Voyager Fiber Optic Signal Distribution Platform - Magenta Research

Technology Brief 

Fiber Optic 

Signal Distribution Platform 

Fiber Optic Extenders and Matrix Switchers 

for Video, Audio, RS-232, IR and USB 

The ProAV and Digital Signage industries have been 

screaming for a cost effective solution to simplify the 

integration of digital and analog signals into a single 

platform that supports HDCP, is easy to scale, configure and 

install, and can be procured at an investment level close to 

the historical analog platform pricing. Innovative engineering 

and design from Magenta Research has allowed old barriers 

to be broken and new frontiers of solutions to be reached. 

MAGENTA RESEARCH LTD. HONG KONG | LONDON | MONTREAL | NEW MILFORD USA 

P +1 860 210 0546 F +1 860 210 1758 www.magenta-research.com Copyright 2010 

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Contents 

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Introduction 

Overview 

FiberMax Engine 

Multi-format Support 

Flex-VCA Architecture 

Interoperable, Modular and Scalable 

Advanced HDCP and EDID Management 

ScaleMAX Technology 

Ease of Use and Device Control 

Magenta Quality and Reliability 

Summary 

Voyager Feature Benefit Summary 

Page 2 MAGENTA RESEARCH LTD. HONG KONG | LONDON | MONTREAL | NEW MILFORD USA 

P +1 860 210 0546 F +1 860 210 1758 www.magenta-research.com Copyright 2010

Introduction 

In today’s digital age, it is hard to find an AV source or display device which does not 

support digital video. In fact, the widespread adoption of standards like DVI, HDMI 

and DisplayPort has resulted in the availability of digital video connections on most 

AV devices at no extra cost. Despite this trend, both the ProAV and Digital Signage 

industries have been hesitant to adopt hi-definition digital video for AV signal distribution 

over structured cabling. 

Unlike analog video transmission, digital video transmission consumes significantly 

higher bandwidth and is less forgiving of signal deterioration over long distances. 

Hence, low cost UTP cabling, which was suitable for long distance analog signal distribution, 

must either rely on compression, or otherwise provide unreliable operation 

with limited distance capabilities for hi-definition digital video. While fiber transport 

overcomes these issues, the high cost of custom optics and the lack of innovation 

in AV transmission over standard networking optics have essentially hampered the 

adoption of digital signal distribution. 

Dewar’s elevator landing 

Magenta Research has invested 

heavily in cutting edge R&D for 

high speed digital design to 

deliver the FiberMAX Engine. This 

technology is poised to change 

this trend in the same fashion as 

Magenta’s MultiView and Mondo 

technologies did for hi-definition 

analog video distribution over UTP. 

The FiberMAX Engine represents 

the core of Magenta’s Voyager series 

of extension, distribution and 

switching products. 



Page 3

Overview 

Magenta’s Voyager Fiber Optic Signal Distribution Platform is an interoperable set of 

transmitters, receivers, distribution amplifiers and matrix switchers. When combined 

together, these components enable any end to end configuration for distribution of 

uncompressed video, audio, RS-232, IR and USB signals over fiber. Designed to deliver 

exceptional high resolution image quality and 24/7 reliability, the Voyager series offers 

advanced functionality and usability for digital signage and ProAV systems integration. 

Key Features 

• Fully interoperable fiber extension, distribution & switching platform for AV 

• Uncompressed multi-format digital & analog video at 1920x1200 

• Multi-format audio, RS-232, IR & USB 2.0 

• Auto format conversion between video & audio signal types 

• FiberMAX Engine for high bandwidth, multi-signal transmission on standard SFP optics 

• Range of over 6600ft/2KM (multimode) and 18.75MI/30KM (singlemode) 

• Modular Flex-VCA architecture for field upgradability & interchangeability of signal types 

• Advanced EDID management with HDCP compliance 

• ScaleMAX for optimal image quality in mixed resolution installations 

• Magenta quality and reliability for 24/7 operation 



Source 

FiberMAX Engine 

Forming the backbone of Magenta’s Voyager platform, FiberMax is an ultra highspeed 

data sequencing and streaming engine capable of driving standard SFP optics 

at maximum efficiency. The resulting benefit is the unique capability of simultaneously 

transmitting uncompressed 1920x1200 video with HDCP at 60Hz, USB 2.0 at 

480Mbps, 8-Channel 24-bit DTS-HD Master Audio, bidirectional RS-232, IR and CEC, 

all on industry standard SFP optics and cabling. The distance range supported while 

transmitting all these signal types at their maximum performance is over 6600ft/2KM 

with multimode optics and 18.75MI/30KM with singlemode optics. 

The use of SFP optics, which utilizes external field replaceable fiber transceiver modules, 

allows maximum flexibility in choice of fiber types and distance range. Voyager 

products can support either fiber type through quick replacement of transceiver 

b rM X E gn 

modules. 

1920x1200 @ 60Hz 

USB 2.0 at 480Mbps 

8-Channel 24-bit 

DTS-HD Master Audio 

Bidirectional RS-232 

Bidirectional IR 

18.75MI/30KM with singlemode optics 

FiberMAX Engine 

LC Fiber 

Over 6600ft/2KM with multimode optics 

1920x1200 @ 60Hz 

USB 2.0 at 480Mbps 

8-Channel 24-bit 

DTS-HD Master Audio 





Display 

Keyboard 

Speakers 

Mouse 

Remote 

Control 

Page 5

HDMI 

DVI VI 

VGA A 

SDII 

Display Port 

Composite, site, te, 

Component, en nt, 

S-Video de eo 

Multi-Format Support 

The Voyager series features the ability to select from a full complement of digital and 

analog AV signal types with built-in, self-configuring format conversion and transcoding. 

These include HDMI (with HDCP), DVI, DisplayPort, RGBHV, multi-rate SDI, 

Component, S-video and Composite video formats. Both digital and analog audio 

are also supported including HDMI embedded formats such as 8-channel Dolby and 

DTS. A variety of other complementary signals such as full USB 2.0, bidirectional 

RS-232, IR and HDMI embedded CEC are also available. An installation can therefore 

support fully interoperable mixed signal formats ensuring maximum flexibility 

and compatibility. What’s more, with Magenta’s revolutionary Flex-VCA architecture, 

signal types can be configured, added or replaced in the field. 

Transmitter Auto Format Conversion Receiver 

POINT TO POINT 

VG-DA7 

POINT TO MULITPOINT 

VG-MATRIX 

FULL CROSSPOINT MATRIX SWITCHING 

SWITCHIN 



Flex-VCA Architecture 

With the Voyager series, Magenta is also introducing Flex-VCA, a unique and highly 

innovative modular architecture that enables customers to not only configure to 

order, but also “configure to use”. The Flex-VCA (Video-Core-Auxiliary) architecture 

allows each transmitter and receiver to be independently configured for signal types 

using a selection of easily interchangeable plug & play modules. Attached to the 

Core module, which is a powered fiber extension unit, the daughter Video module 

determines the video I/O format and the Auxiliary module determines the auxiliary 

signal support such as USB, Audio, RS-232 and IR. 

Enabling numerous permutations of signal types, the Flex-VCA architecture uniquely 

delivers the ability to easily field configure, field upgrade and field interchange signal 

types including video formats without replacing the Core modules. It also allows 

distributors, dealers, system integrators and end customers to hold a comprehensive 

“effective” inventory of stock or spare parts with only a small set of building block 

modules. Changes or mistakes in specification or addressing signal incompatibilities is 

no longer an expensive, time consuming exercise. 

Easy to configure, upgrade 

or replace in the field 

Interchangeable 

Video Modules 

(HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, SDI, 

VGA, Y/C, YPbPr, RCA) 

Fiber Extension 

Core Modules 

(Transmitter, Receiver) 

Interchangeable 

Auxiliary Modules 

(Audio, RS-232, IR, USB 2.0) 



Page 7

Interoperable, Modular and Scalable 

The Voyager series offers a comprehensive set of interoperable building block components 

to enable any application requirement with virtually infinite configuration 

possibilities. These include multi-port transmitters, daisy chain receivers with input 

switching support, distribution amplifiers and small to large scale full crosspoint 

matrix switchers. Being modular and scalable, Voyager installations are field configurable 

and field upgradable. 

TYPE NAME CONFIGURATIONS DISTANCE OPTIONS 

Transmitters VG-TX2 2-port 

VG-TX4 4 port 

Multi-mode 

Receivers VG-RX Daisy-Chain, 

Optics 

2x1 Switch 

6600ft/2Km* 

Distribution Amplifiers VG-DA7 1x7, Dual 1x3 

Single-mode 

Matrix Switchers** VG-Matrix 16x Up to 16x16 

Optics 

VG-Matrix 32x Up to 32x32 

18.75miles/ 

30Km 




* 300m (50um cable), 3300ft/1KM (OM3 cable), 6600ft/2KM (OM4 cable) 

** Simplex mode confi gurations. In duplex mode, the total number of inputs + total number of outputs 

must be less than or equal to the “n” in VG-Matrix “n” x. 



Interoperable, nterope Modular ble Mod and lar a Scalable 

PC Source 1 

Bluray Source 2 

While the components determine the configuration or layout of the signal distribution 

network, the video signal format of each component can be chosen independently. 

With built-in support for format conversion from source to the target display, multiple 

video types on a single network are managed seamlessly. The Voyager series supports 

numerous signal types for virtually any application requirements. These include: 

Video 

HDMI with HDCP 

DVI 

VGA 

Display Port 

SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI 

Component 

Composite/S-Video 

VG-TX4 

Audio 

Unbalanced Stereo 

HDMI Embedded: 

- DTS-HD Master 

- Dolby Digital 

- Dolby TrueHD 

- DVD Audio 

- LPCM 

POINT TO POINT 

FULL CROSSPOINT 

MATRIX SWITCHING 

VG-DA7 

DAISY CHAIN DISTRIBUTION POINT TO MULITPOINT 

VG-RX VG-RX VG-RX 

VG-TX2 VG-RX 

VG-MATRIX 

VG-RX 

x77 

Control & Other 

USB 2.0 



HDMI embedded CEC 

2x1 INPUT SWITCHING 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

FIBER OPTIC CABLE 

MULTIMODE 

SINGLEMODE 

HDMI/DVI/RGB/SDI CABLE 

AUDIO CABLE 

OTHER: USB,RS-232,IR 



Page 9

Advanced HDCP and EDID Management 

Whether distributing one source to several displays, or within full crosspoint matrix 

switching environments, Magenta’s Voyager series offers seamless management of HDCP 

and EDID between devices. Magenta’s HDCP engine has the ability to pre-authorize all 

HDCP keys in the distribution network and maintains a constant handshake for delay-free 

switching between protected devices. When both protected and unprotected devices 

reside on the same system, the HDCP engine ensures that protected content is only displayed 

on pre-authorized HDCP devices in full compliance with HDCP specifications. 

Like HDCP, EDID management is self-configuring to ensure plug and play operation even 

within a network of displays with different characteristics including display resolution. For 

HDCP Man gemen 

custom requirements, an easy to use EDID management utility is also available. 

HDCP (Protected Content) 

Bluray Player Source 

No HDCP (Unprotected Content) 

PC Source 

VG-TX2 

VG-TX2 

VG-MATRIX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 



HDCP Display 

HDCP Display 

Non HDCP 

Non HDCP

720p Source 

ScaleMAX Technology 

In single source, multi-display networks or matrix switching environments, integrators 

must limit the source’s output resolution to match the lowest resolution display. This results 

in a low quality up-scaled image on all higher resolution displays in the network. Magenta’s 

unique ScaleMAX technology automatically configures each source’s output resolution 

to match the highest resolution display. Available on select video modules, ScaleMAX 

technology then uses broadcast quality downscaling to display high resolution content on 

lower resolution displays ensuring optimal content resolution on each and every display. 

ScaleMAX echnology 

Without ScaleMAX 

Higher resolution display renders 

lower quality upscaled image 

With ScaleMAX 

Both displays render at 

maximum quality 

1080p Source 

VG-TX2 

VG-TX2 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

WITH SCALEMAX 

1080p Display 

720p Display 

1080p Display 

720p Display 



PIXELATED 

(due to upscaling) 

NATIVE 

RESOLUTION 

NATIVE 

RESOLUTION 

UNPIXELATED 

(due to downscaling) 

Page 11

Ease of Use and Device Control 

While the Voyager series offers hassle free plug and play operation, numerous configura- 

tion options are available for advanced users or when Matrix switching or display device 

control is required. Each Voyager product can easily be controlled and configured through 

an onboard plug & play USB interface or through an optional RS-232 port (standard on 

matrix switches). With duplex fiber, remote management of all interconnected Voyager 

units can be done from a single point reducing maintenance costs and total cost of ownership. 

Each display device and projector can also be independently controlled (simplex 

c Cont l 

fiber) or monitored (duplex fiber) by a third party control system from a single input point 

using RS-232 or HDMI embedded CEC. 

Bluray Source 

Laptop Source 

Control System 

VG-TX2 VG-DA7 

RS-232 TO CONFIGURE/UPGRADE 

VOYAGER UNITS OR CONTROL/ 

MONITOR DISPLAY DEVICES 

HDMI WITH EMBEDDED CEC TO 

CONTROL/MONITOR DISPLAY DEVICES 

USB TO CONFIGURE OR UPGRADE 

VOYAGER UNITS 

FIBER OPTIC CABLE 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 

VG-RX 



Display 

Display 

Projector

Magenta Quality and Reliability 

The Voyager series has been engineered with the same attention to no-compromise qual- 

ity which has made Magenta’s MultiView, Infinea and Mondo products a benchmark in 

field reliability for 24/7 and mission critical environments. No wonder hundreds of thousands 

of displays worldwide have been trusted with Magenta products in virtually all application 

environments including commercial, industrial, government, military, residential, 

education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, sports and entertainment. 

Nintendo World installation 

Franklin Institute in Philadelphia 

Macy’s Union Square 

Bacardi grand entrance 



Page 13

Summary 

The Voyager series from Magenta Research provides customers with a high performance, 

flexible, modular, scalable, easy to install and easy to configure platform that eliminates 

the headaches typically associated with integrating multiple signal types and video formats 

into a single signal distribution environment. With support for full HDCP in any distribution 

scenario, Magenta’s Voyager series truly is the future of extension and switching for digital 

signage and Pro AV applications. 

Voyager also integrates a variety of other features that enable ease of configuration, integration 

and maintenance. 

• Real-time status LED indicators 

• Rack-mount and wall-mount support 

• Worldwide power compatibility 

• Industry standard LC connectors 

• Locking HDMI connectors 

• Locking power connectors (optional) 

• ESD protection 

• Audio gain, attenuation adjustment and muting capability 

• Optional touch screen matrix control system 



Voyager Feature Benefit Summary 

FEATURE DESCRIPTION BENEFIT 

FiberMax 

Engine 

Multi-format 

Auto 

Conversion 

Flex-VCA 

Architecture 

Modular 

System 

Architecture 

Auto HDCP 

Management 

ScaleMAX 

Technology 

Auto EDID 

Management 

Daisy-chain 

Support 

2x1 Input 

Switching 

Uncompressed 

Video 

Advanced 

Device Control 

Remote 

Configuration 

LC-Fiber 

Connectivity 

Ultra high-speed data sequencing 

& streaming engine for fiber 

transmission 

Built-in automatic video & audio 

format conversion of source to 

target display 

Modular architecture for field 

configurability & interchangeability 

of video & auxiliary signal types 

Comprehensive set of scalable & 

interoperable transmitters, receivers, 

distribution amplifiers & matrix routers 

Full encryption, decryption, 

authorization & management of HDCP 

devices in simple or complex networks 

Maximize resolution of source device 

with broadcast quality downscaling for 

low resolution displays 

Self configuring EDID management 

system with management utility for 

custom requirements 

Cascaded receivers power multiple 

displays from a single transmitter 

Receivers with dual inputs and ability 

to switch between inputs 

Pixel for pixel image transmission 

with no compression 

Support for bidirectional RS-232, 

IR and USB 2.0 

Plug & play dedicated USB port for 

single point access to all connected 

Voyager devices 

Industry standard LC type fiber 

& connector 

Transmit uncompressed 1920x1200 video, 

480Mbps USB, 8-Channel Audio, RS-232 

& IR to 18.75MI/30KM 

Interconnect devices of mixed formats 

without adding cost of external converters 

or increasing failure points 

Easily configure & change signal types. 

Flexibility in specification, procurement, 

stocking, installation & troubleshooting 

Enable any application requirement with 

infinite configuration possibilities. Scalability 

& field upgradability for future proofing 

Meet HDCP legal obligations for protected 

content while ensuring delay free switching 

& interoperability with unprotected devices 

Display optimal resolution on mixed 

resolution display installs with no image 

degradation due to up-scaling 

Plug & play device operation even within 

a network of devices with different 

resolution capabilities 

Reduce complexity & cost of equipment, 

cabling & installation 

Eliminate cost of external switching or 

routing equipment for simple 2x1 switching 

applications 

Source equivalent pristine image 

quality on display 

Source or display devices can be programmed 

or controlled remotely with feedback 

capabilities including diagnostics & statistics 

Easy configuration, update, troubleshooting 

and monitoring. Single point management 

and monitoring reduces cost of ownership 

Secure content, no emissions or interference, 

especially suited for industrial, government, 

military & medical environments 



Page 15

Voyager Fiber Optic Signal Distribution Platform - Magenta Research

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