Kramer Electronics VS-5x4 User Manual
KRAMER ELECTRONICS, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Vertical Interval Switcher
Model:
VS-5x4
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled
"Unpacking and Contents"
KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
Table Of Contents
Section Name Page
1 INTRODUCTION 2
1.1 A Word on Video/Audio Switchers 2
1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results 2
2 SPECIFICATIONS 3
3 HOW DO I GET STARTED? 3
4 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 3
4.1 Optional Accessories 4
5 THE KRAMER VS-5X4 MATRIX 5
5.1 Features of the VS-5x4 Matrix Switcher 5
6 SOLUTIONS PROVIDED BY THE VS-5X4 6
7 APPLICATIONS OF THE VS-5X4 6
8 INSTALLATION 7
8.1 Rack Mounting 7
9 CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES 7
10 CONNECTING TO AUDIO DEVICES 7
11 USING THE VS-5X4 7
11.1 Turning On The Matrix 7
11.2 Using The Front Panel Controls 7
11.2.1 Keystrokes 7
11.3 DIP SWITCH Settings 7
12 RS-232 CONTROL 8
13 AUDIO LEVEL CONTROL 8
14 PROTOCOLS USED FOR RS-232 COMMUNICATION 8
15 TAKING CARE OF YOUR MATRIX SWITCHER 11
16 TROUBLESHOOTING 11
16.1 Power and Indicators 11
16.2 Video Signal 11
16.3 Audio Signal 12
16.4 Control 12
Limited Warranty 13
List of Figures
Figure Description Page
1 VS-5x4 Front/Rear Panel Features 5
RS-232 Null Modem Connection 10
List of Tables
Table Description Page
1 VS-5x4 Front/Rear Panel Features 6
KRAMER Electronics, Ltd.
1
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Matrix 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 accessory information for the VS-5x4.
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 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. 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 can be controlled by touch buttons
on the front panel, or by a PC, via the built-in RS-232 or RS-485/422 communication ports. Each of
these 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. Several machines can be
controlled from one PC. Its wide bandwidth permits this switcher to be used in the most demanding of
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 - Low quality cables are susceptible to interference; they degrade signal quality
due to 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 objective. 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 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.
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.
KRAMER Electronics, Ltd.
2
2. SPECIFICATIONS
Function
Inputs
Outputs
Video S/N Ratio
Audio S/N Ratio
Video Bandwidth
Audio Bandwidth
Audio THD
Differential Gain
Differential Phase
K-Factor
Video Crosstalk
Audio Crosstalk
Switch System
Switch Time
Control Type
Weight
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Power Source
Accessories
VS-5x4
5x4 Composite Video / Audio Stereo Vertical Interval Matrix.
5 video, 1Vpp/75 Composite on BNCs.
5 stereo audio 1Vpp/ 50k on RCAs.
DB-9 connector for RS-232 control.
4 video, 1Vpp/75 Composite on BNCs.
4 stereo audio 1Vpp/100 on RCAs.
74 dB.
89 dB.
Exceeding 30 MHz.
20-20000 Hz, -1dB.
0.02%.
0.13%.
0.8 Deg.
<0.05%
-47dB
-53 dB.
During vertical interval.
< 1frame.
1 DB-9 connector for RS-232, or touch switches.
2.7 kg. (6 lbs.) Approx.
19 " x 7 " x 1U; 48 cm x 17.78 x 4.5cm.
230 VAC 50/60 Hz (115VAC U.S.A), 6 VA.
Power cord, Windows 95/98/NT control software, Null modem adapter.
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. 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 shipment.
The VS-5x4 Matrix
AC power cable
User’s Manual
DB-9 to DB-25 or DB-9 to DB-9 Serial (Null Modem) Adapter
PC-Control Software
A Concise Directory of KRAMER Products
KRAMER Electronics, Ltd.
3
4.1
Optional Accessories
The following accessories, which are available from Kramer, can enhance implementation of your
switcher. For information regarding them and about cables and additional accessories, contact your
Kramer dealer.
FC-10D - (Composite-YC Comb Filter/Transcoder) can be serially connected to the switcher for
video format conversion (bi-directionally between two popular video formats - composite video and
YC (Super-Video). The decoding from composite to Y/C is done digitally using an adaptive comb
filter and DSP techniques to minimize dot-crawl and cross-color. A built-in vertical enhancer circuit
reduces noise and dot-crawl on the Y signal. In addition, the FC-10D provides an independent Y/C to
Composite route, for simultaneous bi-directional operation. The Kramer FC-10D is very small, and is
fed from an external 12VDC supply, thus ideal for fieldwork.
FC-4041C - (Genlock RGB/Component to Composite Video/YC Encoder) can be serially connected
to the switcher for video format conversion. It is a state-of-the-art Encoder, designed for studio and
other demanding applications. The FC-4041C encodes RGBS or Y, R-Y and B-Y signals to
composite video and Super-video signals. All inputs are looped through with termination switches,
allowing parallel connection to other RGBS / Component acceptors. The FC-4041C allows the user,
via front panel switches, to select whether the Sync is separate or riding on Green. The user can also
select whether to convert RGBS or Component (Y, R-Y, B-Y) signals to Composite and Y/C. The
outputs are DC coupled and Black-Level clamped.
VM-19N -
(RGB Decoder) can be serially connected to the switcher for video format conversion. It is
an industrial level decoder, which converts both composite video and Super-video to their RGB
components.
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.
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 control is "audio-follow-video".
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, and distinguish between good and jittery (VCR sourced) 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.
4
Loading...