Overview
A Device Swap Test is a troubleshooting method used to determine whether a Just Add Power Encoder or Decoder is responsible for a problem.
By exchanging a suspected device with a known-good device, you can determine whether the issue follows the Suspect Device or remains at the original location.
When to Perform a Swap Test
A Device Swap Test may be useful when:
A video, audio, or control issue is isolated to a single display.
A video, audio, or control issue is isolated to a single source.
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A single physical connection is suspected to be at fault:
Source or display
HDMI cable
Encoder or Decoder
Network cable
Network switch port
Swap Test Instructions
Important: For the test results to be valid, both the Suspect Device and the Control Device must exchange locations. Replacing only one device does not fully isolate the problem.
Identify the Encoder or Decoder suspected of causing the issue. This is the Suspect Device.
Identify a second Encoder or Decoder that is known to be functioning correctly. If the Suspect Device is an Encoder, select another Encoder. If the Suspect Device is a Decoder, select another Decoder. This is the Control Device.
Disconnect all cables from the Control Device and move it to the location of the Suspect Device.
Reconnect all cables that were connected to the Suspect Device onto the Control Device.
Move the Suspect Device to the original location of the Control Device.
Reconnect all cables that were connected to the Control Device onto the Suspect Device.
Verify system operation and note whether the problem follows the Suspect Device to its new location or remains at the original location.
Interpreting the Results
| Result | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Problem follows the Suspect Device to the new location | The issue is likely associated with the Suspect Device. |
| Problem remains at the original location | The issue is likely caused by another component, such as the source, display, HDMI cable, network cable, switch port, or system configuration. |
| Problem disappears entirely | A cable, connection, or temporary condition may have been corrected during the swap process. |
| Problems occur at both locations after the swap | Additional troubleshooting may be required to identify multiple contributing factors. |
