Troubleshooting HDMI® Systems: Diagnostic Problems with the Quantum Data 780/780A Test Instrument

Neal Kendall Quantum Data [email protected] Causes Callbacks

Requires More Time

% of Installs with HDMI

% of Techs Removing Devices

% of Simplified System Designs Problem Types Addressed in this Training Class  Connection sequence—protocol sequence of events between a source and sink (handshaking) upon turn-up or connection—involves the following functions:  Connection detection (Hot Plug) – a hot plug problem usually results in no video & audio.  Plug and Play (EDID) – an EDID problem usually results in wrong video or audio.  Content Protection (HDCP) – an HDCP problem usually results in continuous, periodic flashing video (every 2 seconds).  Physical Layer problems (TMDS)  Intra-Pair Skew – problem results in pixel sparkles or video cutting out.  Other physical layer impairments (skin effect, dielectric loss) – problem results in pixel sparkles or video cutting out. Problem Types Addressed in this Training Class  Physical Layer problems (DDC)  Physical layer impairments (skin effect, dielectric loss) – problem results in incorrect video (if it causes and EDID problem) or periodic flashing video if the content is protected with HDCP. HDMI Anatomy HDMI Anatomy (v1.4)

HDMI Source HDMI Sink

TMDS Channel 0 (R V/H sync) Video Video TMDS Channel 1 (G Control) HDMI HDMI Audio Audio Transmitter Receiver TMDS Channel 2 (B Control)

Control/Status TMDS Clock Channel Control/Status

HDCP & HDCP Display Data Channel (DDC) EDID

CEC Bus CEC CEC

Utility Line/+5V HEAC HEAC (HEC/ARC) (HEC/ARC)

Hot Plug Detect Line Detect High / Low HDMI Data Islands Related Packets

Horizontal Sync Delay (Pixels)

HSYNC

Vertical Sync 1 Delay(Lines) 2 Vertical Sync Vertical Pulse Width 3 Blanking Horizontal (Lines) Rate – Rate V each line S 29 Is rendered Y 30 N 31 C 32 Data island packets 33 Vertical occur in the vertical 34 Total Lines and horizontal 35 Vertical Res 36 blanking Active Active Video Lines

748 Data Islands 749 Audio Sample Packets 750 Audio Clock Regeneration Horizontal Resolution - Active (Pixels) Audio Channel Status Horizontal Blanking HDMI Connection Sequence

Upstream Downstream F - Completion of HDCP authentication Common Solutions for HDMI Problems  Swapping components. Resolving an HDMI problem usually requires replacing a component, device or cable; sometimes adding a device can resolve a problem.  Make sure the source and the sink device have common supported resolutions and audio formats.  Turn down the system and repower from sink to source.  Make sure that both the source and sink device are HDCP compliant.  Swap ports on distribution devices.  Use active rather than passive extenders, active extenders provide a more reliable signal.  Reseating a cable.

HDMI 2.0 – Backward Compatible with HDMI 1.x  4K@50/60, (2160p), which is 4 times the resolution of 1080p/60 video resolution.  Support for the wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio.  Up to 32 audio channels for a multi-dimensional immersive audio experience.  Up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency for the highest audio fidelity.  Simultaneous delivery of dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen.  Simultaneous delivery of multi-stream audio to multiple users (up to 4).  Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams.  CEC extensions provides expanded command and control of consumer electronics devices through a single control point.

Quantum Data 780 HDMI Test Instrument Quantum Data 780 Test Instrument

Touch Screen operation View incoming video

Component HDMI Tx HDMI Rx Digital audio outputs: analog output Reference Source Reference Sink SPDIF & TOSLink

4 HDMI Passive Monitoring ports 780 Test Instrument Developed For the Industry  780 Test Instrument developed in response to request from HDMI, LLC and CEDIA.  HDMI Troubleshooting course developed by Quantum Data centered around the 780 Test Instrument.  Quantum Data delivered the HDMI Troubleshooting class the first few times and then transitioned to CEDIA. 780 Benefits  Pre-screen and verify interoperability of new HDMI components, devices and entire networks in the lab prior to deployment.  Pre-screen and verify existing HDMI components in a client’s home.  Reduce time on-site by isolating interoperability problems to the faulty component or device more quickly.  Reduce the likelihood of callbacks by pre-emptively identifying issues that may arise over time.  Convey professionalism and expert-level knowledge.  Quantum Data remote support and consulting for free. Troubleshooting Principles and Methods Troubleshooting Principles  Avoid the need to troubleshoot by prequalifying existing equipment in the residence (customer) and prequalify equipment that you procure in your lab prior to the installation.  Determine if HDMI system has ever worked. If so what changed? Take careful notes.  Make one Change at a time to limit the variables to only one.  Simplify the HDMI system to the most simple configuration that still exhibits the symptom.  Substitute suspect devices or components with known-good source/sink devices or test equipment.  Disable Protocols – Disable CEC and HDCP if possible. Disabling HDCP will immediately tell you if the problem is related to HDCP.  Use the diagnostic procedures which provide the greatest insight, target the most likely causes and are easiest to conduct. 780 Troubleshooting Test Methods  Substitution with emulation and segmentation. Emulates both sources and sinks.  Diagnostic tests for both HDMI sources and sinks.  Passive monitoring of HDCP transactions and CEC messages between HDMI devices in an existing network.  Loop test with pseudo-random noise pattern for running pixel error tests on HDMI cables and distribution networks. HDMI Sink Tests – 780 Emulating an HDMI Source

Sink e.g. HDTV

Repeater Extender e.g. A/V receiver Switch e.g. Cat5/6 e.g. matrix switch Source e.g. STB 780 HDMI Source Tests – Emulating an HDMI Sink

Sink e.g. HDTV

Repeater Extender e.g. A/V receiver e.g. Cat5/6 Switch e.g. matrix switch Source e.g. STB 780 Test Method - Passive Monitor of DDC Channel  Passively monitor DDC transactions and connection events (hot plug and 5V) between devices in HDMI system.  Passive monitoring enables you to identify the root cause of HDMI handshake problems.

Repeater Source e.g. A/V receiver e.g. STB Sink e.g. HDTV

780 Test Instrument 780 Test Method - Passive Monitor of DDC Channel  Passively monitor DDC transactions and connection events (hot plug and 5V) between devices in HDMI system.  Passive monitoring enables you to identify the root cause of HDMI handshake problems.

Source Repeater e.g. STB e.g. Switch

Sink 780 Test Instrument e.g. Extender 780 Loop Test – Cable & Distribution Networks  Loop around cable or distribution device and run pseudo random noise pattern test.

Extender e.g. Cat5/6 Switch e.g. matrix switch

780 Test Instrument Common Interoperability Problem Types Connection Sequence Connection Sequence Problems  Connection sequence—protocol sequence of events between a source and sink (handshaking) upon turn-up or connection—involves the following functions:  Connection detection (Hot Plug) – a hot plug problem usually results in no video & audio.  Plug and Play (EDID) – an EDID problem usually results in wrong video or audio.  Content Protection (HDCP) – an HDCP problem usually results in continuous, periodic flashing video (every 2 seconds). No Video/Audio – Hot Plug Related Problems Hot Plug Problem – What is the Symptom?

When there is a hot plug problem, you will get no video and no audio.

Note: There are other problems which can cause a no video condition (VESA formats [vertical frame rates] are imprecise, EDID corrupt, old HDCP source) Hot Plug (Connection Detection) – What is it?  Hot plug is a signal to an HDMI source indicating that an HDMI sink is connected.  HDMI source provides +5V to the sink which the sink uses to generate the hot plug assertion voltage.  A repeater passes a hot plug pulse (100ms) to an upstream HDMI source device. Sink e.g. HDTV

Source +5V Pin 18 e.g. STB

Hot Plug Pin 19 AVS Forum Issues – Hot Plug Related Problem Symptom: No picture following standby

“Having problem with media server and HDTV. Once the TV goes to standby, the media server and HDTV will not communicate properly and I get no video.

Probable cause: Media server not detecting hot plug; media server not sending proper +5V; HDTV not asserting hot plug. Diagnostics: Swap Media server with 780, check hot plug. Swap HDTV with 780. Passive monitor to read +5V. Resolution: Swap cable, replace media server or put “fix it” device between media server and HDTV.

Diagnose No Video/Audio Problem with 780  Use 780 to emulate a known good source and run diagnostic tests downstream toward sink starting from source.  First verify that you have a good cable or swap existing cable with a known good cable.  Verify that you can get a basic picture at any resolution on the sink (e.g. HDTV). Try 480p at 8 bits and RGB color space. Note: There is no way that sending an unsupported audio format can result in no picture. But sending an unsupported video format can result in no audio (and of course no video).  Start tests from source; then repeat tests at each segmentation point toward the downstream.  Replace the sink device with 780. Use 780 to emulate a known-good sink to check for picture. Diagnose No Video/Audio Problem – Emulate Source  780 emulates known-good source:  Select 480p60 format, 8 bit, RGB.  Select any standard image (SMPTEBar).  Check pattern on display.  Repeat for other formats.  Move 780 downstream toward sink to segment. Diagnose No Video/Audio Problem – Segmentation  780 emulates known-good source:  Select 480p60 format, 8 bit, RGB.  Select standard image (SMPTEBar).  Use any pattern - check pattern on display.  Repeat for other formats.  Move 780 downstream toward sink to segment and repeat tests. Diagnose No Video/Audio Problem – Emulate Source  780 emulates known-good source:  Run HDCP test to check for hot plug error notification. Diagnose No Video/Audio Problem – Emulate EDID  780 emulates known-good sink:  Use EDID with capability for all formats.  Use EDID of HDTV in system.  Check for image on 780 display.  Move 780 downstream toward source to segment.

Diagnose No Video/Audio Problem – Emulate Sink  780 emulates known-good sink:  Use EDID with capability for all formats.  Use EDID of HDTV in system.  Check for image on 780 display.  Move 780 toward source to segment.

Diagnose No Video/Audio Problem – Emulate a Sink  780 emulates known-good sink:  Use EDID with capability for all formats.  Use EDID of HDTV in system.  Check for image on 780 display.  Move 780 toward source to segment and repeat test.

Improper Video / Audio – EDID Problems EDID Problem – What is the Symptom?

When there is an EDID problem, there is usually video and audio but it is not optimal and not what is expected.

Note: In some cases, a no video condition can result. Why? Could have video without audio. Extended Display Identification Data (EDID)  What is the purpose of an EDID?  EDID is an HDMI sink’s way of describing its capabilities to an HDMI source device.  The HDMI source selects its video and audio output in accordance with what HDMI sink device supports. Note: An EDID cannot be changed in a TV except through a firmware update. EDID – What is it? How does it work?  Source reads sink’s EDID (e.g. HDTV) when connected.  Source reads EDID and checks for the capabilities of the sink.  Source outputs the best audio and video it is capable of transmitting that is consistent with the capabilities expressed in the EDID of the display and in accordance with the content.

Sink e.g. HDTV

Source Read EDID DDC Data Pin 16 e.g. STB

Reply EDID DDC Gnd Pin 17 EDID – What is it? How does it work?

4 – Source device outputs video and AV Receiver’s AV Receiver’s audio based on the Sink Source capabilities of the EDID passed by the AVR . AV Receiver Source Device EDID (DDC) EDID (DDC) DTV

2 – AV receiver 3 – AV receiver asserts 1 – Display device incorporates its audio hot-plug and the asserts hot-plug and data into the EDID and source reads video AV receiver’s source modifies (may reduce) the and audio capabilities side reads video and video timings it forwards from EDID of AV audio capabilities from to the source device. receiver’s sink side. EDID of display. AVS Forum Issues – EDID Related Problems Symptom: Not getting HD on my Plasma STB–-HDMI AVR  HDTV = SD video; stereo audio STB–-HDMI HDTV = HD video “When I go through my A/V receiver I do not get full HD video on the Plasma and I do not get Dolby Digital Plus on my receiver. If I go around the A/V receiver I do get HD video.” Probable Causes: A/V Receiver is mishandling EDID from downstream HDTV. Therefore source sends out minimal video and audio. Diagnostics: Check EDID on sink side of A/V receiver; Check EDID on source side of A/V receiver. Emulate known-good EDID at DVD output; Emulate known-bad EDID at DVD output. Resolution: Short term, use SPDIF to A/V receiver. Long term, replace A/V receiver or update F/W. AVS Forum Issues – EDID Related Problem Symptom: No audio with projector DVR –-HDMI A/V receiver —HDMI Projector = No audio “DVR connected to A/V receiver to Projector, all HDMI connections. No audio with projector plugged into receiver.” Probable cause: A/V receiver not substituting its audio block into EDID from projector. Diagnostics: Check EDID on source side of projector; Check EDID on source side of A/V receiver. Emulate known-good EDID on sink side of A/V receiver; Emulate projector EDID on sink side of projector. Resolution: Short term: Bypass A/V receiver; long term: replace A/V receiver.

Diagnose Incorrect Video/Audio Problem with 780  Use 780 to emulate a known good source and run sink diagnostic tests.  Verify that you have a good cable or swap existing cable with a known good cable.  Run an EDID test on the sink.  Checks for proper structure and checksum errors.  Verify video and audio capabilities. Note: Sometimes audio formats, channels, sampling rates are not supported by low resolution video formats.  Start tests from source; repeat tests at each segmentation point working downstream. Diagnose Incorrect Video/Audio Problem with 780  Use 780 to emulate a known good sink and emulate sink’s EDID; run diagnostic tests starting from sink.  Run a video display test.  Run a video analysis test.  Run an audio analysis test.  Run frame compare test.  Verify video and audio capabilities. Note: Sometimes audio formats, channel count and sampling rate configurations are not supported by low resolution video formats.  Start tests from sink; repeat tests at each segmentation point working upstream. Diagnose Incorrect Video/Audio Problem with 780  Replace both source and sink with 780 and check EDID handling of an HDMI distribution system.  Run a cable or repeater test. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem at Family Room

Basement – Equipment Room Family DVD HDTV Satellite STB Room

4x4 HDMI Switch Game System

Cable STB Bedroom DVD HDTV

HDMI Cat6 Home Extenders (3) Theatre DVD Media PC HD Projetor

AVR Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem (a)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room

4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV Video Analysis & Cat Extender EDID Read Cable STB EDID Source Test

Test: Video Analysis Test & Source EDID Test Objective: Determine if STB can read the HDTV’s EDID and is sending the proper video timing, colorimetry data and infoframes when directly connected. Pass: If the STB passes, run a similar test on the downstream side of the matrix switch. (Next slide.) Fail: If the STB fails then substitute the test instrument for the STB and run a Video Pattern test. If this also fails you have confirmed that there is a problem with the STB and you should swap it out or get a firmware upgrade. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem (b)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room

4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV Video Analysis & Cable STB EDID Source Test Cat Extender

Test: Video Analysis & EDID Source Tests Objective: Determine if matrix switch enables the STB to read HDTV’s EDID and pass proper video timing, colorimetry settings and infoframes. Pass: If this test passes, run a similar test on the downstream side of the extender. (Next slide.) Fail: If this test fails then run a Video Pattern and Video Analysis test on the switch to verify that it is the problem component. If you see problems here this confirms that the matrix switch is the problem component and you should swap it out. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem (c)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room

4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV Video Analysis & Cable STB Cat Extender EDID Source Verify

Test: Video Analysis & EDID Source Tests Objective: Determine if extender enables the STB to read the HDTV’s EDID and pass proper video timing, colorimetry settings and infoframes. Pass: If this test passes, run a Video Pattern test on the HDTV. (Next slide.) Fail: If this test fails then run a Video Pattern and Video Analysis test simultaneously on the extender to confirm that it is the problem device. If you see problems here this confirms that the extender is the problem component and you should swap it out. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem (d)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room

4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV

Cable STB Cat Extender Video Pattern

Test: Video Pattern Objective: Determine if the HDTV can render an image using a variety of video formats and colorimetry settings from a known-good source. Pass: If this test passes then the most likely cause is that the Cable STB and HDTV are not exchanging EDID and/or infoframe data in all cases. You might consider swapping the STB out. Fail: If this test fails then you may consider swapping the HDTV for a more modern model. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem in Home Theatre

Basement – Equipment Room Family DVD HDTV Satellite STB Room

4x4 HDMI Switch Game System

Cable STB Bedroom DVD HDTV

HDMI Cat6 Home Extenders (3) Theatre DVD Media PC HD Projetor

AVR Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem (a)

Home Theatre Room HD Projector

AVR Audio Analysis & DVD EDID source

Test: Audio Analysis & EDID Source Tests Objective: Determine if the DVD player will play multi-channel compressed audio. Run this test both with the A/V receiver’s EDID and a known-good A/V receiver EDID. Pass: If the DVD player can play out multi-channel compressed audio properly to the test instrument with the A/V receiver’s EDID and a known-good A/V receiver EDID then run an audio pattern test through the A/V receiver. (Next slide.) Fail: If the DVD player does not play out multi-channel compressed audio, then check the DVD player’s spec sheets and the content on the disk. May need to replace the DVD player. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem (b)

Home Theatre Room HD Projector

AVR Audio Pattern DVD

Test: Audio Pattern Test Objective: Determine if the A/V receiver can play out multi-channel compressed audio (e.g. Dolby Digital Plus). Pass: If the A/V receiver can play out multi-channel compressed audio, then run an EDID verification test to check to see what EDID the A/V receiver is passing upstream to the source. (Next slide.) Fail: If the A/V Receiver cannot play out the proper audio then this means that the A/V receiver is either not configured properly or does not support that particular audio format. May have to swap out the A/V receiver for a newer model. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem (c)

Home Theatre Room HD Projector

AVR EDID Sink Test DVD

Test: EDID Sink Verification Objective: Determine if the EDID passed upstream by the A/V receiver is valid and correct (i.e. has the correct audio block). Pass: If the A/V receiver does pass the correct audio block in the EDID upstream, then the projector is a suspect component. It may not be transmitting the EDID over the DDC properly. Run an EDID source test on the downstream side of the A/V receiver. (Next slide.) Fail: If the A/V receiver is not passing the proper audio in the EDID, then this means that the A/V receiver is not forwarding EDID information properly. The workaround is to bypass the A/V receiver and connect the HDMI directly to the projector and connect a SPDIF cable to the A/V receiver for audio. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem (d)

Home Theatre Room EDID Source Test HD Projector

AVR

DVD

Test: EDID Source Test Objective: Determine if the DVD will play out multi-channel compressed audio to an EDID of a known good sink passed through the A/V receiver. Run this test both with the HDTV’s (projector’s) EDID and using an EDID from a known-good sink. Pass: If the DVD player plays out the multi-channel compressed audio properly through the A/V receiver this means that HDTV (projector) is the suspect component. Its EDID may be getting corrupted or may not be able to be parsed by the A/V receiver. One workaround would be to try and use a different HDMI port on the projector. Another solution is to bypass the A/V receiver and connect the HDMI directly to the projector and connect a SPDIF cable to the A/V receiver for audio. Fail: If the DVD player does not play out multi-channel compressed audio, then the A/V receiver is the suspect device. You should check its configuration and specification. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Read EDID at 780 Tx port.  Check for errors.  Verify video resolution and content.  Initiate hot plug and repeat. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Move 780 downstream toward sink to segment.  Read EDID at 780 Tx port.  Check for errors.  Verify video resolution and content. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Connect to HDMI sink and read EDID.  Use EDID on 780 Rx port.  Initiate hot plug.  Run Audio/Video analysis tests.  Repeat to emulate other test EDIDs. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem with 780  780 emulates EDID of sink:  Connect to HDMI sink and read EDID.  Copy to 780 Rx port.  Initiate hot plug.  Run video analysis tests.  Repeat to emulate other test EDIDs. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem with 780  780 emulates both source and sink:  Emulate known-good EDID at 780 Rx port.  Read EDID on 780 Tx port.  Check for errors.  Verify video content. Diagnose Incorrect Video Problem with 780  780 emulates both source and sink:  View/verify video.  Send various resolutions from 780 HDMI Tx and Read AVI and timing.  Verify video content and resolution.  Verify A/V parameters. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Read EDID at 780 Tx port with sink.  Check for errors.  Verify audio content.  Repeat for other audio formats. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Read EDID at 780 Tx port without sink.  Check for errors.  Verify audio content.  Repeat for other audio formats. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Read EDID.  Check for errors.  Send various audio formats supported in the A/V receiver’s EDID.  Verify audio content. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Read EDID.  Check for errors.  Send various audio formats supported in the A/V receiver’s EDID with sink.  Verify audio content. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Move 780 downstream toward audio rendering device (AVR) to segment.  Send various audio formats supported in the A/V receiver’s EDID without sink.  Verify the audio content. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem with 780  780 emulates both source and sink:  Send various audio formats supported in the A/V receiver’s EDID.  Verify audio metadata.  Initiate hot plug and repeat. Diagnose Incorrect Audio Problem with 780  780 emulates both source and sink:  Send various audio formats supported in the A/V receiver’s EDID without sink.  Verify audio metadata.  Initiate hot plug and repeat. Quantum Data EDID Library – Free Test EDIDs  Quantum Data has created a freely accessible EDID library.  Variety of Commercial EDIDs from HDTVs.  Sample EDIDs created from Quantum Data EDID utilities. A variety of capabilities.  Test EDIDs that are known-bad.  www.quantumdata.com/edid/  Naming convention: - Interface type, e.g. “H” for HDMI; “D” for DVI - Preferred timing “8” for 1080; “7” for 720, “4” for 480 - Scan, e.g. “P” for Progressive - Highest audio, e.g. “H” for TrueHD; “L” for LPCM; “D” for DolbyD - 2 Sequence numbers to avoid name space collisions - Type of EDID, e.g. “C” commercial, “T” for test, “X” for bad EDIDs

Flashing Video – HDCP Problems HDCP Problem – What is the Symptom?

When there is an HDCP problem, typically there is continuous, periodic flashing video (about every 2 seconds).

Note: With an HDCP failure you will never have audio without video. In some cases, a no video condition can result. Why?

HDCP Interoperability  High Definition Content Protection  “HDCP is the hardest thing about HDMI (or any digital interface) interoperability”. Why?  The goals of HDMI compliance and HDCP compliance are different.

 Many devices were shipped without any HDCP testing until 2006  Cable, Satellite, and IPTV service providers update the software in their set-top-boxes often without warning. AVS Forum Issues Symptom: “Annoying HDMI blinking!” STB  HDMI AVR  HDMI  HDTV = Video/Audio blinking STB  HDMI ======> HDTV = OK DVD  HDMI AVR  HDMI  HDTV = OK “I get blinking/dropout of audio/video. Tried updating the TV's firmware. When I watch from a DVD recorder (HDMI) going thru the same receiver, I don’t see the blinking occur. Now bypassing the AV receiver for cable viewing, but obviously this isn't what I want to do forever. It could be the ports for the SAT STB on the AV receiver. I believe the problem is with the STB or the cable service. And possibly something with the AV receiver in the middle. But since it can serve up content from my HDMI DVD player fine, I doubt the receiver is completely to blame.” Probable cause: HDCP Authentication failure. STB does not support repeaters or does not parse HDCP repeater bit. Diagnostics: Swap DVR with 780, disable HDCP. Passively monitor DDC transactions at the STB, AV receiver and HDTV. Resolution: Swap out STB.

HDMI Connection Sequence

AVR  A - HDMI source (e.g. DVD player) outputs +5V power STB TV toward HDMI sink (e.g. HDTV). 5V 5V A  B - Source waits for hot plug detect to be asserted Hot Plug Hot Plug (i.e. to go to its high voltage state). B EDID EDID C Unencrypted  C - Source reads the sink’s capabilities in the sink’s D Video EDID. | BCAPS 1st part of HDCP |  | authentication D - Source chooses video and audio formats and | | BKSV (upstream) outputs unencrypted video and audio content & | metadata. E AN | AKSV |  E - Source performs HDCP authentication if content is | flagged as content protected. | Ro |  F - Source monitors connection every 2-seconds with | Ri F an HDCP heartbeat (Ri).

Upstream Downstream  Source re-authenticates if there is a mismatch in the heartbeat (Ri’) value or if a hot plug event occurs.  Sink uses metadata to get the picture and sound correct. HDMI Connection Sequence

Upstream Downstream F - Completion of HDCP authentication Diagnosing HDCP Problems with the 780  Run sink HDCP test starting from source.  Run source HDCP test starting from sink.  Monitor HDCP transactions.  Run passive monitoring test around suspect devices. Diagnose Flashing Video on TV Family Room from STB

Basement – Equipment Room Family DVD HDTV Satellite STB Room

4x4 HDMI Switch Game System

Cable STB Bedroom DVD HDTV

HDMI Cat6 Home Extenders (3) Theatre DVD Media PC HD Projetor

AVR Diagnose Flashing Video on TV Family Room from STB (a)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room 4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV Cat Extender Cable STB Sink HDCP Test

Test: HDCP Sink Test Objective: Determine if you can authenticate HDCP from a known-good source through the HDMI network. First enable HDCP then disable HDCP. Fail: If you get video with HDCP disabled but still see flashing when HDCP is enabled, this means that the problem is HDCP related but the STB is not the likely suspect device. Continue testing downstream (next slide). Pass: If you do get video in either case (HDCP enabled or disabled), then the most likely cause is the STBs HDCP authentication protocol. Confirm by running source test with test equipment on suspect STB. Resolution is to swap the STB. Diagnose Flashing Video on TV Family Room from STB (b)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room 4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV Cat Extender Cable STB Sink HDCP Test

Test: HDCP Sink Test Objective: Determine if you can authenticate HDCP from a known-good source through the HDMI network. First enable HDCP then disable HDCP. Fail: If you get video with HDCP disabled but still see flashing when HDCP is enabled, this means that the problem is HDCP related but the HDMI switch is not the likely suspect device. Continue testing downstream (next slide). Pass: If you do get video in either case (HDCP enabled or disabled), then the most likely cause is that the STB is incapable of HDCP authentication through the HDMI switch. Confirm by running source test with test equipment on suspect HDMI switch. Resolution is to swap the HDMI switch. Diagnose Flashing Video on TV Family Room from STB (c)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room 4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV Sink HDCP Test Cable STB Cat Extender

Test: HDCP Sink Test Objective: Determine if you can authenticate HDCP from a known-good source through the HDMI network. First enable HDCP then disable HDCP. Fail: If you get video with HDCP disabled but still see flashing when HDCP is enabled, this means that the problem is HDCP related but the extender is not the likely suspect device. The root cause may be a physical layer problem on the DDC; corrupt bits. Resolution is to replace it. Pass: If you do get video in either case (HDCP enabled or disabled), then the most likely cause is that the STB is incapable of HDCP authentication through the HDMI switch and extender. Confirm by running source test with test equipment on suspect HDMI switch. Resolution is to swap the extender. Diagnose Flashing Video on TV Family Room from STB (d)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room 4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV

Cable STB Source Test Source Test Cat Extender Source Test

Test: Source Test to confirm Objective: Verify that the HDCP problem occurs with a known-good sink device. Diagnose Flashing Video Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Run HDCP Test downstream.  Disable then Enable HDCP  Check for hot plug detect error  Check for HDCP errors  Initiate hot plug and repeat Diagnose Flashing Video Problem with 780  780 emulates source:  Move 780 downstream toward sink to segment.  Test HDCP.  Check for errors.  Verify video/audio content. Diagnose Flashing Video Problem with 780  Connect test equipment to network:  Monitor DDC traces passively.  Initiate connection event.  Check for 5 volts and hot plug.  Check for EDID read.  Check for HDCP authentication errors. Diagnose Flashing Video Problem with 780  Connect test equipment to source:  Run Source HDCP test.  Verify HDCP authentication  Check number of keys. Diagnose Flashing Video Problem with 780  Connect test equipment to source:  Move 780 upstream toward sink to segment.  Run Source HDCP test.  Verify HDCP authentication  Check number of keys. Physical Layer Problems Physical Layer Problem – What is the Symptom?

When there is a physical layer problem related to the TMDS link, there is either no video or a degraded video; sparkles or excessive noise.

When there is a physical layer problem related to the DDC channel, the symptoms may cause HDCP or EDID problems but they are typically intermittent not constant.

Pixel Errors (“Sparkles”)  What causes pixel errors (“sparkles”)?  Intra-pair skew – The loss within one of the TMDS pairs. Typically results for differential lengths of the twisted pair. Closes horizontal axis of the eye diagram.  Physical impairments – Distortion or “smear” of the signal due to attenuation of high frequencies. Skin effect and dielectric loss. Closes vertical axis of the eye diagram.  Diagnosing physical layer problems requires very expensive equipment such as high speed oscilloscopes.  Therefore diagnostics of physical layer problems in the field is accomplished by inference and general symptom, i.e. pixel errors (“sparkles”) or intermittent snow or loss of video due to “cliff effect.” Inter-Pair Skew Cause of Velocity/Length Error

Intra-pair skew caused by asymmetric twists, which in this case makes the red wire longer

Intra-Pair Skew – Real Cable

One Digital Pair … but we live in the real world where wires aren’t perfect

To keep the eye open, limit wire cable length to ≈10 standing bits

Note: active wires exist that can correct skew. HDMI Cable – A Low Pass Filter  Cables pass low frequency components of a signal.  Attenuate high frequency components of a signal.

HDMI channel characteristics

Low Frequency High Digital Signal Transmission

HDMI Square Wave

1st harmonic

3rd harmonic

9th harmonic

Sampling points

Threshold voltage HDMI Equalization & Pre-emphasis  HDMI uses Equalization and Pre-Emphasis to correct for signal distortion on long signal transmissions.  What is Equalization?  The process of adjusting the strength of certain frequencies (typically high frequencies in HDMI) within a received signal.

HDMI channel characteristics HDMI equalization filter HDMI channel w/ Equalization

voltage 1

Low Frequency High Low Frequency High Low Frequency High HDMI Equalization & Pre-emphasis  Equalization increases the signal strength of the high frequencies over long distances but also increases the noise.  The signal-to-noise level is not improved.  What is Pre-emphasis?  HDMI 1.2 prohibited pre-emphasis because of restrictions on overshoot. HDMI 1.3 removed these restrictions.  The process designed to increase the magnitude of some higher frequencies with respect to the magnitude of lower frequencies in order to improve the overall signal-to-noise ratio.  Pre-emphasis increases the amplitude for a specific amount of time. Diagnosing Physical Layer Problems with the 780  Run Cable test on suspect cables.  Run Repeater test on suspect distribution devices.  Run video tests at high speeds and deep color. Diagnose Sparkles in Family Room from STBs

Basement – Equipment Room Family DVD HDTV Satellite STB Room

4x4 HDMI Switch Game System

Cable STB Bedroom DVD HDTV

HDMI Cat6 Home Extenders (3) Theatre DVD Media PC HD Projetor

AVR Diagnose Sparkles in Family Room from STBs (a)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room

4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV

Cable STB Cat Extender

Cable/Repeater Link Test

Test: Cable/Repeater Test Objective: Determine if the HDMI cables to and from the matrix switch and the switch itself are passing good video. Pass: If this test passes then the most likely cause is the Extender. Run a test on the Cat extender. (Next slide.) Fail: If this test fails then you should perform individual cable tests on each cable. If one fails, replace it. If they do not fail, replace the matrix switch. Diagnose Sparkles in Family Room from STBs (b)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room

4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV Frame Compare Cable STB Cat Extender

Test: Cable/Repeater Test or Frame Test Objective: Determine if the HDMI cables to and from the matrix switch, the switch itself and the extender are passing good video. If you cannot run the cable/repeater test, then run the frame compare test. Pass: If this test passes run a cable test on the HDMI cable to the HDTV. (Next slide.) Fail: If this test fails then the most likely cause is the Extender or the Cat cable. Try running a new Cat 5 cable temporarily and repeat this test. Diagnose Sparkles in Family Room from STBs (c)

Basement – Equipment Room Family Room

4x4 HDMI Switch

HDTV

Cable STB Cat Extender

Cable Link Test

Test: Cable/Repeater Test Objective: Determine if the HDMI cables to and from the matrix switch and the switch itself are passing good video. Pass: If this test passes then the most likely cause is that the extender is exhibiting intermittent errors. Replace/swap the extender. Fail: If this test fails then you should replace the cable. Diagnosing Physical Layer Problems with the 780  Connect test equipment to HDMI cable or network:  Run Repeater Test.  Check for errors.  Initiate hot plug and repeat. Diagnosing Physical Layer Problems with the 780  Connect test equipment to HDMI cable as shown  Run Video test with high speed resolutions and deep color.  Use dark test pattern.  Check for errors. Procedure – Run Far End Frame Compare Test  Use 780 to emulate sink.  Run Frame Compare test.  Check for errors. Miscellaneous AVS Forum Issues Symptom: No Video/Audio with A/V Receiver

Hi EveryBodies. After intensive search on the net I found this Forum and I am sure You will answer my issue (I hope ) So here is my devices list: BluRay player (Samsung), Satellite Decoder, AV receiver, (Yamaha 665) and HDTV (LG LH7020). All were connected using HDMI cable (1.3). It was working fine during at least one year since ... about one month. BR Player ==> AV receiver ==> TV LG (KO) Sat Dec ==> AV receiver ==> TV LG (KO) BR Player ======> TV LG (OK) Sat Dec ======> TV LG (OK) BR Player ==> AV receiver ==> Another HDTV (OK) (not LG) for check When I write KO it means no pictures, the sound during few secondes then no sound, then sound during few secondes.... The red logo "HDMI" on the AV receiver is also flashing (same as sound). One time I get a noisy "red" screen during few secondes. I bring the AV Receiver to the customer support and they did not find any problem. Now I just want to know what is the wrong device. What should I changed ?

AVS Forum Issues – EDID Related Problems Symptom: Pink tint on TV STB –-HDMI HDTV = Pink tint on TV “HDMI communication problem. Sometimes the picture has a pink tint… I can resolve this issue if I connect using component instead of HDMI. I can also resolve the issue if I connect to a different brand of television. I have replaced HDMI cable, swapped television for same new one, and replaced DVR box for same new. Satellite provider has been out to see the issue and does not have a resolution. I have spoken with HDTV manufacturer and they want me to send pictures to them, which I will do.” Possible Causes: Mismatch in color space. Source sending YCbCr to an HDTV in RGB mode. (1) EDID or (2) AVI Infoframe. Diagnostic: Swap TV with TE and read AVI infoframe coming from STB. Read EDID from TV verify it supports YCbCr. Resolution: Source STB not reading EDID properly or sending incorrect infoframe; consider replacing STB source.

AVS Forum Issues Symptom: Audio Dropout STB –-HDMI--> AVR —HDMI HDTV = Audio drops out STB –-HDMI--> HDTV STB –-optical--> AVR “Watching the ballgame last night and suddenly no sound. I noticed only analog picking up on AV receiver, no matter what mode I had it on. I have changed the HDMI cable and still only analog shows up. Does this sound like the AV receiver is the problem? I have had the HDMI hooked up for over a year now. Does anyone have any ideas?” Possible causes: (1) Audio buffer being overrun by audio sample packets. (2) Audio infoframes missing. (3) Using PC (VESA) formats with not enough blanking Resolution: Swap out STB (source).

HDMI Anatomy (v1.4)

HDMI Source HDMI Sink

TMDS Channel 0 (R V/H sync) Video Video TMDS Channel 1 (G Control) HDMI HDMI Audio Audio Transmitter Receiver TMDS Channel 2 (B Control)

Control/Status TMDS Clock Channel Control/Status

HDCP & HDCP Display Data Channel (DDC) EDID

CEC Bus CEC CEC

Utility Line/+5V HEAC HEAC (HEC/ARC) (HEC/ARC)

Hot Plug Detect Line Detect High / Low HDMI Data Islands Related Packets

Horizontal Sync Delay (Pixels)

HSYNC

748 Data Islands 749 Audio Sample Packets 750 Audio Clock Regeneration Horizontal Resolution - Active (Pixels) Audio Channel Status Horizontal Blanking Quiz Test Questions  True or False

1. True or False Infoframes are sent from an HDMI source to an HDMI sink device? 2. True or False. In an HDMI connection sequence the EDID is always read after HDCP authentication? 3. True or False. HDCP transactions for content protection occur in the HDMI video blanking? 4. True or False. The EDID is read over the CEC bus? 5. True or False. Category 1 cables have been tested up to 1080p60? 6. True or False. A Set Top Box is an example of an HDMI sink “receiver”? 7. True or False There is a separate hot plug used by repeaters to indicate a downstream connection event? 8. True or False. Pixel sparkles are a symptom of an HDCP authentication failure? 9. True or False. The HDMI infoframes are sent over the DDC channel? 10. True or False. HDCP authentication is more likely to fail when YCbCr is used instead of RGB? 11. True or False HDCP authentication is more difficult where there is an HDCP repeater used between a source and a sink device. 12. True of False When a sink device is swapped out and a reconnection event occurs, HDCP authentication should reoccur? 13. True or False Improper video resolution can be caused by an EDID interoperability problem? Test Questions  Multiple Choice 1. What two HDMI device functions does an HDMI repeater device have? A – scalar/source B – extender/sink C – source/sink. D – booster/converter 2. What is the most likely symptom of continuous HDCP authentication failures? A – continuous, periodic, flashing video. B – improper video resolution C – audio pops & clicks D – bad EDID 3. What are the circumstances under which a hot plug event occurs? A – EDID has been read B – content protection flag is set C – a sink device is connected to source. D – audio clock is regenerated 4. AVR is suppose to do what with the HDTV’s EDID? A – ignore the downstream EDID and forward its own EDID B – forward the HDTV EDID to source without modifying it C - substitute its entire EDID for an HDTVs D - replace the audio block, remove any unsupported resolutions and then forward the modified EDID to the source device. Test Questions  Multiple Choice (continued).

1. Which of the following information does an EDID have? A - optimal video resolution/audio formats supported/video resolutions supported/video type &sampling modes. B - audio formats supported/video format being sent/audio clock regeneration values/optimal video resolution C – optimal video resolution/audio formats/audio clock regeneration values/audio formats supported D – video resolutions supported/audio formats supported/audio clock regeneration values/HDCP keys 2. If there was no video on an HDTV, a likely root cause is? A – no hot plug detected; inactive port on the HDTV. B - missing vendor specific infoframe C – missing audio block in the EDID D – incorrect color space 3. What is the most likely cause of the symptom of continuous, periodic, flashing video? A – bad EDID B – missing infoframes C – wrong color space (RGB/YCbCr) D – failed HDCP authentication.

Test Questions  Multiple Choice (continued).

1. What is the highest audio capabilities of a device with the following EDID? A – Dolby Digital B – Linear PCM C – DTS Master Audio D - Dolby Digital Plus 2. The following EDID most likely an EDID from what type of device? A – HDTV B – Set Top Box C – Extender D - A/V Receiver 3. What is the preferred format of the device with the following EDID? A – 1080i30 B – 1080p60 C - 720p60 D – 480p60