Kramer VM-5ARII User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VM-5ARII
V
ideo Audio Distribution
A
mplifier
VM-20ARII
1:20 Programmable Video
A
udio Distributor
P/N: 2900-300148 Rev 1

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1The VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier 3
3.2The VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor 3
4Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII 5
5Installing in a Rack 10
6Connecting the Distribution Amplifiers 11
6.1Connecting the VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier 11
6.2Connecting the VM-20ARII Video Audio Distributor 12
7Technical Specifications 15
Figures
Figure 1: VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier – Front and Rear Panels 6
Figure 2: VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor – Front Panel 7
Figure 3: VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor – Rear Panel 8
Figure 4: VM-20ARII Underside Switches 9
Figure 5: Connecting the VM-5ARII 12
Figure 6: Connecting the VM-20ARII 14

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - 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 1,000-plus different models now appear in 11 groups that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix
Switchers; 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 and
GROUP 11: Sierra Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-5ARII and/or VM-20ARII
distributors, which are ideal for the following typical applications:
•Any professional AV system requiring a compact, high-quality DA
•Retail stores and other point-of-sale display systems
•Security and CCTV applications
•Studio RGB/YUV distribution

2 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Getting Started
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
Use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com to check for up-to-date
user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables to avoid 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
•Position your Kramer product away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
i

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Overview 3
3 Overview
This section gives an overview of the:
•VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier, see Section 3.1
•VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor, see Section 3.2
3.1 The VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier
The Kramer VM-5ARII is a high-performance distribution amplifier for composite
video and unbalanced stereo audio signals. It takes one input, provides correct
buffering and isolation and distributes the signal to five identical outputs.
More specifically, the VM-5ARII features:
•High bandwidth 360MHz (-3dB)
•1 composite video input and 5 outputs on BNC connectors
•1 unbalanced stereo input and 5 outputs on RCA connectors
•Looping input
•Selectable input signal termination
•Video level and equalization, and audio level controls
•Video AC/DC coupling detection
•Standard 19” 1U rack mount size
3.2 The VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio
Distributor
The VM-20ARII is a multi-format, high-performance distribution amplifier that can
be configured for composite video and unbalanced stereo audio signals. It can be
configured as a 1:10 distribution amplifier for s-Video (Y/C) signals or a 1:5
distribution amplifier for RGBS signals, both with unbalanced stereo audio.

4 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Overview
More specifically, the VM-20ARII features:
•High bandwidth of 430MHz (-3dB)
•1 video input and 20 outputs on BNC connectors
•1 unbalanced stereo input and 20 outputs on RCA connectors
•Looped input capability
•Grouped audio level control
•Selectable input signal termination
•Audio level and video level and equalization controls
•Video AC/DC coupling selection
•Standard 19” 2U rack mount size

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII 5
4 Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII
This section defines your:
•VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier, see Figure 1
•VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor, see Figure 2, Figure
3and Figure 4

6 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII
Figure 1: VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier – Front and Rear Panels
Feature Function
1 Illuminated Power Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 VIDEO IN BNC Connector Connects to the video source
3 75Ω/Hi-Z Pushbutton Press in for input 75Ωtermination, release for no termination
4 DC/AC Pushbutton Press in for DC coupling, release for AC coupling
5 VIDEO LOOP BNC Connector Connects to a display
6 VIDEO GAIN Control Adjusts the video gain level
7 VIDEO EQ. Control Adjusts the cable compensation equalization level
8 VIDEO OUT BNC Connectors Connects to the video acceptor (from 1 to 5)
9 AUDIO IN RCA Connectors (L and R) Connects to the L and R channels of the audio source
10 AUDIO LOOP RCA Connectors (L and R) Connects to an audio acceptor
11 AUDIO GAIN R Controls the volume on the right audio channel
12 AUDIO GAIN L Controls the volume on the left audio channel
13 AUDIO OUT RCA RCA Connectors (L and R) Connects to the audio acceptors (from 1 to 5)
14 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector for supplying power to the unit
6VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII – Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII 7
VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII – Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII 7
Figure 2: VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor – Front Panel
# Feature Function
1 Illuminated Power Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 STEREO/BAL pushbuttons Select stereo or balanced mode of operation (pushed=balanced)
3 OUT 1-20 (L, R) audio GAIN trimmers Controls audio level of outputs 1 to 20
4 OUT 1-20 EQ. and GAIN trimmers Control video level and cable equalization of outputs 1 to 20
5 1:20, 2x1:10, 4x1:5, 1:10+2x1:5 AUDIO
Operating Mode Switches
Programming switches for audio mode of operation as follows:
1:20 – Splits input “1” to all 20 outputs
2x1:10 – Splits input "1" to outputs "1-10" and input "3" to outputs "11-20"
4x1:5 – Splits four inputs to four consecutive sets of five outputs each
1:10+2x1:5 – Splits input "1" to outputs "1-10", input "3" to outputs "11-15" and input "4" to outputs "16-20"
6 1:20, 2x1:10, 4x1:5, 1:10+2x1:5 VIDEO
Operating Mode Switches
Programming switches for video mode of operation as follows:
1:20 – Splits input “1” to all 20 outputs
2x1:10 – Splits input "1" to outputs "1-10" and input "3" to outputs "11-20"
4x1:5 – Splits four inputs to four consecutive sets of five outputs each
1:10+2x1:5 – Splits input "1" to outputs "1-10", input "3" to outputs "11-15" and input "4" to outputs "16-20"

8 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII
Figure 3: VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor – Rear Panel
# Feature Function
7 VIDEO INPUTS (1-4) and LOOP (1-4) BNC Connectors Connect to the video sources and input loops
8 AUDIO IN (L and R) (1-4) RCA Connectors Connect to the L and R channels of the audio source
9 AUDIO OUT (L and R) (1-20) RCA Connectors Connect to the audio acceptors (from 1 to 20)
10 VIDEO OUTPUTS (1-20) BNC Connectors Connect to the video acceptors (from 1 to 20)
11 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector for supplying power to the unit
8VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII – Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Defining the VM-5ARII and VM-20ARII 9
Figure 4: VM-20ARII Underside Switches
# Feature Function
12 TERM/75ΩSwitches (IN1-IN4) Select 75Ωfor termination (up) or HI-Z for looping
(down)
13 AC/DC Switches (IN1-IN4) Select DC (up) or AC (down) coupling

10 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Installing in a Rack
5 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the units.
Note: The VM-20ARII is a 2U unit and has rack “ears” with 5 mounting holes and
screws.

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Connecting the Distribution Amplifiers 11
6 Connecting the Distribution Amplifiers
This section describes how to connect the:
•VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution Amplifier, see Section 6.1
•VM-20ARII 1:20 Programmable Video Audio Distributor, see Section 6.2
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VM-5ARII/VM-20ARII. After connecting your VM-5ARII/VM-20ARII,
connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.
6.1 Connecting the VM-5ARII Video Audio Distribution
Amplifier
To connect the VM-5ARII, as shown in the example in Figure 5, do the following:
1. Connect the input video source (for example, a composite video player) to
the VIDEO INPUT BNC connector.
2. Connect the input audio source (for example, the audio from a composite
video player) to the AUDIO IN RCA connectors noting the right and left
channels.
3. Connect the VIDEO OUT 1 to 5 BNC connectors to up to 5 acceptors (for
example, composite video recorders).
You are not required to connect two acceptors.
4. Connect the AUDIO OUT 1 to 5 RCA connectors to up to 5 acceptors (for
example, the audio input on the composite video recorders).
You are not required to connect two acceptors.
5. If needed, connect the VIDEO LOOP BNC connector to an acceptor (for
example, a composite video display or another VM-5ARII) and set the
termination pushbutton to 75Ω.
6. Connect the power cord to the unit (not shown in the illustration) and then to
the mains electricity. Switch on the power.
Use the power cord supplied with the unit.
i

12 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Connecting the Distribution Amplifiers
7. If needed, adjust the VIDEO GAIN or EQ controls or the AUDIO GAIN on the
front panel.
Figure 5: Connecting the VM-5ARII
6.2 Connecting the VM-20ARII Video Audio Distributor
To connect the VM-20ARII, as shown in the example in Figure 6, do the following:
1. Connect up to 4 input video sources (for example, composite video players)
to the VIDEO INPUTS 1 to 4 BNC connectors.
2. Connect up to 4 input audio sources (for example, the audio from the video
players) to the AUDIO INPUTS RCA connectors 1 to 4 noting the right and
left channels.

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Connecting the Distribution Amplifiers 13
3. Connect the VIDEO OUT 1 to 20 BNC connectors to up to 20 acceptors (for
example, composite video recorders).
You are not required to connect all the acceptors.
4. Connect the AUDIO OUT 1 and 20 RCA connectors to up to 20 acceptors
(for example, the audio input on the video recorders).
You are not required to connect all the acceptors.
5. If needed, connect the VIDEO LOOP BNC connector to an acceptor (for
example, a composite video display or another VM-20ARII) and set the
termination pushbutton to 75Ω.
6. Connect the power cord to the unit (not shown in the illustration) and then to
the mains electricity. Switch on the power.
Use the power cord supplied with the unit.
7. If needed, adjust the VIDEO GAIN or EQ controls or the AUDIO GAIN on the
front panel.
8. Set the mode of operation by pressing one of the operating mode control
switches (one set for audio and one set for video) as follows:
Press the 1:20 switch to split input “1” to all 20 outputs
Press the 2x1:10 switch to split input "1" to outputs "1-10" and input "3"
to outputs "11-20"
Press the 4x1:5 switch to split four inputs to four consecutive sets of
five outputs each
Press the 1:10+2x1:5 switch to split input "1" to outputs "1-10", input
"3" to outputs "11-15" and input "4" to outputs "16-20"

14 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Connecting the Distribution Amplifiers
Figure 6: Connecting the VM-20ARII

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Technical Specifications 15
7 Technical Specifications
VM-5ARII
INPUT: 1 video, composite or single component, looping,
1Vpp/75Ωon BNC connectors with termination switch;
1 audio stereo looping, +4dBu/50kΩon RCA connectors
OUTPUT: 5 video, composite or single component, 1 Vpp/75Ωon
BNC connectors; 5 audio stereo, +4dBu/150Ω, on RCA
connectors
MAX. OUTPUT: Video: 2.2Vpp; Audio: 27Vpp
VIDEO BANDWIDTH (-3dB): 360MHz
AUDIO BANDWIDTH (-3dB): 60kHz
DIFF. GAIN: 0.03%
DIFF. PHASE: 0.06Deg
K-FACTOR: 0.05%
VIDEO S/N RATIO: 76dB
AUDIO S/N RATIO: 85dB
AUDIO THD: 0.021% (1V, 1kHz.)
CONTROL: Video gain: -1 to +1.8dB; audio gain: -40 to +6dB; EQ.: 0
to +2.5dB, audio: 0.2 to +6dB.
COUPLING: DC/AC selectable (video), AC (audio.)
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: 0° to +55°C (32° to 131°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -45° to +72°C (-49° to 162°F)
HUMIDITY: 10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
POWER SOURCE: 230V AC, 50/60Hz, (115V U.S.A.) 21VA.
DIMENSIONS: 19” x 7” x 1U W, D, H, rack mountable.
WEIGHT: 1.94kg (4.3lbs) approx.
ACCESORIES: Power cord.
Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

16 VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Technical Specifications
VM-20ARII
INPUT: 4 video looping, 1Vpp/75Ωon BNC connectors with termination
switches; 4 audio stereo (or balanced mono) +4dBu/50kΩ, on
RCA connectors
OUTPUT: Video: 20 (1:20, 2x1:10, 4x1:5, 1:10, 2x1:5) 1Vpp/75Ωon BNC
connectors; Audio: 20 (1:20, 2x1:10, 4x1:5, 1:10, 2x1:5) stereo or
balanced mono, +4dBu/50Ω, on RCA connectors
VIDEO BANDWIDTH (-3dB): 430MHz
AUDIO BANDWIDTH (-3dB): 110kHz
DIFF. GAIN: 0.06%
DIFF. PHASE: 0.08Deg
VIDEO S/N RATIO: 76dB
AUDIO S/N RATIO: 80dB
VIDEO CONTROL: -1.2/+1.7dB level, 0/+2.4dB EQ
AUDIO CONTROL: +0.3/+6.2dB
VIDEO COUPLING: DC/AC user selectable
AUDIO COUPLING: AC (input), DC (output)
AUDIO THD+NOISE: 0.02%
2nd HARMONIC: 0.002%
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: 0° to +55°C (32° to 131°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -45° to +72°C (-49° to 162°F)
HUMIDITY: 10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
POWER SOURCE: Universal switching power supply: 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz 18.5VA
DIMENSIONS: 19” x 7” x 2U W, D, H, rack mountable
WEIGHT: 3.6kg (8lbs) approx
ACCESORIES: Power cord
Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

VM-5ARII, VM-20ARII - Technical Specifications 17