Kramer VM-4H User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Model:

VM-4H

1:4 HDMI Distributor

Contents

Contents

1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1

2.1 Quick Start 2

3 Overview 3

3.1 About HDMI 3

3.2 Defining EDID 4

3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance 5

4 Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 5
5 Installing the VM-4H on a Rack 7
6 Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 8
7 Acquiring the EDID 9

7.1 The Simple Operation State 9

7.2 The Normal Operation State 10

7.2.1 Acquiring the EDID from a Selected Output 10

7.2.2 Restoring the Default EDID 10

7.2.3 Acquiring the Auto EDID 10

8 Technical Specifications 11

Figures

Figure 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 6
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 9

Tables

Table 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features 7
Table 2: Technical Specifications of the VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 11

i

Introduction

1 Introduction

Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been
providing a world of unique, creative, and affordable solution s to the vast
range of problems that confront the video, audio, presentation, and
broadcasting professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have
redesigned and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our
1,000-plus different models now appear in 11 groups
defined by function.

Thank you for purchasing your Kramer VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor.
The VM-4H is ideal for:

• Home theater, presentation and multimedia applications

• Rental and staging

Note, that the Kramer VM-4H is identical to the VM-4HDMI; just the
name has changed replacing the suffix “HDMI” by “H” (according to
the HDMI Guideline).

The package includes the following items:

• VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

• Power cord and rack “ears”

• This user manual

2

1

that are clearly

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 cables

3

1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix Switchers; GROUP 3: Control Systems;
GROUP 4: Format/Standards Converters; GROUP 5: Range Extenders and Repeaters; GROUP 6: Specialt y AV Products;
GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors; GROUP 9: Room Connectivity;
GROUP 10: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 11: Sierra Products
2 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

1

Getting Started

2.1 Quick Start

This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

2

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Overview

3 Overview

The Kramer VM-4H is a high quality 1:4 HDMI distributor that accepts an
HDMI input and distributes the signal to four outputs, allowing one or more
of the outputs to be connected to receiving devices, thus making it a
versatile, reliable component in a video system. The VM-4H distributes
signals having resolutions up to UXGA, including all HDTV formats.

In particular, the VM-4H:

• Supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel

• Equalizes and reclocks the data

• Has I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™, an

intelligent EDID handling and processing algorithm that ensures
Plug and Play operation for HDMI systems

• Can read and store, in non-volatile memory, the EDID

from one or more outputs, so it can then provide the EDID
information to the HDMI source even if the display device is not
connected

• Includes five HDMI connectors, four output status LEDs, an

active status LED, as well as EDID read and select buttons

The VM-4H is housed in a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and is fed
from a 100-264V AC universal switching power supply.

3.1 About HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an unco

mpressed all-digital
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home
cinema industry. It delivers the highest high-definition image and sound
quality.

1

2

block

3

1 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
2 EDID is Extended Display Identification Data
3 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associat ed with analog interfac es and their unnecessar y digital­to-analog conversions

3

Overview

In particular, HDMI1:

• Provides a simple

2

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
lengthy

• Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-

channel digital audio

3

cable

4

on a single cable

• Transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital

audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancem ents
and requirements

• Benefits consumers by providing su perior, uncompressed digital

video quality via a single cable

5

, 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

Th

e Extended Display Identification Data (EDID

6

) is a data-structure,

provided by a display, to describe its capabilities to a graphics card (that is
connected to the display’s source). The EDID enables the VM-4H 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 mappi ng data.

1 HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
licensing LLC
2 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
3 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m
4 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
5 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner
6 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)

4

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance

To achieve the best performance:

• Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding

interference, deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching,
and elevated noise levels (often associated with low quality
cables)

• Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and

position your VM-4H away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust

4 Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

Figure 1 and Table 1 define the VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor:

5

Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

Figure 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

6

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Installing the VM-4H on a Rack

Table 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features

# Feature Function

1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 ACTIVE LED Illuminates when the input is active; flashes when the input is not valid
3

READ Button Press to read the EDID of the selected display

4 SELECT Button Select the desired display for EDID information

EDID

5 OUTPUTS LEDs LEDs light when an output(s) is connected and active; LEDs flash

6 INPUT HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI source
7 OUTPUT HDMI Connectors Connect to the HDMI acceptors (from 1 to 4)
8 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

when selecting EDID (see section 7

)

5 Installing the VM-4H on a Rack

This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

7

Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

6 Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

To connect the VM-4H as a 1:4 HDMI distributor, do the following:

1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the INPUT
connector.

1

2. Connect the four OUTPUT connectors
follows:

 OUTPUT 1 connector to HDMI acceptor 1 (for example, an

LCD TV)

 OUTPUT 2 connector to HDMI acceptor 2 (for example, a

plasma display)

 OUTPUT 3 connector to HDMI acceptor 3 (for example, a

plasma display)

 OUTPUT 4 connector to HDMI acceptor 4 (for example, a

plasma display)

3. Connect the power cord to t he mains electricity.

4. Turn ON the POWER.

5. Acquire EDID (see section 7

).

to up to four HDMI acceptors, as

1 As required. Up to 4 outputs can be connected on the VM-4H. Not all outputs need to be connected

8

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Acquiring the EDID

Figure 2: Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

7 Acquiring the EDID

The VM-4H initially operates with the default EDID. This means that you can
turn ON the power before connecting any of the acceptors or the source.

This section describes the two EDID working modes, the:

• Simple mode (see section 7.1

• Normal mode (see section 7.2

7.1 The Simple Operation State

In the

Simple operation state, the READ and SELECT front panel buttons

are disabled, and the default EDID is passed directly to the input.

To enter the Simple Operation State,

turn the machine ON while pressing the READ button.

LEDS 3 and 4 flash three times

)

)

9

Acquiring the EDID

7.2 The Normal Operation State

In the Normal operation state, you can toggle between the following
working modes:

• Sending the EDID from a selected output to the input (see section

)

7.2.1

• Sending the default EDID to the input (see section 7.2.2

• Sending the auto

turn the machine ON while pressing the SELECT button.

7.2.1 Acquiring the EDID from a Selected Output

1

EDID to the input (see section 7.2.3)

To enter the Normal Operation State,

LEDS 1 and 2 flash three times

To select an EDID from a selected output, do the following:

1. Press t he SELECT button, as required , to reach the de sired output , which
flashes.

2. Press the READ button.
The EDID of the selected output is stored in the non-volatile memory when
the READ button no longer illuminates as well as the selected output LED.

7.2.2 Restoring the Default EDID

)

To restore the default EDID, do the following:

1. Press the SELECT button several times until the OUTPUT LEDs flash
simultaneously.

2. Press the READ button.
The READ button illuminates.
The default EDID is stored in the non-volatile memory when the READ
button no longer illuminates as well as the output LEDs.

7.2.3 Acquiring the Auto EDID

To acquire the Auto EDID, do the following:

1. Press the SELECT button several times until the OUTPUT LEDs flash in
sequence.

2. Press the READ button.
The READ button illuminates.

1 The auto EDID is an adjusted calculation of the EDIDs of all the connected outputs

10

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Technical Specifications

The auto EDID is stored in the non-volatile memory when the READ
button no longer illuminates as well as the output LEDs.

8 Technical Specifications

Table 2 includes the technical specifications:

Table 2: Technical Specifications1 of the VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

INPUT: HDMI connector
OUTPUTS: 4 HDMI connectors
BANDWIDTH: Supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
COMPLIANCE WITH HDMI

STANDARD:
CONTROLS: SELECT and READ buttons for selecting and storing EDID information
INDICATOR LEDs: OUTPUTS 1 to 4, and ACTIVE LED
POWER SOURCE: 100-264V A C , 5 0 / 6 0 H z, 1 6 V A
DIMENSIONS: 19" x 7" x 1U W, D, H rack mountable
WEIGHT: 2.5kg (5.5lbs) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, rack “ears”
OPTIONS: HDMI/HDMI male-to-male cables

Supports HDMI and HDCP

1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

11

LIMITED WARRANTY

Kramer El ec t ro ni cs (hereafter ) warrants t his product free from defec ts in material and workmanship under the
following terms.

HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY

Labor and parts are warranted for seven years from the date of the first customer purchase.

WHO IS PROTECTED?

Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.

WHAT IS COVERED AND WHA T IS NOT COVERED

Except as below, this warr anty covers all defects in ma terial or workmanship in th is product. The following are not covered
by the warranty:

1. Any product which is not distributed by Kramer, or which is not purchased from an authorized Kramer dealer. If you are
uncertain as to whether a dealer is authorized, please contact Kramer at one of the agents listed in the Web site
www.kramerelectronics.com.

2. Any product, on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed, or on which the WARRANTY VOID
IF reattached, removed or otherwise interfered with.

TAMPERED sticker has been torn,

3. Damage, de teriorat ion or malfuncti on resu lting from :
i) Accid ent, mis use, abuse , neglec t, fire, water , lightn ing or oth er acts of nature
ii) Produc t modi ficati on, or failu re to f ollow instru ctio ns sup plied with t he pro duct
iii) Repair o r att empte d repa ir by a nyon e not au thor ized by Kram er
iv) Any shipme nt of th e produ ct (c laims m ust be pres ented to the ca rrier )
v) Removal or insta llation of the pro duct
vi) Any other cause, w hich does n ot relate to a produ ct defe ct
vii) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in conjunction with the product

WHAT WE WILL PA Y FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PA Y FOR

We will pay labor and material expenses for covered i tems. W e will not pay for the following:

1. Removal or installations charges.

2. Co sts of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs are the

responsi bility o f the Kram er deal er from wh om the pr oduct w as purcha sed.

3. Shipping charges.

HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE

1. To obtain service on you product, you must take or ship it prepaid to any authorized Kramer service center.

2. Whenever warranty service is required, the original dated invoice (or a copy) must be presented as proof of warranty

coverage, and should be included in any shipment of the product. Please also include in any mailing a contact name,
company, address, and a description of the problem(s).

3. For the name of the nearest Kramer authorized service center, consult your authorized dealer.

LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to
the length of this warranty.

EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES

The liability of Kramer for any effective products is limited to the repair or replacem ent of the product at our option. Kramer shall
not be liabl e for:

1. Damage to other property caused by defects in this product, damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss

of time, c omme rcial lo ss; or :

2. Any other da mages , w hether inc iden tal, conse quen tia l or o th erwi se. S ome c oun tries may not all ow li mita tions on how l on g an

implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the ex clusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitati ons and e xclusio ns may no t apply to you.

This warra nty give s you spec ific le gal rights , and you m ay also have othe r rights, w hich vary from p lace to pl ace.

NOTE:

All products returned t o Kramer for service must have prior approval. This may be obtained from your dealer.

This equipment has been tested to determine compliance with the requ irements of:

EN-50081: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);

Residential, commercial and light industry"
EN-50082: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) generic im munity standard.

CFR-47: FCC* Rul es and Regulations:

CAUTION!

generic emission standard.
Part 1:

Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry environment".

Part 15: “Radio frequency devices
Subpart B Unintentional radiators”

Servicing the machines can only be done by an authorized Kramer technician. Any user who makes changes or
modifications to the unit without the expressed approval of the manufactu rer will void user aut hority to operate the
equipment.

Use the supplied DC power supply to feed power to the machine.
Please use recommended interconnection cables to connect the machine to o ther components.
* FCC and CE approved u sing STP cable (for twisted pai r products )

Kramer

12

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer

distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com,

where updat

es to this user manual may be found.

We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.

Safety Warning:

Disconnect the unit from the power supply before
opening/servicing.

Caution

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

P/N: 2900-000678 REV 2