Kramer Electronics VS-1211 User Manual
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Vertical Interval Switchers
MODELS: VS-1211, VS-1011, VS-811, VS-611, VS-411
With Balanced Audio
VS-1201xl, VS-1001xlm, VS-801xlm, VS-601xlm, VS-401xlm
With Unbalanced Audio
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled
"Unpacking and Contents"
Table of Contents
Section Name Page
INTRODUCTION 4
A Word On Video/Audio Switchers 4
Factors Affecting Quality of Results 5
SPECIFICATIONS 6
HOW DO I GET STARTED 7
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 7
Optional Accessories 7
KRAMER “VS” SERIES SWITCHERS 8
Getting to Know Your Switcher 9
INSTALLATION 11
Rackmounting 11
CONNECTINGTO VIDEO DEVICES 11
Connecting to the VS-1211/1201xl/1001xlm 11
CONNECTING TO AUDIO DEVICES 11
Connecting to the VS-1211 11
Connecting to the VS-1201xl 11
DIP SWITCHES, JUMPERS AND TRIMMERS 11
DIP Switches 11
Jumpers, their Uses and Set-up Requirements 12
The Internal Trimmers 14
CONTROLLING THE SWITCHER 14
The VS-2000 System 14
The VS-1N/VS-1P System 14
CONNECTING TO A PC
.1 New Protocol 2000
.1.1 Changing Communication Protocols
.1.2 Additional Software Options
USING THESWITCHER 16
. Powering on theSwitcher 16
Operating an Individual Switcher 16
Selecting an Input on the Switchers
Selecting the Proper Sync Format
Using the VS-2000
Using the PC Control Software
Adding Outputs
Adding Inputs
Video Component and YC Switching
Controlling Several Independent Switchers via aSinglePCPort
TAKING CARE OF YOUR SWITCHER
TROUBLESHOOTING
Power and Indicators
Video Signal
Audio Signal
Software
Control
Switching Malfunctions
Vertical Interval
PROTOCOL USED FOR VS-12111201xlCOMMUNICATION
Limited Warranty 24
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Table of Contents (Continued)
List of Illustrations
Figure Page
RS-232 Control Connector Wiring 8
VS-1211/1201 Front/Rear Panel Features 9
Location of Internal Jumpers 3
VS-Series Remote Connector Socketand Balanced Audio Pinout 5
Connecting Two Switchers to add Outputs 8
List of Tables
Table
VS-1211/1201 Front Panel Features 10
VS-1211/1201 Rear Panel Features 10
DIP Switch Settings 12
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1.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics switcher.
Since 1981 Kramer has been dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio
equipment.
The Kramer industrial line has become an integral part of many of the best video/audio production and
presentation facilities around the world. In recent years, Kramer has redesigned and upgraded most of the
industrial line, making the best even better. Kramer’s line of professional video electronics is one of the most
versatile and complete available, and is a true leader in terms of quality, workmanship, price/performance ratio
and innovation. In addition to the Kramer line of high quality video switchers, such as the one you have just
purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality industrial and broadcast distribution amplifiers,
processors, interfaces, controllers and computer-related products. Kramer welcomes your inquiries for Kramer
equipment or custom-manufactured products, engineering, private labeling and OEM manufacturing per your
specifications.
This manual includes configuration, operation and option information for the following products from the
Kramer VS line of video switchers. These VS switchers are similar in operation and features and differ in their
audio input and output type.
Balanced Audio Family:
VS-1211- 12x1 composite/single component video & balanced audio switcher.
VS-1011- 10x1 composite/single component video & balanced audio switcher.
VS-811- 8x1 composite/single component video & balanced audio switcher.
VS-611- 6x1 composite/single component video & balanced audio switcher.
VS-411- 4x1 composite/single component video & balanced audio switcher.
Unbalanced Audio Family:
VS-1201xl- 12x1 composite/single component video & unbalanced audio switcher.
VS-1001xlm- 10x1 composite/single component video +DA & unbalanced audio switcher.
VS-801xlm- 8x1 composite/single component video +DA & unbalanced audio switcher.
VS-601xlm- 6x1 composite/single component video +DA & unbalanced audio switcher.
VS-401xlm- 4x1 composite/single component video +DA & unbalanced audio switcher.
1.1 A Word on Video/Audio Switchers
A video/audio switcher usually switches between several sources (inputs) and one or more acceptors (outputs).
A switcher that allows several inputs to be connected to several outputs simultaneously is called a Matrix
Switcher. Switchers may be of the electronic or mechanical type. Most matrices are of the active electronic type,
with many crosspoints. Vertical Interval Switching, frequently used in video, ensures that the transition from
one video source to another (such as switching between two genlocked cameras) is smooth and without
interference. The switching and changeover is done during the blanked vertical interval period, when the
transition is hidden.
Genlocked means synchronized so that the color and phase information from each source is identical. Thus
switching is done with no interference, no rolling, no color loss and no jumping on the screen. Since the
Syncs come with the same timing, all the information is identical and the transition between one source and
the other is smooth.
Vertical Interval Switching is needed when recording or transmitting a video program involving several video
sources, as in live broadcast, to ensure clean, undisturbed picture transitions.
Matrices and switchers may sometimes be RS-232 or RS-485/422 controlled. Each of these options is a way of
remotely controlling a video/audio device (switcher, SEG, etc.) using a PC with a serial port, or another device
that uses a similar communication protocol.
The range consists of a number of models, having between twelve and four inputs, as indicated by the model
name. The audio output is either balanced or unbalanced. Switching is effortless and is performed during the
vertical interval of source #1, or of the video available at the external Sync socket. The switchers can be
controlled by touch buttons on the front panel, by a PC, via the switcher's built-in RS-232 and/or RS-485/422
communication ports, or by contact closure via a remote socket on the back panel.
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All the models can be interconnected in a variety of ways. For example, two VS-1211 units become 24x1 or
12x2, etc. Three or four VS-1211 units, depending on whether the system is RGB or RGBS, become a 12x1
video component switcher. Finally, the video signal bandwidth is 225MHz (typical), which permits the
switchers to be used in the most demanding applications.
1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results
There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from a source to an acceptor:
Connection cables
poor matching and cause elevated noise levels. They should therefore be of the best quality.
Sockets and connectors of the sources and acceptors - So often ignored, they should be of highest
quality, since "Zero Ohm" connection resistance is the target. Sockets and connectors also must match the
required impedance (75ohms in video). Cheap, low quality connectors tend to rust, thus causing breaks in the
signal path.
Amplifying circuitry - Must have quality performance when the desired end result is high linearity, low
distortion and low noise operation.
Distance between sources and acceptors - Plays a major role in the final result. For long distances (over
15 meters) between sources and acceptors, special measures should be taken in order to avoid cable losses.
These include using higher quality cables or adding line amplifiers.
- Low quality cables are susceptible to interference, they degrade signal quality due to
Interference from neighboring electrical appliances
- These can have an adverse effect on signal quality.
Balanced audio lines are less prone to interference, but unbalanced audio and video lines should be installed
far from any mains power cables, electric motors, transmitters, etc. even when the cables are shielded.
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2.
SPECIFICATIONS
Models
Inputs
Outputs
Bandwidth
(Video)
Non-linearity
S/N Ratio
Diff. Phase
Diff. Gain
VS-1211, VS-1011, VS-811, VS-611, VS-411, VS-1201xl, VS-1001xlm, VS-801xlm, VS601xlm, VS-401xlm
12, 10, 8, 6, 4 video - composite/single component, 1Vpp/75ohm on BNC connectors.
12, 10, 8, 6, 4 balanced/unbalanced audio, +4dBm/10kohm, on 2-part, snap fit terminal
blocks (for the "11" group only), or RCA connectors (for the "01xl/m" group only).
One external sync input (or composite video) 1Vpp/75ohm, on BNC connector.
One RS-232 DB-9 control socket, DB-9 socket (“to next”), RS-485 terminal block, DB-15
for remote connector.
One video - composite/single component, 1Vpp/75ohm on BNC connector (VS-1211, VS-
1201xl), Three video 1Vpp/75ohm on BNCs (VS-1001xlm, 801xlm,601xlm, 401xlm.)
One audio – balanced/unbalanced audio, up to +28Vpp/50ohm (24dBm), on snap fit
terminal blocks (for the "11" group only) or RCA connector (for the 1201xl only), 3 sets
of stereo audio on RCAs (VS-1001xlm, VS-801xlm, VS-601xlm, VS-401xlm.)
250 MHz -3dB for VS-1211, VS-1011, VS-811, VS-611, VS-411, VS-1201xl.
400 MHz -3dB for VS-1001xlm, VS-801xlm, VS-601xlm, VS-401xlm.
<0.1%.
>77dB.
0.03
0.04%
K-Factor
Bandwidth
(Audio)
Audio S/N
Ratio
2nd Harmonic
Audio THD +
Noise
Audio
Crosstalk
Video Controls
Dimensions
(W, D, H)
Weight
Power
consumption
Power Source
<0.05%
55kHz, -0.ldB.
>95dB (unweighted)
<0.003% (1kHz)
0.013%
-79dB
Bottom accessible trimmers for video gain
19" x 7" x 1U rack mountable
VS-1211
3.1kg
(~7lbs)
16VA
VS-1011
2.9kg
(~6.6lbs)
15VA
VS-811
2.9kg
(~6.5lbs)
16.1VA
VS-611
2.88kg
(~6.4lbs)
18.4VA
VS-411
2.68kg
(~5.9lbs)
19.5VA
230VAC, 50/60 Hz (115VAC U.S.A.)
(-1.2
VS-1201xl
3.1kg
(~7lbs)
16VA
to
1.8dB
Luma), cable EQ. (0 to
VS-1001xlm
2.9kg
(~6.6lbs)
15VA
VS-801xlm
2.9kg
(~6.5lbs)
16.1VA
VS-601xl
m 2.88kg
(~6.4lbs)
18.4VA
1.3dB
)
VS-401xl m
2.68kg
(~5.9lbs)
19.5VA
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3.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The fastest way to get started is to take your time and do everything right the first time. Taking 15 minutes to
read this manual may save you a few hours later. You don’t even have to read the whole manual. At the
beginning of each section, you’ll find an overview of the section. So if the section doesn’t apply to you, you
don’t have to spend your time reading it.
4.
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS
The items contained in your Kramer VS switcher package are listed below. Please save the original box and
packaging materials for possible future transportation and shipment of the video switcher.
This User Manual
Your KRAMER Switcher
A Power Cord
KRAMER K-Switch Software for Windows 95/98® (A CD plus Booklet or download from the web)
KRAMER Null Modem Adapter Connector
A Concise Directory of KRAMER Products
4.1 Optional Accessories
The following accessories, which are available from Kramer, can enhance implementation of your amplifier.
For information regarding cables and additional accessories, contact your Kramer dealer.
BNC "Y" Connector - Used for looping purposes and splits the incoming signal to enable connection of
an additional machine.
SP-11 - (Video/Audio Processor) can be serially connected between the video/audio source and the
switcher for video and audio control/correction. The machine provides camera control and luminance/white
balance correction. The SP-11 is also capable of performing composite to Y/C conversion and bi-directional
transcoding. The machine allows full control over the video signal: video gain down to full fade, log or linear
definition control, log or linear contrast control, color saturation control, black level control, red, green and
blue controls and a screen splitter control for “before-after” comparison. The Input switch control is "audiofollow-video".
VM-1411 (Video/Balanced Stereo Audio Distribution Amplifier) can be serially connected between the
switcher and the acceptors for video and audio distribution. It is a full broadcast, state-of-the-art machine,
designed for studio and other applications. The VM-1411 has two inputs, video and audio, each splitting to 5
outputs. The user may select 2 x 1:5 or 1:10 operation via front panel control switches. Several VM-1411
units may be chained through the looping inputs. Output signals are (user selectable) DC or AC coupled for
highest flexibility. Audio outputs are buffered and isolated from each other, allowing Hi-Fi Balanced audio
distribution.
VIDEO TESTER - A new, unique, patented, indispensable tool for the video professional, the video
Tester is used to test a video path leading to/from an amplifier. By pressing only one touch switch it can trace
missing signals, distinguish between good and jittery (VCR sourced) signals, and identify the presence of
good signals. Whenever a video signal is missing, because of bad connections, cable breaks or faulty sources,
the video Tester is all you need.
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
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5.
KRAMER “VS” SERIES SWITCHERS
This section shows you all of the controls and connections of your switcher. Understanding all of the controls
and connections helps you realize its full power. All the switchers described in this manual are equipped with
RS-232 Connectors (for PC control) and the connector wiring is described in Figure 1. The Kramer VS-1211,
VS-1201xl, VS-1011, VS-1001xlm, VS-811, VS-801xlm, VS-611, VS-601xlm, VS-411 and VS-401xlm
Vertical Interval Switchers provide truly effortless switching between twelve, ten, eight, six or four video and
balanced/unbalanced audio inputs to one output (video and audio). Switching is done during vertical interval,
either of source no. 1 or of the video connected to the external sync socket. The switchers may be controlled in
three ways: touch buttons, RS-232/RS-485 and contact closure via a remote socket on the back of the machines.
All the units in this line can be interconnected and cascaded, (two VS-1211 machines become 24x1, etc.) The
machines may also be operated in parallel (three VS-1211 machines become a 12x3 video component switcher).
Video signal bandwidth is 250MHz (typical), allowing the machines to be used in the most demanding
applications.
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
Figure 1: RS-232 Control Connector Wiring
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