Overview
A point-to-point test connects one Just Add Power Encoder directly to one Decoder. It helps determine whether an audio or video problem remains when the installed switch and network cable run are removed from the connection.
This procedure applies to Omega Series, Ultra Series, and MaxColor Series devices. A successful direct test points toward the removed network path, but does not identify a specific cable, switch port, or switch setting. An unsuccessful test does not, by itself, establish that either device has failed.
When to Perform the Test
Use this test after recording the original symptom and completing the initial checks that apply to it. These may include checking Power and Data LED behavior, the Decoder diagnostic screen message, or an Encoder or Decoder connected at 10/100 Mbps.
A point-to-point test is useful when an installed cable run, switch port, switch configuration, or inter-switch path remains suspect after those checks.
Hardware Required
- One compatible Just Add Power Encoder and Decoder
- One video source and one display
- Known-working HDMI cables
- One short, known-working Cat5e or higher-rated Ethernet cable
- Appropriate power for both devices: model-compatible local power supplies or suitable PoE injectors
Check the applicable Omega Series, Ultra Series, or MaxColor Series power supply specifications before using local power.
Before disconnecting devices: Confirm that no AMP operation or firmware update is running. Record the devices' models, firmware, network settings, assigned switch ports, and original symptom. Disconnecting an Encoder may interrupt its source on other displays.
Point-to-Point Test Procedure
- Choose the affected Encoder and Decoder. Record the Decoder's selected source and any diagnostic screen message. If the system was configured with AMP, run Gather Details while the devices are still connected to record activity, firmware, network settings, and link speeds.
- For an AMP Alternate Configuration system, record the Encoder's assigned multicast Channel and the Decoder's current Channel settings while both devices are still accessible. Set the Decoder's video Channel to match the test Encoder's video Channel. If testing audio in Flexible Mode, also set the Decoder's audio Channel to match the Encoder's audio Channel. Confirm the changes before disconnecting the devices.
- Disconnect both devices from the installed network. Keep the installed network cable run and its terminations out of the test path.
- Connect the Encoder's network port directly to the Decoder's network port using the short, known-working Ethernet cable. If using PoE injectors, connect each device to its injector's powered port and connect the injectors' data ports to each other. Follow the injectors' port labels and power specifications.
- Connect the video source to the Encoder and the display to the Decoder using known-working HDMI cables. Use a source signal and display known to work with these devices.
- Apply power to both devices and allow them to finish starting. Observe their Power and Data LEDs and any message on the Decoder's diagnostic screen.
- Check whether the Decoder displays the source and whether the original audio or video symptom occurs. Record the result, including any diagnostic message and whether the network link establishes.
Confirm the selected stream: A network link alone does not confirm that the Decoder is receiving the test Encoder. For AMP Alternate Configuration, verify that the Decoder's multicast Channel settings match the test Encoder before interpreting missing video or audio as a failed direct test. In other configurations, confirm that the Decoder is attempting to connect to the test Encoder. Do not factory default either device to perform this test.
Interpret the Results
| Result | Next check |
|---|---|
| The source works during the direct test. | Investigate the installed network path: its cable run and terminations, switch ports, switch configuration, and any inter-switch link. Restore the original connections and test the path one part at a time. |
| There is no network link during the direct test. | Check power, the short test cable, and any PoE injector connections. Further isolation is needed before assigning fault to an Encoder or Decoder. |
| The devices have a network link, but the source does not appear. | Record the diagnostic message. Confirm the Decoder's source or Channel selection, source output, HDMI connections, and device compatibility. If the cause remains unclear, use a known-working device to isolate the affected endpoint. |
| The original symptom remains during the direct test. | Investigate the devices, their power and configuration, and the source and display path. A Device Swap Test can help determine whether the symptom follows one device. |
Finish the Test
Reconnect both devices to their assigned switch ports. If you changed the Decoder's video or audio Channel for the direct test, restore the values recorded before the test. Confirm that the Decoder displays its intended source and that the system operates as expected.
If the cause remains unclear, provide Just Add Power Technical Support with the original symptom, AMP Gather Details results if available, direct-test connections, LED behavior, diagnostic message, and test result.
