Kramer VS-44HN User Manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

USER MANUAL

MODEL:

VS-44HN

4x4

HDMI Matrix Switcher

P/N: 2900-300161 Rev 2

VS-44HN - Contents i

Contents

1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 2

2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2

3 Overview 3

3.1 Defining the EDID 4

3.2 About HDMI–General Description 4

3.3 About HDCP–General Description 5

3.4 Defining the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 6

3.5 Using the IR Transmitter 8

4 Installing in a Rack 9
5 Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 10
6 Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 12

6.1 Acquiring the EDID 12

6.2 Storing and Recalling a Switching Setting from a Preset 14

6.3 Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 15

6.4 Resetting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher’s IP Parameters 15

7 Connecting to the VS-44HN 16

7.1 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher via RS-232 16

7.2 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher via Ethernet 16

7.3 Upgrading the Firmware 18

8 Technical Specifications 19
9 Default Communication Parameters 20
10 Default EDID 21
11 Kramer Protocol 2000 23
12 Protocol 3000 26

12.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 26

12.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 29

Figures

Figure 1: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17
Figure 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 18

VS-44HN - 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 video, audio, pres entation, and broadcasting professionals
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 groups that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Routers;
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 and GROUP 11:
Sierra Video Products.

Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:

• Conference room presentations

• Advertising applications

• Rental and staging

2 VS-44HN - Getting Started

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 cables
Use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com to check for up-to-date
user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).

2.1 Achieving the Best Performance

To achieve the best performance:

• Use only good quality connection cables to avoid 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

• Position your VS-44HN away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

i

VS-44HN - Overview 3

3 Overview

The VS-44HN is a high quality 4x4 matrix switcher for HDMI signals. It reclocks
and equalizes the signals and can route any input to any or all outputs
simultaneously.

In particular, the VS-44HN features:

• Up to 6.75Gbps data rate (2.25Gbps per graphics channel)

Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA and 1080p at 60Hz

• Support for HDCP (High Definition Digital Content Protection)

• HDMI Support – HDMI (3D, Deep Color, x.v.Color™, Lip Sync)

• 3D pass-through

• Support for up to 7.1 multi channel audio

• I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™ – Intelligent EDID

handling & processing algorithm ensures Plug and Play operation for HDMI
systems

• Kramer reKlocking™ & Equalization Technology that rebuilds the digital

signal to travel longer distances

• A lock button to prevent unwanted tampering with the buttons on the front

panel

• Preset memory locations for quick access to common configurations

• Support for Kramer Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000

You can control the VS-44HN using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:

• RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen system or other

serial controller

• The Kramer infrared remot e control transmitter

• A PC connected to the Ethernet port on the device via a LAN

• An external remote IR receiver (optional), see Section

3.5

4 VS-44HN - Overview

3.1 Defining the EDID

The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) 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 VS-44HN to “know” what kind of monitor
is connected to the output. The EDID includes the manufacturer’s name, the
product type, the timing data supported by the display, the display size, luminance
data and (for digital displays only) the pixel mapping data.
EDID is defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA).

3.2 About HDMI–General Description

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. HDMI ensures an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated
with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-to-analog conversions. It delivers
the maximum high-definition image and sound quality in use today. Note that Kramer
Electronics Limited is an HDMI Adopter and an HDCP Licensee.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI licensing LLC.

In particular, HDMI:

• Provides a simple 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 lengthy cable

SIMPLICITY - With video and mul i-channel audio combined into a single cable, the cost,
complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems is reduced
LENGTHY CABLE - HDMI tech nology has been designed to use sta ndard copper cable
construction at up to 15m

• Supports standard, enhanced, high-definiti on video, and multi-channel digital

audio on a single cable

MULTI-CHANNEL DIGITAL AUDIO - HDMI supports multi ple au di o formats, from
standard stereo to multi-channel surround-sound. HDMI has the capacity to support
Dolby 5.1 audio and high-resolution audio formats

• 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

VS-44HN - Overview 5

quality via a single cable, and user-friendly connector

HDMI provides the qu ali t y and func ti on al ity of a digital interface while also s up por ting
uncompressed video formats in a simple, cost-effective manner

• 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 suc h as
automatic configuration and one-button play

• Has the capacity to support existing high-definition video formats (720p,

1080i and 1080p), standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL, as well
as 480p and 576p

3.3 About HDCP–General Description

The High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) standard developed by
Intel, protects digital video and audio signals transmitted over DVI or HDMI
connections between two HDCP-enabled devices to eliminate the reproduction of
copyrighted material. To protect copyright holders (such as movie studios) from
having their programs copied and shared, the HDCP standard provides for the
secure and encrypted transmission of digital signals.

3.4 Defining the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher

Figure 1: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel

#

Feature

Function

1 IR Receiver and Indication LED Signal receiver for the inf ra red rem ote cont rol tra nsm i tte r. LE D lig hts yellow when receiving

an IR signal
2 POWER Illuminated Power Switch Turn the device on and off
3 ALL Button Press followed by an input button to connect the selected input to all outputs

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

4 OFF Button Press after pressing an output button to disconnect the selected output from the inputs.

To disconnect all the outputs, press ALL followed by OFF
5

SELECT Buttons

IN (1 to 4) Press to select the input to switch after selecting an output (also used for storing machine

setups (see Section

6.2)

6 OUT (1 to 4) Press to select an output to switch followed by an input (also used for storing machine

setups (see Section

6.2)

7 STO Button Press to store the current switching setting to a preset (see Section 6.2)
8 RCL Button Press to recall the switch setting from a preset (see Section 6.2)
9 LOCK Button Press and hold to toggle the locking/release of he front panel buttons.

When storing or recalling presets, press to store or recall the preset (see Section

6.2)

10 EDID Button Press to capture the EDID (see Section 6.1)
11 OUTPUT/INPUT 7-segment LED Display Displays the input currently switched to the output which is marked above each input

6 VS-44HN – Overview

VS-44HN – Overview 7

Figure 2: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel

# Feature Function

12 IN HDMI Connectors (1 to 4) Connect to up to 4 HDMI sources
13 OUT HDMI Connectors (1 to 4) Connect to up to 4 HDMI acceptors
14 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Serial Port Connector Connect to a PC/serial controller
15 ETHERNET RJ-45 Conne ct o r Connect to a PC via a LAN
16 RESET Button Press and hold while powering on the device to reset to factory default IP settings (see

Section

6.4 and Section 9)

17 REMOTE IR Opening

Connect to an external IR recei v er fo r controlling the device via and IR remot e
controller (see Section

3.5)

Covered by a cap. The 3 5mm jack at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits into this
opening

18 Mains Power Connector and Fuse Plug in the power cord

8 VS-44HN - Overview

3.5 Using the IR Transmitter

You can use the RC-IR3 IR transmitter to control the machine via the built-in IR
receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR receiver (Model:
C-A35M/IRR-50). The external IR receiver can be located up to 15 meters away
from the machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used
with three extension cables (Model: C-A35M/A35F-50).

Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer dealer to
insert the internal IR connection cable (for example, P/N: 505-70434010-S) 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.