Kramer VM-212HDMI, VM-216HDMI, VM-28HDMI User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Models:

VM-28HDMI,

2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor

VM-212HDMI,

2 Input 1:12 HDMI Distributor

VM-216HDMI,

2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor

Contents

i

Contents

1

Introduction 1

2

Getting Started 1

3

Overview 2

3.1

About HDMI 2

3.2

Defining EDID 3

3.3

Recommendations for Best Performance 4

4

Your VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI 4

5

Using the VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI 8

5.1

Connecting the VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI 8

5.1.1 Connecting the VM-28HDMI 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor 9

5.1.2 Connecting the VM-212HDMI 2 Input 1:12 HDMI Distributor 10

5.1.3 Connecting the VM-216HDMI 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor 11

5.2

Operating the VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI 12

5.2.1 Using the EDID Button 12

5.2.2 Acquiring / Changing the EDID 12

5.2.3 Resetting the Default EDID 12

6

Technical Specifications 13

Figures

Figure 1: VM-28HDMI 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor 5
Figure 2: VM-212HDMI 2 Input 1:12 HDMI Distributor 6
Figure 3: VM-216HDMI 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor 7
Figure 4: Connecting a VM-28HDMI 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor 9
Figure 5: Connecting a VM-212HDMI 2 Input 1:12 HDMI Distributor 10
Figure 6: Connecting a VM-216HDMI 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor 11

Tables

Table 1: VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI Features 4
Table 2: VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI Technical Specifications 13

P/N: 2900-0001851 A1

ADDENDUM: VM-28HDMI / VM-216HDMI

This addendum describes the new IR Receiver and RS-232 connector to the

VM-28HDMI and VM-216HDMI machines. The user manual is updated in five places.

First change - add at the end of section 1 on page 1:

 Kramer RC-IR1 Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter (including the required

battery and a separate user manual)

Second change - before section 3.1 on page 2:

Control the VM-28HDMI / VM-216HDMI using the front panel buttons, and/or via:

 RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a PC or other serial controller
 The Kramer infra-red remote control transmitter

Third change - add after Table 1 in section 4 on page 4:

Table A1 describes the additional IR Receiver and RS-232 connector:

Table A1: IR Receiver and the RS-232 Connector Features

IR Receiver (front panel)

The red LED lights when
receiving signals from the
Infra-red remote control
transmitter

RS-232 DB 9F Port
(rear panel)

Connects to the PC or
the RS-232 Remote
Controller

Fourth change - add before section 6 on page 13:

5.3 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)

To connect a PC to the VM-28HDMI / VM-216HDMI, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):

 Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VM-28HDMI / VM-216HDMI

unit to the Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9-wire flat
cable to the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC

To connect a PC to the VM-28HDMI / VM-216HDMI, without using a Null-modem adapter:

 Connect the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC to the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on

the VM-28HDMI / VM-216HDMI unit, as Figure A1 illustrates

Female DB9 (From PC)
PIN 4 Connected to PIN 6
PINS 8, 7, 1 Connected together

If a Shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5

PIN 5 Connected to P IN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to P IN 2
PIN 2 Connected to P IN 3

Male DB9

Figure A1: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

Fifth change - add after section 6 on page 13:

8 Kramer Protocol 2000

The VM-28HDMI / VM-216HDMI is compatible with Kramer’s Protocol 2000 (version

0.46). You can download it from our Web site at: http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Introduction

1

1 Introduction

Welcome to Kramer Electronics (since 1981): a world of unique, creative and
affordable solutions to the infinite range of problems that confront the video, audio
and presentation professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned
and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our 500-plus
different models now appear in 8 Groups1, which are clearly defined by function.

Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-28HDMI 2 Input 1:8

HDMI2 Distributor, VM-212HDMI 2 Input 1:12 HDMI Distributor, and/or
VM-216HDMI 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor! Each machine is ideal for:

 Home theater, presentation and multimedia applications

 Rental and staging

The package includes the following items:

 VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI

 Power cord

 This user manual3

2 Getting Started

We recommend that you:

 Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packaging

materials for possible future shipment

 Review the contents of this user manual

 Use Kramer high performance high resolution cables4

1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Video and Audio Switchers, Matrix Switchers and Controllers; GROUP 3:

Video, Audio, VGA/XGA Processors; GROUP 4: Interfaces and Sync Processors; GROUP 5: Twisted Pair Interfaces;

GROUP 6: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; and GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors

2 High-Definition Multimedia Interface

3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: http://www.kramerelectronics.com

4 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Overview

2

3 Overview

Each high quality HDMI Distributor accepts one of two HDMI inputs, and
distributes the selected signal to:

 8 outputs (the VM-28HDMI)

 12 outputs (the VM-212HDMI)

 16 outputs (the VM-216HDMI)

Each machine—the VM-28HDMI, VM-212HDMI, and VM-216HDMI—has:

 Support for up to 1.65Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel1

 The ability to read and store, in non-volatile memory2, the EDID3 block at

each input4 from an output display device, so it can then provide the EDID
information to the HDMI source even if the display device is not connected

 A default EDID for fast and efficient connection of the unit5

 Three modes of operation: the Distribution mode6, the EDID mode7, and

the EDID Reset mode7

 A 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and is fed from a 100-264 VAC

universal switching power supply

3.1 About HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital8
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home
cinema industry. It delivers the highest high-definition image and sound
quality. Note that Kramer Electronics Limited is an HDMI Adopter9 and an
HDCP Licensee10.

1 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions

2 While the machine is ON

3 EDID is Extended Display Identification Data (see section 3.2 for a detailed definition)

4 Independently. Each input can be set with its own EDID block

5 Lets you use the EDID default value when no display from which to read the EDID is connected

6 Used to distribute an input signal to several outputs

7 See section 5.2

8 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-

to-analog conversions

9 See http://www.hdmi.org/about/adopters_founders.asp

10 See http://www.digital-cp.com/list/

Overview

3

In particular, HDMI:

 Provides a simple1 interface between any audio/video source, such as a
set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and video monitor, such as a digital
flat LCD / plasma television (DTV), over a single lengthy2 cable

 Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel
digital audio3 on a single cable

 Transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio,
with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements

 Benefits consumers by providing superior, uncompressed digital video
quality via a single cable4, and user-friendly connector

 Is backward-compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

 Supports two-way communication between the video source (such as a

DVD player) and the digital television, enabling new functionality such as
automatic configuration and one-button play

HDMI has the capacity to support existing high-definition video formats
(720p, 1080i, and 1080p/60), as well as standard definition formats such as
NTSC or PAL

3.2 Defining EDID

The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID5) is a data-structure,
provided by a display, to describe its capabilities to an HDMI source. The
EDID enables the VM-28HDMI / VM-212HDMI / VM-216HDMI to
“know” what kind of monitor is connected to the output. The EDID includes
the manufacturer’s name, the product type, the timing data supported by the
display, the display size, luminance data and (for digital displays only) the
pixel mapping data.

1 With video and multi-channel audio combined into a single cable, the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables

currently used in A/V systems is reduced

2 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m

3 HDMI supports multiple audio formats, from standard stereo to multi-channel surround-sound. HDMI has the capacity to

support Dolby 5.1 audio and high-resolution audio formats

4 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a

simple, cost-effective manner

5 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)