Kramer VM-4HDMI User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VM-4HDMI
1:4 HDMI Distributor

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
3.1 About HDMI 3
3.2 Defining EDID 4
3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance 4
4 Your VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor 4
5 Installing the VM-4HDMI on a Rack 7
6 Connecting a VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor 8
7 Acquiring EDID 10
7.1 The Simple Operation State 10
7.2 The Normal Operation State 10
7.2.1 Acquiring the EDID from a Selected Output 10
7.2.2 Restoring the Default EDID 11
7.2.3 Acquiring the Auto EDID 11
8 Technical Specifications 11
Figures
Figure 1: VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor 5
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor 9
Tables
Table 1: VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features 6
Table 2: Technical Specifications of the VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor 11

Introduction
1
1 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
500-plus different models now appear in eight groups
1
that are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI
Distributor. The VM-4HDMI is ideal for:
Home theater, presentation and multimedia applications
Rental and staging
The package includes the following items:
VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor
Power cord
This user manual
2
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 cables
3
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.
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 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2

Overview
3
3 Overview
The Kramer VM-4HDMI is a high quality 1:4 HDMI distributor that accepts
an HDMI input and distributes the signal to four outputs, allowing one or
more of the outputs to be connected to receiving devices, thus making it a
versatile, reliable component in a video system. The VM-4HDMI distributes
signals having resolutions up to UXGA, including all HDTV formats.
In particular, the VM-4HDMI:
Supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
1
Equalizes and reclocks the data
Features a default EDID for fast and efficient connection of the unit
2
Can read and store, in non-volatile memory, the EDID
3
block from one or
more outputs, so it can then provide the EDID information to the HDMI
source even if the display device is not connected
Includes five HDMI connectors, four output status LEDs, an active status
LED, as well as EDID read and select buttons
The VM-4HDMI is housed in a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and is fed
from a 100-264 VAC universal switching power supply.
3.1 About HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital
4
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. It delivers the highest high-definition image and sound quality.
In particular, HDMI
5
:
Provides a simple
6
interface between any audio/video source, such as a
set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and video monitor, such as a
digital flat LCD / plasma television (DTV), over a single lengthy
7
cable
Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel
1 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
2 The default EDID feature lets you connect the VM-4HDMI without having to connect a display to the output
3 EDID is Extended Display Identification Data
4 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-
to-analog conversions
5 HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
licensing LLC
6 With video and multi-channel audio combined into a single cable, the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables
currently used in A/V systems is reduced
7 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor
4
digital audio
1
on a single cable
Transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio,
with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and
requirements
Benefits consumers by providing superior, uncompressed digital video
quality via a single cable
2
, and user-friendly connector
Is backward-compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
Supports two-way communication between the video source (such as a
DVD player) and the digital television, enabling new functionality such as
automatic configuration and one-button play
HDMI has the capacity to support:
Existing high-definition video formats (720p, 1080i, and 1080p/60), as
well as standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL
3.2 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID
3
) is a data-structure,
provided by a display, to describe its capabilities to a graphics card (that is
connected to the display’s source). The EDID enables the VM-4HDMI to
“know” what kind of monitor is connected to the output. The EDID includes
the manufacturer’s name, the product type, the timing data supported by the
display, the display size, luminance data and (for digital displays only) the
pixel mapping data.
3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance
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 and position
your VM-4HDMI away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor:
1 HDMI supports multiple audio formats, from standard stereo to multi-channel surround-sound. HDMI has the capacity to
support Dolby 5.1 audio and high-resolution audio formats
2 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner
3 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)

Your VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor
5
Figure 1: VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor
6
Table 1: VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 ACTIVE LED Illuminates when the input is active; blinks when the input is not valid
3 READ Button Press to read the EDID of the selected display
4
EDID
SELECT Button Select the desired display for EDID information
5 OUTPUTS LEDs LEDs light when an output(s) is connected and active; LEDs blink
when selecting EDID (see section 7)
6 INPUT HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI source
7 OUTPUT HDMI Connectors Connect to the HDMI acceptors (from 1 to 4)
8 Power Connector with Fuse
AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

Installing the VM-4HDMI on a Rack
7
5 Installing the VM-4HDMI on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing on a Rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing on a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5º to +45º C (41º to 113º F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20º to +70º C (-4º to 158º F)
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 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.
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.
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)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting a VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor
8
6 Connecting a VM-4HDMI 1:4 HDMI Distributor
To connect the VM-4HDMI as a 1:4 HDMI distributor, do the following:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the INPUT
connector.
2. Connect the four OUTPUT connectors
1
to up to four HDMI acceptors, as
follows:
OUTPUT 1 connector to HDMI acceptor 1 (for example, an LCD TV)
OUTPUT 2 connector to HDMI acceptor 2 (for example, a plasma
display)
OUTPUT 3 connector to HDMI acceptor 3 (for example, a plasma
display)
OUTPUT 4 connector to HDMI acceptor 4 (for example, a plasma
display)
3. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity.
4. Turn ON the POWER.
5. Acquire EDID (see section 7).
1 As required. Up to 4 outputs can be connected on the VM-4HDMI. Not all outputs need to be connected