Kramer VS-81HDxl User Manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

USER MANUAL

MODEL:

VS-81HDxl

8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher

P/N: 2900-000418 Rev 4

VS-81HDxl – Contents

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Contents

1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 2

2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2

2.2 Safety Instructions 3

2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3

3 Overview 4

3.1 Defining the VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher 5

3.2 Using the IR Transmitter 8

4 Installing in a Rack 9
5 Connecting the VS-81HDxl 10

5.1 DIP-Switch Settings 11

5.2 Connecting to the VS-81HDxl via RS-232 12

5.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port 13

5.4 Switching Genlocked Video Signals 14

5.5 Operating via Ethernet 14

5.6 Controlling via the REMOTE Connector 19

6 Operating the VS-81HDxl 20

6.1 Locking the Front Panel 20

7 Technical Specifications 21
8 Protocol 2000 22

8.1 Syntax 22

8.2 Instruction Codes 23

Figures

Figure 1: VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher 11
Figure 4: VS-81HDxl MACHINE ID DIP-switches 11

Figure 5: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 12
Figure 6: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 13
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 16
Figure 8: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window 17
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window 17
Figure 10: Internet Protocol Properties Window 18
Figure 11: Using the REMOTE Connector 19

VS-81HDxl - Introduction

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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, presentation, 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 Products.

Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:

 Professional broadcasting and production studios
 Post production

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VS-81HDxl - 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

Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
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 (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 VS-81HDxl away from moisture, excessive sunlight

and dust

This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be
connected to other equipment that is installed inside a building.

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VS-81HDxl - Getting Started

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2.2 Safety Instructions

Caution:

There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit

Warning:

Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit

Warning:

Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause
electrical shock! Servicing by qualified personnel only

Warning:

Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall
before installing

2.3 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 http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/recycling/.

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VS-81HDxl - Overview

3 Overview

The Kramer VS-81HDxl is a true 8x1 switcher for SD/HD/3G HD-SDI signals that
lets you switch any one of the eight inputs to two identical outputs.

The VS-81HDxl features:

 A maximum data rate of 3Gbps
 HDTV compatibility
 Multi-standard operation: SDI (SMPTE 259M/344M) & HD−SDI (SMPTE

292M) & 3G HD−SDI (SMPTE 424M)

 Kramer Equalization & re-Klocking™ Technology that rebuilds the digital

signal to travel longer distances

 Cable equalization of up to 350m for SD signals, 140m for 1.5GHz HD

signals, and 120m for 3GHz HD signals

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

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

 Active Input Indication™ reporting where each input button on the front

panel automatically lights up when the unit detects a video signal on that
input. Green indicates a standard definition (SDI) input signal and blue
indicates a high definition (HD−SDI) input signal

 ANC data support (embedded audio, Teletext, time code and so on)
 Bi−level, tri−level analog sync
 Front panel control lockout
 Output disconnect
 SMPTE RP−168 vertical interval switching
 A 100−240V AC worldwide power supply
 Standard 19” rack mount size - 1U , rack “ears” included

VS-81HDxl - Overview

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The VS-81HDxl can be controlled via the:

 Front panel buttons
 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

3.1 Defining the VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher

This section defines the VS-81HDxl.

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VS-81HDxl - Overview

Figure 1: VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher Front Panel

#

Feature

Function

1

IR Receiver

The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the infrared remote control transmitter

2

POWER Switch

Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF

3

OFF Button

Press to disconnect the outputs

4

INPUT SELECTOR Buttons

Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 8)
Use to set the resolution when switching genlocked video signals (see Section 5.4)

5

PANEL LOCK Button

Disengages the front panel buttons

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VS-81HD – Overview