Overview
The X-USBPRO modules include a video compensation system that allows you to get the best results from your remote video display(s). Using this special mode you can configure:
- Cable type - Select the type of link cable used.
- Cable length - Enter the length of the link cable.
- Video gain - Alter the signal gain for the image.
- Colour skew - Adjust the timing of each colour to fine-tune the image.
- Expert mode - Please contact Adder technical support for details.
To enter video compensation mode
- Ensure that the two X-USBPRO units are connected to the computer and powered on. A USB keyboard must be connected to the remote unit.
- Arrange your test images on the remote screen. Please refer to the section Test images while compensating.
- On the remote unit, click the miniature switch 1 to its ON position.
- The indicators on the keyboard linked to the remote unit will begin to flash in sequence. Also, the green indicator adjacent to the CATx link socket will flash. Note: During video compensation mode, the keyboard and any other connected USB devices will be temporarily isolated from the computer.
- You are now at the standby level within video compensation mode. From standby, you can choose which adjustments to make. Generally you should set the cable type and cable length options first. Then, if necessary, use the video gain and colour skew adjustments to fine tune the remote video image.
To exit video compensation mode (return to normal operation)
- Ensure that you are at standby level by exiting from any adjustment options.
- On the remote unit, return the miniature switch 1 to its OFF position.
All USB devices will be reconnected to the computer and normal operation will continue.
MS2 variants
By default, all video compensation changes that you make will affect both channels equally. If you wish to adjust the channels separately:
- Enter video compensation mode (see left). The green indicators on both link sockets of the remote module will flash.
- From standby, press H. The keyboard indicators will alternate between the Num Lock and Scroll Lock, and the Caps Lock. Press 1 or 2 to select the primary or secondary video display, respectively. The green indicator of the link socket corresponding to the chosen video channel will flash (lower=primary, upper=secondary), the other will remain on.
- Make the required compensation changes to the chosen video channel using the techniques described below.
- To return to using both channels, from standby, press H and then press 0. The green indicators of both link sockets will flash.
Video Adjustments
Once you have entered video compensation mode, you can choose which adjustments to make. Generally, you should set the cable type and cable length options first. Then, if necessary, use the video gain and colour skew adjustments to fine-tune the remote video image.
To set the cable type
- From standby, press C. The Num Lock and Caps Lock indicators will flash.
- Type the number that corresponds to the category of link cable used:
- Press 1 for Cat 5
- Press 2 for Cat 5e
- Press 3 for Cat 6
- Press 4 for Cat 7
- Press 5 for Cat 7a
- Press Enter to save the value and return to standby. Alternatively, press ESC to discard any change and return to standby.
To set the cable length
- From standby, press L . The Caps Lock and Scroll Lock indicators will flash.
- Use the keypad to enter the cable length in metres.
- Press Enter to save the value and return to standby.
Alternatively, press ESC to discard any change and return to standby.
Note: You can also increase or decrease the cable length setting from the standby level (and view the resulting change in screen image quality) using Arrow/Cursor Up key and Arrow Down respectively. If necessary, press HOME to return to a neutral setting. Such adjustments to the cable length setting are saved automatically.
To adjust video gain
- From standby, use Cursor/Arrow Left and Arrow Right to decrease or increase the gain level. If necessary, press HOME to return to a neutral setting. Gain adjustments are saved automatically.
Video Skew
What is skew and why is compensation needed?
The twisted pair cabling supported by the X-USBPRO modules consists of four pairs of wires per cable, three of which are used to convey red, green and blue video signals to the remote video display. Due to the slight difference in twist rate between these three pairs, the red, green and blue video signals may not arrive at precisely the correct times. This is visible as separate colour shadows on high contrast screen images. This effect is particularly apparent when using higher screen resolutions and some types of category 5e cables. The video compensation system within the remote module allows you to delay or advance the timing of any of the colour signals so that they all arrive at the display at the correct times. Take a close look at a locally connected display. From left to right, groups of pixels are usually arranged in the order: R / G / B and the signals must arrive in the correct order to obtain the optimum screen image. The Adder test pattern generator (see box below) in particular helps to highlight the pixel layout by showing very narrow horizontal and vertical lines.
Test images while compensating
For best results while adjusting video compensation, arrange a combination of elements on the remote display. We suggest the following:
- Roughly half of the screen to display standard operating system colour icons on a mid-green wallpaper.
- A quarter screen of the Adder test pattern generator.
- A quarter screen of standard black text on a white background.
Note: You need to set all of the above BEFORE entering video compensation mode because the USB keyboard will be isolated from the computer
To adjust colour skew
You will only need to use these adjustments if the video image is not sharp after adjusting the cable type and length. Before entering video compensation mode, display the suggested screen content (see Test images while compensating in the box right). Look for colour fringes adjacent to the displayed icons and text. Also check the Adder test pattern generator image to confirm whether the red, green and blue crosses are all vertically aligned.
- Download the test pattern. After you run the application, click the Skew option.
- From standby, press either R,G or B depending on which colour needs to be adjusted. The Num Lock, Caps Lock or Scroll Lock indicators will flash for the Red, Green and Blue channels respectively.
- Use Cursor/Arrow Left and Arrow Right to adjust the delay for the chosen colour while watching the results on the remote video display
Note: If the screen goes blank during adjustment, either press HOME the opposite arrow key to the one you last pressed or press to reset all delays. - Press Enter to save the setting and return to standby. Alternatively, press ESC to discard any change and return to standby