Kramer VM-8DVI-R User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Model:

VM-8DVI-R

1:8 DVI Distributor

Contents

i

Contents

1

Introduction 1

2

Getting Started 1

3

Overview 1

4

Your VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor 2

5

Installing the VM-8DVI-R on a Rack 5

6

Connecting a VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor 6

6.1

The EDID Feature 7

6.1.1 Defining EDID 7

6.1.2 Acquiring the EDID 7

6.1.2.1 Acquiring or Restoring the Factory Default EDID 7

6.1.2.2 Automatically Acquiring the EDID 8

6.1.2.3 Manually Acquiring the EDID 8

6.2

Setting the Dipswitches 9

7

Technical Specifications 9

Figures

Figure 1: VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor 3
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor 6
Figure 3: VM-8DVI-R Dipswitches 9

Tables

Table 1: VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor Features 4
Table 2: Dipswitches settings 9
Table 3: Technical Specifications of the VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor 9

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
350-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups1, which are clearly defined
by function.

Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI
Distributor. The VM-8DVI-R is ideal for:

 Multiple screen applications

 Rental and staging

Each package includes the following items:

 VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

 Power cord

 This user manual2

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 cables3

3 Overview

The Kramer VM-8DVI-R is a 1:8 distribution amplifier for DVI-D signals,
letting you connect the signal from a DVI source to up to 8 DVI acceptors.
The VM-8DVI-R distributes signals having resolutions up to UXGA,
including all HDTV formats. Since high-resolution DVI signals are very
sensitive to cable quality and to PCB layout, the VM-8DVI-R uses a uniquely

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 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

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Your VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

2

designed PCB, which includes all the equalization, reclocking and amplifying
circuitry to provide 8 high-quality output signals.

In particular, the VM-8DVI-R:

 Has a bandwidth of 1.65GHz

 Supports the DDWG DVI 1.0 standard

 Consists of a built-in re-clocking block that re-generates the DVI signal,

so that several units may be cascaded

 Can read and store, in non-volatile memory1, the EDID2 block from one of

the outputs, so it can then provide the EDID information to the DVI
source even if the display device is not connected

 Has a default EDID for fast and efficient connection of the unit3

 Has nine DVI-I connectors, which are compatible with all types of DVI cables

 Is a cost-effective solution for distributing the TMDS4 signals used for

DVI, and uses state-of-the-art line drivers on each of the 8 outputs

 Can be used in any application where multiple DVI monitors, projectors

or other receiving devices are to be driven via a single DVI source

Note that only the digital signal (DVI-D) is available on the DVI connector

The VM-8DVI-R fits in one vertical space of a standard 19” professional rack
enclosure (1U)5.

To achieve the best performance:

 Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding interference,

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

 Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and position your

Kramer VM-8DVI-R away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

4 Your VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

Figure 1 and Table 1 define the VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor:

1 While the machine is ON

2 EDID is Extended Display Identification Data (see section 6.1.1 for a detailed definition)

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

4 TMDS is Transition Minimized Differential Signaling, a technology for transmitting high-speed serial data. TMDS is used

to digitally send graphics data to modern digitally interfaced display monitors

5 With the ear racks attached (see section 5)

Your VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

3

Figure 1: VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Your VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

4

Table 1: VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor Features

# Feature Function

1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF

2 INPUT LED Lights when the input is active

3 OUTPUTS CONNECTED LEDs Lights when an output is connected and active (from 1 to 8)

4 EDID OUTPUT PORT SELECT

Dipswitches

Select the output from which the EDID will be acquired in
the MANUAL mode

5 EDID SELECT MODE

Dipswitches

Set to MANUAL for manual selection of EDID
Set to AUTO for automatic selection of EDID

6 INPUT DVI Connector Connect to the DVI source

7 OUTPUT DVI Connectors Connect to the DVI acceptors (from 1 to 8)
8 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

Installing the VM-8DVI-R on a Rack

5

5 Installing the VM-8DVI-R on a Rack

This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.

Before Installing on a Rack

Before installing on a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:

Operating temperature range +5 to +45 Deg. Centigrade

Operating humidity range 5 to 65 % RHL, non-condensing

Storage temperature range -20 to +70 Deg. Centigrade

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 operating ambient temperature 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

position.

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 the appropriate
nameplate ratings for information. For example, for fuse
replacement, see the value printed on the product label.

5 The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way

and is connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to supply
connections other than direct connections to the branch
circuit (for example, the use of power strips), and that
you use only the power cord that is supplied with the
machine.

How to Rack Mount

To rack-mount the 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)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Connecting a VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

6

6 Connecting a VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

To connect the VM-8DVI-R as a 1:8 DVI distributor, do the following:

1. Connect a DVI source (for example, a DVI graphics source) to the INPUT
connector.

2. Connect the 8 OUTPUT connectors1 to up to 8 DVI acceptors, as follows:

 The OUTPUT 1 connector to the DVI acceptor (for example, a

projector)

 The OUTPUT 2 to OUTPUT 8 connectors to the DVI acceptors (for

example, displays)

3. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity and turn ON the POWER.

4. Acquire the EDID (see section 6.1).

Display

Display

Projector

DVI

Graphics

Source

Figure 2: Connecting a VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

1 As required. Up to 8 outputs can be connected on the VM-8DVI-R. Not all outputs need to be connected

Connecting a VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

7

6.1 The EDID Feature

The VM-8DVI-R can operate with the factory default EDID, or with an EDID
that is acquired from one of the outputs either automatically or manually.

6.1.1 Defining EDID

The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID1) 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-8DVI-R to

“know” what kind of monitor is connected to the output. The EDID includes
the manufacturer’s name, the product type, the phosphor or filter type, the
timing data supported by the display, the display size, luminance data and (for
digital displays only) the pixel mapping data.

6.1.2 Acquiring the EDID

The EDID is acquired every time you turn the machine ON. You can either
acquire the EDID automatically or manually from one of the connected
outputs, or work with the default EDID.

6.1.2.1 Acquiring or Restoring the Factory Default EDID

To select an EDID:

1. Disconnect all the outputs.

2. Turn OFF the power on the VM-8DVI-R and then turn it ON again.

If there are no outputs connected to the VM-8DVI-R, the factory default EDID

is acquired once the machine is turned ON

1 EDID is defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Connecting a VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

8

If one or more outputs are connected you can acquire the EDID either
automatically or manually:

6.1.2.2 Automatically Acquiring the EDID1

To automatically acquire the EDID:

1. Turn the power OFF on the VM-8DVI-R.

2. Set both of the EDID SELECT MODE dipswitches to AUTO.

3. Turn the power ON.

In the automatic EDID SELECT MODE, the EDID is acquired from the

acceptor that is connected to the lowest numbered OUTPUT

For example, if OUTPUT 3 and OUTPUT 7 are connected, the EDID will be
acquired from OUTPUT 3.

6.1.2.3 Manually Acquiring the EDID2

To manually acquire the EDID:

1. Turn the power OFF on the VM-8DVI-R.

2. Set both of the EDID SELECT MODE dipswitches to MANUAL.

3. In the EDID OUTPUT PORT SELECT, set the channel (from 1 to 8) from
which you want to acquire the EDID.

4. Turn the power ON.

In the manual EDID SELECT MODE, the EDID is acquired according to the

setting on the EDID OUTPUT PORT SELECT dipswitches

For example, if OUTPUT 3 and OUTPUT 7 are connected, and the EDID
OUTPUT PORT SELECT dipswitch 7 is set to ON, the EDID will be
acquired from OUTPUT 7.

1 If no display is connected, then the factory-default EDID is used (see 6.1.2.1)

2 If a display is not connected to the channel selected by the dipswitches, then the factory-default EDID is used (see 6.1.2.1)

Technical Specifications

9

6.2 Setting the Dipswitches

This section describes the machine dipswitches. By default, all the
VM-8DVI-R dipswitches are set to OFF and AUTO. Figure 3 and Table 2
describe the dipswitches, which consist of two sets, from 1 to 8 and from 1 to 2.

EDID
OUTPUT
PORT
SELECT

OFF

MA NU AL

ON AU T O

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

EDID

SELECT

MODE

Figure 3: VM-8DVI-R Dipswitches

Table 2: Dipswitches settings

DIPS Feature Function

1 to 8 EDID OUTPUT PORT SELECT Set one of the dipswitches (from 1 to 8) to ON, to

select the port from which the EDID will be
acquired in the MANUAL mode

1 to 2 EDID SELECT MODE Set both dipswitches either to MANUAL or AUTO

for manual or automatic selection of the EDID

7 Technical Specifications

Table 3 includes the technical specifications:

Table 3: Technical Specifications1 of the VM-8DVI-R 1:8 DVI Distributor

INPUT: 1 DVI2, 1.2Vpp on a DVI Molex 24pin female connector; DDC signal 5Vpp

(TTL)

OUTPUTS: 8 DVI2, 1.2Vpp on DVI Molex 24pin female connectors; DDC signal 5Vpp (TTL)
BANDWIDTH: 1.65GHz

CONTROLS: Dipswitches for selecting and storing EDID information

POWER SOURCE: 10 Watts (maximum) 220V

DIMENSIONS: 19-inch (W), 7-inch (D), 1U (H)

WEIGHT: 2.5 kg. (5.5 lbs.) approx.

ACCESSORIES: Power cord, Brackets (with screws)

1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

2 On a DVI connector. Note that only the digital signal (DVI-D) is available on the DVI connector

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

10

LIMITED WARRANTY

Kramer Electronics (hereafter Kramer) warrants this product free from defects 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 WHAT IS NOT COVERED

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.

3. Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from:
i) Accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or other acts of nature

ii) Product modification, or failure to follow instructions supplied with the product
iii) Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by Kramer
iv) Any shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier)
v) Removal or installation of the product
vi) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect
vii) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in conjunction with the product

WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PAY FOR

We will pay labor and material expenses for covered items. We will not pay for the following:

1. Removal or installations charges.

2. Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs are the
responsibility of the Kramer dealer from whom the product was purchased.

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 replacement of the product at our option. Kramer
shall not be liable for:

1. Damage to other property caused by defects in this product, damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use o f the product, loss
of time, commercial loss; or:

2. Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. Some countries may not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from place to place.
NOTE: All products returned to Kramer for service must have prior approval. This may be obtained from your dealer.
This equipment has been tested to determine compliance with the requirements of:
EN-50081: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);

generic emission standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry"

EN-50082: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) generic immunity standard.

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

CFR-47: FCC Rules and Regulations:

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

CAUTION!

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 the supplied DC power supply to feed power to the machine.
Please use recommended interconnection cables to connect the machine to other components.

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

P/N: 2900-000095 REV 1

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.