Kramer VS-311HDMI User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Model:

VS-311HDMI

Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher

Contents

i

Contents

1

Introduction 1

2

Getting Started 1

2.1

Quick Start 1

3

Overview 3

3.1

About HDMI 4

3.2

Recommendations for Best Performance 5

3.3

Terminology Used in this User Manual 5

4

Your VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher 6

5

Connecting the VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher 8

5.1

Setting the Dipswitches 10

5.1.1 Priority Switching Applications 11

5.2

Connecting the Contact Closure Remote Control PINs 11

5.3

Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 12

5.4

Controlling via the ETHERNET 13

5.4.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 13

5.4.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 15

5.5

Configuring the Ethernet Port 15

5.5.1 Setting a Virtual Port 17

5.5.2 Setting an Ethernet Connection 18

6

Technical Specifications 19

7

Kramer Protocol 2000 20

Figures

Figure 1: VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher 6
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher 9
Figure 3: Dipswitches 10
Figure 4: Connecting the Contact Closure Remote Control PINS 11
Figure 5: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 12
Figure 6: RJ-45 PINOUT 13
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 14
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 14
Figure 9: The Ethernet Configuration Manager Window 16
Figure 10: The Virtual Serial Port Manager Window 17
Figure 11: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window 17
Figure 12: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window (COM 3 and COM 4) 18
Figure 13: The Port Window – Selecting a Virtual Serial Port 18
Figure 14: The Port Window – Selecting a Remote Connection 18

Contents

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Tables

Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 5
Table 2: VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher Features 7
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings 10
Table 4: Dipswitch Priority Setup 10
Table 5: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 13
Table 6: Straight-through Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 15
Table 7: Ethernet Configuration Manager Window Functionality 16
Table 8: Technical Specifications of the VS-311HDMI 19
Table 9: Protocol Definitions 20
Table 10: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 21

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 VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI
/ Audio Switcher, which is ideal for:

 Systems requiring automatic HDMI routing
 Presentation and multimedia applications

Each package includes the following items:

 VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher
 Power adapter and Null-modem adapter
 Windows®-based Kramer control software2
 Windows®-based Ethernet Configuration Manager and Virtual Serial Port

Manager

 Kramer RC-IR1 Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter3 (including the

required battery and a separate user manual4)

 This user manual4

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 HDMI cables5

2.1 Quick Start

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

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 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 Previously known as the IR-1 / IR-1-01
4 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Getting Started

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Overview

3

3 Overview

The Kramer VS-311HDMI is a high performance 3x1 HDCP (high definition
digital content protection) compatible1 automatic switcher for HDMI signals,
digital audio (S/PDIF) signals, and stereo audio signals.

The VS-311HDMI switches any one of three HDMI HDCP compliant1
sources to a single display device, on HDMI connectors with the
corresponding:

 Digital audio (S/PDIF) input signals switched to an S/PDIF output, on

RCA connectors and/or

 Unbalanced stereo audio input signals on 3.5 mini-jack connectors

switched to an unbalanced stereo audio output on a 3.5 mini-jack
connector, as well as to a balanced stereo audio output on a 5-pin terminal

block connector
The VS-311HDMI can operate either in the manual mode or in the auto mode.
In the manual mode, the VS-311HDMI acts as a regular switcher, switching

the input video and audio signals to the output via the three front panel
INPUT SELECT buttons.

In the auto mode, you can switch any input to the output via the three front
panel INPUT SELECT buttons, but once the selected video signal is lost, the
machine automatically switches to the highest priority input, according to the
input priority setup2. The VS-311HDMI will switch back to the primary input
when an HDMI signal is detected on that input.

The VS-311HDMI is housed in a desktop-sized enclosure and is 12 VDC fed.
Control the VS-311HDMI using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:

 RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or

other serial controller

 The Kramer infra-red remote control transmitter
 The ETHERNET
 Remote control contact closure

1 HDCP is a standard, developed by Intel, to protect copyright holders (movie studios, and so on) from having their programs
copied and shared. The HDCP standard provides for the secure, encrypted transmission of digital signals over HDMI or DVI
connections between two HDCP-enabled devices. The source device (such as a DVD player or HDTV tuner) encrypts the
digital signal using the HDCP standard, and then sends that signal over the HDMI or DVI connection to the receiving device
(for example, an HDTV). The receiving device decodes the signal using HDCP and uses the signal as it is allowed
2 As described in section 5.1

Overview

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3.1 About HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital1
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 Adopter2 and an HDCP Licensee3.

In particular, HDMI:
 Provides a simple4 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 lengthy5 cable
 Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel

digital audio6 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 cable7, 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.

1 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital­to-analog conversions
2 See http://www.hdmi.org/about/adopters_founders.asp
3 See http://www.digital-cp.com/list/
4 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
5 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m
6 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
7 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner

Overview

5

3.2 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 VS-311HDMI away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

Caution – No operator-serviceable parts inside unit.
Warning – Use only the Kramer Electronics input power

wall adapter that is provided with this unit1.

Warning – Disconnect power and unplug unit from wall

before installing or removing device or servicing unit.

3.3 Terminology Used in this User Manual

Table 1 defines some terms that are used in this user manual.

Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual

Term Definition

802.3 The standard specification for ETHERNET that is maintained by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Dynamic Host
Configuration
Protocol (DHCP)

Allows the network administrator to distribute IP addresses from a central point and
automatically send a new IP address when an Ethernet point is plugged into a different
network location

Gateway A network position serving as an entry to another network. On the Internet, a node or

stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node.

IP Address A 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver (within a network via a

particular server or workstation) of data (HTML pages or e-mails) that is sent in packets
across the Internet. Every device connected to an IP network must have a unique IP
address. This address is used to reference the specific unit.

Local Area Network
(LAN)

Computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link, which often share a
server within a defined geographic area.

Media Access
Control (MAC)
Address

A computer's unique hardware number (or address) in a LAN or other network. On an
Ethernet LAN, the (MAC) address is identical to the Ethernet address.

Transmission
Control
Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP)

The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet that breaks the message
into appropriately sized packets for the network, and can be used as a communications
protocol in an intranet or an extranet.

1 For example: model number AD2512C, part number 2535-000251

Your VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher

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4 Your VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher

Figure 1 illustrates the front and rear panels of the VS-311HDMI. Table 2
defines the front and rear panels of the VS-311HDMI.

Figure 1: VS-311HDMI Automatic HDMI / Audio Switcher