Ascentic MH10-ARC Intelligent Audio MediaHub User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Ascentic
Table of Contents
Ascentic MH10-ARC Intelligent Audio MediaHub
Introduction
The MH10-ARC Intelligent Audio MediaHub uses audio return channel to
demonstrate multiple different sound bars. This device also features 4K video
from its dedicated video output. The MH10-ARC has 10 HDMI audio ports and 20
interface control ports for presentations of all sizes.
Features
- Switches HDMI-ARC audio signals across 10 outputs
- Produces content with 4K video resolution
- Flexible audio outputs can be HDMI, analog, and optical digital
- Interface options include push-buttons and AirSelect proximity sensors, to control an interactive presentation
- Customizes intuitively with the power of BrightAuthor firmware by BrightSign
Communication
The MH10-ARC Intelligent Audio MediaHub has the default device ID 253. It can send and receive serial commands via RS-485 at 57600 Baud, 8-N-1, and half- duplex; and via RS-232 at 115200 Baud, 8-N-1, and full-duplex. Both configuration ports utilize a modular RJ45 jack with the following pinouts:
RS-485 Pinout:| | | RS-232 Pinout:| |
---|---|---|---|---|---
Pin| Function| Pin| Function| | Pin| Function|
Pin| Function
P1| Orange White (ground)| P5| Blue White (+12V power)| | P1| Orange White
(ground)| P5| not connected
P2| Orange (ground)| P6| Green (data B-)| | P2| Orange (ground)| P6| Green
White (RX/TX)
P3| Green White (data A+)| P7| Brown White (ground)| | P3| Green White
(TX/RX)| P7| Brown White (ground)
P4| Blue (+12V power)| P8| Brown (ground)| | P4| not connected| P8| Brown
(ground)
Command List:
Command List:| |
---|---|---
Commands| Format| Response
REBOOT| [DEV=253;REBOOT]|
RESET DEFAULTS| [DEV=253;RESET;DEFAULT]|
BUTTON LED ON| [DEV=253;LED=#;ON]|
BUTTON LED OFF| [DEV=253;LED=#;OFF]|
BUTTON LED BLINK| [DEV=253;LED=#;BLNK]|
BUTTON PRESS| | (DEV=253;BTN=#;PRESS)
BUTTON RELEASE| | (DEV=253;BTN=#;RELEASE)
CEC ENABLE| [DEV=253;HDMI=#;CEC=ON]|
CEC DISABLE ALL| [DEV=253;HDMI=;CEC=OFF]|
CEC PRESENT QUERY| [DEV=253;CEC;DEV=#;PRESENT?]|
(DEV=263;CEC;DEV=#;PRESENT=YES/NO)
CEC VOLUME QUERY| [DEV=253;CEC;DEV=#;VOLUME?]| (DEV=263;CEC;DEV=#;VOLUME=##)
CEC MUTE QUERY| [DEV=263;CEC;DEV=#;MUTE?]| (DEV=263;CEC;DEV=#;MUTE=YES/NO)
CEC SEND RAW| [DEV=253;CEC;SENDRAW=05:C3]| (DEV=253;CEC;RECVDRAW=05:C0)
ARC AUDIO ENABLE| [DEV=253;HDMI=#;ARC=ON]|
ARC AUDIO DISABLE ALL| [DEV=253;HDMI=;ARC=OFF]|
HDMI-ARC HPD ENABLE| [DEV=253;HDMI=#;HPD=ON]|
HDMI-ARC HPD DISABLE| [DEV=253;HDMI=#;HPD=OFF]|
APP VERSION| [DEV=253;APP;VERSION?]| (DEV=253;APP;VERSION=$)
BOOTLOADER VER| [DEV=253;BOOT;VERSION?]| (DEV=253;BOOT;VERSION=$)
CEC Communication
The MH10 series manages CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) communication
between the BrightSign host and any of the 10 HDMI outputs. The MediaHub
employs a separate micro-controller to manage CEC and correct discrepencies
between the protocol of different connected devices.
HDMI-ARC
HDMI Audio Return Channels (ARC), controlled by the MH10-ARC, support from 2.0
up to 5.1 channel PCM. The number of PCM channels is decided during
programming. Control your presentation via the media microSD card. Content
played via PCM can be played in conjunction with embedded audio on the video
output port.
Quick Start Instructions
- Create a new BrightAuthor experience for the HS123/124/144 (depending on the module installed in the MediaHub).
- In BrightAuthor’s presentation properties on the interactive tab, ensure “port 0” is configured to a baud rate 115200 8-N-1, ASCII, with “CR” for send and receive EOL.
- Create your presentation. Note that any built-in serial or GPIO port is treated as a serial device, following the applicable MediaHub serial protocol.
- Export your presentation to a microSD card and insert it into the mediaSD port.
- Connect any peripheral devices, followed by the power supply. Note that HDMI port 1 will set the EDID information for all other connected HDMI devices.
Example System
MH10-ARC with 10 Sound Bars and Indicator LEDs
This configuration uses HDMI audio return channel to demonstrate sound bars.
Ten audio outputs can play either HDMI-ARC, or optical digital and analog
audio, depending on the requirements of the device. It leverages the MH10-ARC
module’s dedicated 4K display output to invite and attract customers. The
Ethernet port interfaces with the network to receive commands and output
analytics; with the added capability to control and monitor the system
remotely.
Power Specification
- Power Bus Port: 2x barrel jack connectors (5.5 x 2.1mm)
- Voltage: +12V DC
- No-Load Current:
- PCAs Only: TBD MH10-ARC: TBD
- Maximum Load Current: MH10-ARC: TBD
- Maximum Current Output:
- RS-485 Bus: 1.5A @ +12.0V DC
- USB A: 500mA @ +5.0V DC
Mechanical Details
-
Case Type: Custom metal enclosure – full surround
-
Case Dimensions: W x L x H
13.7” x 6.2” x 1.5”
348mm x 158mm x 38mm -
Mounting Locations: Metal flanges
-
Centerline Holes: 2x 0.165” (4.5mm) diameter
-
Slots: 4x 0.165” x 0.28” (4.5mm x 7mm)
1.0” (25.4mm) above/below center line holes
Related Documentation:
Below is a list of additional references; click the links below for easy
access:
- HS123: BrightSign Built-in SoC Series 3
- HS124/HS144: BrightSign Built-In SoC Series 4
- Supported Video Formats and Codecs
- Supported Audio Formats and Codecs
- Additional References
Troubleshooting
No Ethernet connectivity, check the following:
- Connections are fully seated
- The correct position is selected via software
- Audio is playing from source device
No RS-232 communication, check the following:
- Connections are fully seated
- Devices are using the correct protocol settings
- The null/straight selector is set correctly
No audio, check the following:
- Connections are fully seated
- The correct position is selected via software
- Audio is playing from source device
- Switched audio type is connected
No HDMI-ARC audio, check the following:
- The HDMI HPD is enabled for the position (toggle if necessary)
- CEC is routed, and applicable ARC initiation commands are sent
- ARC audio is routed to the position
- BrightSign experience is sending compatible audio via the SPDIF interface
- HDMI-ARC device is turned on and connected to the appropriate port
2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, KY 40511-1071 USA
800-322-8346 •
859-233-4599 • Fax:
859-233-4510
[email protected]
www.audioauthority.com