Here's the basic info on what to order from Kontron and download from their public site to get yourself started.

*CRTtoLCD7 Multimedia Board; p/n 21110 Make sure you specify the HDCP version
$250
*OSD panel; p/n 22011 Kontron P/N: 22010; WDL P/N: 1JOSDPS for the panel $10 <edit by Durachko>

*YOU MUST HAVE THIS IF YOU WANT TO FINE TUNE YOUR SETTINGS DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF USING THE SERIAL CONECTION AND A PC

*Serial cable kit, for flashing firmware; p/n 61005
This is easy to make on your own. Just don't make it much longer than 14", or you may have signal loss errors

* Kontron KCWB app, light version !!!Full Version Now Available to public!!! ; for flashing panel and firmware files to your board

Get it here;
http://us.kontron.com/downloads/tools/CfgW..._CRTtoLCD-7.zip

*Kontron CRTtoLCD Multimedia 7 User manual
Get it here;
LCD7pdf


*LVDS Cable;[/color]
Ounce you have all the pieces listed above, you will need to fabricate an LVDS interconnect cable to go between the controller and panel. Almost all of the high resolution laptop panels out today use a JAE 30 type flat LCDS connector. The Multi7 has both a JAE 30 type and a 40 pin "box" type, a 44 pin 2.5" laptop HD ribbon connector works well here DO NOT USE THE 40 PIN CONNECTOR WITH AN 18 BIT PANEL! I WILL SHOW ALOT OF INTERFERENCE.
I prefer the JAE 30 because it keeps the wiring single and twisted leads neater and has less potential for picking up EMF. I already had the connectors as salvage parts, but can buy them at http://www.digikey.com/
You will want to use the smallest gauge fine stranded wire you can find. I used strands from an 80 pin fine strand (not solid) EIDE cable. Try to keep the cable length at less than 10" and only as long as you need, it's a very low voltage hence the super small strands.

New cable parts info

East Coast Distributor (added by Durachko): WDL, 800-548-2319. Click here too.

HDCP Update;
It's now available on the new boards. Make sure to specify it when ordering, you will need to ask for a board with hardware version "F".
The "F" version is utilizing the gm1601-H which supports HDCP.

KCWB Update;
The full version panel generation version is copyrighted, and I have given the engineering managers at Kontron my word that I would not distribute it. I will include the light version with the panel and firmware files when I finish my final version panel files.

The full version is now available to the public!!
http://us.kontron.com/downloads/tools/CfgW..._CRTtoLCD-7.zip
Or
http://us.kontron.com/index.php?id=780&...ctid=1525#d28-O

Panel files;
15.4 WUXGA; Here
14.1 WXGA+; Not yet hosted, PM me with email address

Awesome!


Whats the wrinkles with HDCP? you managed to test it?

"wrinkle" doesn't sounds good I hope that doesn't mean more development for you or more cost on the panels. You should sell your panel files back to Kontron.

New avatar, eh? Is that your car?

Let’s just say that there is or will be more than one version of the multi 7 out there. I'm not going to confirm anything until I have all the facts from Kontron. I should know more this week.
There shouldn't really be more development or cost, it's not a very big deal right now.

Yes, that's my current Fiero. It's an 86' GT 4spd. I've owned several.

HF, first, great work on this, I know many of us have been following the 15.4" thread for a while and were disappointed when it seemed like this controller may not work out. But alas, you pulled through for us all!

Out of curiosity, are you planning on starting a group buy once you get all your ducks in a row (panel files, HDCP "wrinkle", etc)?

No need for a group buy. Just simply call Kontron's sales department to order the card and OSD panel. The use the tools that I'll have up here soon to configure it.

Do you recall the current price point?

Ummm... I'm kinda new to this Kontron thing, but on the product page for the LCD 7 and LCD 7 Multimedia, it doesn't show HDMI or anything. Whats up with that? Or is that from the other version you were talking about? Help me... I'm new.

HERE is the post with the price info.

HERE are the part numbers.


Hey HF, since this is going to be the main Kontron thread, you might want to consider adding other links and info like the part numbers/pricing, Kontron contact info, manual, etc... to your top post too. Otherwise people will continue to ask these same questions as the thread gets longer. Nobody likes sifting through 60 pages to find something. Just a suggestion.
~heli0s

Read the PDF manual for the CRTtoLCD7, HERE. The Kontron doesn't have HDMI, it has DVI (same thing without the audio on the same plug). HDCP is supported over DVI, but whether it's turned on is what's still under question.

Sorry for the lack of info, I'm still working on putting everything together. But your right, all the pertinent data need to be up front. I'll to some editing soon.

No worries HF. Take your time and do it right. A good job is better than a fast job. Besides, you've done a LOT already. And if you ever need any help just ask.

Right on. No rush. Just trying to help out.

And that's a great offer from Durachko, the person with the BEST thread (A-Z tweaks) on LL.

Ok, here’s the strait scoop on the DHCP issue. It’s not present on the current board. It will be in the very near future. I’m waiting to hear from Kontron as to an exact date.
The current version uses a Genesis GM5601 scaler chip, the next revision will utilize the GM5601H which supports HDCP.

The sales manager at Kontron USA offered let me return my board for a refund since I was misinformed as to the HDCP.

I declined to do so; this board is just that good. It can control just about any LVDS panel with ease, and the adaptive motion and dithering chipsets keep the fast motion really sharp. Combine that with a range of adjustments and teaks that can go far beyond the LCD panel’s capabilities and you realize that Kontron wasn’t kidding when they called this their “High End Multimedia Controller”.

I have a small window to trade out the board if the new one becomes available in that time frame. I’m not to concerned about it I don’t.

So, it's NOT HDCP capable? Hmm.

Anyway, did your contact give you any feel (maybe you can't tell us this?) for when this new "H" chip will be marketed in the Kontron controllers?

Edit: I know you said very soon but . . .

You make it sound like the new chipset will remove some of the features of the current board. Is this correct, or will the new board be the same as the old with the addition of HDCP?

Thank you for all of your hard work. It has to feel good when you know you are more intelligent than the people that designed their own board.

The time table is what I'm waiting on, I know, not everybodys concept of "soon" is the same.



All the same features plus HDCP.

Sweet deal for this board. Relatively cheap too for what it does.

This will be the board I get for my PJ after it is built (and I have recovered from the build financially)!

Thanks HF!

Not to be a Grinch.

But without HDCP the G2A221 is a better deal.

$400 with everything needed and ready to go.

The Kontron board is $250 + $20 OSD + whatever it costs to make a serial cable kit + whatever it costs to make a Lvds cable + shipping. Let's say conservatively around $340.

Then it's going to be near impossible for the majority of people wanting this board to build a Lvds cable and a serial cable and program the controller.

Good luck for those that try it though.

Also when they add Hdcp the board cost WILL be going up.

hey hf what's up! again thanks for the qwesome work!

Just one question about the cable.
You said that :


is that the last one you mention will be functional in the firmware you're working on?
Is this cable the one attached to most used panel on ebay coming from used notebooks (dell or whatever?)

Thanks again see you!

Agreed, if you are on a tight budget(and who isn't) and keep your costs down and want to run ultra high def native, it's a good way to go. But the Kontron offers much better signal processing performance and 1:1 scaling

I made the serial cable with spare parts. Bit it would cost around 7$

LVDS cable could run between $5-$30 depending on how you source your parts.

There's no programing involved, just a few prewriten file flashes.

I don't know if the Kontron has better signal processing than the G2A. The G2A has Faroudja scaling and does 1:1 also.

How do you recommend building the Lvds cable. Using the existing cable from a pulled laptop screen and then adding a connector at the Kontron end?

And are you going to be releasing a pinout diagram for everyone to follow when making the Lvds cable? *edit* Nevermind saw your updated post

you forgot the 12v power supply too...

I think it's a bit early to talk about which is a better deal though... first nothing much as been talked about the OSD options (or maybe it has ?) or the other inputs on the board, which Hites said he's working on next. The one nice thing about this controller is that it can be flashed/reprogrammed using some free tools and a very simple cable, and with help from HF, customized. This is certainly more DIY than some are looking to get into, but group buys for LVDS cables has been discussed, which I think is likely to be the biggest DIY hurdle for many. IMO.

Yes, the JAE 30 is used on allmost(maybe all) Dell and similar screens. IBM may be different, they always are.

The pins on the 40 and the 30 are on the same buss, the firmware can't tell the difference.
NOTE, If you use the 44 pin conector in the 40 pin block, the 2 pins on each end of the 44 ARE NOT used!

I don’t recommend modifying the laptop LVDS cable! I’ve tried! It’s like trying to dribble a football; nearly impossible! The double and triple sheathed leads are impossible to work with. I just harvested two JAE 30 from to damaged cables and sucked solder smoke for an hour. The easiest way would be to buy the crimp and slip in style JAE 30s that DigiKey sells.

Here's some shots of the cables and cable bits I've played with.

44 pin 2.5 HD ribbon cable conector


A "harvested" JAE30 from a damaged flex cable.


Here's what I am curently using a JAE30 to JAE30, yeah, I know, it's really purdy

If we do a group buy through Kontron for the controller then they will supply the LVDS cable I'm sure - they have the means to manufacture them.

And the group buy will also make the controller itself cheaper.

Serial cables

Some T2 Extreme....shot with a so so...ok bad camera.

@jonjandran.
The G2A is wery hard to obtain if you are a non-us citizen. AFAIK it has issues with 720p digital (picture right shifted). C2L7MM is available worldwide and with HF-s setup it will work with all modes/resolutions - HF has the expertise and tools to work it out.

@HitesFiero - the GM5601H version is not 'will be' but existing, but available to customers can declare/document that he/she have paid the yearly $50k manufacturer fee for the HDCP consortium - this is the issues i gathered from the local reseller here but it was so exciting to hear either you or kancerus can get instances with the 'H' processor. if not - we have to go with HdFury... Other issue. have you figured out how the IR remote features can bre tweaked? .)

HiteFiero, when you hear on the date, please also confirm any price difference on the HDCP model.

For play time, also check out the free HD content on the apple website like the Ratatouille trailer or the Bee Movie trailer in 1080P.

Thanks again for sharing the knowledge and all your time in this!

Edit:
They still have the Cars HD stuff up too. Here are some links for direct download:
Ratatouille trailer
Ratatouille teaser
Cars trailer
Cars teaser
And for something a little different
300 trailer 1
300 trailer 2

Also, for Windows, VLC is a great player for handling those high def clips with options for fullscreen and 1:1 zooming etc. Media Player Classic in the CCCP bundle is also a fine choice but doesn't handle the high def as well in my opinion.

My Kontron contact has just changed his tune about the HDCP - but there is good news, he said:

"HDCP is not currently shipped with the controller will be included in all CRTtoLCD7 first quarter of 2008(even though manual says it is an option). "

He also said that they dont make the LVDS cables - they get them from a third party - but there is likely one that they have that will work with our panels.

http://emea.kontron.com/index.php?id=1139

But how do we know which one? I suppose we just have to find a panel thats in that list that uses the same pinouts.

I don't see a single 15.4" Wuxga in that whole list.

That's why we have had to program our own - but one of the other monitors might have the same LVDS cable pinouts and we can just use it and order it with the controllers

And just to re-iterate for the record: As a last resort, I did contact someone who can make good quality custom LVDS cables, although a little pricey, it may still be an option for some. And he can do custom lengths. I've even heard of him making a 96" cable once (for a car).

From his email:
-----------------
Single cable is 65.00

Qty. of 15-24 purchased at 1 time are 45.00 each. Qty. 25+ depends on actual qty.

Shipping is 6.00 for 1, or 10.00 up to 25 pcs.

Contact fmerrill and see if he knows of any with matching pinouts.

I asked my contact how we could find a compatable one in the list - this is what he said:

In the past I have had the same situation with older panels and the result is the manufacturers will not consider producing suitable interfaces unless a qty of 500+ are ordered. It is not necessary to fill in all the parameters in the configurator but 18 bit 24 bit, resolution, interface, screen size should get you a result if there is a suitable cable. The CRTtoLCD5 is very similar to the CRTtoLCD7 and should be suitable if that is the result you get in the controller section. If it is 18 bit then I am afraid we cannot help you.

I haven’t played with the IR yet. I’m not sure what remote to base it on nor have I fabed a IR receiver.


I have ran the Sharp 15.4 on this controller and the LG 14.1 both have identical pinouts except for the Sharp’s BIST which only needs to be grounded on the others in an N/C.

So the HDCP has been out for a while. I bought one of the few that where shipped to California. If this is true I wonder if the American import version gets it by default. It would appear that the only way to verify would be to look at the model # on the Genesis IC, but I have no urge to remove that heat sink. I’ve got a buddy with a PS3 that I might need to borrow….hmmm.

Hites,
Do you have any 720p or 1080i sources that can be connected via the component inputs on the card ? I'd love to see some pics, and 1:1 aspect ratio in action. Thanks !

gs

I will soon GS, I'm still tweeking the panel file. I'm developing a file for the 15.4 and the 14.1 at the same time. I'm not sure if anyone really cares about the 14.1 but its a super common panel and can be had cheap on the used side.

Anyone else ever grin when watching Terminator because the motorcycle stunt double just don't look quite right? Yeah, the stills REALLY emphasize it but even when watching the action footage it's very obvious.

I was going to say the same thing!

Update;
My contact has informed me the DHCP equipped units should be available around March of 08’.
Not sure if there will be a $ increase or not.
I have also been informed that the Genesis gm1601 is the current scaler chip and not gm5601.

The genesis gm1601-LF (not sure what the LF is for) is the scaler chip used on the G2A controller... well at least the G2A130 that I have, not sure about the 220 or 221.

No rush on the component screen shots (I know you're working at it, and in your spare time)... just thought i'd put in my request.

gs

Sigh . . . I guess I'll ask the obvious question: Which chip will the HDCP enabled boards have?

Must have been a typo, there is no gm2601. Looking at the Genesis Microchip LCD monitor controllers page, there is a link to a pdf on the gm1601. Here is a key snippet from the pdf:

So I guess Kontron is waiting on getting and/or testing the HDCP enabled version of that chip. This supports idea that the CRTtoTV7Multimedia will be the same or possibly a bit better once they get the HDCP enabled chips in.

Also on that page, I noticed that the Faroudja Video Processing is not included on the gm1601 but it is on the Oak FLI5962H along with HDCP. So, can we have it all and find a user/auto programmable, HDCP enabled, Faroudja enable, 1:1 scaling LCD controller based on the FLI5962H? Oh and custom LVDS cables for free too Maybe sometime in my lifetime... I will keep up my hope.

Oooh the FLI5962H also has overdrive and black frame insertion Add that to my wish list.

What's correct - does the Kontron use the 1601 or not? The chip manufacturer says no Faroudja. Kontron says their board has Faroudja. Jeepers but why are these things always so convoluted?

Edit: Can they "cheat" and say since it does MADi but not DCDi that it uses "Faroudja" - the 1601 that is?

Sort of... I think it's the other way around with respect to Faroudja technology... The CRTtoLCD7 Multimedia has the gm1601 which does not have any Faroudja technology (at least not in its docs) but it is paired with the Genesis FLI2310 (a separate chip) which does have Faroudja technology - see this pdf. However, this is only on the analog inputs (composite, s-video, component).

My take on the CRTtoLCD7 is:

• It (via the FLI2310) attributes DCDi, and Edge Correction to Faroudja technology on the analog inputs (composite, s-video, component).
• MADi, "Cross Color Suppressor", pull down de-interlacing, and "TrueLife Enhancer" are attributed to Genesis technology on the analog inputs (composite, s-video, component).
• Then on all inputs (via the gm1601) it attributes "advanced scaling", MADi and LADI, "RealColor" to Genesis technology.

So, there are a lot of features are in there, but it's not perfectly clear whether it is Genesis or Faroudja providing the technology and on which inputs. That said, Faroudja is actually a division of Genesis, so maybe it's all the same.

Argh!! Almost sorry I asked! My education continues . . .

Unfortunately, every new piece of information I store in my brain stack results in a previous piece of data being dropped from the bottom of the stack.

But it's not cheating really then the way it's being done. There's much to understand with the way these controllers input, process, and output all the signals. Thanks for the schooling!!!