Kramer VS-44HDxl User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL



Model:

VS-44HDxl

3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

Contents

i

Contents

1

Introduction 1

2

Getting Started 1

2.1

Quick Start 1

3

Overview 3

4

Your VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher 4

4.1

Using the IR Transmitter 7

5

Installing on a Rack 8

6

Connecting Your VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher 9

6.1

Connecting the VS-44HDxl in the Dual-Link Mode 11

6.2

Working Mode Setting 12

6.3

Dipswitch Setting 13

6.3.1 Setting the Machine # Dipswitches 13

6.4

Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 14

6.5

Controlling via the RS-485 Port 15

6.6

Factory Reset 15

6.7

Switching Genlocked Video Signals 16

6.8

Controlling via ETHERNET 16

6.8.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 16

6.8.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 18

6.8.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port 18

6.9

Controlling via the REMOTE Connector 18

7

Operating the VS-44HDxl 19

7.1

Switching OUT-IN Combinations 19

7.1.1 Switch OUT-IN Combinations 19

7.1.2 Switch OUT-IN Combinations in the Dual-Link Mode 20

7.2

Confirming Settings 20

7.2.1 Toggling between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes 20

7.2.2 Confirming a Switching Action 21

7.3

Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 21

7.3.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 21

7.3.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 22

7.4

Locking the Front Panel 22

8

Technical Specifications 23

9

Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 23

10

Kramer Protocol 2000 24

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Contents

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Figures

Figure 1: VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher 5
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 3: Connecting the Dual-Link VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher 12
Figure 4: VS-44HDxl SETUP Dipswitches 13
Figure 5: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 14
Figure 6: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000) 15
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 17
Figure 9: Using the REMOTE Connector 18

Tables

Table 1: Front Panel VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher 6
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher 7
Table 3: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 13
Table 4: Technical Specifications of the VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI Matrix Switcher 23
Table 5: VS-44HDxl Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 23
Table 6: Protocol Definitions 24
Table 7: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 25

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 groups1 that are clearly defined by function.

Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4
Matrix Switcher. This product is ideal for:

 Broadcasting and production studios
 Presentation applications

The package includes the following items:

 VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher
 Null-modem adapter, infrared remote control transmitter and 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

2.1 Quick Start

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

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; GROUP 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 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: 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

Getting Started

2

Overview

3

3 Overview

The Kramer VS-44HDxl can be used as a high performance 4x4 matrix switcher
or as a dual-link 2x2 switcher that lets you simultaneously route any of the inputs
to any or all of the outputs for all SDI video signals, using BNC connectors.

In particular, the VS-44HDxl:
 Supports up to 300m cable equalization (300m for SD1 signals, 200m for

1.5GHz HD2 signals, and 100m for 3GHz HD signals)

 Operates up to 2.97Gbps – enabling it to be used for standard definition, high

definition and the new 3G high definition serial digital video signals
(SD/HD-SDI)

 Is SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M and 372M (for dual-link HD-SDI signals)

compliant and supports data rates of 270Mbps, 1483.5Mbps, 1485Mbps and
2970Mbps

 Features reclocking and equalization on each input, the storing and

recalling of setups, and a TAKE button for the execution of multiple
switches all at once

 Has selector buttons that automatically light up in different colors—green,

when the VS-44HDxl detects a ‘standard definition’ signal, or blue, when it
detects a ‘high definition’ signal

 Features the ability to switch genlocked video signals according to timing of

the GENLOCK reference input. Switching according to the Bi-level or
Tri-level Genlock input according to SMPTE RP-1683

The VS-44HDxl, which is housed in a 19" 1U rack mountable enclosure, and is
fed from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply, can be controlled via
the front panel buttons or via the:

 Infrared remote control transmitter
 Infrared remote extension cable transmitter
 Remotely, by RS 232 or RS 485 serial commands transmitted by a touch

screen system, PC, or other serial controller

 ETHERNET
 Remote contact closure for forced operation

1 Standard Definition (SD) means an NTSC or PAL compatible video format, consisting of 480 (for NTSC) or 576 (for PAL)

lines of interlaced video

2 High Definition (HD) means a video format, consisting of 720 active lines of progressive video or 1080 lines of progressive

or interlaced video

3 The sources must be genlocked to the GENLOCK input in order to switch cleanly

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Your VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

4

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-44HDxl away from
moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

4 Your VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

Figure 1, Table 1, and Table 2 define the VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix
Switcher.

Your VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

5

Figure 1: VS-44HDxl

3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Your VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

6

Table 1: Front Panel VS-44HDxl

3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

# 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 INPUT SELECTOR

(DUAL LINK) Buttons

Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 4).

In the dual-link mode, select input 1 or 2 to switch dual-link 1 or 2 to

the outputs

Press IN buttons 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously, to reset the machine to its

factory default values1 (see section 6.6)

Use to set the resolution when switching genlocked video signals (see

section 6.7)
4 OUTPUT SELECTOR

(DUAL LINK) Buttons

Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 4)

In the dual-link mode, select output DUAL LINK 1 or DUAL LINK 2 to

which the input is switched
5 STO (STORE) Button Pressing STO followed by an INPUT / OUTPUT button stores the

current setting2
6 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode3 and

the AT ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary).

When in CONFIRM mode, the TAKE button implements a pending

operation4
7 RCL (RECALL) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding INPUT / OUTPUT

key recalls a setup from the non-volatile memory. After pressing the

same memory location the second time, the settings will take effect
8 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all

outputs5
9 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an

OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the outputs

Press and hold6 to toggle between the 4x4 switcher mode and the

dual-link 2x2 switcher mode
10 LOCK Button Disengages the front panel buttons
11 7-segment Display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above

each input)

1 The 7-segmant display shows 1234 indicating that the operation mode is normal, and that the setups stored via the

INPUT/OUTPUT buttons have been erased

2 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3

3 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates

4 See section 7.2

5 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs

6 For more than 3 seconds

Your VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

7

Table 2: Rear Panel VS-44HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI 4x4 Matrix Switcher

# Feature Function

12 GENLOCK BNC Connector Connect to the Genlock source
13

TERM 75 Button Press to terminate the Genlock source (75) or release for looping1
14 LOOP BNC Connector Connect to the GENLOCK connector of the next unit in the line
15 DUAL LINK INPUT BNC

Connectors

In the dual-link mode, connect the source to inputs 1 and 2 and/or inputs 3

and 4 (DUAL LINK 1 and/or DUAL LINK 2)
16 INPUT BNC Connectors Connect to the serial digital video sources (from 1 to 4)
17 DUAL LINK OUTPUT BNC

Connectors

In the dual-link mode, connect the acceptors to outputs 1 and 2 and/or

outputs 3 and 4 (DUAL LINK 1 and/or DUAL LINK 2)
18 OUTPUT BNC Connectors Connect to the serial digital video acceptors (from 1 to 4)
19 REMOTE Terminal Block

Connector

Connect to contact closure switches (see section 6.9)

20 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller2
21 RS-485 Detachable

Terminal Block Port

Pin G is for the Ground connection3; pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485

22 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit
23 REMOTE IR Opening4 Connects to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via an

IR remote controller (instead of using the front panel IR receiver)5
24 ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer networking
25 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

4.1 Using the IR Transmitter

You can use the RC-IR2 IR transmitter to control the machine via the built-in IR
receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR receiver6. The
external IR receiver can be located 15 meters away from the machine. This
distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used with three extension
cables7.

Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer dealer
to insert the internal IR connection cable8 with the 3.5mm connector that fits into
the REMOTE IR opening on the rear panel.

Connect the external IRreceiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.

1 Push in to terminate the input. Release when the input extends to another unit

2 Via a null-modem connection

3 The ground connection is sometimes connected to the shield of the RS-485 cable. In most applications, the ground is not

connected

4 Covered by a cap. The 3.5mm connector at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits through this opening

5 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the machine (only if the internal

IR connection cable has been installed)

6 Model: C-A35M/IRR-50

7 Model: C-A35M/A35F-50

8 P/N: 505-70434010-S