Lightware HDMI-4K De-embedder Quick Start Guide

Introduction

The HDMI-4K De-embedder is a multifunctional interface designed for audio de-embedding from PCM audio streams. It features built-in EDID Management and Pixel Accurate Reclocking, supporting DVI and HDMI 1.4 signals, with or without HDCP encryption. Lightware's Pixel Accurate Reclocking technology ensures the output signal is reclocked and stabilized, mitigating jitter caused by long cables or low-quality sources.

Important Safety Instructions

Please read the supplied safety instruction document before using the product and keep it available for future reference.

Box Contents

• HDMI-4K De-embedder unit
• 5V DC Power Adaptor with Interchangeable Plugs
• USB Cable
• Phoenix Combicon 5-pole connector
• Safety and Warranty Information
• Quick Start Guide

Front and Rear View

Front Panel Overview

The front panel features several ports and controls:

• 1 HDMI Input: HDMI input port for connecting sources. It can also supply power to the device depending on the source's capabilities. Recommended cable length: up to 20 m for 4Kp30 or 30 m for 1080p60.
• 2 EDID Rotary Switches: These switches allow selection of EDID memory addresses.
• 3 Status LEDs: Indicate signal states.
• 4 Learn Button: Used to store the EDID of a connected sink or to start the device in bootload mode.
• 5 USB Control: USB mini-B type connector for accessing special settings, performing firmware updates, and powering the unit.
• 6 DC Input: Connector for the supplied power adaptor.
• 7 Hidden Button: Button for resetting the device.
• 8 Phones: 3.5mm jack output connector for analog audio, identical to the Analog Audio Output (Phoenix).
• 9 Audio Output: 5-pole Phoenix connector for balanced analog audio, carrying the de-embedded audio signal from the HDMI output.
• q HDMI Output: Connect an HDMI cable to a sink device.

Front Panel LEDs Legend

• LIVE:
  • BLINKING: Device is powered properly and operational.
  • ON: Indicates a CPU malfunction; restart the device.
• INPUT:
  • ON (orange): Source is connected (5V detected).
  • ON (green): Signal is present.
• AUDIO:
  • ON (red): HDMI, multichannel / compressed audio signal detected.
  • ON (purple): HDMI, PCM 2-channel audio signal detected.
  • BLINKING: Autoselect is enabled.
  • OFF: No audio is transmitted.
• OUTPUT:
  • ON (green): Hotplug detected on HDMI OUT.

Powering Options

The device can be powered in several ways:

• Using the supplied power adaptor (recommended).
• Connecting the device to a proper USB port via the supplied cable. Ensure the port can supply 5V 500 mA.
• Connecting an HDMI source to the HDMI input port.

If the power adaptor is connected, it powers the device independently of HDMI/USB ports. If the adaptor is disconnected from the DC input connector, the device attempts to use HDMI or USB power if enabled and connected. If the adaptor is unplugged from the AC socket but the DC plug remains connected, the device will switch off and cannot switch to another power source. To use USB or HDMI power, unplug the DC cable from the device.

USB and HDMI powering modes can be enabled/disabled via the Lightware Device Controller (LDC) software.

If unsure about the power capacity of your USB or HDMI port, disable powering over USB and HDMI using the LDC software. Insufficient power will cause the device to switch off. For any unusual device behavior, disconnect USB and HDMI cables and connect the 5V DC adaptor.

Installation

1. Connect the desired source to the HDMI input port.
2. Connect a sink device (e.g., display) to the HDMI output port.
3. Optionally, connect an audio device (e.g., amplifier) to the Phoenix Audio output port.
4. Optionally, connect headphones to the 3.5 mm Jack Audio output port.
5. Optionally, connect a laptop or PC to the USB port and run the LDC software for control.
6. Connect the power cord of the supplied adaptor to the DC input, then to an AC power socket.

EDID Emulation

Selecting an EDID

Turn the EDID address rotary switches to the desired position using a flat-head screwdriver. The left switch sets the tens value, and the right switch sets the ones value for the EDID address.

Avoid using keys, coins, knives, or other sharp objects.

EDID Memory Structure

The EDID memory contains presets:

• 01-11: DVI EDIDs
• 12-55: HDMI EDIDs

EDID List

Further EDID Options

When connected via LDC, the following EDID functions are available:

• EDID learning or importing an EDID.
• Deleting an EDID from user memory.
• Exporting an EDID and saving it as a file.
• Creating a custom EDID using the EDID Editor or Easy EDID Creator.

EDID Learning

The EDID of a sink connected to HDMI OUT 1 can be stored in user EDID memory:

1. Turn the EDID rotary switches to the desired position (between #62 - #98).
2. Press and hold the LEARN button for three seconds.
3. The OUTPUT LED will turn dark for a second, then provide feedback:
   • BLINKING (green): EDID learning successful, EDID stored.
   • BLINKING (red): EDID learning failed.
4. The LED will then turn dark for a second, showing the state(s) of the connected sink(s).

EDIDs stored in User EDID memory are deleted when factory default settings are restored.

HDCP Management

The HDCP setting for the HDMI input port can be enabled or disabled via the front panel:

1. Turn the EDID rotary switches to the '01' position.
2. Press and hold the LEARN button for three seconds.
3. The lower three LEDs indicate the HDCP state change:
   • HDCP is enabled: LEDs are dark and light up sequentially.
   • HDCP is disabled: LEDs light and get dark sequentially.

Port Diagram

This diagram illustrates the signal flow and connections:

Signal Path: HDMI Input ➡️ HDMI De-embedder ➡️ Analog Audio Output (Phones/Phoenix) and HDMI Output.

The HDMI input carries both video and audio. The de-embedder extracts the audio. The HDMI output carries the reclocked video signal. The audio can be output via a 3.5mm jack (Phones) or a 5-pole Phoenix connector.

Visual representation:

[HDMI Input] ➡️ [HDMI De-embedder] ➡️ [Phones 3.5mm Jack]

[HDMI Input] ➡️ [HDMI De-embedder] ➡️ [Phoenix Audio Output]

[HDMI Input] ➡️ [HDMI De-embedder] ➡️ [HDMI Output]

Software Control - Using Lightware Device Controller (LDC)

The device can be controlled from a computer using the Lightware Device Controller (LDC) software, available for download from www.lightware.com (Support / Downloads). Install the application on a Windows PC or macOS, then connect to the device.

Connecting via USB

Connect the supplied USB cable between the device and your computer, then launch LDC. The device will appear in the USB devices section; select it and press Connect.

Crosspoint Menu

Upon connection, LDC displays the Crosspoint menu by default, offering separate input and output settings for video and audio signals. Additional tools include:

• Frame Detector: Provides detailed signal information (e.g., blanking intervals, active video resolution) useful for troubleshooting compatibility issues.
• Test Pattern Generator: Allows sending test patterns to sink devices for testing. Settings via LDC include:
  • Mode: On, Off, or No Signal (activates if video signal is not detected).
  • Clock Source: Options include 480p, 576p, or Original video signal.
  • Pattern: Red, Green, Blue, Black, White, Ramp, Chess, Bar, or Cycle (cycles through patterns every 2 seconds).

Firmware Update - Using Lightware Device Updater (LDU)

Preparation

Required for firmware update:

• Lightware Device Updater software (available at www.lightware.com).
• Device firmware package (LFP file) – contact support@lightware.com.
• Power adaptor to supply the device.

Performing the Update

The device must be powered by the adaptor during firmware updates; USB or HDMI power is not recommended.

1. Connect a PC/laptop to the device's USB port using the supplied USB cable.
2. Start the LDU software and follow the on-screen instructions.

Starting the Device in Bootload Mode

If a standard firmware update fails, attempt the following:

1. Press and hold the LEARN button.
2. Press and release the hidden button.
3. Release the LEARN button. The device will restart in bootload mode.

Restoring Factory Default Settings

Settings and parameters can be reset to factory defaults:

1. Set the rotary switches to the '00' position.
2. Press and hold the LEARN button for three seconds. When the lower three LEDs blink, release the button. The following settings are restored:
   • HDCP (input port): enabled
   • HDCP (output port): auto
   • HDMI mode (output port): auto
   • HDMI output port (audio signal): unmuted
   • Test pattern generator: off
   • Used EDID memory: cleared

Backup and Restore (Configuration Cloning)

This feature allows copying settings between devices, saving time when setting up multiple identical systems.

1. Configure one device with desired settings using LDC software.
2. Backup the full configuration file to your computer.
3. Optionally, modify the configuration file with a text editor.
4. Connect to another device and upload (restore) the configuration file.

Typical Application Diagram

This diagram shows a common setup:

A media player is connected via HDMI to the HDMI-4K De-embedder. The de-embedder then connects to a TV (via HDMI) and a power amplifier (via audio outputs). The device is powered by a 5V DC power adaptor.

Visual representation:

[Media Player] ➡️ [HDMI-4K De-embedder] ➡️ [TV]

[Media Player] ➡️ [HDMI-4K De-embedder] ➡️ [Power Amplifier]

[Power Adaptor] ➡️ [HDMI-4K De-embedder]

Specifications

Audio Cable Wiring Guide

The device uses a 5-pole Phoenix connector for audio output. Here are common wiring configurations:

Balanced Output to Balanced Input

Using Phoenix to 2x 6.3 (1/4") TRS:

[Phoenix Connector] (Pins 1, 2, 3) to [2x 6.3mm TRS Plug] (Tip, Ring, Sleeve)

Pin 1 (Audio +) to Tip

Pin 2 (Ground) to Sleeve

Pin 3 (Audio -) to Ring

Using Phoenix to 2x XLR plugs:

[Phoenix Connector] (Pins 1, 2, 3) to [2x XLR Plug] (Pin 1, Pin 2, Pin 3)

Pin 1 (Audio +) to XLR Pin 2 (Hot)

Pin 2 (Ground) to XLR Pin 1 (Ground)

Pin 3 (Audio -) to XLR Pin 3 (Cold)

Balanced Output to Unbalanced Input

Using Phoenix to 2x RCA:

[Phoenix Connector] (Pins 1, 2, 3) to [2x RCA Plug]

Pin 1 (Audio +) to RCA Tip (Hot)

Pin 2 (Ground) to RCA Sleeve (Ground)

Pin 3 (Audio -) to RCA Sleeve (Ground) - often connected to ground for unbalanced.

Using Phoenix to 2x 6.3 (1/4") TS:

[Phoenix Connector] (Pins 1, 2, 3) to [2x 6.3mm TS Plug] (Tip, Sleeve)

Pin 1 (Audio +) to TS Tip (Hot)

Pin 2 (Ground) to TS Sleeve (Ground)

Pin 3 (Audio -) to TS Sleeve (Ground) - often connected to ground for unbalanced.

For more detailed information, refer to the Cable Wiring Guide on the Lightware website (www.lightware.com).