Overview

Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) can configure a new Omega Series, Ultra Series, or MaxColor Series system on an existing managed network using Alternate Configuration.

In an Alternate Configuration, AMP configures only the Just Add Power Encoders and Decoders. The Installer or network administrator is responsible for configuring the switch, VLAN, multicast services, and network routing.

For most new systems, AMP Standardized Configuration is recommended because AMP configures both the supported network switch and the Just Add Power devices. Use Alternate Configuration when the system must operate on an independently managed network or when project requirements prevent the use of Standardized Configuration.

See Choosing between Standardized and Alternate Configurations for help selecting the appropriate configuration type.

Video Walkthrough

The following video demonstrates how to build a new system using AMP Alternate Configuration.

Before You Begin

Before starting the AMP workflow:

1. Download and install the latest version of AMP.

   See Download AMP and Configure an Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series System.

2. Configure the managed network for Multicast Switching. The network must include:

   • A dedicated VLAN and unique subnet for the Just Add Power devices
   • IGMP Snooping and IGMP Querier
   • IGMP Immediate-Leave or Fast-Leave
   • Jumbo Frames with an MTU greater than 9000
   • Proper multicast filtering and inter-VLAN routing

   See Single VLAN Multicast Switching (Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series) for complete network requirements.

3. Gather the following network information:

   • The VLAN interface IP used as the default gateway for the Just Add Power devices
   • The subnet mask assigned to the Just Add Power VLAN
   • The available static IP address range for the Encoders and Decoders

Start an Alternate Configuration

1. Open AMP.
2. Select Alternate Configuration from the lower-left corner of the AMP start screen.
3. Review the Alternate Configuration disclaimer.
4. Click Continue.
5. Select Build & Expand.
6. Select Build New.

Prepare the System

AMP presents a preparation checklist before device discovery begins.

1. Confirm that the network requirements listed in Before You Begin are complete.
2. Connect every Just Add Power Encoder and Decoder to a multicast-enabled switchport.
3. Connect the AMP computer to a multicast-enabled switchport using a wired Ethernet connection.
4. Disconnect all HDMI source cables from the Encoders to prevent AV traffic during configuration.

5. Confirm that each Encoder and Decoder shows:

   • A solid Power LED
   • A blinking Data LED
6. Select each confirmation checkbox in AMP.
7. Click Continue.

Discover the Devices

1. Enter a descriptive project name. The project name will be included in the system documentation.
2. Select the computer’s wired Ethernet adapter.
3. Click Go to begin discovery.
4. Wait while AMP discovers the connected Encoders and Decoders.

As each device is discovered, it appears in the device list. The blinking Data LED on the device may stop blinking during the discovery process.

Missing Devices

If a device does not appear:

1. Confirm that it has a solid Power LED and a blinking Data LED.
2. Verify its network cable and switchport connection.
3. Confirm that the switchport is assigned to the Just Add Power VLAN and has the required multicast settings.
4. Click Rescan after correcting the issue.

Update Device Firmware

AMP checks the firmware installed on each discovered device.

1. Review the firmware status shown for each Encoder and Decoder.
2. If AMP displays Update Required, click the button.
3. In the pop-up window, click Start Update.
4. Wait for the firmware update and device reboot process to finish.
5. Confirm that all devices are discovered and up-to-date.
6. Click Continue.

Current firmware is available from the Firmware section of the Support Center.

Enter the Network Information

1. Enter the Default Gateway.

   This should be the VLAN interface IP configured as the gateway for the Just Add Power VLAN.

2. Enter the Subnet Mask assigned to the Just Add Power VLAN.

3. Review the network values for accuracy.

4. Click Continue.

Identify and Name the Devices

Identify and name each Encoder and Decoder before assigning its input or output number and IP address.

A device can be identified using any of the following methods:

• Identification button: Click the eye icon in AMP to make the Power and Data LEDs blink on the selected device.
• MAC address: Match the MAC address displayed in AMP to the MAC address printed on the device label.
• Decoder identification: Match the Decoder information displayed on its connected display.

Assign a descriptive name to each device so it can be identified in AMP, the project report, and the device webUI.

Assign Numbers and IP Addresses

Device assignments can be entered manually or generated using Autofill.

Enter Assignments Manually

1. Enter the input number and IP address for each Encoder.
2. Enter the output number and IP address for each Decoder.

Use Autofill

1. Click Autofill.
2. Enter the assignment information for the first Encoder and first Decoder.
3. Click Apply.
4. Make any required changes to the generated assignments.

Configure the Devices

1. Review the assignment table and confirm that every device has the correct name, input or output number, IP address, gateway, and subnet information.
2. Confirm that every IP address is unique, within the intended subnet, and not assigned to another network device.
3. Click Configure Devices, then click Apply.
4. Wait while AMP applies the configuration and reboots the devices.
5. Confirm that AMP reports that configuration is complete.

Download the Documentation

After the devices are configured, download the AMP project documentation before finishing the workflow.

1. Click the option to download the system documentation.
2. Save the project report with the other site documentation.
3. Confirm that the report includes the device assignments and network information.

The report should be retained for system commissioning, control system programming, future expansion, and troubleshooting.

Configure Network Routing

Network routing must be configured before devices on the Data Network can communicate with the Just Add Power VLAN.

1. Locate the static-route information in the AMP project documentation.
2. Provide the destination network, netmask, and gateway information to the network administrator.
3. Add the required static route to the site router or Layer-3 network device.
4. Confirm that authorized devices on the Data Network can reach the IP addresses assigned to the Encoders and Decoders.

See the following articles for additional information:

• Single VLAN Multicast Switching (Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series)
• Setup a Static Route for an Established Just Add Power System

Finish and Verify the System

1. Click Finish in AMP.
2. Reconnect the HDMI source cables to the Encoders.
3. Confirm that each Encoder detects its connected source.
4. Use the control system to switch each Decoder between multiple Encoders.
5. Confirm that each display receives the expected video and audio.
6. Store the AMP project files and downloaded documentation with the site records.

Troubleshooting

Devices Are Unreachable After Configuration

• Confirm that the assigned IP addresses are within the intended Just Add Power VLAN subnet.
• Verify the subnet mask and default gateway configured on the devices.
• Confirm that inter-VLAN routing is enabled.
• Verify the static route on the site router or Layer-3 switch.
• Confirm that any firewall between the Data Network and Just Add Power VLAN permits the required management and control traffic.

Related Articles

• Download AMP and Configure an Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series System
• Choosing between Standardized and Alternate Configurations
• Single VLAN Multicast Switching (Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series)
• Setup a Static Route for an Established Just Add Power System
• Firmware Downloads