User Manual
MH10-HD MediaHub ARC | CEC | HDMI
This document provides comprehensive instructions and technical details for the Audio Authority MH10-HD MediaHub.
Introduction
The MH10-HD MediaHub utilizes the latest audio technologies to showcase HDMI audio products with multi-channel surround sound. The presentation and user interface behavior can be fully customized using ARC, CEC, and the built-in power of BrightSign with Bright Author.
Features
- Play native content for HD audio-video presentations.
- Route HDMI and/or HDMI-ARC signals across 10 outputs.
- Support advanced audio format playback, including Dolby Atmos.
- Enable and disable video and/or audio signals on each HDMI output via serial commands.
- Connect touchscreens, up to 20 push buttons, or touchless sensors to control interactive presentations.
- Deliver discrete analog and digital audio outputs.
Device Views and Ports
MH10-HD Top View
The top view shows the front panel of the MH10-HD MediaHub. It features 20 numbered "CONTROLS" ports. To the right, status indicators include "STATUS", "PWR BUS", "12V DC", "POWER", "BUSY", and "ERROR". Further right are "FIRMWARE UPDATE" ports, "RS-485 BUS", "NULL STR", and "RS-232" ports. The center displays the "Ascentic RETAIL ENGINEERING" logo, "MediaHub Model MH10-HD", contact information (800-322-8346, audioauthority.com/MH10-HD), and a "BrightSign Built-In" module with a QR code.
MH10-HD Bottom View
The bottom view reveals ten "HDMI(-ARC) OUTPUT WITH STATUS LED (X10)" ports.
MH10-HD Left Side View
The left side features "BRIGHTSIGN STATUS INDICATORS", followed by ports: "ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT (3.5MM)", "OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT (S/PDIF)", "ETHERNET PORT (RJ45)", "USB PORT (USB A 2.0)", and "BRIGHTSIGN CONTENT PORT (MICRO SD)".
MH10-HD Right Side View
The right side includes "RS-232 CONTROL PORT (RJ45)", "NULL / STRAIGHT", "RS-485 BUS (RJ45 X2)", and "FIRMWARE UPDATE PORT (MICRO SD)".
Communication
The MH10-HD MediaHub has a default device ID of 253. It supports serial commands via RS-485 at 57600 Baud, 8-N-1, half-duplex, and via RS-232 at 115200 Baud, 8-N-1, full-duplex. Both configuration ports use modular RJ-45 jacks.
RS-485 Pinout
| Pin # | Function | Pin # | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Orange White - Ground | P5 | Blue White - Power Bus |
| P2 | Orange - Ground | P6 | Green - Data B Negative |
| P3 | Green White - Data A Positive | P7 | Brown White - Ground |
| P4 | Blue - Power Bus | P8 | Brown - Ground |
RS-232 Pinout
| Pin # | Function | Pin # | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Orange White - Ground | P5 | Not Connected |
| P2 | Orange - Ground | P6 | Green - RX or TX |
| P3 | Green White - TX or RX | P7 | Brown White - Ground |
| P4 | Not Connected | P8 | Brown - Ground |
Command List
| Command | 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 SELECT | [DEV=253;CECSELECT=#] | |
| CEC ENABLE | [DEV=253;HDMI=#;CEC=ON] | |
| CEC DISABLE ALL | [DEV=253;HDMI=*;CEC=OFF] | |
| CEC PRESENT QUERY | [DEV=253;CEC;DEV=#;PRESENT?] | (DEV=253;CEC;DEV=#;PRESENT=YES/NO) |
| CEC VOLUME QUERY | [DEV=253;CEC;DEV=#;VOLUME?] | (DEV=253;CEC;DEV=#;VOLUME=##) |
| CEC MUTE QUERY | [DEV=253;CEC;DEV=#;MUTE?] | (DEV=253;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] | |
| HDMI 5V OUT ENABLE | [DEV=253;HDMI=#;5V=ON] | |
| HDMI 5V OUT DISABLE | [DEV=253;HDMI=#;5V=OFF] | |
| ROUTE HDMI EDID | [DEV=253;HDMI=$;EDID=YES] | |
| UNROUTE HDMI EDID | [DEV=253;HDMI=*;EDID=NO] | |
| BrightSign HDMI Hot-Plug | [DEV=253;BS;HPD=ON;MS=500] | |
| BrightSign USE Internal EDID | [DEV=253;BS;EDID=SELF] | |
| BrightSign USE HDMI EDID | [DEV=253;BS;EDID=HDMI] | |
| HDMI OUT ENABLE | [DEV=253;VIDEO;OUTPUT=#;DES=ON] | |
| HDMI OUTDISABLE | [DEV=253;VIDEO;OUTPUT=#;DES=OFF] | |
| HDMI OUTPUT QUERY | [DEV=253;VIDEO;OUTPUT=#;ACT?] | (DEV=253;VIDEO;OUTPUT=#;ACT=%) |
| HDMI STATE QUERY | [DEV=253;VIDEO;OUTPUT=#;DES?] | (DEV=253;VIDEO;OUTPUT=#;DES=%) |
| APP VERSION | [DEV=253;APP;VERSION?] | (DEV=253;APP;VERSION=$) |
| BOOTLOADER VER | [DEV=253;BOOT;VERSION?] | (DEV=253;BOOT;VERSION=$) |
CEC, HDMI-ARC, and Advanced Audio
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 discrepancies between the protocol of different connected products.
HDMI-ARC
HDMI Audio Return Channels (ARC), controlled by the MH10-HD, 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 HDMI embedded audio.
Advanced Audio Options
The ability to play Dolby and other audio formats simultaneously distinguishes the MH10-HD from other media players. The BrightSign media player built into the MH10 series supports playback of many advanced audio formats, allowing users to customize presentations to showcase premium features of connected devices.
Quick Start Instructions
- Create a new BrightAuthor experience for the HS124 (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 the presentation. Note that any built-in serial or GPIO port is treated as a serial device, following the applicable MediaHub serial protocol.
- Export the presentation to a USB or microSD card and insert it into the MediaHub content port.
- Connect any peripheral devices, followed by the power supply. EDID should be routed to an HDMI device or to the internal "SELF" table.
Example System
MH10-HD Demonstrates Eight Sound Bars and Two TVs
This demonstration uses audio and video to showcase HDTVs in full HD and multi-channel surround sound for sound bars. It leverages the MediaHub's CEC switching capabilities to demonstrate multiple HDMI(-ARC) products. Discrete audio outputs can play either digital or analog audio in tandem with the content on the HDMI outputs. The Ethernet port interfaces with the network to receive commands and send analytics, with the added capability to control and monitor the system remotely. Power the MH10-HD using the included DC power adapter.
Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates a system setup featuring two televisions ("TV1", "TV2") at the top, each with volume and content selection controls (VOL DWN, VOL UP, MOVIES, MUSIC, SPORTS, GAMES). Centrally located is the "MH10-HD MEDIA HUB", shown in top, front, and bottom views. Surrounding the hub are eight soundbars ("SOUND BAR 1" to "SOUND BAR 8") and eight subwoofers ("SUBWOOFER 1" to "SUBWOOFER 8"), each with a "PWR" indicator. Connections are shown from the MH10-HD's outputs to the TVs and soundbars, supporting both HDMI and discrete audio outputs. The system is powered by a central "POWER" source connected to the MH10-HD.
Troubleshooting
No HDMI-ARC Audio
- Ensure that the HDMI 5V Output for the position is disabled.
- Ensure that the HDMI HPD is enabled for the position (toggle if necessary).
- Ensure that the CEC is routed, and applicable ARC initiation commands are sent.
- Ensure that the ARC audio is routed to the position.
- Ensure that the BrightSign experience is sending compatible audio via the SPDIF interface.
- Ensure that the HDMI-ARC device is turned on and connected to the appropriate port.
No HDMI Audio/Video (non-ARC)
- Ensure that the HDMI HPD is disabled for the position.
- Ensure that the HDMI 5V Output for the position is enabled.
- Ensure that the HDMI Video is routed to the position.
- Ensure that the BrightSign is routed to an EDID device (internal or external).
- Ensure that the BrightSign experience is sending compatible audio via the HDMI interface.
- Ensure that the HDMI sink device is turned on and connected to the appropriate port.
No Ethernet Connectivity
- Ensure connections are fully seated.
- Ensure the correct position is selected via software.
- Ensure audio is playing from the source device.
- Ensure switched audio type is available and desired.
No Audio
- Ensure connections are fully seated.
- Ensure the correct position is selected via software.
- Ensure switched audio type is available and desired.
No RS-232 Communication
- Ensure connections are fully seated.
- Ensure devices are using the correct protocol settings.
- Ensure the Null/Straight selector is set correctly.
Technical Details
Mechanical Details
Case Type: Custom metal enclosure - full surround
Case Dimensions: W x L x H: 13.7 x 6.2 x 1.5 in (including mounting flanges) / 348 x 158 x 38 mm
Power Specification
Power Entry Port: 2x barrel jack connectors (5.5 x 2.1mm, bussed)
Voltage: +12V DC
No-Load Current: MH10-HD: 380 mA; PCAs Only: 70 mA
Maximum Load Current: MH10-HD: 1150 mA
Maximum Current Output: RS-485 Bus: 1.5A @ +12.0V DC; USB A: 500mA @ +5.0V DC
