ATEN VS381B Manual

3-Port True 4K HDMI Switch
VS381B User Manual
www.aten.com

VS381B User Manual
ii
EMC Information
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE
STATEMENT: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.
Warning: Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could
cause radio interference.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Achtung: Der Gebrauch dieses Geräts in Wohnumgebung kann
Funkstörungen verursachen.
KCC Statement
RoHS
This product is RoHS compliant.
© Copyright 2021 ATEN® International Co., Ltd.
Released: 2021-01-27
ATEN and the ATEN logo are registered trademarks of ATEN International Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other brand names and trademarks are the registered property of their respective owners. The
terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

VS381B User Manual
iii
User Information
Online Registration
Be sure to register your product at our online support center:
Telephone Support
For telephone support, call this number:
User Notice
All information, documentation, and specifications contained in this manual
are subject to change without prior notification by the manufacturer. The
manufacturer makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or
implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any
warranties as to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any of
the manufacturer's software described in this manual is sold or licensed as is.
Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and
not the manufacturer, its distributor, or its dealer), assumes the entire cost of all
necessary servicing, repair and any incidental or consequential damages
resulting from any defect in the software.
The manufacturer of this system is not responsible for any radio and/or TV
interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this device. It is the
responsibility of the user to correct such interference.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage incurred in the operation
of this system if the correct operational voltage setting was not selected prior
to operation. PLEASE VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE SETTING IS
CORRECT BEFORE USE.
International http://eservice.aten.com
International 886-2-8692-6959
China 86-400-810-0-810
Japan 81-3-5615-5811
Korea 82-2-467-6789
North America 1-888-999-ATEN ext 4988
1-949-428-1111

VS381B User Manual
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Package Contents
1 VS381B 3-Port True 4K HDMI Switch
1 USB to DC power cable
1 IR remote control
1 IR receiver
1 user instructions*
Note:
Make sure that all the components are present and in good order. If
anything is missing or was damaged in shipping, contact your dealer.
Read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation and operation
procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the unit, and/or any of
the devices connected to it.

VS381B User Manual
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Contents
EMC Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
RoHS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Online Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Telephone Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
User Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii
1. Introduction
Overview need change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features need change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Source Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Display Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
VS381B Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
VS381B Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VS381B Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
IR Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2. Hardware Setup
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
VS381B Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. Operation
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Manual Port Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Remote Control Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Auto Input Switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Adding an HDMI source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Removing an HDMI Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Powering Off and Restarting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Appendix
Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

VS381B User Manual
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North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

VS381B User Manual
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About this Manual
This User Manual is provided to help you get the most from your VS381B
system. It covers all aspects of installation, configuration and operation. An
overview of the information found in the manual is provided below.
Chapter 1, Introduction, introduces you to the VS381B system. Its
purpose, features and benefits are presented, and its front and back panel
components are described.
Chapter 2, Hardware Setup, describes how to set up your VS381B
installation and all necessary steps are provided.
Chapter 3, Operation, explains the fundamental concepts involved in
operating the VS381B via the front panel pushbuttons, remote control, and auto
switching.
An Appendix, provides specifications and other technical information
regarding the VS381B.

VS381B User Manual
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Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions:
Product Information
For information about all ATEN products and how they can help you connect
without limits, visit ATEN on the Web or contact an ATEN Authorized
Reseller. Visit ATEN on the Web for a list of locations and telephone numbers:
Monospaced Indicates text that you should key in.
[ ] Indicates keys you should press. For example, [Enter] means to
press the Enter key. If keys need to be chorded, they appear
together in the same bracket with a plus sign between them:
[Ctrl+Alt].
1. Numbered lists represent procedures with sequential steps.
♦Bullet lists provide information, but do not involve sequential steps.
→Indicates selecting the option (on a menu or dialog box, for
example), that comes next. For example, Start
→ Run means to
open the Start menu, and then select Run.
Indicates critical information.
International http://www.aten.com
North America http://www.aten-usa.com

1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Overview
The VS381B 3-Port True 4K HDMI Switch with Auto Switching allows you
to switch 3 HDMI input sources to an HDMI display. It supports video
resolutions up to True 4K (4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz 4:4:4), data rates up to 18
Gbps, HDR, 3D, Deep Color, and HD lossless audio formats. Furthermore, the
VS381B offers switching methods between HDMI sources by front panel
pushbuttons and IR remote control, enabling users to effortlessly select a
desired input.
Featuring above functionalities provides you a practical solution for
auditorium, home theater, meeting rooms, trade shows, shopping centers, and
more.

VS381B User Manual
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Features
Allows up to 3 HDMI input sources to be transmitted to 1 HDMI output
display
Supports True 4K resolution video 4096 x 2160 / 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
(4:4:4) up to 5m input / output
Auto switching mode for auto port selection
Quick and easy switching between HDMI sources via front panel
pushbuttons or IR remote control
HDMI 2.0; HDCP 2.2 compatible
Supports 7.1 audio channel of LPCM, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD
Master Audio
Supports IR extension using a IR extension cable
Plug-and-play – no software installation required

Chapter 1. Introduction
3
Requirements
The following equipment is required for a complete VS381B installation:
Source Device
HDMI Type A output connector(s)
Display Device
Display device with an HDMI Type A input connector
Cables
3 HDMI cables
Note: No cables are included in this package. We strongly recommend that
you purchase high-quality cables of appropriate length since this will
affect the quality of the audio and video display. Contact your dealer to
purchase the correct cable sets.

VS381B User Manual
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Components
VS381B Front View
No. Component Description
1 Cable Lock Screw for
ATEN LockPro
TM
A universal HDMI cable lock that provides the easiest
way to secure an HDMI cable to most HDMI devices.
2 IR receiver This receives signals from the IR remote control.
3 HDMI input port 1 Connects to the HDMI Out port on the source device.
4 HDMI input port 2 Connects to the HDMI Out port on the source device.
43
12

Chapter 1. Introduction
5
VS381B Rear View
No. Component Description
1 Cable Lock Screw for
ATEN LockPro
TM
A universal HDMI cable lock that provides the easiest
way to secure a HDMI cable to most HDMI devices.
2 power jack The power adapter cable plugs in here.
Note: We strongly recommend to use USB vis USB to
DC cable as the main power source for the VS381B,
as the power supply from HDMI connection maybe
insufficient for the device to fully operate.
3 HDMI input port 3 Connects to the HDMI Out port on the source device.
4 HDMI output port Connects to an HDMI-enabled display device.
43
12

VS381B User Manual
6
VS381B Top View
No. Component Description
1 port LEDs (Green) The selected port’s LED lights green to indicate that
the port is selected.
2 power LED (Green) The LED lights green to indicate the unit is receiving
power and powered on.
3 port selection
pushbutton
Press to switch among the HDMI sources connected
to HDMI Input Port 1, 2, and 3.
2 31

Chapter 1. Introduction
7
IR Remote Control
No. Component Description
1 port up / port down
buttons
Press the Port Up / Port Down buttons to cycle through
the HDMI sources connected to HDMI Input Port 1, 2,
and 3.
2 port selection
pushbuttons 1 - 3
Press a button to bring the focus directly to the source
device attached to its associated port.
Note: Port Selection Pushbutton 4 is not functional.
2
1

VS381B User Manual
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This Page Intentionally Left Blank

9
Chapter 2
Hardware Setup
Installation
Installation of the VS381B is simply a matter of plugging in the appropriate
cables.
VS381B Installation
To install the switch, refer to the installation diagram below as you perform the
following steps:
1. Use HDMO cables to connect HDMI source devices to the HDMI input
ports on the VS381B. Optionally secure the cables with Cable Lock Screw
for ATEN LockPro
TM
.
2. Use an HDMI cable to connect an HDMI-enabled display to the HDMI
output port on the VS381B. Optionally secure the cables with Cable Lock
Screw for ATEN LockPro
TM
.
3. (Optional) To control the VS381B using an IR remote control, connect the
IR receiver to the IR receiver port.
4. Supply power to the VS381B using the USB to DC power cord.
5. Power on the display and source devices.
1. Important safety information regarding the placement of this
device is provided on page 13. Please review it before
proceeding.
2. Make sure that the power to all devices connected to the
installation are turned off.
3. Make sure that all devices you will be installing are properly
grounded.

VS381B User Manual
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ps
3
1
2
4
1
rear view
ps
HDMI input device
HDMI output device
USB to DC power cord
3
front view
1
2
4
HDMI input device IR receiver
1

11
Chapter 3
Operation
Overview
The 3-Port True 4K HDMI Switch offers easy and flexible source device
selection with either the front panel pushbuttons, and remote control.
Note:
Whenever the VS381B is powered on and there is no video input source
connected, it automatically selects Port 1 as the active port (i.e., the Port 1
LED lights up). You may choose one of the methods outlined below to
select a different port as your active port.
The VS381B takes about 10-20 seconds to boot up and apply system
configuration settings when first powered on.
Manual Port Selection
To select an HDMI source device, press the port selection pushbutton on the
front panel to cycle through the HDMI sources connected to HDMI input port
1, 2, and 3.
Note: The port LED (green) light indicates which port is currently selected.
Remote Control Selection
To select a source device with the remote control, press the number button that
corresponds to the port the HDMI device is connected to. The corresponding
port LED lights up.
See IR Remote Control, page 7 for more details.
Alternatively, you may also cycle through the available source devices by
pushing the port up and port down buttons on the IR remote control.
Use the port up button to select the next available port in ascending order
(from HDMI input port 1 to HDMI input port 3).
Use the port down button to select the next available port in descending
order (from HDMI input port 3 to HDMI input port 1).
Note: Aim the remote control at the IR receiver located on the front panel of
the VS381B. For optimum performance, make sure there is a clear line-
of-sight between the remote control unit and the IR receiver.

VS381B User Manual
12
Auto Input Switching
The VS381B supports auto input switching, each time when the HDMI input
source is plugged or unplugged, the VS381B prioritizes and outputs an HDMI
input source to the connected HDMI-enabled monitor accordingly.
Adding an HDMI source
The VS381B prioritizes and outputs the latest detected HDMI input source
transmission to the connected HDMI-enabled monitor.
Removing an HDMI Source
The VS381B automatically switches and outputs to the next available HDMI
input source transmission to the connected HDMI-enabled monitor. The
rotation sequence is HDM input port 1 to HDM input port 2 to HDM input port
3 to HDM input port 1.
The rotation sequence cycles through HDMI input port 1 to HDMI input port 3.
For example, HDMI input source connected to HDMI input port 1 will be
displayed when the HDMI input source connected to HDMI input port 3 is
removed.
Powering Off and Restarting
If you power off the VS381B, follows these steps before powering it on again:
1. Power off the attached devices.
2. Unplug the power adapter cable from the VS381B.
3. Wait 10 seconds, and then plug the power adapter cable back in.
4. After the VS381B is powered on, power on the attached devices.