Analog Way Aquilon RS4
Aquilon RS4: screens, resources, EDID and multiview
Ask GLMedia about rental options for multiscreen presentations. We review availability, configuration, and alternatives for your event.
Model and scope
With the date, location, and intended use, we can review which equipment and combination can be offered. You can inquire before measurements, drawings, or the final schedule are ready.
Analog Way Aquilon RS4, reference AQL-RS4, is a presentation and videowall processor in the LivePremier family. It composites signals, prepares transitions and distributes content across screens or a widescreen surface.
The standard configuration has 24 inputs and 16 physical outputs plus dedicated monitoring. Cards can be replaced: verify the actual rear panel and software version before planning connections or loading a configuration.
Video, monitoring and control
- Inputs and outputs
- The quick start guide describes 12 HDMI 2.0, 8 DisplayPort 1.2 and 4 12G-SDI inputs, with 16 HDMI 2.0 outputs. This describes that configuration and does not establish which cards are installed.
- Format and color
- HDMI 2.0 ports support up to 4K60p at 8-bit 4:4:4 or 12-bit 4:2:2; 4K30p supports 12-bit 4:4:4. Internal processing depth does not determine the format of each link.
- Multiview and control
- Dedicated HDMI monitoring supports two multiviews up to 4K30p or one up to 4K60p. A separate DisplayPort option exists. Web RCS uses the control network; Dante audio ports belong to a different network.
System requirements
Sources, receivers, extenders and cables that carry the selected format, color and content protection. Define the pixel map for each screen and the purpose of every output.
A computer with a compatible browser and Web RCS access using the IP shown on the unit. Use a unique address on the control subnet; distinguish control Ethernet from Dante.
Rack support and ventilation suitable for the 5 RU chassis, manufacturer-compliant power and access to controls. Check the RC400T console and other control surfaces separately against the installed software version.
Basic preparation
- Record model, cards and versions; export configuration before making changes. Open Web RCS at the current IP and check hardware status.
- In Preconfig, define system reference and refresh rate, screens, output groups and canvas. Allocate Mixing or Split layers and check resources before applying changes.
- Set format and color for each path. For a custom format, use Formats and Check, then apply the corresponding input EDID and verify what signal the source actually delivers.
- Build in Preview and check the selected screens before Take. Verify both physical receivers and multiview: a correct thumbnail does not confirm the entire output.
- Save a recoverable configuration and check the operating sequence. To shut down, use Standby and wait for completion before removing power.
Technical questions and show decisions
- The show needs more layers but connectors are still free: what should I check?
- Why does the computer not deliver the requested widescreen format?
- Why is multiview black while the screen displays content?
- Should I use one continuous panoramic image or different content on each screen?
- Can I request dissolves for every show change?
The show needs more layers but connectors are still free: what should I check?
Connectors and processing resources are different limits. Capacity depends on format, refresh rate, groups and allocated layers; Mixing supports seamless transitions while Split switches sources with a cut.
Review allocation in Preconfig and resource warnings. A layer spanning multiple groups may consume additional processing. Do not turn the physical output count into a promise of independent compositions.
Why does the computer not deliver the requested widescreen format?
Creating a format does not force the computer to output it. Check validity and capacity with Check, apply that input’s EDID and inspect resolution and refresh rate at the source and in Inputs.
Check card, link, adapter and receiver. EDID and DisplayID can describe custom formats but do not increase bandwidth. A format accepted in the simulator is not verification of actual hardware.
Why is multiview black while the screen displays content?
Distinguish the program signal from its multiview widget. Check widget source, selected screen, monitor format and single or dual multiview mode.
If the physical destination works but the widget remains incorrect, preserve configuration and record versions and reproduction steps for support. Adding unused layers or restarting during a show is not a universal fix.
Should I use one continuous panoramic image or different content on each screen?
Both options start with the design and what the audience needs to read. We compare a continuous canvas with separate compositions, defining pixel maps, proportions, and text placement before preparing files.
We can assess an RS4 proposal against actual cards, formats, and resources, or a simpler distribution system. Overlapping projection also requires screen, lens, and geometry checks; the design is rehearsed with the planned system.
Can I request dissolves for every show change?
Allocate resources to changes that need them. Mixing and Split layers behave differently: Mixing allows seamless transitions while Split changes sources by cut; system design must account for that.
A tentative scene list lets us prioritize dissolves, layers, and previews and compare configurations. Programming and an operator can be included in the proposal, with cues rehearsed before resource allocation is finalized.
Checks by symptom
| Symptom | Check | What it separates |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient resources | Format, groups, layers and Preconfig warnings. | Connectors versus processing. |
| Unexpected source resolution | Applied EDID and received signal in Inputs. | Negotiation versus composition. |
| Black output | Output pattern, path, HDCP and receiver. | Content versus link. |
| Picture without audio | Audio routing, Dante and receiver channels. | Video versus audio. |
Limits and precautions
Protected sources require a compatible HDCP chain; disabling output HDCP prevents protected inputs from being displayed. Test with authorized content and receivers.
Latency depends on configuration and the complete signal path. Do not promise fixed delay based on the processor’s advertised minimum.
Back up and check compatibility before firmware updates, restoration or card changes. Check features and resource allocation against installed software.
Official documentation
- Aquilon RS4: official product and connections
- Official Aquilon web manual — V6.2
- Official AQL-RS4 quick start guide
- Analog Way downloads and releases
Accessed October 22, 2026. Operational basis: LivePremier V2.2 manual, May 2021, and RS4 documentation; check menus and capabilities against installed software.
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