ALFATRON ALF-WUK4A Full 4K Switcher User Manual

ALFATRON ALF-WUK4A Full 4K Switcher

Preface

Read this user manual carefully before using the product. Pictures are shown in this manual for reference only. Different models and specifications are subject to real product.
This manual is only for operation instruction, please contact the local distributor for maintenance assistance. In the constant effort to improve the product, we reserve the right to make function or parameter changes without notice or obligation.

FCC Statement

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial installation.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at their own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacture would void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Do not dispose of this product with the normal household waste at the end of its life cycle. Return it to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic devices. This is indicated by the symbol on the product, user manual or packaging. The materials are reusable according to their markings. By reusing, recycling or other forms of utilisation of old devices you make an important contribution to the protection of our environment. Please contact your local authorities for details about collection points.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

To ensure the best performance from the product, please read all instructions carefully before using the device. Save this manual for further reference.

• Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packing material for possible future shipment.
• Follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock and injury to persons.
• Do not dismantle the housing or modify the module. It may result in electrical shock or burn.
• Using supplies or parts not meeting the products’ specifications may cause damage, deterioration or malfunction.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or install this product near water.
• Do not put any heavy items on the extension cable.
• Do not remove the housing of the device as opening or removing housing may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
• Install the device in a place with adequate ventilation to avoid damage caused by overheating.
• Keep the module away from liquids.
• Spillage into the housing may result in fire, electrical shock, or equipment damage. If an object or liquid falls or spills on to the housing, unplug the module immediately.
• Do not twist or pull the ends of the optical cable. It can cause malfunction.
• Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to the device before cleaning.
• Unplug the power cord when left unused for a long period of time.
• Information on disposal for scrapped devices: do not burn or mix with general household waste, please treat this as normal electrical wastes.

Product Introduction

The ALF-WUK4A is an ultrathin auto switcher with four HDMI video inputs and one HDMI output. This switcher supports HDMI video resolution up to 4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4 HDR and multichannel audio. Apart from passing EDID information from the display, there are multiple built-in EDID settings to simplify an installation. The switcher will de-embed digital stereo audio to provide an analog audio source for an existing audio system. The switcher also supports audio return channel (ARC) for transmitting audio back to HDMI input port from the connected display.
In auto-switch mode, it switches to an HDMI input as soon as a new source is connected. When the active input is removed, the switcher will select the first source on the lowest numbered input. The switcher may also be controlled via RS232, IR with the included remote, or from the source button on the front of the switcher.

Features

• Switches any one of four HDMI inputs to one HDMI output.
• Supports video resolution up to 4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4 HDR.
• 18Gbps high bandwidth.
• Fully compliant with the HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 specifications.
• Supports audio return channel (ARC).
• Advanced EDID management: multiple preset and user defined allowed.
• Controllable via RS232 and IR.
• Supports CEC.
• Provides seven LEDs to indicate the current operating status and to assist troubleshooting an installation.
• Firmware upgrade by Micro-USB port.

Package List

• 1x HDMI 2.0 4×1 Switcher
• 2x Mounting Ears
• 4x Mounting Screws
• 4x Plastic Cushions
• 1x RS232 Cable (3.5mm to DB9)
• 1x IR Remote
• 1x IR Receiver
• 1x Power Adapter (5V DC 1A)
• 1x User Manual

Note : Please contact your distributor immediately should any damage or defect in the components is found.

Technical Specification

Note: Please utilize a high-quality HDMI cable fully compliant with HDMI 2.0 for reliable transmission and connection.

Panel Description

Front Panel

1. Auto/Source Button:
   • Press to switch to next input source.
   • Press and hold at least three seconds to switch between manual mode and auto mode.
2. Power LED: The LED illuminates red when power is applied.
3. Audio Mode LED:
   • Illuminates green when de-embedding audio.
   • Illuminates yellow when in ARC mode.
4. Switching Mode LED:
   • Illuminates green in manual switching mode.
   • Illuminates yellow in auto-switching mode.
5. Input 1~4 LED: The LED illuminates green when there is HDMI input on the corresponding channel.

Rear Panel

1. IN 1~4: Four type-A female HDMI input ports to connect HDMI sources. The fourth input port supports ARC.
2. OUT: Type-A female HDMI output port to connect to an HDMI display.
3. AUDIO: 3.5mm mini jack for analog audio output.
4. RS232: 3.5mm mini jack to connect control device (e.g. PC).
5. IR IN: 3.5mm mini jack to connect the included IR remote.
6. EDID: 4-pin DIP switch for EDID setting.
7. DC 5V: DC port to connect a 5V DC AC power adapter.

Note: Output HDCP compliant status depends on input signal. When the input signal is with HDCP, then output signal is with HDCP and vice versa.

System Connection

Usage Precaution

• Make sure all components and accessories are included before installation.
• System should be installed in a clean environment with adequate temperature and humidity.
• All of the power switches, plugs, sockets, and power cords should be insulated and safe.
• All devices should be connected before powering on.

System Diagram
The following diagram illustrates typical input and output connections that can be utilized with this switcher:

Source Button Control

Manual Switching
When the switcher is in manual switching mode, the Switching Mode LED will be green. Press Auto/Source button to switch to the next input.

Automatic Switching
To enable automatic switching, press and hold the Auto/Source button for three seconds. The Switching Mode LED will turn to yellow.
When in auto-switch mode, the switcher follows the rules in the certain circumstances:

• New Input: Upon detecting a new input, the switcher will automatically select the new source.

• Reboot: Once power is restored to the switcher, if the last selected source is still
  available, the switcher will still output this signal, if not , the switcher will switch to the first available active input starting at HDMI Input 1.

• Source Removed: When an active source is removed, the switcher will switch to the first available active input starting at HDMI Input 1.

IR Remote Control

Please connect an IR receiver to the IR input port; the IR remote is used for signal switching, and it can also be used to control source and display devices based on CEC function.

Note:

• Due to HDMI input 4 port not supporting CEC, the source device connected to this port cannot be controlled via the IR remote.
• The source and display devices are required to support CEC when the IR remote is used to control them.

RS232 Control

Connect the switcher to a control device (e.g., PC) with the RS232 cable to set the parameters in this manner, the control device can control this switcher via RS232 commands.
RS232 Control Software
Installation: Copy the control software file to the computer connected with this switcher.
Uninstallation: Delete all the control software files in corresponding file path.
Basic Settings
First of all, please connect all input devices and output devices, then connect to computer which has the RS232 control software installed.
Below we use the software CommWatch.exe as example.
Double-click the following icon:

The interface of the control software is shown as below:

Please set the parameters of COM number, baud rate, data bit, stop bit and the parity bit correctly, then the RS232 commands can be sent in Command Sending Area.
Baud rate: 9600;
Data bit : 8;
Stop bit: 1;
Parity bit: none.

RS232 Commands
Note: All commands must be ended with “”.

Signal Switching

Source Device Control

Note:

• The input source device is required to support CEC.
• Due to HDMI input 4 port not supporting CEC, the source device connected to this port cannot be controlled by IR remote.

Turn on the input source device,

e.g. Blue-ray DVD.

| >>SRCOn| <<SRCOn
Turn off the input source device,

e.g. Blue-ray DVD.

| >>SRCOff| <<SRCOff
Play| >>SRCPlay| <<SRCPlay
Pause| >>SRCPause| <<SRCPause
Stop| >>SRCStop| <<SRCStop
Fast Forward x1| >>SRCForward| >>SRCForward
Fast Rewind x1| >>SRCBackward| <<SRCBackward
Next Section| >>SRCSkipForward| >>SRCSkipForward
Previous Section| >>SRCSkipBackward| <<SRCSkipBackward
---|---|---
Open the menu setting| >>SRCMenu| >>SRCMenu
Go back| >>SRCBack| >>SRCBack
Confirm (OK)| >>SRCOk| >>SRCOk
Exit| >>SRCExit| >>SRCExit
Up direction| >>SRCUp| >>SRCUp
Down direction| >>SRCDown| >>SRCDown
Left direction| >>SRCLeft| >>SRCLeft
Right direction| >>SRCRight| <<SRCRight

Display Device Control
Note: The display device is required to support CEC.

Audio Selection

System Control

Get system information.

| ****

SYSInfo

| <<AUDExternal

<< ALF-WUK4A

<< V1.0.0

<< __

<<HDMI1

<<Auto Switch

<<AUDExternal

<<EDID0

EDID Management

Predefined EDID Setting
The rear panel boasts a 4-pin DIP switch to set the predefined EDID. The ten types of embedded EDID and their corresponding switch status are shown in the below list.

When the switch is in the lower position, the switch represents “ON”, when in the up position, it represents “OFF”.

| ID| Switch Status| Video| Audio
---|---|---|---|---
0| 0000| Pass though| Pass though
1| 0001| 1920x1080p@60Hz 4:4:4

RGB 8bit

| Stereo
2| 0010| 1920x1080p@60Hz 4:4:4

RGB 8bit

| High Definition
3| 0011| 1920x1080p@60Hz 4:4:4

RGB 12bit

| Stereo
4| 0100| 1920x1080p@60Hz 4:4:4

RGB 12bit

| High Definition
5| 0101| 3840x2160p@60Hz 4:2:0

RGB 8bit

| Stereo
6| 0110| 3840x2160p@60Hz 4:2:0

RGB 8bit

| High Definition
7| 0111| 3840x2160p@60Hz 4:4:4 RGB 10bit HDR| Stereo
8| 1000| 3840x2160p@60Hz 4:4:4 RGB 10bit HDR| High Definition
9| 1001| 1280×800@60Hz| Stereo
10| 1010| 1920×1200@60Hz| Stereo

User-Defined EDID Setting
Apart from directly invoking the embedded EDID, the specific EDID can be customized. There are five EDID that can be customized following the below operations.

1. Rename the user-defined EDID according to the following format.
   EC_xx_xxxx_xxx.bin

   • EC: Represents EDID.
   • xx: Represents EDID ID. It is 11~15.
   • xxxx: Represents the video parameter.
   • xxx: Represents the audio format. Example: EC_11_720P_LPCM.bin

2. Power on the switcher, then connect the switcher to the PC with USB cable. The PC will automatically detect a U-disk named “BOOTDISK”.

3. Double-click the U-disk, a file named “READY.TXT” will be shown.

4. Copy the user defined EDID (such as EC_11_720P_LPCM.bin) to the “BOOTDISK” U-disk.

5. Reopen the U-disk to check the filename “READY.TXT” which automatically becomes “SUCCESS.TXT”, if yes, the user defined EDID was imported into the switcher and saved as its corresponding EDID ID successfully.

6. Repeat the above third to fifth step to copy other user defined EDIDs to the “BOOTDISK” U-disk.

7. Remove the USB cable, connect the adaptor to power on the switcher.

8. The new EDID also can be invoked via the 4-pin DIP switch directly. The EDID ID and its corresponding switch status are shown in the below list.

ARC Mode

Audio Return Channel (ARC) allows audio from a display to pass “upstream” through an HDMI cable to an audio processing device, such as an AV amplifier. When ARC mode is active on the switcher, the ARC stream will pass to the active HDMI source device if it can process the signal.
Only the fourth HDMI input port features ARC, when the display and AV amplifier support ARC, the audio connection diagram is shown below:

Firmware Upgrade

Please follow the below steps to upgrade firmware via the Micro-USB port on the rear panel:

1. Prepare the latest upgrade file (.bin) and rename it as “USERAPP.bin”
2. Connect the switcher to the PC with USB cable, and then power on the switcher. The PC will automatically detect a U-disk named of “BOOTDISK”.
3. Double-click the U-disk, a file named of “READY.TXT” will be shown.
4. Directly copy the latest upgrade file (.bin) to the “BOOTDISK” U-disk.
5. Reopen the U-disk to check the filename “READY.TXT” which automatically becomes “SUCCESS.TXT”, if so, then the firmware was updated successfully, otherwise, the firmware update has failed. The name of the upgrade file (.bin) should be confirmed again, and then follow the above steps to update again.
6. Remove the USB cable after firmware upgrade.

Panel Drawing

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Color loss or no video signal output in HDMI

display.

| ****

The connecting cables may not be connected correctly or may be damaged.

| ****

Check whether the cables are connected correctly and in working condition.

No HDMI signal while

local HDMI input is in normal working state.

Splash screen on output devices.

| ****

Poor quality connecting cable.

| ****

Change for another cable of good quality.

Cannot control this switcher by control device (e.g. a PC) through RS232 port.

| Wrong RS232 communication parameters.| Make sure the RS232 communication

parameters are correct.

This switcher is broken.

| Send it to an authorized dealer for repairing.
Static becomes stronger

when connecting the video connectors.

| ****

Bad grounding.

| Check the grounding and

ensure it is well connected.

Note: If your problem still persists after following the above troubleshooting steps, please contact your local dealer or distributor for further assistance.

After-Sales Service
Should you experience problems using the ALF-WUK4A, please note that any transport costs of the equipment to the distributor are borne by the user during the warranty.

1. Product Limited Warranty: Alfatron warrants that its products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for seven years, which starts from the first day of purchase. Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty service.
2. What the warranty does not cover (servicing available for a fee):
   • Warranty expiration.
   • The factory-applied serial number has been altered or removed from the product.
   • Damage, deterioration, or malfunction caused by:
   • Normal wear and tear.
   • Use of supplies or parts not meeting product specifications.
   • No certificate or invoice as proof of warranty.
   • The product model shown on the warranty card does not match with the product or if the product had been altered.
   • Damage caused by force majeure.
   • Servicing is not authorized by Alfatron.
   • Any other causes which do not relate to a product defect.
   • Delivery, installation or labor charges for installation or setup of the product.
3. Technical Support: Contact our after-sales department at www.alfatronelectronics.com

Warranty

• Limited warranty in respect of Alfatron Products Only

• This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in this product.

• Should warranty service be required, proof of purchase must be presented to the Company. The serial number on the product must be clearly visible and not have been tampered with in any way whatsoever.

• This limited warranty does not cover any damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from any alteration, modification, improper or unreasonable use or maintenance, misuse, abuse, accident, neglect, exposure to excess moisture, fire, improper packing and shipping (such claims must be presented to the carrier), lightning, power surges, or other acts of nature. This limited warranty does not cover any damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from the installation or removal of this product from any installation, any unauthorized tampering with this product, any repairs attempted by anyone unauthorized by the Company to make such repairs, or any other cause which does not relate directly to a defect in materials and/or workmanship of this product. This limited warranty does not cover equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in conjunction with this product.
  This limited warranty does not cover the cost of normal maintenance. Failure of the product due to insufficient or improper maintenance is not covered.

• The Company does not warrant that the product covered hereby, including, without limitation, the technology and/or integrated circuit(s) included in the product, will not become obsolete or that such items are or will remain compatible with any other product or technology with which the product may be used.

• Only the original purchaser of this product is covered under this limited warranty. This limited warranty is not transferable to subsequent purchasers or owners of this product.

• Unless otherwise specified, the goods are warranted in accordance with the manufacturer’s product specific warranties against any defect attributable to faulty workmanship or materials, fair wear and tear being excluded.

• This limited warranty only covers the cost of faulty goods and does not include the cost of labour and travel to return the goods to the Company’s premises.

• In the event of any improper maintenance, repair or service being carried out by any third persons during the warranty period without the Company’s written authorization, the limited warranty shall be void.

• A 7 (seven) year limited warranty is given on the aforesaid product where used correctly according to the Company’s instructions, and only with the use of the Company’s components.

• The Company will, at its sole option, provide one of the following three remedies to whatever extent it shall deem necessary to satisfy a proper claim under this limited warranty:

• Elect to repair or facilitate the repair of any defective parts within a reasonable period of time, free of any charge for the necessary parts and labour to complete the repair and restore this product to its proper operating condition.; or

• Replace this product with a direct replacement or with a similar product deemed by the Company to perform substantially the same function as the original product; or

• Issue a refund of the original purchase price less depreciation to be determined based on the age of the product at the time remedy is sought under this limited warranty.

• The Company is not obligated to provide the Customer with a substitute unit during the limited warranty period or at any time thereafter.

• If this product is returned to the Company this product must be insured during shipment, with the insurance and shipping charges prepaid by the Customer. If this product is returned uninsured, the Customer assumes all risks of loss or damage during shipment. The Company will not be responsible for any costs related to the removal or reinstallation of this product from or into any installation. The Company will not be responsible for any costs related to any setting up this product, any adjustment of user controls or any programming required for a specific installation of this product.

• Please be aware that the Company’s products and components have not been tested with competitor’s products and therefore the Company cannot warrant products and/or components used in conjunction with competitor’s products.

• The appropriateness of the goods for the purpose intended is only warranted to the extent that the goods are used in accordance with the Company’s installation, classification and usage instructions.

• Any claim by the Customer which is based on any defect in the quality or condition of the goods or their failure to correspond with specification shall be notified in writing to the Company within 7 days of delivery or (where the defect or failure was not apparent on reasonable inspection by the Customer) within a reasonable time after discovery of the defect or failure, but, in any event, within 6 months of delivery.

• If delivery is not refused, and the Customer does not notify the Company accordingly, the Customer may not reject the goods and the Company shall have no liability and the Customer shall pay the price as if the goods had been delivered in accordance with the Agreement.

• THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID FOR THE PRODUCT.

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