Kramer VS-44HC User Manual
Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VS-44HC
4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
Contents
i
Contents
1
Introduction 1
2
Getting Started 1
3
Overview 2
3.1
Terminology Used in this User Manual 3
4
Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 3
5
Installing the VS-44HC on a Rack 7
6
Connecting the VS-44HC 8
6.1
Connecting the VS-44HC Rear Panel 8
6.2
Connecting the Audio Signals 10
6.3
Setting the Dipswitches 11
6.3.1 Setting the Machine # 11
6.3.2 Setting the IN 2 Audio Signal 12
7
Controlling the VS-44HC 13
7.1
Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 13
7.2
Controlling via RS-485 14
7.2.1 Set the Dipswitches 14
7.3
Controlling the VS-44HC via the ETHERNET Port 16
7.3.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 16
7.3.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 18
7.4
Configuring the Ethernet Port 18
7.4.1 Setting a Virtual Port 20
7.4.2 Setting an Ethernet Connection 21
8
Operating the VS-44HC 22
8.1
Displaying Unit Characteristics 22
8.2
Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 23
8.2.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 23
8.2.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 23
8.3
Switching OUT-IN Combinations 23
8.4
Confirming Settings 24
8.4.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 24
8.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 24
8.5
Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 25
8.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 25
8.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 25
8.6
Setting and Adjusting the Audio Delay Time 26
8.7
Locking the Front Panel 27
9
Flash Memory Upgrade 28
9.1
Switcher Flash Memory Upgrade 28
9.1.1 Downloading from the Internet 28
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Contents
ii
9.1.2
Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 28
9.1.3 Upgrading Firmware 29
9.2
Ethernet Flash Memory Upgrade 33
9.2.1 Downloading from the Internet 33
9.2.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 33
9.2.3 Upgrading Firmware 34
10
Technical Specifications 35
11
Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 36
11.1 Hex Codes for Switching 36
11.2 VS-44HC Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Delay Time 36
12
Kramer Protocol 2000 38
Figures
Figure 1: VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 4
Figure 2: VS-44HC Underside View 6
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 9
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-44HC Digital Audio Signals 10
Figure 5: Dipswitch Settings 11
Figure 6: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 13
Figure 7: Cascading Individual Units in a Control Configuration via RS-485 15
Figure 8: RJ-45 PINOUT 16
Figure 9: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17
Figure 10: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 17
Figure 11: The Ethernet Configuration Manager Window 19
Figure 12: The Virtual Serial Port Manager Window 20
Figure 13: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window 20
Figure 14: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window (COM 3 and COM 4) 21
Figure 15: The Port Window – Selecting a Virtual Serial Port 21
Figure 16: The Port Window – Selecting a Remote Connection 21
Figure 17: Storing and Recalling using the Input / Output Buttons 25
Figure 18: Splash Screen 29
Figure 19: Atmel – Flip Window 29
Figure 20: Device Selection Window 30
Figure 21: Device Selection window 30
Figure 22: Loading the Hex 31
Figure 23: RS-232 Window 31
Figure 24: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 32
Figure 25: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 32
Figure 26: The KFR-Programmer Window 34
Contents
iii
Tables
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 3
Table 2: Front Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features 5
Table 3: Rear Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 4: Dipswitch Settings 11
Table 5: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 11
Table 6: Digital Audio IN 2 Signal Setting 12
Table 7: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 16
Table 8: Straight-through Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 18
Table 9: Ethernet Configuration Manager Window Functionality 19
Table 10: 7-segment Display Information 22
Table 11: Maximum Delay Time according to Sampling Rate 26
Table 12: DELAY Button Response 27
Table 13: Technical Specifications of the VS-44HC 35
Table 14: VS-44HC Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 36
Table 15: VS-44HC Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Delay Time 36
Table 16: VS-44HC Hex Codes for increasing the Audio Delay Time 37
Table 17: Protocol Definitions 38
Table 18: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 39
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 VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment
Matrix Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Professional audio/video studios
Home cinema DVD applications
The package includes the following items:
VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
Power cord
Null-modem adapter
Windows®-based Kramer control software2
Windows®-based Ethernet Configuration Manager and Virtual Serial
Port Manager
Infra-red remote control transmitter (including the required battery and a
separate user manual3)
This user manual3
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 cables4
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 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
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Overview
2
3 Overview
The VS-44HC is a true 4x4 matrix switcher for YUV (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) component
video and digital audio (S/PDIF) signals. The high quality VS-44HC lets you
simultaneously route any of the 4 inputs to any or all of the 4 outputs. The
component video and S/PDIF input and output signals are on RCA connectors, and
the S/PDIF channel 2 is also available on optical (TOSLINK1) input/output
connectors.
The VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher features:
A video bandwidth of over 200MHz that ensures transparent performance
An audio channel sampling rate of up to 192kHz, including multi-
channel audio (suitable for multi-channel applications, like AC3)
A built-in digital audio delay line, which corrects lip sync errors, so that the
audio delay will match the video delay
DC coupled video inputs and outputs
Audio-follow-video and breakaway options
Storing and recalling setups
A TAKE button for precise switch control
A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
Control the VS-44HC using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
RS-232 and RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen
system, PC, or other serial controller
The Kramer infra-red remote control transmitter
The ETHERNET
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 that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer VS-44HC
away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
1 A digital audio optical connector found on many consumer audio devices
Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
3
3.1 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.
4 Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
Figure 1, Table 2 and Table 3 define the VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment
Matrix Switcher:
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
4
Figure 1: VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
5
Table 2: Front Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the infra-red remote
control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OUT Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 4)
4 IN Buttons Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 4)
5 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an IN button, connects that input to all outputs1
6 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an
OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the outputs
7 VIDEO 7-segment
Display
Displays the selected video IN switched to the OUT (marked above each
input)2
8 AUDIO 7-segment
Display
Displays the selected audio IN switched to the OUT (marked above each
input)3;
When adjusting the audio delay time, shows the delay time in milliseconds
9 VIDEO Button When illuminated4, the subsequent actions relate to video. Press to toggle
10 AFV Button When illuminated 5, the subsequent actions relate to the video and audio
channels. The audio channels follow the video channels. Press to toggle
11 AUDIO Button When illuminated 6, the subsequent actions relate to audio. Press to toggle
12 STO /+ (store) Button Pressing STO, followed by an output button, stores the current setting7;
When adjusting the audio delay, press to increase the delay time
13 RCL /- (recall) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUT key recalls a setup
from the non-volatile memory. The stored status blinks. Pressing a different
OUT button lets you view8 another setup. After making your choice,
pressing the RCL button again implements the new status;
When adjusting the audio delay, press to decrease the delay time
14 DELAY Button Press to toggle the output 2 DELAY feature between:
On – activate the delay
Set – set the delay time and
Off – turn off the delay (see section 8.6)
15 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the Confirm mode9 and the At
Once mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary). When the TAKE
button flashes (in the confirm mode), pressing it implements pending
actions
16 LOCK Button Disengages/engages the front panel switches
1 For example, press ALL and then input button # 2 to connect IN 2 to all the outputs
2 Also displays the audio sample rate, and so on. Refer to section 8.1
3 Also displays the firmware version number, delay time and so on. Refer to section 8.1
4 The VIDEO button is illuminated when the video breakaway mode is selected
5 The AFV button is illuminated when the AFV mode is selected
6 The AUDIO button is illuminated when the audio breakaway mode is selected
7 For example, press STO and then the OUT button # 3 to store in setup # 3
8 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage
9 When in the Confirm mode, the TAKE button flashes
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Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
6
Table 3: Rear Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
17
Pb/Cb RCA
Connectors
18
Pr/Cr RCA
Connectors
19
Component
Y RCA Connectors
Connect to the component (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) video source (from
IN 1 to IN 4)
20
IN
S/PDIF Connect to the digital audio source (from IN 1 to IN 4)
21
Pb/Cb RCA
Connectors
22
Pr/Cr RCA
Connectors
23
Component
Y RCA Connectors
Connect to the component (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) video acceptor (from
OUT 1 to OUT 4)
24
OUT
S/PDIF Connect to the digital audio acceptor (from OUT 1 to OUT 4)
25 OUT 2 TOSLINK Connector Connect to the digital audio acceptor1
26 IN 2 TOSLINK Connector Connect to the digital audio source1
27 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (1, 2, 3 and 4 are for setting the
machine #; 6 and 7 are for selecting the digital audio source for IN
2, and 8 is for RS 485 termination)
28 ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer
networking LAN
29 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485 connection. If shielded cabling
is used for RS-485, then the shield may be connected to PIN G if
desired
30 RS-232 DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
31 FLASH Upgr. Button Push in2 for “Program” to upgrade the switcher microcontroller to the
latest Kramer firmware (see section 9.1.2), or release (the factory
default) for normal operation
32 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
The VS-44HC underside is illustrated in Figure 2:
Feature Function
ETH Flash –
Normal Switch
Set to ETH Flash to upgrade
firmware (see section 9.2);
Set to Normal for normal
operation
Figure 2: VS-44HC Underside View
ETH Factory
Reset Button
Press to reset to factory default
definitions3:
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
1 Use an optical cable, such as Sony’s POC-15A (not included in the package)
2 Using a screwdriver if required
3 First disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the ETH Factory Reset button. The unit will power
up and load its memory with the factory default definitions
Installing the VS-44HC on a Rack
7
5 Installing the VS-44HC 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 the VS-44HC
8
6 Connecting the VS-44HC
This section describes how to connect the VS-44HC. In particular, how to:
Connect the VS-44HC rear panel (see section 6.1)
Connect the audio signals (see section 6.2)
Set the dipswitches (see section 6.3)
6.1 Connecting the VS-44HC Rear Panel
To connect the VS-44HC, as the example in Figure 3 illustrates, do the
following1:
1. Connect up to four component video sources2 (for example, four DVD
players) to the three IN RCA connectors Y, Pb/Cb and Pr/Cr (from IN 1
to IN 4) and connect the corresponding digital audio sources to the
S/PDIF3 RCA connectors (see section 6.2).
2. Connect4 the four sets of three OUT RCA connectors Y, Pb/Cb and
Pr/Cr (from OUT 1 to OUT 4) to up to four video acceptors (for
example, four plasma displays), and connect the corresponding S/PDIF5
RCA connectors to the four digital audio acceptors6 (see section 6.2)
3. Set the dipswitches (see section 6.3).
4. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
section 7.1) and/or the RS-485 port (see section 7.2) and/or the
ETHERNET port (see section 7.3).
5. Connect the power cord7 (not shown in Figure 3).
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-44HC. After connecting your VS-44HC, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device. DO NOT push in the rear panel Flash Program “Flash Upgr.” button
(see Table 3) and DO NOT switch the ETH Flash switch. These are only used for upgrading to the latest Kramer firmware
(see section 9)
2 Although in this example four inputs are connected, you can connect less inputs
3 Or TOSLINK connector for IN 2
4 When less than four outputs are required, connect only those outputs of the VS-44HC that are required, and leave the other
outputs unconnected
5 Or TOSLINK connector for OUT 2
6 For example, an AV receiver or the audio connector of the plasma display
7 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
Connecting the VS-44HC
9
RS-232
DVD Player 4
Plasma
Display 4
DVD Player 1
Plasma
Display 1
AV
Receiver
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher
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Connecting the VS-44HC
10
6.2 Connecting the Audio Signals
The VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher inputs and outputs
digital audio signals in the following formats:
Four S/PDIF inputs and four S/PDIF outputs on RCA connectors (from
IN 1 to IN 4, and from OUT 1 to OUT 4, respectively)
One TOSLINK input and one TOSLINK output for IN 2 and OUT 2
IN 2
OUT
2
IN 3
OUT
3
IN 4
OUT
4
IN 1
DIP 6
DIP 7
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
OUT 1
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-44HC Digital Audio Signals
In the example illustrated in Figure 4, IN 1 is switched to OUT 1, IN 3 is
switched to OUT 4 and IN 4 is not connected.
The IN 2 digital audio signal can be routed either via the IN 2 S/PDIF
connector or the IN 2 TOSLINK connector, depending on the setup of
dipswitches 6 and 7 (see section 6.3.2):
To select the S/PDIF connector, set DIP 6 ON and DIP 7 OFF
To select the TOSLINK connector, set DIP 7 ON and DIP 6 OFF
The digital audio signal on channel 2 is outputted simultaneously to both the
S/PDIF and TOSLINK OUT 2 connectors.
To set the audio delay time, see section 8.6
Connecting the VS-44HC
11
6.3 Setting the Dipswitches
Figure 5 illustrates the factory default dipswitches:
OFF
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Figure 5: Dipswitch Settings
Table 4: Dipswitch Settings
DIPS Function Description
1, 2, 3, 4 Machine # Set the MACHINE # (see section 6.3.1)
5 Reserved OFF
6 S/PDIF ON for IN 2 S/PDIF digital audio signal;
OFF when TOSLINK is selected (see section 6.3.2)1
7 Optic ON for IN 2 TOSLINK digital audio signal;
OFF when S/PDIF is selected (see section 6.3.2)1
8 RS-485
Termination
ON for RS-485 Line Termination with 120;
OFF for no RS-485 Line Termination
6.3.1 Setting the Machine #
To control a unit via RS-232 or RS-485, each unit has to be identified via its
unique MACHINE #. Set the machine #2 on a VS-44HC unit via dipswitches
1, 2, 3 and 4, according to Table 5.
Table 5: Machine # Dipswitch Settings
DIPSWITCH DIPSWITCH
MACHINE #
1 2 3 4
MACHINE #
1 2 3 4
1 ON OFF OFF OFF
9 ON OFF OFF ON
2 OFF ON OFF OFF
10 OFF ON OFF ON
3 ON ON OFF OFF
11 ON ON OFF ON
4 OFF OFF ON OFF
12 OFF OFF ON ON
5 ON OFF ON OFF
13 ON OFF ON ON
6 OFF ON ON OFF
14 OFF ON ON ON
7 ON ON ON OFF
15 ON ON ON ON
8 OFF OFF OFF ON
When connecting more than one VS-44HC unit, set a different machine # on
each unit. You do not have to number the units in the sequence order as they
connect to the PC, but it is essential that each unit is assigned a unique
machine number.
1 Do not set both DIP 6 and DIP 7 ON
2 When using a single unit, set the unit to MACHINE # 1
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