Kramer VM-50CA User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VM-50CA
1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor 3
5 Installing the VM-50CA on a Rack 6
6 Connecting the VM-50CA 7
7 Technical Specifications 9
Figures
Figure 1: VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor 4
Figure 2: VM-50CA Underside View 5
Figure 3: Connecting the VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor 8
Tables
Table 1: VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor Features 5
Table 2: VM-50CA Underside View Features 5
Table 3: Technical Specifications of the VM-50CA 9

Introduction
1
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 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component
/ Audio Distributor, which is ideal for the following applications:
 Duplication studios
 Broadcasting, production, or presentation systems requiring high quality
signal distribution
 Retail outlets or sports bars
The package includes the following items:
 VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio 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: 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-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor is a high
performance 1:5 distributor for component video signals (HDTV compatible),
digital audio (S/PDIF) signals, and unbalanced stereo audio signals.
The VM-50CA accepts one:
 Component video
1
signal and distributes the signal to five identical outputs
using RCA connectors
 Supports all HDTV resolutions, including 1080p
 Digital audio (S/PDIF) input and distributes it to five digital audio
(S/PDIF) outputs using RCA connectors
 Unbalanced stereo audio input and distributes it to five pairs of
unbalanced stereo audio outputs, using RCA connectors
In addition, the VM-50CA features:
 A video bandwidth of 400MHz that ensures transparent operation at the
highest resolutions
 Underside trimmers to control the component video Y, Pb/Cb, and Pr/Cr
levels and EQ.
 Audio level control for the unbalanced stereo audio output
The VM-50CA is dependable, rugged and fits into one vertical space (1U) of
a standard 19” professional rack.
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 VM-50CA
away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the front and rear panels of the VM-50CA:
1 Sometimes called YUV, or Y, B-Y, R-Y, or Y, Pb, Pr, or Y, Cb, Cr

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor
4
Figure 1: VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor

Your VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor
5
Table 1: VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 YRCA Connectors
3 Pb/Cb RCA Connectors Connect to the component video acceptors (from OUT 1 to OUT 5)
4
OUT
Pr/Cr RCA Connectors
5 YRCA Connector
6 Pb/Cb RCA Connector Connect to the component video source
7
INPUT
Pr/Cr RCA Connector
8 LEFT Adjust
1
the left audio signal output level
9
LEVEL
Trimmer RIGHT Adjust the right audio signal output level
10 R Connect to the right analog audio source
11
INPUT RCA
Connector L Connect to the left analog audio source
12 R Connect to the right analog audio acceptors (from OUT 1 to OUT 5)
13
ANALOG AUDIO
OUT RCA
Connectors L Connect to the left analog audio acceptors (from OUT 1 to OUT 5)
14 INPUT Connect to the digital audio source
15
S/PDIF RCA
Connectors OUT Connect to the digital audio acceptors (from OUT 1 to OUT 5)
16 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
The VM-50CA underside is illustrated in Figure 2 and defined in Table 2:
Figure 2: VM-50CA Underside View
Table 2: VM-50CA Underside View Features
# Feature Function
1 EQ. Trimmer Adjust
1
the Y cable compensation equalization level Y
LEVEL Trimmer Adjust
1
the Y output signal level
2 EQ. Trimmer Adjust
1
the Pb/Cb cable compensation equalization level Pb/Cb
LEVEL Trimmer Adjust
1
the Pb/Cb output signal level
3 EQ. Trimmer Adjust
1
the Pr/Cr cable compensation equalization level Pr/Cr
LEVEL Trimmer Adjust
1
the Pr/Cr output signal level
1 Insert a screwdriver into the small hole and carefully rotate it, to trim the appropriate level

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VM-50CA on a Rack
6
5 Installing the VM-50CA on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before installing on a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5 to +45 Deg. Centigrade
5 to 65% RHL, non-condensing
-20 to +70 Deg. Centigrade
5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing
Operating humidity range
Storage temperature range
Storage humidity range
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:
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.
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.
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:
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)




In some models, the front panel
may feature built-in rack ears
Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around the
machine.
The machine is placed straight in the correct horizontal
position.
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.
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.

CAUTION!!
Before Installing on a Rack
How to Rack Mount
To rack-mount a machine:
1
1
2
2
3
4
5

Connecting the VM-50CA
7
6 Connecting the VM-50CA
To connect a VM-50CA unit as the example in Figure 3 illustrates, do the
following
1
:
1. Connect a component video source (for example, an HDTV satellite receiver)
to the Y, Pb/Cb, and Pr/Cr IN RCA connectors, and to the S/PDIF INPUT
RCA connector.
2. Connect
2
the:
 Y, Pb/Cb, and Pr/Cr OUT 1 RCA connectors to the component video
acceptor (for example, a plasma display), and the digital audio
S/PDIF
3
OUT 1 RCA connector to an AV-Receiver
 Y, Pb/Cb, and Pr/Cr OUT 5 RCA connectors and the digital audio
S/PDIF
3
OUT 5 RCA connector to a home theater system
3. Connect the power cord (not shown in Figure 3)
4
.
4. If required, adjust
5
the audio level, the Y, Pb/Cb, and/or Pr/Cr output
signal level, and/or the Y, Pb/Cb, and/or Pr/Cr cable compensation
equalization level.
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VM-50CA. After connecting your VM-50CA, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
2 You can connect the component video and audio outputs to up to five component video and audio acceptors. When less than
five outputs are required, connect only those outputs of the VM-50CA that are required, and leave the other outputs
unconnected
3 Alternatively, or in addition, connect the ANALOG AUDIO RCA connectors (not shown in Figure 3)
4 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
5 Insert a screwdriver into the small hole and carefully rotate it, trimming the level

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VM-50CA
8
Home
Theater
System
Plasma
Display
HDTV Satellite
Receiver Source
Projector
AV-Receiver
Figure 3: Connecting the VM-50CA 1:5 Video Component / Audio Distributor

Technical Specifications
9
7 Technical Specifications
Table 3 includes the technical specifications.
Table 3: Technical Specifications
1
of the VM-50CA
INPUTS: 1 component video (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) 1Vpp/0.7Vpp, 75
 on 3 RCA connectors
1 digital audio (S/PDIF) 75  on an RCA connector
1 analog stereo audio 50k  , +4dBm on 2 RCA connectors
OUTPUTS: 5 component video (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr) 1Vpp/0.7Vpp, 75
 on 15 RCA connectors
5 digital audio (S/PDIF) on 5 RCA connectors
5 analog stereo audio on 4dBm, 150  10 RCA connectors
MAX. OUTPUT LEVEL: VIDEO: 2.3Vpp AUDIO: 1.8Vpp (S/PDIF); 22dBm (analog)
BANDWIDTH (-3dB): VIDEO: 400MHz, Fully
Loaded
AUDIO: 350MHz (S/PDIF); 40kHz (analog)
DIFF. GAIN: 0.08%
DIFF. PHASE: 0.05 Deg
K-FACTOR: <0.05%
S/N RATIO: VIDEO: 76dB @5MHz AUDIO: 90dB (analog)
CROSSTALK (all hostile):
AUDIO: -70dB @15kHz, video into audio
CONTROLS: Y, Pb, Pr level: –1.2dB to +6.6dB; analog audio level: -67dB to +6.3dB;
EQ. @50MHz: 0 to +5.9dB
COUPLING: VIDEO: DC AUDIO: analog: Input: AC; Output: DC; S/PDIF: DC
AUDIO THD + NOISE: 0.015% (analog) @1kHz
AUDIO 2nd HARMONIC:
0.003% (analog) @1kHz
POWER SOURCE: 100-240, 50/60Hz, 7VA
DIMENSIONS: 19-inch (W), 7-inch (D) 1U (H) rack-mountable
WEIGHT: 2.6kg (5.7lbs.) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power cord
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
10
LIMITED WARRANTY
Kramer Electronics (hereafter Kramer) warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship under the
following terms.
HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY
Labor and parts are warranted for seven years from the date of the first customer purchase.
WHO IS PROTECTED?
Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.
WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT COVERED
Except as below, this warranty covers all defects in material or workmanship in this product. The following are not covered
by the warranty:
1. Any product which is not distributed by Kramer, or which is not purchased from an authorized Kramer dealer. If you are
uncertain as to whether a dealer is authorized, please contact Kramer at one of the agents listed in the web site
www.kramerelectronics.com.
2. Any product, on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed.
3. Damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from:
i) Accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or other acts of nature
ii) Product modification, or failure to follow instructions supplied with the product
iii) Repair or attempted repair by anyone not authorized by Kramer
iv) Any shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier)
v) Removal or installation of the product
vi) Any other cause, which does not relate to a product defect
vii) Cartons, equipment enclosures, cables or accessories used in conjunction with the product
WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR AND WHAT WE WILL NOT PAY FOR
We will pay labor and material expenses for covered items. We will not pay for the following:
1. Removal or installations charges.
2. Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs are the
responsibility of the Kramer dealer from whom the product was purchased.
3. Shipping charges.
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
1. To obtain service on you product, you must take or ship it prepaid to any authorized Kramer service center.
2. Whenever warranty service is required, the original dated invoice (or a copy) must be presented as proof of warranty coverage,
and should be included in any shipment of the product. Please also include in any mailing a contact name, company, address, and
a description of the problem(s).
3. For the name of the nearest Kramer authorized service center, consult your authorized dealer.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to
the length of this warranty.
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
The liability of Kramer for any effective products is limited to the repair or replacement of the product at our option. Kramer
shall not be liable for:
1. Damage to other property caused by defects in this product, damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss
of time, commercial loss; or:
2. Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. Some countries may not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from place to place.
NOTE: All products returned to Kramer for service must have prior approval. This may be obtained from your dealer.
This equipment has been tested to determine compliance with the requirements of:
EN-50081: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC);
generic emission standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry"
EN-50082: "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) generic immunity standard.
Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry environment".
CFR-47: FCC Rules and Regulations:
Part 15: “Radio frequency devices
Subpart B – Unintentional radiators”
CAUTION!
Servicing the machines can only be done by an authorized Kramer technician. Any user who makes changes or modifications to
the unit without the expressed approval of the manufacturer will void user authority to operate the equipment.
Use the supplied DC power supply to feed power to the machine.
Please use recommended interconnection cables to connect the machine to other components.

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com
E-mail: [email protected]
P/N: 2900–000206 REV 2
For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer
distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com,
where updates to this user manual may be found.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.
Caution
Safety Warning:
Disconnect the unit from the power supply before
opening/servicing.