sends data using RTP
to up to 4 specified decoders.
RTP 2
CONTROL
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STREAM
STATUS
ALARM
NEXT
VND 250
SOURCE
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
CONTROL
STREAM
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STATUS
ALARM
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
CONTROL
STREAM
MENU
ADJUST
CONFIG
STATUS
ALARM
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
Figure 3. Unicast RTP Streaming
RTP provides very low latency which is important for video streaming. Unlike other
protocols, RTP packets include a time stamp. If packets are received in the wrong
order, they are sorted into the correct order for display or discarded if the time stamp is
out‑of‑date.
However, because RTP is a connectionless protocol, data delivery is not guaranteed.
When data packets are lost (for example, due to excessive network traffic), the
VNM 250 devices carefully manage the data stream to minimize image disruption.
TCP — An Overview
This method transports data using standard TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and
should only be used for single point‑to‑point transfer of data.
TCP is a connection‑based protocol and, therefore, data is guaranteed to be delivered.
However, in the event of excessive network traffic, delivery may be delayed which
impacts real‑time performance. Therefore, TCP transport should be avoided for streaming
applications.
Network
SOURCE
DISPLAY
Decoder makes a
TCP connection with
a specified encoder.
Encode
TCP TCP
CONTROL
ADJUST
STREAM
MENU
CONTROL
ADJUST
CONFIG
STATUS
NEXT
CONFIG
STREAM
MENU
ALARM
STATUS
VNE 250
ALARM
NEXT
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VN-MATRIX RGB / HDMI OVER IP
VND 250
r
Figure 4. TCP Streaming
VNM 250 • Introduction 5
Definitions
PURE3 — is specifically designed for network transmission of real time media (such as
video or graphics, audio, data, and whiteboard elements). It features both spatial and
temporal image compression, which allows for efficient bandwidth usage.
z PURE3 streams always contain video or graphic elements.
z PURE3 streams may also contain audio and data content that is associated with the
video and graphic elements.
Media (stream) — refers to multimedia that is constantly received by (and normally
presented to) an end‑user while being delivered by a streaming provider. Internet television
is a commonly streamed medium. Streaming media (stream) in this guide refers to a PURE3
media stream that is produced by a VN‑Matrix encoding device.
Device license — refers to the number of licensed features that are available on a device
within a VN‑Matrix system. All devices contain a license that offers a default level of
functionality. Device licenses cannot be modified.
Controller license — refers to the license that is set on the device designated as the
system controller. The Controller license enables the use of VN‑Matrix software decoders.
Controller licenses may be modified to suit changing system requirements.
UDP data — refers to the transfer of serial data between an encoder and a decoder. Data
input is created at the encoder, placed into the PURE3 stream, and sent to the decoder. The
data is received in the same form that it was transmitted. This method of data transfer is
unidirectional and can only be sent from an encoder to a decoder.
High-Level Interface (HLI) — is the command protocol that is used to communicate
between the VNM Enterprise Controller and an external control system.
Display Monitor Timings (DMT) — a list of VESA standard pre‑defined timings which are
commonly used within the computer industry.
Coordinated Video Timings (CVT) — the newest VESA standard for generating display
timings (released on March 2003).
Generalized Timing Formula (GTF) — a method of generating industry standard timings
used by a wide variety of display products.
Features
Stream at native resolutions up to 1920x1200 and 2048x1080 — compatible with
signals used in high‑resolution display applications.
Low latency streaming — 35 ms encode and 35 ms decode — Supports natural
interaction, bi‑directional communication, or remote device control in real‑time operating
environments.
SFP port for use with optical Ethernet transceivers — provides the option to use an
optical Ethernet network interface to optically isolate a source or eliminate electro‑magnetic
emissions in secure applications.
Extensive bit rate management — uses compression and bit rate management controls
to tune image quality and bit rate to fit a variety of application and network requirements.
High immunity to network errors — AV streaming maintains reliable, high quality imagery,
concealing errors even during heavy packet loss.
Unicast or multicast streaming — supports scalability and compatibility with different
network operating conditions.
PURE3 Codec — low‑latency, visually lossless compression offering efficient bit rates, and
high immunity to network errors for streaming very high quality video with low delay over IP
networks.
VNM 250 • Introduction 6
Synchronization of multiple streams of audio, video, or both — audio and video
timing is maintained from a source across encoders preserving lip sync quality and
supporting multi‑source streaming applications.
Decoder genlock connection for synchronized decoding — supports synchronized
decoding of source streams across multiple VND 250 decoders.
EDID emulation — provides selectable resolutions and refresh rates, ensuring optimal
resolution and format between video sources, encoders or decoders, and displays.
Auto-Image setup — when activated, the unit automatically detects the resolution of
the incoming video signal and sets the total pixels, active pixels, and active lines, as well
as the horizontal and vertical starting points. This can save time and effort in setting up a
newly connected source, particularly in presentation environments where the input is not
connected to a fixed source, but instead goes to an open connection for a presenter’s
laptop.
Decode at native resolution or scale to match display resolution — configure
decoders to output the original source resolution or to scale incoming streams to match the
display resolution and maintain clean switches when new source streams are selected.
Aspect ratio control — the aspect ratio of the decoder output can be controlled by
selecting a FILL mode, which provides a full screen output, or a FOLLOW mode, which
preserves the original aspect ratio of the original source signal.
HDMI compliant — both the encoder and decoder support RGB and YCrCb source
formats.
HDCP compliant streaming — supports streaming of HDCP‑encrypted signals commonly
used in AV environments.
Key Minder continuously verifies HDCP compliance — authenticates and maintains
continuous HDCP encryption from sources to encoders and decoders to displays ensuring
reliable streaming of HDCP compliant displays.
HDCP Visual Confirmation provides a green signal when encrypted content is sent
to a non-compliant display — a full‑screen green signal is sent when HDCP‑encrypted
content is transmitted to a non‑HDCP compliant display, providing immediate visual
confirmation that protected content cannot be viewed on the display.
Audio —the VNM 250 incorporates:
z Bi‑directional audio streaming. Two‑way audio streaming supports bi‑directional audio
communication between encoders and decoders.
z HDMI embedded audio and analog stereo encoder inputs.
z HDMI audio embedding or de‑embedding by decoder. Audio signals can be embedded
onto the HDMI output signal or extracted to the analog stereo output.
z Audio breakaway streaming. Stream audio to decoders independently of associated
video sources. (This feature requires a VNM Enterprise Controller.)
Alarm relay — provides contact closure notice of warnings or alarms to control systems for
proactive system monitoring and fault resolution.
Front panel LCD interface, buttons, and rotary encoders — provide access and
control over device status and system data, simplifying system setup and operation.
Front panel LEDs — offers quick visual indication of device, system, or streaming status to
simplify commissioning activities and troubleshooting.
VLAN Tagging — simplifies management of encoders and decoders, making management
and operation on multi‑purpose networks simple.
Local Ethernet control port — offers the flexibility to connect a control device to the
VN‑Matrix 250 unit simplifying network cabling for the streaming system.
VNM 250 • Introduction 7
USB connectors for configuration — a USB mini‑B port on the front panel can be
connected to a local PC for low level configuration.
USB Keyboard and Mouse streaming — rear panel USB connections are provided to
allow for KVM type collaboration between an encoder and decoder pair. The encoder USB
ports allow connection to a local PC, while the decoder USB ports allow connection of a
mouse and keyboard to remotely control a PC connected to the encoder.
On-screen display — aids in identifying system connections and simplifies troubleshooting
and programming activities.
System management with VNM Enterprise Controller — simplifies management and
control of systems with many VN‑Matrix devices.
Compatible and interoperable with VN-Matrix 200 and 225 models — preserves the
value of prior investment in VN‑Matrix products.
Serial RS-232 data streaming — manage RS‑232 serially controlled devices across
VN‑Matrix 250 connections.
Smart power management for encoder, decoder, source, and display operation —
configure encoder, decoder, or display to manage operation and sleep mode for continuous
operation or energy management, lowering heat, and saving energy and operating costs.
VNM 250 • Introduction 8
Оглавление
- User Guide
- Introduction
- Installation Overview
- Front Panels
- Rear Panel and Connections
- System Configuration with the Enterprise Controller
- Low Level Device Configuration
- VNM 250 GUI Overview
- Configuration with the VNM 250 GUI
- Front Panel Menu Configuration
- Alarms
- Troubleshooting
- Reference Material
- SIS Commands
- Mounting
