Kramer Electronics VP-728 User Manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

USER MANUAL

MODEL:

VP-728

Presentation Switcher/Scaler

P/N: 2900-000363 Rev 9

Contents

1	Introduction	1
2	Getting Started	2
2.1	Achieving the Best Performance	2
2.2	Recycling Kramer Products	2
3	Overview	3
3.1	Defining the VP-728 Presentation Switcher/Scaler	5
4	Installing in a Rack	9
5	Connecting the VP-728	10
5.1	Connecting a PC	13
6	Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons	14
6.1	Switching an Input	14
6.2	The PIP Button Feature	15
6.3	Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel	19
6.4	The Infrared Remote Control Transmitter	20
7	Configuring the VP-728 via the OSD MENU Screens	21
7.1	The Input Screen	22
7.2	The Picture Screen	24
7.3	The Output Screen	25
7.4	The PIP Screen	27
7.5	The Audio Screen	28
7.6	The Geometry Screen	29
7.7	The Setup Screen	30
7.8	The Advanced Setup Screen	32
7.9	The Info Screen	37
8	Using Text Overlay	38
9	Audio Flash Memory Upgrade	40
9.1	Downloading from the Internet	40
9.2	Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port	41
9.3	Upgrading the Audio Firmware	41
10	Technical Specifications	46
11	VP-728 Communication Protocol	51
11.1	Error Codes Description	62

VP-728 – Contents

i

Figures

Figure 1: VP-728 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel	6
Figure 2: VP-728 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel	8
Figure 3: Connecting to the VP-728 Rear Panel	12
Figure 4: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection	13
Figure 5: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter	13
Figure 6: PIP Source over Background	16
Figure 7: The SWAP Status	17
Figure 8: IR Remote Control Transmitter	20
Figure 9: MENU Items	21
Figure 10: Input Screen	22
Figure 11: Picture Screen	24
Figure 12: Output Screen	25
Figure 13: PIP Screen	27
Figure 14: Audio Screen	28
Figure 15: Geometry Screen	29
Figure 16: Setup Screen	30
Figure 17: Advanced Setup Screen	32
Figure 18: Misc Screen	33
Figure 19: Input Functions	35
Figure 20: Output Functions	36
Figure 21: Active Video Functions	37
Figure 22: Information Screen	37
Figure 23: Text Overlay Application Screen	38
Figure 24: Splash Screen	41
Figure 25: Atmel – Flip Window	42
Figure 26: Device Selection Window	42
Figure 27: Selecting the Device Window	43
Figure 28: Loading the Hex	43
Figure 29: RS-232 Window	44
Figure 30: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected)	44
Figure 31: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed)	45

ii	VP-728 - Contents

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 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 VP-728 Presentation Switcher / Scaler, which is ideal for the following typical applications:

•Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, hotels and churches, production studios, rental and staging

•Any application where high quality conversion and switching of multiple and different video signals to graphical data signals is required for projection purposes

VP-728 – Introduction

1

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 i manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades

are available (where appropriate).

2.1Achieving 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)

•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 VP-728 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

2.2Recycling 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/.

2	VP-728 - Getting Started

3 Overview

The Kramer VP-728 is a 9-input Proscale™ Presentation Switcher / Scaler with unbalanced stereo and digital S/PDIF audio. The VP-728 scales any composite, s-Video (Y/C), component video (YUV), HDMI or computer graphics video signal, as well as JPEG files (via USB) up or down to a selectable graphics or HDTV output resolution. It also provides glitch-free switching between sources through FTB™ (fade-thru-black) switching technology, in which the video fades to black and then the new input fades from black for glitch-free and smooth switching. The output signal provides constant sync so the display never glitches. The output signal is available simultaneously on a 15-pin HD computer graphics video (UXGA) connector and on an HDMI connector.

The VP-728 features include:

•Silicon Optix HQV® Video Processing - HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) processing represents the state-of-the-art in video processing technology, with the highest quality de-interlacing, noise reduction, and scaling performance for both standard-definition and high-definition signals

•K-IIT XL™ Picture-in-Picture Image Insertion Technology - ultra stable picture- in-picture, picture-and-picture, and split screen capability. Any video source can be inserted into or positioned next to a computer graphics video source or vice versa with window positioning and sizing controls

•Four user definable (universal) video inputs (each can be set as composite video, s-Video (Y/C) or component video), two computer graphics video inputs, two HDMI inputs and 1 USB input (for reading JPEG picture files that are recognized up to 2048x1536 and do not exceed 1MB)

•HDTV compatible component input

•HDTV output resolutions - 720p 1080i, and 1080p

•Scaled video outputs - HDMI and computer graphics video

•HDMI support of up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel

Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions

•Multiple computer graphics output resolutions - including a user-defined output resolution with selectable refresh rates

VP-728 – Overview

3

•Multiple aspect ratio selections

•Companion AFV (audio-follow-video) for every analog video input

•Embedded audio on the two HDMI inputs and output

The embedded audio feature is not available for the RGB resolutions 1920x1200 and 1920x1080. (It is available for 1080p)

•Built-in noise reduction and picture enhancement features

•Audio inputs - four (stereo audio or S/PDIF on two RCA connectors) for each of the four universal video inputs; two unbalanced stereo audio (on 3.5mm mini jacks) for the two computer graphics video inputs; and embedded audio on the HDMI inputs

•Audio outputs - S/PDIF and unbalanced stereo audio (RCA connectors). The machine transcodes stereo or S/PDIF audio to both stereo and S/PDIF audio and embeds audio into the HDMI output

Tip: To use a 5.1 digital audio source, connect this HDMI or S/PDIF source (for example, a Blu-ray player) directly to your receiver or display

•Built-in Time Base Corrector - stabilizes video sources with unstable sync

•Built-in video Proc-Amp - color, hue, sharpness, contrast, and brightness are set individually for each input

•A BLANK button, a FREEZE button, a RESET TO XGA/720P button (to hardware-reset the output resolution); and a PANEL LOCK button

The front panel blank, freeze and lock buttons can be programmed via the OSD menu (see Page 34)

•Built-in audio Proc-Amp with bass, treble, balance and loudness control, as well as audio delay

•Firmware upgrade performed via the USB port

•Slideshow option, letting you run a slideshow via the USB port

•An OSD (On-Screen Display) – for making adjustments – that can be located anywhere on the screen

4	VP-728 - Overview

In addition, the VP-728:

•Includes non-volatile memory that retains the last settings, after switching the power off and then on again

•Digitally reprocesses the signal to correct mastering errors and regenerates the video at a higher line and pixel rate format, providing native-resolution video for LCD, DLP and plasma displays

•Is specifically designed to improve video quality by reducing chroma noise

•Scales and zooms (to up to 400% of the original size)

•Can provide non-linear scaling for 4:3 and 16:9 transformation

Control your VP-728 directly via the front panel push buttons, or:

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

•Remotely, from the infrared remote control transmitter (with on-screen menus)

The VP-728 is housed in a 19” 1U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears” included and is fed from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.

3.1Defining the VP-728 Presentation Switcher/Scaler

This section defines the VP-728.

VP-728 – Overview

5

6

Overview – 728 VP -

Figure 1: VP-728 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel

#	Feature			Function
1	POWER Switch			Illuminated switch for turning the machine ON or OFF
2	IR Receiver / LED			Lights red when the unit accepts IR remote commands
3	UNIVERSAL INPUT			Press to select the composite video / s-Video / component video source and the appropriate audio source
	Selector Buttons			(from 1 to 4)
4		UXGA 1		Press to select the UXGA source 1 and the appropriate audio source
5	INPUT Selector	UXGA 2		Press to select the UXGA source 2 and the appropriate audio source
6	Buttons	HDMI 1		Press to select the HDMI source 1
7	(illuminates	HDMI 2		Press to select the HDMI source 2
	when selected)
8		USB		Press to select the USB source (JPEG files on a USB memory stick) and also run/stop the slideshow (see
				Section 7.7.1)
9	PIP Button			Toggles the picture-in-picture function (see Section 6.2)
10	BLANK Button			Press to toggle between a blank screen (blue or black) and the display.
				The BLANK button can be programmed to mute the audio signal at the same time (see Page 34)
11	FREEZE Button			Press to freeze/unfreeze the output video image, as well as pause the slideshow (see Page 31).
				The FREEZE button can be programmed to mute the audio signal at the same time (see Page 34)
12	MENU Button			Press to display the OSD menu screen. Press again to return to normal operation.
13	ENTER Button			Press to move to the next level in the OSD screen or to accept a new parameter
14	Button			Decreases the range by one step in the OSD screen or moves to the previous level in the OSD screen.
				Decreases the volume level, when not in the OSD menu

Overview – 728 VP -

7

#	Feature	Function
15	Button	Moves up one step (in the same level) in the OSD screen, or moves to the previous slide when running a
		slideshow (see Section 7.7.1)
16	Button	Increases the range by one step in the OSD screen
		Increases the volume level, when not in the OSD menu
17	Button	Moves down one step (in the same level) in the OSD screen, or moves to the next slide when running a
		slideshow (see Section 7.7.1)
18	RESET TO XGA/720p	Press and hold to reset to the default resolution (toggles between RESET TO XGA and 720p)
	Button
19	PANEL LOCK Button	Press to lock/unlock the front panel to prevent unintentional operation
20	USB Connector	Connects to a USB drive to read JPEG files (smaller than 1MB and up to a resolution of 2048x1536) and
		also to download new firmware

8

Figure 2: VP-728 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel

	#	Feature			Function
	21	UNIV. IN RCA Connectors		Y/CV	Connects to the video acceptor which can be either composite video (Y/CV), s-Video (Y/CV,
	22			PB/C
		(from 1 to 4)			PB/C ) or component video (Y/CV, PB/C, PR)
	23			PR
	24	UXGA 1 IN 15-pin HD Connector			Connects to the UXGA (analog interface) graphics source 1
	25	UXGA 2 IN 15-pin HD Connector			Connects to the UXGA (analog interface) graphics source 2
	26	AUDIO IN UNIV. IN RCA		L/S/PDIF	Connects to the left unbalanced stereo analog audio source. Alternatively, connect to a digital
		Connectors (from 1 to 4)			audio source
	27			R	Connects to the right unbalanced stereo analog audio source
	28	AUDIO IN 3.5 Mini Jack		UXGA 1	Connects to the unbalanced stereo analog audio source 1
	29			UXGA 2	Connects to the unbalanced stereo analog audio source 2
	30	AUDIO OUT RCA Connectors		L	Connects to the left channel of the unbalanced stereo analog audio acceptor
	31			R	Connects to the right channel of the unbalanced stereo analog audio acceptor
	32			S/PDIF	Connects to a digital audio acceptor
-	33	AUDIO PROG	Program Button		Push to upgrade to the latest Kramer audio firmware. Release for normal operation
	34		Terminal Block Connector		Connects to a PC for audio firmware upgrade
VP
	35	HDMI 1 IN Connector			Connects to the HDMI 1 source
– 728	36	HDMI 2 IN Connector			Connects to the HDMI 2 source
	37	HDMI OUT Connector			Connects to the HDMI acceptor
Overview
	39	RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector			Connects to a PC or serial controller
	38	UXGA OUT 15-pin HD Connector			Connects to the video acceptor that displays the scaled output.
					In the default HDTV mode, the signal is transmitted via 3 pins: PIN 1 is Pr, PIN 2 is Y, PIN 3 Pb
	40	Power Connector with Fuse			AC connector for connecting power to the unit

4 Installing in a Rack

This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VP-728 - Installing in a Rack

9

5	Connecting the VP-728
	i	Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
		VP-728. After connecting your VP-728, connect its power and then

switch on the power to each device.

To connect the VP-728 as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the following:

1.Connect the video sources:

A component video source (for example, a DVD player) to the UNIV. IN 1 RCA connectors, Y/CV, PB/C and PR

Component video is sometimes called YUV, or Y, B-Y, R-Y

An s-Video source (for example, a DVD player) to the UNIV. IN 4 RCA connectors, Y/CV and PB/C

A computer graphics source to the UXGA 1 IN 15-pin HD computer graphics video connector

An HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the HDMI 1 IN connector

A graphics data source (for example, JPEG files that should be smaller than 1MB and should not exceed a resolution of 2048x1536, from a PC or a USB flash drive) to the USB connector on the front panel of the machine

2.Connect the unbalanced stereo or digital audio sources:

The audio of the component video source 1 to the AUDIO UNIV IN 1 S/PDIF RCA connector

The audio of the s-Video source 4 to the AUDIO UNIV IN 4 L and R RCA connector

The audio of computer graphics source to the AUDIO UXGA 1 3.5mm mini jack

Although this connecting example shows only several inputs that are connected, you can connect all the inputs simultaneously

10	VP-728 - Connecting the VP-728

3.Connect the video outputs:

The HDMI OUT connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a plasma display)

The UXGA OUT 15-pin HD computer graphics video connector to a video acceptor (for example, an analog display)

In the HDTV mode, the signal goes out via three PINS: PIN 1 is Red or Pr, PIN 2 is Green or Y, PIN 3 is Blue or Pb

4.Connect the AUDIO OUT L and R unbalanced stereo audio output and/or the S/PDIF digital audio output to audio acceptors, for example, power amplifiers.

5.Connect the power cord.

We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

6.If required, connect a PC via RS-232, (see Page 13).

iThe USB connector, audio sources and acceptors, and power cord are not shown in Figure 3.

VP-728 - Connecting the VP-728

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Figure 3: Connecting to the VP-728 Rear Panel

12	VP-728 - Connecting the VP-728

5.1Connecting a PC

You can connect to the unit via a crossed RS-232 connection, using for example, a PC. A crossed cable or null-modem is required as shown in method A and B respectively. If a shielded cable is used, connect the shield to pin 5.

Method A (Figure 4)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a crossed cable (only pin 2 to pin 3, pin 3 to pin 2, and pin 5 to pin 5 need be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC.

Note: There is no need to connect any other pins.

9	5	9	5
	4		4
8	3	8	3	PC
7		7
6	2	6	2
	1		1

Figure 4: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection

Hardware flow control is not required for this unit. In the rare case where a controller requires hardware flow control, short pin 1 to 7 and 8, and pin 4 to 6 on the controller side.

Method B (Figure 5)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a straight (flat) cable to the null-modem adapter, and connect the null-modem adapter to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC. The straight cable usually contains all nine wires for a full connection of the D-sub connector. Because the null-modem adapter (which already includes the flow control jumpering described in Method A above) only requires pins 2, 3 and 5 to be connected, you are free to decide whether to connect only these 3 pins or all 9 pins.

9	5	Null-Modem
8	4
7	3	Adapter
	2
6	1

to PC

Figure 5: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter

VP-728 - Connecting the VP-728

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6 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons

The VP-728 includes the following front panel buttons:

•Nine INPUT selector buttons

•A PIP button

•BLANK and FREEZE buttons

•Six OSD buttons

•A RESET TO XGA/720p button

•A PANEL LOCK button

6.1Switching an Input

Each INPUT SELECTOR button can be used to select the source. When selected, the button illuminates.

You can switch seamlessly between each input that is connected to a source by pressing the appropriate INPUT SELECTOR button.

SEAMLESS SWITCHING - FTB™ switching for glitchless transitions between inputs

14	VP-728 - Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons

6.2The PIP Button Feature

The Picture-in-Picture inserter (PIP) uses K-IIT XL™ image insertion technology to present video and graphic sources simultaneously so that you can display:

•An inserted video source PIP over a graphic source background

•An inserted graphic source PIP over a video source background

VIDEO SOURCE – can be composite or s-Video GRAPHIC SOURCE – can be HDMI, UXGA or component

For example, you can show a live video window on top of a graphic background and vice versa.

If the HDMI signal is HDCP protected, it cannot appear on a display that is not HDCP compliant and the machine will not output a picture on the VGA output

The VP-728 supports three PIP modes:

•Picture-in-Picture, with a smaller window superimposed over a full screen image

•Picture + Picture, where both images are placed side-by-side with the same height

•Split, where both images appear side-by-side and the aspect ratios of both images are maintained

6.2.1Activating the PIP Feature

Activate the PIP feature in any of the following ways:

•Press and hold the PIP front panel button while pressing the input button of the required PIP source

•Press the PIP key on the IR remote control transmitter (see Section 6.4)

•Access the OSD PIP menu (see Figure 13) and selecting PIP On

VP-728 - Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons

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6.2.2Selecting the PIP Source

To easily select the PIP source, press and hold the PIP front panel button while pressing the input button of the required PIP source.

For example, to select UXGA 2 as the graphic PIP source over a video background, press the PIP front panel button while pressing the UXGA 2 front panel button.

To select the PIP source using the IR remote controller, press the desired PIP source on the remote controller.

For example, if you want to select HDMI 2 as the PIP source, press the HDMI 2 button in the PIP source area on the IR remote controller.

To set the PIP source via the OSD menu, do the following:

1.Press the MENU button to enter the OSD menu.

2.Press the button to move to the PIP icon.

3.Scroll down to select Source and press ENTER.

4.Use the or buttons to select the PIP Source from the drop-down list box, and press ENTER (see Figure 13).

5.To exit the OSD menu, press the MENU button.

Figure 6: PIP Source over Background

16	VP-728 - Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons