Kramer Electronics VS-44HC User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Model:

VS-44HC

4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Contents

3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual 3

6.1 Connecting the VS-44HC Rear Panel 8

6.2 Connecting the Audio Signals 10

6.3 Setting the Dipswitches 11

6.3.1 Setting the Machine # 11

6.3.2 Setting the IN 2 Audio Signal 12

7.1 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 13

7.2 Controlling via RS-485 14

7.2.1 Set the Dipswitches 14

7.3 Controlling the VS-44HC via the ETHERNET Port 16

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

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

7.4 Configuring the Ethernet Port 18

7.4.1 Setting a Virtual Port 20

7.4.2 Setting an Ethernet Connection 21

8.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 22

8.2 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 23

8.2.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 23

8.2.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 23

8.3 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 23

8.4 Confirming Settings 24

8.4.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 24

8.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 24

8.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 25

8.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 25

8.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 25

8.6 Setting and Adjusting the Audio Delay Time 26

8.7 Locking the Front Panel 27

9.1 Switcher Flash Memory Upgrade 28

9.1.1 Downloading from the Internet 28

Introduction 1

Getting Started 1

Overview 2

Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 3

Installing the VS-44HC on a Rack 7

Connecting the VS-44HC 8

Controlling the VS-44HC 13

Operating the VS-44HC 22

Flash Memory Upgrade 28

Contents

9.1.2

9.1.3 Upgrading Firmware 29

9.2 Ethernet Flash Memory Upgrade 33

9.2.1 Downloading from the Internet 33

9.2.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 33

9.2.3 Upgrading Firmware 34

11.1 Hex Codes for Switching 36

11.2 VS-44HC Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Delay Time 36

Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 28

Technical Specifications 35

Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 36

Kramer Protocol 2000 38

Figures

Figure 1: VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 4 Figure 2: VS-44HC Underside View 6 Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher 9 Figure 4: Connecting the VS-44HC Digital Audio Signals 10 Figure 5: Dipswitch Settings 11 Figure 6: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 13 Figure 7: Cascading Individual Units in a Control Configuration via RS-485 15 Figure 8: RJ-45 PINOUT 16 Figure 9: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17 Figure 10: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 17 Figure 11: The Ethernet Configuration Manager Window 19 Figure 12: The Virtual Serial Port Manager Window 20 Figure 13: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window 20 Figure 14: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window (COM 3 and COM 4) 21 Figure 15: The Port Window – Selecting a Virtual Serial Port 21 Figure 16: The Port Window – Selecting a Remote Connection 21 Figure 17: Storing and Recalling using the Input / Output Buttons 25 Figure 18: Splash Screen 29 Figure 19: Atmel – Flip Window 29 Figure 20: Device Selection Window 30 Figure 21: Device Selection window 30 Figure 22: Loading the Hex 31 Figure 23: RS-232 Window 31 Figure 24: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 32 Figure 25: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 32 Figure 26: The KFR-Programmer Window 34

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Tables

Contents

Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 3 Table 2: Front Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features 5 Table 3: Rear Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features 6 Table 4: Dipswitch Settings 11 Table 5: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 11 Table 6: Digital Audio IN 2 Signal Setting 12 Table 7: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 16 Table 8: Straight-through Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 18 Table 9: Ethernet Configuration Manager Window Functionality 19 Table 10: 7-segment Display Information 22 Table 11: Maximum Delay Time according to Sampling Rate 26 Table 12: DELAY Button Response 27 Table 13: Technical Specifications of the VS-44HC 35 Table 14: VS-44HC Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 36 Table 15: VS-44HC Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Delay Time 36 Table 16: VS-44HC Hex Codes for increasing the Audio Delay Time 37 Table 17: Protocol Definitions 38 Table 18: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 39

iii

Introduction

1 Introduction

Welcome to Kramer Electronics (since 1981): a world of unique, creative and affordable solutions to the infinite range of problems that confront the video, audio and presentation professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our 500-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups1, which are clearly defined by function.

Congratulations on purchasing your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:

 Professional audio/video studios  Home cinema DVD applications

The package includes the following items:

 VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher  Power cord  Null-modem adapter  Windows®-based Kramer control software2  Windows®-based Ethernet Configuration Manager and Virtual Serial

Port Manager

 Infra-red remote control transmitter (including the required battery and a

separate user manual3)

 This user manual3

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 cables4

1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Video and Audio Switchers, Matrix Switchers and Controllers; GROUP 3: Video, Audio, VGA/XGA Processors; GROUP 4: Interfaces and Sync Processors; GROUP 5: Twisted Pair Interfaces; GROUP 6: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; and GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors 2 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com 3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site: http://www.kramerelectronics.com 4 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Overview

3 Overview

The VS-44HC is a true 4x4 matrix switcher for YUV (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) component video and digital audio (S/PDIF) signals. The high quality VS-44HC lets you simultaneously route any of the 4 inputs to any or all of the 4 outputs. The component video and S/PDIF input and output signals are on RCA connectors, and the S/PDIF channel 2 is also available on optical (TOSLINK1) input/output connectors.

The VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher features:

 A video bandwidth of over 200MHz that ensures transparent performance  An audio channel sampling rate of up to 192kHz, including multi-

channel audio (suitable for multi-channel applications, like AC3)

 A built-in digital audio delay line, which corrects lip sync errors, so that the

audio delay will match the video delay

 DC coupled video inputs and outputs  Audio-follow-video and breakaway options  Storing and recalling setups  A TAKE button for precise switch control  A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel

Control the VS-44HC using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:  RS-232 and RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen

system, PC, or other serial controller

 The Kramer infra-red remote control transmitter  The ETHERNET

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-44HC away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust

1 A digital audio optical connector found on many consumer audio devices

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Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

3.1 Terminology Used in this User Manual

Table 1 defines some terms that are used in this user manual:

Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual

Term Definition

802.3 The standard specification for ETHERNET that is maintained by the Institute of Electrical

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Gateway A network position serving as an entry to another network. On the Internet, a node or

IP Address A 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver (within a network via a

Local Area Network (LAN)

Media Access Control (MAC) Address

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Allows the network administrator to distribute IP addresses from a central point and

automatically send a new IP address when an Ethernet point is plugged into a different network location

stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node.

particular server or workstation) of data (HTML pages or e-mails) that is sent in packets across the Internet. Every device connected to an IP network must have a unique IP address. This address is used to reference the specific unit.

Computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link, which often share a server within a defined geographic area.

A computer's unique hardware number (or address) in a LAN or other network. On an Ethernet LAN, the (MAC) address is identical to the Ethernet address.

The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet that breaks the message into appropriately sized packets for the network, and can be used as a communications protocol in an intranet or an extranet.

4 Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Figure 1, Table 2 and Table 3 define the VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher:

Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Figure 1: VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

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Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Table 2: Front Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features

# Feature Function

1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the infra-red remote

2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF 3 OUT Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 4) 4 IN Buttons Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 4) 5 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an IN button, connects that input to all outputs1 6 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an

7 VIDEO 7-segment

Display

8 AUDIO 7-segment

Display

9 VIDEO Button When illuminated4, the subsequent actions relate to video. Press to toggle

10 AFV Button When illuminated 5, the subsequent actions relate to the video and audio

11 AUDIO Button When illuminated 6, the subsequent actions relate to audio. Press to toggle 12 STO /+ (store) Button Pressing STO, followed by an output button, stores the current setting7;

13 RCL /- (recall) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUT key recalls a setup

14 DELAY Button Press to toggle the output 2 DELAY feature between:

15 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the Confirm mode9 and the At

16 LOCK Button Disengages/engages the front panel switches

control transmitter

OFF-ALL combination disconnects all the outputs Displays the selected video IN switched to the OUT (marked above each

input)2 Displays the selected audio IN switched to the OUT (marked above each

input)3; When adjusting the audio delay time, shows the delay time in milliseconds

channels. The audio channels follow the video channels. Press to toggle

When adjusting the audio delay, press to increase the delay time

from the non-volatile memory. The stored status blinks. Pressing a different OUT button lets you view8 another setup. After making your choice, pressing the RCL button again implements the new status; When adjusting the audio delay, press to decrease the delay time

On – activate the delay Set – set the delay time and Off – turn off the delay (see section 8.6)

Once mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary). When the TAKE button flashes (in the confirm mode), pressing it implements pending actions

1 For example, press ALL and then input button # 2 to connect IN 2 to all the outputs 2 Also displays the audio sample rate, and so on. Refer to section 8.1 3 Also displays the firmware version number, delay time and so on. Refer to section 8.1 4 The VIDEO button is illuminated when the video breakaway mode is selected 5 The AFV button is illuminated when the AFV mode is selected 6 The AUDIO button is illuminated when the audio breakaway mode is selected 7 For example, press STO and then the OUT button # 3 to store in setup # 3 8 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage 9 When in the Confirm mode, the TAKE button flashes

Your VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Table 3: Rear Panel VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher Features

# Feature Function

19 20 21

OUT

23 24 25 OUT 2 TOSLINK Connector Connect to the digital audio acceptor1 26 IN 2 TOSLINK Connector Connect to the digital audio source1 27 SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (1, 2, 3 and 4 are for setting the

28 ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer

29 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485 connection. If shielded cabling

30 RS-232 DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller 31 FLASH Upgr. Button Push in2 for “Program” to upgrade the switcher microcontroller to the

32 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

Pb/Cb RCA Connectors

Pr/Cr RCA Connectors

Component

Y RCA Connectors

S/PDIF Connect to the digital audio source (from IN 1 to IN 4)

Pb/Cb RCA Connectors

Pr/Cr RCA Connectors

Component

Y RCA Connectors

S/PDIF Connect to the digital audio acceptor (from OUT 1 to OUT 4)

Connect to the component (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) video source (from IN 1 to IN 4)

Connect to the component (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) video acceptor (from OUT 1 to OUT 4)

machine #; 6 and 7 are for selecting the digital audio source for IN 2, and 8 is for RS 485 termination)

networking LAN

is used for RS-485, then the shield may be connected to PIN G if desired

latest Kramer firmware (see section 9.1.2), or release (the factory default) for normal operation

The VS-44HC underside is illustrated in Figure 2:

Feature Function

ETH Flash – Normal Switch

ETH Factory Reset Button

Figure 2: VS-44HC Underside View

1 Use an optical cable, such as Sony’s POC-15A (not included in the package) 2 Using a screwdriver if required 3 First disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the ETH Factory Reset button. The unit will power up and load its memory with the factory default definitions

Set to ETH Flash to upgrade firmware (see section 9.2);

Set to Normal for normal operation

Press to reset to factory default definitions3:

IP number  192.168.1.39 Mask – 255.255.255.0 Gateway – 192.168.1.1

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Installing the VS-44HC on a Rack

5 Installing the VS-44HC on a Rack

This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack mount.

Before Installing on a Rack

Before installing on a rack, be sure that the environment is within the recommended range:

Operating temperature range +5 to +45 Deg. Centigrade Operating humidity range 5 to 65 % RHL, non-condensing Storage temperature range -20 to +70 Deg. Centigrade Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing

CAUTION!!

When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking care that:

1 It is located within the recommended environmental

conditions, as the operating ambient temperature of a closed or multi unit rack assembly may exceed the room ambient temperature.

2 Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around the

machine.

3 The machine is placed straight in the correct horizontal

position.

4 You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting the

machine to the supply circuit, overloading the circuits might have a detrimental effect on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Refer to the appropriate nameplate ratings for information. For example, for fuse replacement, see the value printed on the product label.

5 The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way

and is connected only to an electricity socket with grounding. Pay particular attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, the use of power strips), and that you use only the power cord that is supplied with the machine.

How to Rack Mount

To rack-mount the machine: 1 Attach both ear brackets to the

machine. To do so, remove the screws from each side of the machine (3 on each side), and replace those screws through the ear brackets.

2 Place the ears of the machine

against the rack rails, and insert the proper screws (not provided) through each of the

four holes in the rack ears. Note that:  In some models, the front panel

may feature built-in rack ears  Detachable rack ears can be

removed for desktop use  Always mount the machine in the

rack before you attach any cables or connect the machine to the power

 If you are using a Kramer rack adapter kit (for a machine that is not 19"), see the Rack Adapters user manual for installation instructions (you can download it at: http://www.kramerelectronics.com)

Connecting the VS-44HC

6 Connecting the VS-44HC

This section describes how to connect the VS-44HC. In particular, how to:

 Connect the VS-44HC rear panel (see section 6.1)  Connect the audio signals (see section 6.2)  Set the dipswitches (see section 6.3)

6.1 Connecting the VS-44HC Rear Panel

To connect the VS-44HC, as the example in Figure 3 illustrates, do the following1:

1. Connect up to four component video sources2 (for example, four DVD players) to the three IN RCA connectors Y, Pb/Cb and Pr/Cr (from IN 1 to IN 4) and connect the corresponding digital audio sources to the S/PDIF3 RCA connectors (see section 6.2).

2. Connect4 the four sets of three OUT RCA connectors Y, Pb/Cb and Pr/Cr (from OUT 1 to OUT 4) to up to four video acceptors (for example, four plasma displays), and connect the corresponding S/PDIF5 RCA connectors to the four digital audio acceptors6 (see section 6.2)

3. Set the dipswitches (see section 6.3).

4. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see section 7.1) and/or the RS-485 port (see section 7.2) and/or the ETHERNET port (see section 7.3).

5. Connect the power cord7 (not shown in Figure 3).

1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-44HC. After connecting your VS-44HC, switch on its power and then switch on the power on each device. DO NOT push in the rear panel Flash Program “Flash Upgr.” button (see Table 3) and DO NOT switch the ETH Flash switch. These are only used for upgrading to the latest Kramer firmware (see section 9) 2 Although in this example four inputs are connected, you can connect less inputs 3 Or TOSLINK connector for IN 2 4 When less than four outputs are required, connect only those outputs of the VS-44HC that are required, and leave the other outputs unconnected 5 Or TOSLINK connector for OUT 2 6 For example, an AV receiver or the audio connector of the plasma display 7 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

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RS-232

DVD Player 1

Plasma

Receiver

DVD Player 4

Connecting the VS-44HC

Plasma

Display 1

Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher

Display 4

Connecting the VS-44HC

OUT

DIP 6

DIP 7

OUT 1



6.2 Connecting the Audio Signals

The VS-44HC 4x4 Home Entertainment Matrix Switcher inputs and outputs digital audio signals in the following formats:

 Four S/PDIF inputs and four S/PDIF outputs on RCA connectors (from

IN 1 to IN 4, and from OUT 1 to OUT 4, respectively)

 One TOSLINK input and one TOSLINK output for IN 2 and OUT 2

IN 1

OFF ON

IN 2

IN 3

OFF ON

OUT

IN 4

Figure 4: Connecting the VS-44HC Digital Audio Signals

In the example illustrated in Figure 4, IN 1 is switched to OUT 1, IN 3 is switched to OUT 4 and IN 4 is not connected.

The IN 2 digital audio signal can be routed either via the IN 2 S/PDIF connector or the IN 2 TOSLINK connector, depending on the setup of dipswitches 6 and 7 (see section 6.3.2):

 To select the S/PDIF connector, set DIP 6 ON and DIP 7 OFF  To select the TOSLINK connector, set DIP 7 ON and DIP 6 OFF

The digital audio signal on channel 2 is outputted simultaneously to both the S/PDIF and TOSLINK OUT 2 connectors.

To set the audio delay time, see section 8.6

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Connecting the VS-44HC

OFF

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

6.3 Setting the Dipswitches

Figure 5 illustrates the factory default dipswitches:

Figure 5: Dipswitch Settings

Table 4: Dipswitch Settings

DIPS Function Description

1, 2, 3, 4 Machine # Set the MACHINE # (see section 6.3.1) 5 Reserved OFF 6 S/PDIF ON for IN 2 S/PDIF digital audio signal;

7 Optic ON for IN 2 TOSLINK digital audio signal;

8 RS-485

Termination

OFF when TOSLINK is selected (see section 6.3.2)1

OFF when S/PDIF is selected (see section 6.3.2)1 ON for RS-485 Line Termination with 120;

OFF for no RS-485 Line Termination

6.3.1 Setting the Machine #

To control a unit via RS-232 or RS-485, each unit has to be identified via its unique MACHINE #. Set the machine #2 on a VS-44HC unit via dipswitches 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to Table 5.

Table 5: Machine # Dipswitch Settings

MACHINE #

1 ON OFF OFF OFF 9 ON OFF OFF ON 2 OFF ON OFF OFF 10 OFF ON OFF ON 3 ON ON OFF OFF 11 ON ON OFF ON 4 OFF OFF ON OFF 12 OFF OFF ON ON 5 ON OFF ON OFF 13 ON OFF ON ON 6 OFF ON ON OFF 14 OFF ON ON ON 7 ON ON ON OFF 15 ON ON ON ON 8 OFF OFF OFF ON

DIPSWITCH DIPSWITCH

1 2 3 4

MACHINE #

1 2 3 4

When connecting more than one VS-44HC unit, set a different machine # on each unit. You do not have to number the units in the sequence order as they connect to the PC, but it is essential that each unit is assigned a unique machine number.

1 Do not set both DIP 6 and DIP 7 ON 2 When using a single unit, set the unit to MACHINE # 1

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