Kramer VM-73 User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

Preliminary

USER MANUAL

Model:

VM-73

Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier

Contents

i

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

4 Your VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier 4
5 Installing the VM-73 in a Rack 7
6 Connecting the VM-73 8

6.1 Reading EDID 10

6.1.1 Reading the EDID from PC OUT 1 10

6.1.2 Reading the EDID from the HDMI outputs 10

7 Technical Specifications 11

Figures

Figure 1: VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier 5
Figure 2: Connecting the VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier 9

Tables

Table 1: VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier Functions 6
Table 2: VM-73 Technical Specificatio ns 11

Introduction

1

1 Introduction

Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been
providing a world of unique, creative, and affordable solutions 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

1

Thank yo u for purchasing the Kra mer VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution
Amplifier, which is ideal for :

that are clearly

defined by function.

• Video reproduction in studios

• School and unive rsity pr esentations

Each package includes the following items:

• The VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Am plifier

• Power cord

2

• This user manual

3

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 thi s user manual

• Use Kramer high-performance high-resolution cables

4

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; GR OUP 6: Specialty 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 We recommend that you use only the power cord supplied with this device
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at 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

Getting Started

2

2.1 Quick Start

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

Overview

3

3 Overview

The VM-73 is a high-performance distribution amplifier for HDMI,
computer graphics, component video, s-Video and composite video signals.
The unit takes one input of e ach video format and distri butes ea ch input to
three identical outputs.

Specifically, the VM-73 features:

• Multiformat operation: composite, component, Y/C, XGA and HDMI

• High bandwidth (-3dB) of 430MHz for composite video, 440MHz for

Y/C, 430MHz for component vid eo , 405MHz for XGA and 2.25Gbps
for HDMI

• HDTV compatibility

• HDMI 1.3 and HDCP compatibility

• The ability to pass PC OUT 1’s EDID informatio n to the PC input

1

• The option to acquire the EDID information from the highest priority

connected HDMI output

2

• Worldwide power supply 100-240V AC

• A standard 19” rack mount size, rack “ears” included

To achieve the best performance:

• Use only good quality connection cables

3

• Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may

adversely influence signal quality and position your Kra mer VM-73
away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

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

3.1 About HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed
all-digital

4

1 See Section

audio/video interfac e , widely supported in the entertainment and
home cinema industry. It deliver s the highest high-definition image and
sound quality. Note that Kramer Electronics Limited is an HDMI Adopter
and an HDCP Licensee.

6.1

2 OUT 1 being the highest priority output and OUT 3 the lowest (see Section

6.1)

3 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at

http://www.kramerelectronics.com

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

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Your VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier

4

In particular, HDMI

1

• 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 tele vision (DTV), over a single lengthy

3

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

digital audio

cable

4

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

audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and
requirements

on a single cable

• Benefits consumers by providing superior, uncompressed digital video

quality via a single cable

5

• Is backward-compatible with DVI (D igital Visual Interface)

, and user-friendly connector

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

DVD player) and the digital television, enabling ne w 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), standard definition formats such as NTSC or
PAL, as well as 480p and 576p.

3.2 Defining EDID

The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID

6

4 Your VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier

) is a data-structure,

provided by a display, to describe its capabilities to the so urc e . The EDID
enables the VM-73 to “know” what kind of mo nitor 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.

Figure 1 and Table 1 define the unit.

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, co mplexity, 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 HDM I 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)

Your VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier

5

Figure 1: VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Your VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier

6

Table 1: VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier Functions

#

Feature

Function

1 POWER LED Illuminates green when receiving power
2 HDMI INPUT Connector Connects to the HDMI source
3 HDMI OUT Connectors Connect to the HDMI acceptors (1 to 3)
4 PC INPUT 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the computer graphics source
5 PC OUT 15-pin HD Connectors Connect to the computer graphic acceptors (1 to 3)
6 COMP. INPUT RCA Connectors Connects to the component vid eo sou r ce
7 COMP. OUT RCA Connectors Connect to the component video (Y/Pr/ Pb) ac ce pto rs (1 t o 3)
8 Y/C INPUT s-Video Connector Connects to the Y/C video source
9 Y/C OUT s-Video Connectors Connect to the Y/C accepto rs (1 to 3)
10 CV INPUT BNC Connector Connects to the composite video source
11 CV OUT BNC Connectors Connect to the composite video acceptors (1 to 3)
12 POWER IN with Fuse AC connector and fuse enabling power supply to the VM-73
13 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON and OFF

Installing the VM-73 in a Rack

7 7

5 Installing the VM-73 in a Rack

This section describes how to install the VM-73 in a rack.

Before Installing in a rack

How to Rack Mount

Before installing in a rack, be sure that the enviro nm ent is
within the recommended range:

To rack-mount a machine:

1. Attach both ear brackets to the
machine. To do so, remove the
screws from each side of the
machine (3 on each side), and
replace those screws through the
ear brackets.

2. Place the ears of the machine
against the rack rails, and insert the
proper screws (not provided)
through each of the four holes in the
rack ears.

Note that:

• In some models, the front panel

may feature built-in rack ears

• Detachable rack ears can be
removed for desktop use

• Always mount the machine in the
rack before you attach any cables
or connect the machine to the
power

• If you are using a Kramer rack
adapter kit (for a machine that is not
19"), see the Rack Adapters user
manual for installation instructions
(you can download it at:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)

Operating temperature range

+5° to +45° C (41° to 113° F)

Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range

-20° to +70° C (-4° to 158° F)

Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing

!

CAUTION!!

When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:

1. It is located within the recommended environmental
conditions, as the op era ti ng ambi ent t e m pera tur e of a
closed or multi unit rack assembly may exceed the
room ambient temperature.

2. Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around
the machine.

3. The machine is placed straight in the correct
horizontal positi on.

4. You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting
the machine to the supply circuit, overloading the
circuits might have a detrimental effect on overcurrent
protection and supply wiring. Refer to t he app ro priate
nameplate ratings for information. For example, for
fuse replacemen t, s ee the value printed on the
product label.

5. The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way
and is connected onl y to an ele ctric ity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to situations where
electricity is supplied indirectly (when the power cord
is not plugged directly into the socket in the wall), for
example, when using an extension cable or a power
strip, and that you use only the power cord that is
supplied with the machine.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Connecting the VM-73

8

6 Connecting the VM-73

To connect the VM-73, as shown in the example in Figure 2, do the
following

1

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

:

2. Connect t he three HDMI OUT connectors

2

3. Connect a computer graphics input source (for example, a PC graphics
card) to the PC INPUT 15-pin HD connector.

to up to three HDMI

acceptors, (for example, LCD televisions with speakers).

4. Connect the three PC OUT 15-pin HD connectors

2

to up to three PC

acceptors (for example, VGA displays or projectors).

5. Connect the component input source (for example, a DVD player) to the
COMP. INPUT RCA connectors (Y/Pb/Pr or Y/Cb/Cr).

6. Connect the three COMP. OUT connector s

2

to up to three component

acceptors (for example, component displays or projectors).

7. Connect the Y/C input source (for example, a DVD player) to the Y/C
INPUT s-Video connector.

8. Connect the three Y/C OUT connectors

2

to up to three Y/C acceptors

(for example, displays).

9. Connect the composite video input source (for example, a DVD player)
to the CV INPUT BNC connector.

10. Connect the three CV OUT connectors

2

to up to three CV acceptors,

(for example, video recorders).

11. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity (not shown in

Figure 2 ).

12. Turn ON the PO WER.

1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VM-73. After connect ing your VM-73, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
2 As required. Not all outputs need to be connected

Connecting the VM-73

9 9

Figure 2: Connecting the VM-73 Multiformat 1:3 Distribution Amplifier

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Connecting the VM-73

10

6.1 Reading EDID

The VM-73 PC input direc tly reads the EDID from the PC OUT 1 output
(see Section 6.1.1

), and allows the HDMI input to read the EDID of the

HDMI outputs (see Section 6.1.2

).

6.1.1 Reading the EDID from PC OUT 1

The EDID informati on of the output connected to PC OUT 1 goes directly
to the PC input via pins 12 and 15 of the 15-pin HD connectors.

6.1.2 Reading the EDID from the HDMI outputs

The EDID is always acquired from t he highest priority output (OUT 1 being
the highes t and OUT 3 the lowest

1

You can acquire the EDID by disconnecting (for 2 seconds) and then
reconnecting the HDMI input.

).

To read the EDID (from OUT 2, for example), do the foll owing:

1. Connect an acceptor to OUT 2 (OUT 3 can also be connected, but
OUT 1 cannot).

2. Turn ON the POWE R.

3. Disconnect the input for 2 seconds and then reconnect it.
The input reads the OUT 2 EDID information

2

To acquire the default EDID, disconnect all the HDMI outputs, disconnect
the HDMI input for 2 seconds and the n reconnect it.

.

1 For example, if all three outputs are connected, the EDID will be read fro m OUT 1. If OUT 2 and OUT 3 are connected, the
EDID will be read from OUT 2.
2 If you connect OUT 1, the EDID still remains that of OUT 2.

Technical Specifications

11 11

7 Technical Specifications

The VM-73 technical specifications are shown in Table 2:

Table 2: VM-73 Technical Specification s

1

Composite Y/C Component XGA HDMI

INPUTS: 1 composite

on a BNC
connector

1 s-Video
on a 4-pin
connector

1 component
(Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr)
on 3 RCA
connectors

1 XGA on a
15-pin HD
connector

1 HDMI on
an HDMI
connector

OUTPUTS: 3 composite

on BNC
connectors

3 s-Video
on 4-pin
connectors

3 component
(Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr)
on 3 RCA
connectors each

3 XGA on
15-pin HD
connectors

3 HDMI on
HDMI
connectors

OUTPUT LEVEL: 1.8Vpp 1.9Vpp 2.0Vpp 2.0Vpp
BANDWIDTH (-3dB): 430MHz 440MHz 430MHz 405MHz 2.25Gbps
DIFF. GAIN: 0.05% 0.06% 0.05% 0.05%
DIFF. PHASE: 0.05Deg 0.02Deg 0.05Deg 0.03Deg
S/N RATIO @5MHz: 62dB 62dB 74dB 69dB
COUPLING: DC Y-DC, C-AC DC DC
K-FACTOR: <0.05%
CROSSTALK (all hostile): -60dB
POWER SOURCE: 100-240V AC, 100mA
DIMENSIONS 19 " x 7" x 1U W, D, H
WEIGHT: 2kg (4.4lbs)
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, rack “ears”

1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

12

LIMITE D WA RRANTY

WHO IS PROTECTED?

WHA T IS COVERED AND WHA T IS NOT COVERE D

WHA T WE WILL P A Y FOR A ND WHA T W E WILL NOT P A Y FOR

HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE

LIMITA TION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES

EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES

CAUTION!

Kramer Electronics (hereafter ) warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship under the
following terms.

Kramer

HOW LONG IS THE W ARRANTY

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

Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.

W e will p ay lab or and ma teria l expen ses for cover ed item s. W e wi ll not pa y for th e fol lowing:

The li abil ity of Krame r for an y effe ct ive pr oduc ts is l imi ted t o the repair or re pla ceme nt of the pro duc t at ou r op tion. Kram er sha ll
not be liabl e for:

This wa rran ty give s you spe cific l egal rights , and yo u may al so have other r ights, w hich va ry fr om plac e to place.

All produ cts ret urned t o Krame r for service must hav e pri or appr oval. This ma y be obt ained f rom you r deal er.

This e quipm ent has b een tes ted to determi ne co mpliance with t he requ iremen ts of:

EN-50 081: "Elec troma gnetic c ompat ibility (EMC) ;

generic emission standard.
Reside ntia l, comm ercial a nd lig ht ind ustry"
EN-50 082: "Elec troma gnetic c ompat ibility (EMC) gener ic immuni ty st andar d.

Part 1 : Reside ntia l, comm ercial and lig ht indus try e nviro nment".
CFR-47: FCC* Rules and Regulations:

Part 15 : “Ra d io frequency devices

Subpart B Unintentional radiators”

Except as below, this warranty covers all defects in material or workmanship in this 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

TAMPER E D sticker has bee n to r n,

3. Damage, de terior atio n or malf uncti on resu lting from:

i) Accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, fire, water , ligh tning o r othe r acts of nature
ii) Produc t modi ficati on, or fa ilur e to foll ow instr ucti ons sup plied w ith the produ ct
iii) Rep air or attemp ted re pair by a nyone n ot auth oriz ed by Kra mer
iv) Any ship ment o f the pro duct ( claim s must be presen ted to the carr ier)
v) Remova l or i nstalla tion of the pro duct
vi) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect
vii)Cartons, e quipm ent encl osure s, cabl es or accesso ries use d in c onjunc tion wi th the p roduct

1. Remo val or in stall ations char ges.

2. Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs a re the

respon sibi lity of the Kra mer deal er fr om whom t he produ ct wa s purcha sed.

3. S hippin g char ges.

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.

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

1. Da mage to o ther p roper ty cause d by defec ts in th is prod uct, da mages based upo n inco nvenien ce, lo ss of use o f the pro duct, l oss

of time, commercial lo ss; o r:

2. An y ot her da mages , w het her i nci den tal, cons eque nti al o r o the rwise . S ome c oun tri es ma y n ot a llow lim ita tion s on ho w lon g a n

implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limit ation s and exc lusio ns may no t apply to yo u.

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 manufacturer will void user authority to operate the

equipment.
Use th e suppl ied DC p ower sup ply t o feed p ower to t he mach ine.
Please use recommended interconnection cables to connect the machine to other components.

IF reattached, removed or otherwise interfered with.

* FCC and CE appro ved usin g STP cable ( for twist ed pai r produc ts)

NOTE:

Part 1 :

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

P/N: 2900-000544 REV 2

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

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

where updates to this user manual may be found.

We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.

Caution

Safety Warning:

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