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P/N: 2900-300305 Rev 9 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-444
Presentation Switcher/Scaler
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Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Defining VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler 4
Mounting VP-444 6
Connecting VP-444 7
Connecting Balanced Stereo Audio Output 8
Microphone Pinout 8
Connecting to VP-444 via RS-232 8
Operating VP-444 10
Using Front Panel Buttons 10
Using OSD Menu 11
Operating via Ethernet 14
Controlling via Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 17
Using Embedded Web Pages 18
To Browse VP-444 Web Pages 18
Loading and Saving Configurations 19
Entering Standby Mode 20
Configuring Video Input Settings 20
Selecting Input to be Switched to Outputs 22
Freezing or Clearing Video Output 22
Adjusting Microphone and Output Volume 22
Configuring Network Settings 23
Upgrading Firmware 24
Configuring Video Output Settings 25
Configuring HDCP per Input/Output 26
Managing EDID 27
Adjusting Audio Input Settings 28
Adjusting Microphone Settings 29
Configuring Automatic Switching Settings 30
Defining Panel Lock Button 31
Viewing About Page 31
Technical Specifications 32
Default Communication Parameters 32
Input Resolutions 33
RS-232/Ethernet (UDP) Communication Protocol 34
Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 34
Kramer Protocol 3000 – Command List 36
Kramer Protocol 3000 – Detailed Commands 37
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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!
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler. This
product, which incorporates HDMI™ technology, is ideal for:
• Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, hotels and churches
• Home theater up-scaling
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.
Go to www.kramerav.com/downloads/VP-444 to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving the Best Performance
• Use only good quality connection cables (we recommend Kramer high-performance,
high-resolution cables) to avoid interference, deterioration in signal quality due to poor
matching, and elevated noise levels (often associated with low quality cables).
• Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils.
• Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely influence
signal quality.
• Position your Kramer VP-444 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust.
Safety Instructions
Caution:
• This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
• For products with relay terminals and GPI\O ports, please refer to the permitted rating
for an external connection, located next to the terminal or in the User Manual.
• There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
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Warning:
• Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit.
• Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall before installing.
• Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause electrical shock! Servicing by qualified
personnel only.
• To ensure continuous risk protection, replace fuses only according to the rating
specified on the product label which located on the bottom of the unit.
Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC aims to reduce
the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by requiring it to be collected
and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive, Kramer Electronics has made
arrangements with the European Advanced Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any
costs of treatment, recycling and recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on
arrival at the EARN facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling arrangements in your particular
country go to our recycling pages at www.kramerav.com/support/recycling.
Overview
The VP-444 is a high−performance presentation scaler/switcher for HDMI and computer
graphics signals. The unit scales the video, embeds the audio, and outputs the signal to two
HDMI (with embedded audio) outputs (with S/PDIF and balanced stereo audio)
simultaneously.
The VP-444 features:
• PixPerfect™ scaling technology – Kramer’s precision pixel mapping and high quality
scaling technology. High-quality 3:2 and 2:2 pull down de-interlacing and full up and
down scaling of all video input signals.
• HDTV compatibility.
• HDCP compliance - The HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) license agreement
allows copy−protected data on the HDMI input to pass only to the HDMI outputs.
• 12 video inputs - 10 HDMI on HDMI connectors, 2 computer graphics video on 15−pin
HD connectors.
• Two HDMI scaled outputs.
• Up to UXGA/1080p output resolutions.
• Two microphone inputs that can be used by mixing, switching or talk-over.
• Companion AFV (Audio-Follow-Video) - stereo audio for every input (on terminal blocks).
• 12 unbalanced stereo inputs on terminal blocks as well as embedded audio for the HDMI
inputs, each with individual level controls.
• Audio outputs – one S/PDIF on an RCA connector, one balanced stereo audio on a
terminal block as well as embedded audio on the HDMI outputs.
• Multiple aspect ratio selections - full, best fit, over scan, under scan, letter box and pan
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scan.
• Selectable panel lock modes.
• Powerful audio features via DSP technology including audio equalization, mixing, delay
and so on.
• Built-in ProcAmp - color, hue, sharpness, noise, contrast and brightness.
• Supports 4:4:4 (RGB and YUV) as well as 4:4:2 (YUV) color sampling.
• Maintains constant output sync – there is no disruption on the output while switching
between inputs and when no video is detected.
• Front panel control - audio mute and freeze frame.
• Front panel lockout.
• Non-volatile memory - saves final settings.
Control your VP-444:
• Directly, via the front panel push buttons.
• By RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial
controller.
• Remotely, from the infrared remote control transmitter with OSD (on-screen display).
• Via the Ethernet with built-in Web pages.
The VP-444 is housed in a 19” 1U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears” included, and is
fed from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.
For optimum range and performance use the recommended Kramer shielded twisted pair cables
available at www.kramerav.com/product/VP-444.
Typical Applications
VP-444 is ideal for the following typical applications:
• Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, classrooms, hotels and churches
• Home theater up–scaling
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VP-444 – Defining VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler
Defining VP-444 Presentation
Switcher/Scaler
This section defines the VP-444.
Figure 1: VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel
Lights when the unit accepts IR remote commands
Receives signals from the remote control transmitter
Press to select the HDMI input (from 1 to 10)
Press to select the computer graphics input (from 1 to 2)
Press to freeze/unfreeze the output video image; can be
programmed to follow MUTE (see MAIN MENU on page 11)
Press to toggle between muting (blocking out the sound) and
enabling the audio output
Displays the OSD menu (see Using OSD Menu on page 11)
Press to decrease numerical values or select from several
definitions
When not within the OSD menu mode, press to reduce the output
volume
Press to move up the menu list values (see Using OSD Menu
on page 11)
Press to increase numerical values or select from several definitions
When not within the OSD menu mode, press to increase the output
volume
Press to move down the menu list (see Using OSD Menu
on page 11)
Press to accept changes and change the SETUP parameters (see
Using OSD Menu on page 11)
Press to reset the video resolution to XGA or 720p
Press and hold for about 5 seconds to toggle between switching to
XGA or 720p
Press and hold for about 5 seconds to lock/unlock the front panel
buttons
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VP-444 – Defining VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler
Figure 2: VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel
Connect to the HDMI source (from 1 to
10)
Connect to the computer graphics source
(from 1 to 2)
AUDIO INPUT
Unbalanced Stereo
Terminal Blocks
Connect to the analog audio HDMI
source (from 1 to 10)
Connect to the analog audio computer
graphics source (from 1 to 2)
Balanced Stereo
Terminal Block
Connects to the balanced stereo analog
audio acceptor
S/PDIF 3.5 Mini
Jack Connector
Connects to a digital audio acceptor
17
Connect the mains power cord
Fuse for protecting the device
Switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
Connect to the HDMI acceptor 1
Connect to the HDMI acceptor 2
22
COND / DYN Switch for MIC 1
Move up to select a condenser type
microphone; down to select a dynamic
type microphone
Connect to the microphone source 1
24
COND / DYN Switch for MIC 2
Move up to select a condenser type
microphone; down to select a dynamic
type microphone
Connect to the microphone source 2
Connect to the PC or the remote
controller
Connects to the PC or other Serial
Controller through computer networking
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Mounting VP-444
This section provides instructions for mounting VP-444. Before installing, verify that the
environment is within the recommended range:
• Operation temperature – 0 to 40C (32 to 104F).
• Storage temperature – -40 to +70C (-40 to +158F).
• Humidity – 10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing.
• VP-444 must be placed upright in the correct horizontal position.
Caution:
• Mount VP-444 before connecting any cables or power.
Warning:
• Ensure that the environment (e.g., maximum ambient temperature & air flow) is
compatible for the device.
• Avoid uneven mechanical loading.
• Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used for avoiding
overloading of the circuits.
• Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.
To mount the VP-444 on a rack
Attach both ear brackets by removing the screws from each side of
the machine and replacing those screws through the ear brackets or
place the machine on a table.
For more information go to www.kramerav.com/downloads/VP-444
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VP-444 – Connecting VP-444
Connecting VP-444
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your VP-444. After
connecting your VP-444, connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-444 Presentation Switcher / Scaler
You do not have to connect all the inputs and outputs, connect only those that are required.
To connect the VP-444, as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the following:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a Blu-ray disk player) to the HDMI VIDEO INPUT
connector (from 1 to 10).
2. Connect a computer graphics source to the PC 1 15-pin HD VIDEO INPUT connector
(from 1 to 2).
3. Connect the audio input signals to the AUDIO IN terminal block connectors, as required
(not shown in Figure 3).
4. Connect the HDMI OUT 1 connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, an LCD
display), from 1 to 2.
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VP-444 – Connecting VP-444
5. Connect the audio output signals to the OUT stereo analog audio acceptor and/or the
digital audio acceptor, as required (not shown in Figure 3).
6. Connect the power cord (not shown in Figure 3).
7. If required, connect:
▪ A PC via RS-232, see Connecting to VP-444 via RS-232 on page 8
▪ The ETHERNET port, see Operating via Ethernet on page 14
Connecting Balanced Stereo Audio Output
The following are the pinouts for connecting the output to a balanced or unbalanced stereo
audio acceptor:
Figure 4: Connecting the Balanced
Stereo Audio Output
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Stereo Audio
Acceptor to the Balanced Output
Microphone Pinout
The microphone 6mm jack pinout for a condenser
microphone.
Figure 6: Condenser Microphone Pinout
The microphone 6mm jack pinout for a Dynamic
microphone.
Figure 7: Dynamic Microphone Pinout
Connecting to VP-444 via RS-232
You can connect to the VP-444 via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC. Note that
a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
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VP-444 – Connecting VP-444
To connect to the VP-444 via RS-232, connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the
product unit via a 9-wire straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, and pin 5 to pin 5 need
to be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
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VP-444 – Operating VP-444
Operating VP-444
The VP-444 can be controlled via:
• The front panel buttons (see Using Front Panel Buttons on page 10).
• The OSD menu (see Using OSD Menu on page 11).
• RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial
controller (see Connecting to VP-444 via RS-232 on page 8).
• The ETHERNET (see Operating via Ethernet on page 14).
• The infrared remote control transmitter (see Controlling via Infrared Remote Control
Transmitter on page 17).
Using Front Panel Buttons
The VP-444 includes the following front panel buttons:
• Input selector buttons for selecting the required input: HDMI (1 to 10) and PC (1 and 2).
• MUTE and FREEZE buttons.
• MENU, ENTER, and up, down, left and right arrow buttons.
• RESET TO XGA/720p and PANEL LOCK buttons.
Auto Adjust Feature
The auto adjust feature is implemented every time the input is switched to VGA or when the
input resolution changes, via the FINETUNE menu (see MAIN MENU on page 11).
Setting the Resolution to XGA/720p
Press to reset the video resolution to XGA or 720p
This is useful, for example, when the scaler outputs at a resolution which is not recognized by
the display.
To set the resolution from the front panel:
• Press and hold RESET TO XGA/720P for about 5 seconds to toggle the video resolution
between XGA and 720p.
Locking the Front Panel Buttons
The front panel buttons can be locked (disabled) to prevent unintentional button pressing.
To lock the front panel buttons:
• Press and hold PANEL LOCK for about 5 seconds.
The Panel Lock button lights red and the front panel buttons are locked.
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VP-444 – Operating VP-444
To unlock the front panel buttons:
• Press and hold PANEL LOCK for about 5 seconds.
The Panel Lock button light goes out and the front panel buttons are unlocked.
The front panel buttons can also be locked via the Advanced webpage
(see Defining Panel Lock Button on page 31).
Using OSD Menu
The control buttons let you control the VP-444 via the OSD menu. Press:
• MENU to enter the menu.
The default timeout is set to 10 seconds.
• ENTER to accept changes and to change the menu settings.
• Arrow buttons to move through the OSD menu, which is displayed on the video output.
On the OSD menu, select EXIT to exit the menu.
MAIN MENU
Select the input: HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, HDMI 4, HDMI 5, HDMI 6,
HDMI 7, HDMI 8, HDMI 9, HDMI 10, PC1 or PC2
Select the image size: FULL, OVER SCAN, UNDER 1, UNDER 2, LETTER
BOX, PAN SCAN or BEST FIT
Select the output resolution from the menu:
NATIVE - Select NATIVE to select the output resolution from the EDID of
the connected HDMI monitor
Set the contrast (the range and default values vary according to the input
signal)
Set the brightness (the range and default values vary according to the input
signal)
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VP-444 – Operating VP-444
Set the color hue (not applicable for VGA inputs)
Set the color saturation (not applicable for VGA inputs)
Set the sharpness of the picture (not applicable for VGA inputs)
Select the noise reduction: OFF, LOW, MID (middle) and HIGH (not
applicable for VGA inputs)
Enabled for VGA: AUTO ADJUST (NO/YES), H-POSITION, V-POSITION,
PHASE, CLOCK, WXGA/XGA, RESET (NO/YES)
Set the volume separately for each input: HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, HDMI
4, HDMI 5, HDMI 6, HDMI 7, HDMI 8, HDMI 9, HDMI 10, PC1 and PC2
Not applicable for embedded HDMI inputs
Set the output volume
DELAY
Select the audio delay time: OFF, 40ms, 110ms and 150ms
Select the sound mute options: ON, OFF (default)
Select the audio source of the HDMI 1 to HDMI 10 inputs:
AUTOMATIC (default): the embedded audio on the HDMI input is selected
for an HDMI signal, or the analog audio input is selected if the input is not
HDMI (for example, for a DVI input signal)
EMBEDDED: the embedded audio in the HDMI signal is selected
ANALOG: the analog audio input is selected
MIC MODE – set the mode to OFF, MIXER, TALKOVER or MIC ONLY.
MIC SELECT – select MIC1, MIC2 or BOTH
When in TALKOVER mode, set the:
DEPTH [%] – to determine the decrease of the audio level during
microphone 1 takeover (press + to further decrease the talkover audio
output level; press – to lessen the talkover output audio decrease level)
TRIGGER – to determine the microphone threshold level that triggers the
audio output-level decrease.
ATTACK TIME – to set the transition time of the audio level reduction after
the signal rises above the threshold level
HOLD TIME – to define the time period talkover remains active although the
signal falls below the threshold level (for a short period of time)
RELEASE TIME – to define the transition time for the audio level to return
from its reduced level to its normal level after the Hold Time period
MIC GAIN BOOST – set to ON or OFF. Some versions of the VP-444
include this selection. In the case that the setting selected is not supported
by the hardware of the unit, the mic may be disabled
Set the microphone volume for MIC1 and MIC2
Set to ON or OFF.
ON: Unit enables the audio output only after validating that there is audio
present on the input. (Note that the unit takes 1 – 2 seconds to detect the
presence of audio, so there is a delay before the audio is heard after
switching to a new input).
OFF: The unit does not check the validity of the audio. Audio is always
enabled and there is no delay before the audio is heard after switching
inputs.
Select the HDCP option for the HDMI input: either ON (default) or OFF.
Setting HDCP support to enabled (ON) on the HDMI input allows the source
to transmit a non-HDCP signal if required (for example, when working with a
Mac computer)
Set HDMI OUT1 and HDMI OUT2:
Select FOLLOW INPUT or FOLLOW OUTPUT (default) to define whether
the HDCP will follow the input or the output
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VP-444 – Operating VP-444
When FOLLOW INPUT is selected, it changes its HDCP output setting (for
the HDMI output) according to the HDCP of the input. This option is
recommended when the HDMI output is connected to a splitter/switcher
When FOLLOW OUTPUT is selected, the scaler matches its HDCP output
to the HDCP setting of the HDMI acceptor to which it is connected
Turn to DISABLE (default), FAST (for almost immediate shut down if no
input is present – about 10 seconds) or SLOW (for shutdown after about 2
minutes).
This is useful, for example, when the output is connected to a projector, and
the projector will automatically shut down when it has no input
Set the horizontal position of the OSD
Set the vertical position of the OSD
Set the timeout period in seconds
Set the OSD background between 100 (transparent)
and 0 (opaque)
Select the information shown on the screen during
operation:
INFO (default): the information is shown for 10
seconds
ON: the information is shown permanently
OFF: the information is not shown
Set to ON (default) to have MUTE follow FREEZE. Otherwise set to OFF
MUTE BUTTON
DEFINE:
Define the MUTE button to function as MUTE, BLANK or BLANK AND
MUTE
Set the auto switching mode to OFF, AUTO SCAN
(default) or LAST CONNECTED. PRIORITY (below)
is enabled when AUTO SCAN is selected
When one of the auto switching modes is selected
(AUTO SCAN or LAST CONNECTED), audio is
enabled only when a video signal is detected
Set to HDMI (default) to begin scan with HDMI1 or to
PC to begin scan with PC1
Set the IP mode to DHCP or STATIC IP
STATIC IP ADDRESS (fill in if STATIC IP (above) is selected:
Enter the IP address (192.168.1.39)
Enter the subnet (255.255.0.0)
Enter the gateway (0.0.0.0)
Lock all the front panel buttons
Lock the MENU (and navigation) front panel buttons
only
Lock all the front panel buttons.
The lock status is saved when the VP-444 is
powered down
Lock the MENU (and navigation) front panel buttons
only.
The lock status is saved when the VP-444 is
powered down
Set to ON (recommended):
Implements a small shift on the horizontal sync to improve output picture
stability. Set to OFF if the display shows an instability at the selected output
resolution
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VP-444 – Operating VP-444
Select NO (default) or YES
Displays the INPUT and OUTPUT resolutions, INPUT and OUTPUT HDCP
status, the IP ADDRESS and the FIRMWARE and PCB revision numbers
Operating via Ethernet
You can connect to the VP-444 via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
• Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to
a PC on page 14)
• Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see Connecting the
Ethernet Port via a Network Hub or Switch on page 16)
If you want to connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6, speak to your IT
department for specific installation instructions.
Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VP-444 directly to the Ethernet port on your PC
using a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VP-444 with the factory
configured default IP address.
After connecting the VP-444 to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and click Change
settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network adapter appears
as shown in Figure 8.
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VP-444 – Operating VP-444
Figure 8: Local Area Connection Properties Window
4. Highlight either Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet Protocol Version 4
(TCP/IPv4) depending on the requirements of your IT system.
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears.
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window