FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch. This device allows you to connect up to four HDMI source devices to two HDMI display devices, with independent switching for each output. It supports Ultra HD 4K 60Hz HDR video, advanced audio extraction, and various other features designed to enhance your home theater experience.

Key Features:

• Switches 4 HDMI sources to 2 HDMI displays independently.
• Supports HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, and resolutions up to 4096x2160p 60Hz with HDR (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG).
• Integrated audio extractor with SPDIF Toslink (Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 or 2.0) and analog 3.5mm stereo output.
• Supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) via SPDIF output.
• Switchable scaler for downscaling 4K to 1080p, enabling mixed display setups.
• EDID management with COPY, STD, and AUTO modes.
• HDMI CEC support on Input 1.
• Control via front panel buttons or infrared remote control.

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items are present and in good condition:

• FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch
• Power Adapter
• Infrared Remote Control
• CR2032 Battery (for remote control)
• Mounting Brackets (2x)

3. Product Overview

3.1 Front Panel

Image 1: Front view of the FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch. It features power indicator, IR receiver, input selection buttons for Output A (1-4, AUTO), input selection buttons for Output B (1-4, AUTO), audio output selection (A/B), 4K->1080p scaler button, and ARC button.

The front panel provides controls and indicators for easy operation:

• Power Button/Indicator: Turns the device on/off and shows power status.
• IR Receiver: Receives signals from the remote control.
• Input Select (OUT A): Buttons 1-4 and AUTO to select the HDMI input for Output A.
• Input Select (OUT B): Buttons 1-4 and AUTO to select the HDMI input for Output B.
• Audio Select (A/B): Selects whether the extracted audio comes from Output A or Output B.
• 4K->1080p Scaler: Toggles the downscaling function for the selected output.
• ARC Button: Activates or deactivates the Audio Return Channel function.

3.2 Rear Panel

The rear panel houses all connection ports:

• HDMI IN 1-4: Connect your HDMI source devices (e.g., Blu-ray player, game console, streaming box). HDMI IN 1 supports CEC.
• HDMI OUT A & B: Connect your HDMI display devices (e.g., TV, projector, monitor).
• SPDIF (Optical) Output: Connect to an audio receiver or soundbar for digital audio extraction.
• 3.5mm Analog Audio Output: Connect to an analog audio system for stereo audio extraction.
• EDID Switch: Selects the EDID mode (COPY, STD, AUTO).
• DC 5V Power Input: Connect the included power adapter.

3.3 Remote Control

Image 2: The FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch shown alongside its infrared remote control. The remote allows for convenient selection of inputs, outputs, audio settings, and scaler functions.

The remote control provides full functionality for the matrix switch, mirroring the front panel controls and offering additional options. Ensure the CR2032 battery is correctly installed.

4. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch:

1. Power Off Devices: Ensure all HDMI source devices, display devices, and audio systems are powered off before making any connections.
2. Connect HDMI Sources: Connect your HDMI source devices (e.g., Blu-ray player, game console, streaming box) to the HDMI IN 1-4 ports on the rear panel of the matrix switch using high-quality HDMI cables. For CEC functionality, connect the desired source to HDMI IN 1.
3. Connect HDMI Displays: Connect your HDMI display devices (e.g., TV, projector) to the HDMI OUT A and HDMI OUT B ports on the rear panel using high-quality HDMI cables.
4. Connect Audio System (Optional):
   • For digital audio, connect your audio receiver or soundbar to the SPDIF (Optical) output.
   • For analog stereo audio, connect your audio system to the 3.5mm analog audio output.
5. Set EDID Mode: Before powering on, set the EDID switch on the rear panel.
   • COPY: Connect your best display (e.g., 4K HDR TV) to HDMI OUT A. Set the EDID switch to COPY. This mode copies the EDID from Output A to ensure optimal signal negotiation for all sources. Power on the display, then the matrix switch, then the HDMI source.
   • STD: Standard mode, supports 4K 60Hz HDR Dolby Digital 5.1.
   • AUTO: Automatic negotiation for compatibility across various connected devices. This is a compromise for mixed device environments.
6. Connect Power: Connect the included power adapter to the DC 5V input on the rear panel, then plug the adapter into a power outlet. The power indicator on the front panel will illuminate.
7. Power On Devices: Power on your display devices, then your HDMI source devices.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Switching Inputs and Outputs

You can switch HDMI sources for each output independently using either the front panel buttons or the remote control.

• Front Panel: Press the corresponding "1", "2", "3", "4", or "AUTO" button under "OUT A" or "OUT B" to select the desired input for that output.
• Remote Control: Use the "Output A" or "Output B" sections on the remote. Press "1", "2", "3", "4" to select a specific input, or "AUTO" for automatic input detection.

5.2 Scaler Function (4K to 1080p)

The scaler function allows you to display 4K content on a Full HD (1080p) display while simultaneously sending 4K to another 4K display. This is useful in mixed display environments.

• Activation: Press the "4K->1080p" button on the front panel or the remote control. The scaler will apply to the output currently selected for downscaling.
• Note: The scaler converts the resolution from 2160p to 1080p. Other image and sound information remains unchanged.

5.3 Audio Extraction

The matrix switch can extract audio from the HDMI signal and output it via SPDIF (optical) or 3.5mm analog stereo.

• Audio Source Selection: Use the "AUDIO A/B" button on the front panel or the remote to select whether the extracted audio originates from HDMI OUT A or HDMI OUT B.
• SPDIF Output: Provides digital stereo or 5.1 surround sound (Dolby Digital, DTS). Note that HD audio formats like DD+, Dolby TrueHD (Dolby Atmos), or DTS-HD are generally only transmitted via HDMI, not SPDIF.
• 3.5mm Analog Output: Provides analog stereo sound. For this output to function, the source must provide a stereo signal. Digital surround sound cannot be output here.

5.4 Audio Return Channel (ARC)

ARC allows the audio from your TV's internal tuner or smart TV apps to be sent back to your audio system via the SPDIF output of the matrix switch.

• Activation: Press the "ARC" button on the front panel or the remote control.
• Note: When ARC is active, the analog audio output (3.5mm) will be muted. You can select whether the ARC audio comes from Display A or Display B. Ensure ARC is enabled on your TV.

5.5 HDMI CEC

The matrix switch supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) on HDMI IN 1. This allows you to control certain functions of your source device (e.g., Fire TV Stick 4K, Apple TV 4K) using your TV remote.

• Connection: Connect the CEC-enabled source device to HDMI IN 1.
• Interference: If you have two TVs connected and experience CEC interference, disable CEC on one of the TVs. CEC is typically designed for a single TV setup.

6. Important Considerations

• HDMI Cable Lengths: For 4K resolutions, recommended HDMI cable lengths are:
  • Inputs: Less than 5 meters (16.4 ft)
  • Outputs: Less than 3 meters (9.8 ft)
  Longer lengths may be possible with special fiber optic HDMI cables. Conventional HDMI cables longer than 5m may cause data loss with Ultra HD signals.
• Audio Volume Control: The digital audio output via SPDIF does not carry volume information. Adjust the volume directly on your audio system, not on the TV or source player.
• Soundbar Connections:
  • A soundbar with both HDMI input and output can be connected between the matrix switch and the TV.
  • A soundbar with only one HDMI port cannot receive audio via HDMI from the switch; use the SPDIF output instead.
• Gaming: This is an HDMI 2.0 switch designed for home cinema applications. HDMI 2.1 gaming features such as Freesync, G-Sync, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) are not supported. Maximum supported resolutions for gaming are 2160p 60Hz or 1440p 120Hz.
• 3D Playback: For 3D content, ensure your 3D-capable display is connected to HDMI OUT A and the EDID switch is set to "COPY". This ensures the 3D-ready EDID data is passed to the source device.

7. Specifications

8. Troubleshooting

• No Picture/Signal:
  • Ensure all HDMI cables are securely connected and within recommended length limits.
  • Verify the correct input is selected on the matrix switch for the active source and the correct input is selected on your display.
  • Check the EDID setting. Try "COPY" mode with your best display connected to OUT A, or "AUTO" mode.
  • Test with different HDMI cables or sources to isolate the issue.
  • Power cycle all devices (matrix switch, sources, displays) by unplugging them for a few seconds and plugging them back in.
• No Audio:
  • Ensure your audio system is correctly connected to the SPDIF or 3.5mm output.
  • Verify the "AUDIO A/B" setting on the matrix switch matches the output currently displaying video.
  • Check that your audio system is set to the correct input (e.g., Optical In).
  • If using ARC, ensure it is enabled on both the matrix switch and your TV. Remember that analog audio is muted when ARC is active.
  • Confirm the source device is outputting an audio format compatible with the selected audio output (e.g., stereo for 3.5mm, Dolby Digital/DTS for SPDIF).
  • Adjust volume directly on your audio system.
• CEC Issues:
  • Ensure the CEC-enabled source is connected to HDMI IN 1.
  • If using two displays, disable CEC on one of them to prevent conflicts.
  • Check CEC settings on your TV and source device.
• 3D Playback Not Working:
  • Connect the 3D-capable display to HDMI OUT A.
  • Set the EDID switch on the rear panel to "COPY".
  • Ensure your source device and display are both configured for 3D output.

9. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch:

• Keep the device in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
• Clean the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
• Avoid blocking ventilation openings.
• Do not attempt to open or service the device yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

10. Warranty and Support

The FeinTech VMS04201 HDMI 4x2 Matrix Switch comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact your retailer or the FeinTech customer support team. Refer to the product packaging or FeinTech's official website for contact information.