DATAPATH x4 Display Wall Controller Open Box

Description

Accepts dual-link DVI, single-link DVI or HDMI input
Supports both DVI and analogue RGB output monitors
Supports image overlapping
The Datapath x4 is a stand alone display wall controller that accepts a standard single or dual-link DVI input (up to 4K x 4K, including 3840 x 2160@60hz) and can flexibly display this across four output monitors.
Each output can be driven as DVI or analog RGB, and can represent an arbitary crop region of the original input image. The output resolution and frame rate does not need to be related to that of the input, as the Datapath x4 display controller will optionally upscale and frame rate convert each cropped region independently.
Supports Creative Monitor Arrangements
Each output monitor can take its input from any region of the DVI image, since all the required cropping, scaling, rotation and frame rate conversion is handled by the x4 hardware.  These regions can overlap to allow any output to replicate another, or they can be configured to support any creative splice of the source material.
This allows the support of many non-rectangular screen arrangements with uneven gaps, and any mix of orientations.
Dual-link DVI Input Supports High Resolutions
Dual-link video input will support high resolution pixel-perfect source images for display.  The Datapath x4 display wall controller can additionally present a default native resolution to the source to allow still higher custom resolutions at reduced frame rate, but still remain within the capabilities of the dual-link video interface.  Most standard graphics card sources will output at this native resolution.  Since the x4 will scale and frame rate convert, using a triple buffered capture architecture, the output monitors can still be driven at their preferred frame rates and resolutions.
At high resolution, DVI signals cannot normally be guaranteed beyond 5m cables, due to the nature of the signal losses inherent in the DVI cables and connectors. Datapath have added active equalization hardware on the input to the x4, which is able to compensate for these losses and support cable lengths of up to 20m, even at full dual-link resolutions (330Mhz pixel clocks).  Lower resolutions will allow even longer cable lengths.
Additionally, Datapath x4 display controller control application allows user configuration of the equalization levels to guarantee that any combination of input cable length and cable type can be adjusted for optimum quality.
Easily Configurable
The Datapath x4 supports simple editing of custom input and output configurations via a USB connection to a PC. Once configured, the Datapath x4 will run stand alone, without the need for the USB connection, and will auto detect input resolutions and adjust internal scaling appropriately to drive the output monitors in a consistent manner.
Datapath x4 Features
High resolution input, VGA, HD to 4k
Allows up to 330 MHz pixel clock input modes.
Upper limit input resolution of dual-link DVI, 330MHz pixel clock. Arbitrary frame rates and resolutions within this limit are supported. The x4 can input greater resolution than quad HD 4k at lower frame rates. The maximum input width is 16384 pixels, maximum height 4096 lines
High quality scaler and frame rate converter
Scale input resolution and frame rates.
When the native display resolution exceeds the size of the crop region, the x4 will automatically upscale. The upscale quality can be selected between text and video mode. Text mode preserves the sharp edges of the source image, video adds more smoothing to avoid block artifacts.
Bezel or gap correction
Enables hiding output content behind bezels and avoids jagged content for seamless output display.
This control can be achieved using the x4 user configuration interface.
Arbitrary cropping
Independently select area of interest for each screen input.
Create dynamic and eye catching multi display arrangements from single source content. The x4 allows creative video walls and non-square video walls. Alternative monitor loop through often restricts walls to 2x2, 3x3 or 4x4 etc.
Frame locking
Lock the output frames to the input frame.
The x4 will automatically frame lock all four outputs whenever the monitor timings are comparable, additionally it will genlock these to the input whenever they have related frame rates (e.g. 60Hz-60Hz, 30Hz-60Hz, 24Hz - 60Hz [3:2 pull down]. Genlocking guarantees smooth motion video and minimises latency to a single frame.
Rotation and mirroring
Indpendent rotation and mirroring for each ouput.
Display outputs can be independently rotated by 90, 180 or 270 degrees to support creative installations. The image can also be reversed to allow rear projection.
Flexible EDID management
Configure the x4 to force a particular input signal.
The Datapath x4 input exposes a 128 byte EDID. The x4 EDID allows the user to configure non standard aspect ratio's. The EDID has a 'Preferred' timings block available for configuration. The EDID can be displayed and configured in either 'Video Definition' or 'EDID' format.
Input to output overlap
All or part of the content can be repeated on multiple outputs.
All or part of the content can be repeated on multiple outputs.
Used for edge blending projectors or to support creative presentation of the source video.
Non-volatile memory configuration
Once programmed the x4 will work as a stand alone plug and play controller.
All the output display preferences plus the cropping and scaling settings are instantly applied on power up. If the input source resolution changes, the x4 automatically recalculates all the scaling parameters in order to maintain the same output settings. If you choose to permanently connect the USB configuration link, the x4 modes can be changed in real time using the UI or command line interface.
DVI boost
Input equalisation and signal boost for long DVI cables introducing DVI noise.
Provides DVI signal equalisations that can support longer input cable runs up to 20, subject to cable quality.
Scalable solution
Use multiple x4s with dL8s for large walls.
A single video stream can be distributed to multiple x4s using the dL8 dual-link distribution amplifier. Each x4 can be programmed to display different sections of the video input. This allows sections of the single video input to be spread over large walls using a mix of monitor sizes.
Image decomposition
Dual and single-link decomposition for mosaic input video feeds.
Source split up to 4 channels from a mosaic style input source using the cropping feature.
Test pattern generation
Make your installations easier with inbuilt test pattern designs on each output screen.
The pixel perfect test pattern can be generated independently of valid input mode. Test patterns can be applied at different resolutions and frame rates. Test patterns can be scripted in real-time using the command line interface or Python scripts.
Orientation converter
Portrait to landscape aspect ratio converter.
The flexible cropping and output rotation allows straightforward content rotation while maintaining aspect ratio.
Hardware and software reliability
High reassurance for hardware and software reliability.
Datapath hardware is manufactured to ISO 9001 standards, each board is subjected to an automated solder paste inspection, automated optical inspection and x-ray inspection. Electronic post assemble tests are conducted in addition to a visual IPC-A-610 Class 2 inspection.
Electrical tests are tailored according to hardware design and will be based around one or more technologies: Boundary scan, In-circuit test, Flying probe, Functional test.
Prior to acceptance and shipping, all hardware is functionally tested and re-inspected on site at Datapath.
Datapath hardware is certified listed accessory cards under IEC and UL 60950-1 File number E345219. Each capture card includes a unique serial number, which is traceable back to bare printed circuit board.
Software is passed through both automated test procedures for regression testing and written test procedures, accredited by test certified personnel.
Speed and accuracy of support
Accessibility to technical engineering knowledge.
Datapath is large enough to undertake substantial projects, but small enough to offer an unrivalled level of service and support, which is achieved by an accessible, customer focused staff. Datapath offers high level consultancy of performance solutions required for multiple or single projects for existing or new customers.
Datapath support responses are answered by specialised hardware or software engineers.
Datapath x4 SpecificationsMain Unit DimensionsDatapath x4: 235 x 175 x 44mm (W x L x H)
Datapath x4-1U: 438 x 172 x 40mm (W x L x H)Outputs4 x single-link DVI or Analog RGB outputs: To 165 Mpixel/sFirmware SupportUpdates supported via USBUSB 2.0Full Speed (12 bit/s) operation supportedResolution Input Surface4k x 4k maximumOutput Screens ResolutionsUp to 2.5 Mpixel (maximum 2048 pixels in either directions)Application 1 x dual-link DVI-D captureTo 330 Mpixel/sArbitrary Up Scaling64 x original surface areaOther TemperatureOperating Temperature: 0-35 Deg°C / 32-96°FPower Requirements5V DC, 18W
Datapath x4: Universal mains (100-240V) adapter supplied
Datapath x4-1U: Internal PSU (100-240V)CoolingInternal cooling fans in both models
Note: x4-1U has a larger fan, producing less noise
The X4 input supports DVI-D Progressive input signals only, interlaced video signals are not supported.