Kramer VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher User Manual

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 14 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; GROUP 11: Sierra Video Products; GROUP 12: Digital Signage; GROUP 13: Audio; and GROUP 14: Collaboration.

Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:

• Conference room presentations
• Rental and staging

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

ℹ️ 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).

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-81H 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.

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

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/.

Overview

The VS-81H is a high-performance switcher for HDMI signals. It equalizes the signal and switches one of the 4 inputs to a single HDMI output.

In particular, the VS-81H features:

• A maximum data rate of 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel)
• HDTV compatibility (suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions)
• HDMI support with Deep Color, x.v.Color™, up to 7.1 Uncompressed Audio Channels
• HDCP support (High Definition Digital Content Protection)
• EDID pass-through that passes EDID/HDCP signals from source to display
• 3D pass-through
• Kramer Equalization Technology that equalizes the digital signal allowing it to travel distances of up to 15m (50ft)
• Eight input selector buttons
• A OFF button to disconnect the output and a PANEL LOCK button to prevent unwanted tampering with the buttons on the front panel
• A world-wide power supply 100-240V AC
• Installation in one vertical space of a standard 19" professional rack enclosure

Control the VS-81H using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:

• RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller
• The Kramer RC-IR3 infrared remote control transmitter
• The Ethernet

Defining the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher

This section defines the VS-81H.

Front Panel Description (Figure 1)

The front panel features the following:

Rear Panel Description (Figure 2)

The rear panel features the following connections and controls:

Installing in a Rack

This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

Environment Recommendations

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

Rack-Mounting Instructions

To rack-mount a 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.

Notes:

• 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 available from our Web site

Cautions

⚠️ 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 situations where electricity is supplied indirectly (when the power cord is not plugged directly into the socket in the wall), for example, when using an extension cable or a power strip, and that you use only the power cord that is supplied with the machine.

Connecting the VS-81H

ℹ️ Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your VS-81H. After connecting your VS-81H, connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.

To connect the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher (as illustrated in Figure 3), do the following:

1. If required:
   • Set the appropriate INPUTS to the DVD mode (see Section 6.1)
   • Acquire the EDID (see Section 6.2)
2. Connect the HDMI sources as follows:

   You do not have to connect all the HDMI sources. Alternatively, you can connect a PC to any of the inputs and set those inputs to the PC mode (see Section 6.1)

   • A multimedia player to INPUT 1
   • A set top box to INPUT 2
   • A DVD player to INPUT 6
   • A DVD player to INPUT 8
3. Connect the OUTPUT HDMI connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a plasma display).
4. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see Section 6.3) and/or the ETHERNET port (see Section 6.4).
5. Connect the power connector to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 3).

Press an INPUT SELECTOR button (from 1 to 8) to choose the HDMI input to route to the output.

Diagram Description (Figure 3)

Figure 3 illustrates the connection of various sources to the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher. A Multimedia Player, Set Top Box, and two DVD Players are shown connected to INPUT 1, INPUT 2, INPUT 6, and INPUT 8 respectively via HDMI cables. The VS-81H's output is connected to a Plasma Display via an HDMI cable. An RS-232 connection is also shown from a computer to the VS-81H.

Operating the VS-81H

The PC and DVD Modes

The VS-81H has two operation modes that can be set individually for each input: the PC mode (default) and the DVD mode:

• Use the PC mode when connecting one or more computers to the inputs using a DVI-to-HDMI converter cable. For example, the Kramer HDMI-DVI gold-plated cable in various lengths (3", 6", 10" and 15").
• Use the DVD mode when connecting one or more DVDs to the inputs.

In the PC mode, an input always has access to the EDID (default or acquired) to prevent the computer from resetting if the output is not connected. In the DVD mode, an input only has access to the EDID when it is switched to the connected output.

The PC mode and the DVD mode can be applied to a single unit or to several inputs. For example, if you want to connect computers to INPUTS 1 and 2, and DVD machines to INPUTS 6 and 8, set INPUTS 1 and 2 to the PC mode and INPUTS 6 and 8 to the DVD mode.

Setting Input Modes

To set the inputs to either the PC or DVD mode, do the following:

1. Turn off the VS-81H POWER.
2. Press the PANEL LOCK button while turning the POWER on again.
3. Keep pressing and holding the PANEL LOCK button for a few seconds and then release it. The LOCK button flashes. If an input button illuminates, this indicates that that input is set to the DVD mode. If an input button is not illuminated, this indicates that that input is set to the PC mode.
4. Press an input to toggle between the PC mode (input button not illuminated) and the DVD mode (input button illuminated).
5. To exit this mode, press the PANEL LOCK button.
6. Connect a computer to the input that is set to the PC mode and a DVD to the input that is set to the DVD mode.

PC Mode vs. DVD Mode Comparison

Acquiring the EDID

The acquired EDID is used when an input is set to the PC mode.

To acquire the EDID, do the following:

1. Turn the POWER off.
2. Press the PANEL LOCK button and the INPUT 8 button while turning the POWER on again. The INPUT buttons flash in sequence until the unit has completed to read the EDID.
3. Release the PANEL LOCK and INPUT 8 buttons. If an output was connected, the output EDID is read to all the inputs. If an output was not connected to the machine, the default EDID is read to the inputs.

Connecting via RS-232 and Ethernet

Connecting via the RS-232 Port

You can connect to the VS-81H to a PC or RS-232 controller using the RS-232 connection. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.

To connect to the VS-81H via RS-232:

• Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VS-81H unit via a 9-wire straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, and pin 5 to pin 5 need to be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC

Connecting via the ETHERNET Port

You can connect the VS-81H via the Ethernet, using a crossover cable (see Section 6.4.1) for direct connection to the PC or a straight through cable (see Section 6.4.2) for connection via a network hub or network router. After connecting the Ethernet port, install and configure your Ethernet Port. For detailed instructions, see the "Ethernet Configuration (FC-11) guide.pdf" file in the technical support section on our Web site: http://www.kramerelectronics.com.

Connecting Directly to a PC (Crossover Cable)

You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-81H to the Ethernet port on your PC, via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors. This type of connection is recommended for identification of the factory default IP Address of the VS-81H during the initial configuration.

After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:

1. Right-click the My Network Places icon on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection Properties.
4. Select Properties. The Local Area Connection Properties window appears.
5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button (see Figure 4).

Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window - This window shows the network adapter properties, allowing selection of network components and access to protocol settings.

6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in Figure 5.
7. Click OK.

Figure 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window - This window allows manual configuration of IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

Connecting via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable)

You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-81H to the Ethernet port on a network hub or network router, via a straight through cable with RJ-45 connectors.

Configuring Several Units via the Ethernet Port

To control several units via the Ethernet, connect each unit via the Ethernet port to the LAN port of your PC. Use your PC to initially configure the settings of each unit (see Section 6.4.6.4.1).

Technical Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Default Communication Parameters

RS-232

Ethernet

Protocol 2000

Kramer Protocol 2000 for RS-232/RS-485 communication uses four bytes of information as defined below.

1st BYTE: Bit 7 - Defined as 0. D - "DESTINATION": 0 - for sending information to the switchers (from the PC); 1 - for sending to the PC (from the switcher). N5...N0 - "INSTRUCTION". The function that is to be performed by the switcher(s) is defined by the INSTRUCTION (6 bits). Similarly, if a function is performed via the machine's keyboard, then these bits are set with the INSTRUCTION NO., which was performed. The instruction codes are defined according to the table below (INSTRUCTION NO. is the value to be set for N5...N0).

2nd BYTE: Bit 7 - Defined as 1. I6...I0 - "INPUT". When switching (ie. instruction codes 1 and 2), the INPUT (7 bits) is set as the input number which is to be switched. Similarly, if switching is done via the machine's front-panel, then these bits are set with the INPUT NUMBER which was switched. For other operations, these bits are defined according to the table.

3rd BYTE: Bit 7 - Defined as 1. O6...O0 - "OUTPUT". When switching (ie. instruction codes 1 and 2), the OUTPUT (7 bits) is set as the output number which is to be switched. Similarly, if switching is done via the machine's front-panel, then these bits are set with the OUTPUT NUMBER which was switched. For other operations, these bits are defined according to the table.

4th BYTE: Bit 7 - Defined as 1. Bit 5 - Don't care. OVR - Machine number override. M4...M0 - MACHINE NUMBER. Used to address machines in a system via their machine numbers. When several machines are controlled from a single serial port, they are usually configured together with each machine having an individual machine number. If the OVR bit is set, then all machine numbers will accept (implement) the command, and the addressed machine will reply. For a single machine controlled via the serial port, always set M4...M0 = 1, and make sure that the machine itself is configured as MACHINE NUMBER = 1.

ℹ️ All the values in the table are decimal, unless otherwise stated

Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000

Notes on the above table:

NOTE 2 – These are bi-directional definitions. That is, if the switcher receives the code, it will perform the instruction; and if the instruction is performed (due to a keystroke operation on the front panel), then these codes are sent. For example, if the HEX code 01 85 88 83 was sent from the PC, then the switcher (machine 3) will switch input 5 to output 8. If the user switched input 1 to output 7 via the front panel keypad, then the switcher will send HEX codes: 41 81 87 83 to the PC.

When the PC sends one of the commands in this group to the switcher, then, if the instruction is valid, the switcher replies by sending to the PC the same four bytes that it was sent (except for the first byte, where the DESTINATION bit is set high).

NOTE 13 - This is a request to identify the switcher/s in the system. If the OUTPUT is set as 0, and the INPUT is set as 1, 2, 5 or 7, the machine will send its name. The reply is the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT. For example, for a 2216, the reply to the request to send the audio machine name would be (HEX codes): 7D 96 90 81 (i.e. 128dec+ 22dec for 2nd byte, and 128dec+ 16dec for 3rd byte).

If the request for identification is sent with the INPUT set as 3 or 4, the appropriate machine will send its software version number. Again, the reply would be the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT - the INPUT representing the number in front of the decimal point, and the OUTPUT representing the number after it. For example, for version 3.5, the reply to the request to send the version number would be (HEX codes): 7D 83 85 81 (i.e. 128dec+ 3dec for 2nd byte, 128dec+ 5dec for 3rd byte).

If the OUTPUT is set as 1, then the ASCII coding of the lettering following the machine's name is sent. For example, for the VS-7588YC, the reply to the request to send the first suffix would be (HEX codes): 7D D9 C3 81 (i.e. 128dec+ ASCII for "Y"; 128dec+ ASCII for "C").

NOTE 15 - When the OVR bit (4th byte) is set, then the "video" commands have universal meaning. For example, instruction 1 (SWITCH VIDEO) will cause all units (including audio, data, etc.) to switch. Similarly, if a machine is in "FOLLOW" mode, it will perform any "video" instruction.

NOTE 16 - The reply to the "REQUEST WHETHER PANEL IS LOCKED" is as in NOTE 4 above, except that here the OUTPUT is assigned with the value 0 if the panel is unlocked, or 1 if it is locked.

Contact and Safety Information

For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer distributors, visit our Web site where updates to this user manual may be found.

We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback.

Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com

E-mail: info@kramerel.com

SAFETY WARNING
Disconnect the unit from the power supply before opening and servicing.

P/N: 2900-000670 Rev: 7