Kramer VA-2H User manual
Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VA-2H
EDID Reader-Emulator
Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3Overview 3
3.1 Defining EDID 4
3.2 About HDCP 4
3.3 About HDMI 4
4Your VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator 5
5Connecting the VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator 6
6Operating the VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator 7
6.1 Operating from the Front Panel 7
6.2 Operating from the EDID Designer 8
7The EDID Designer 8
7.1 Installing the USB Driver 9
7.2 Installing the EDID Designer 14
7.3 Using the EDID Designer 15
7.3.1 Menu Commands 16
7.3.2 Toolbar Buttons 16
7.3.3 Status Section 17
7.3.4 EDID Definition Tabs and Parameters 17
7.3.5 Online Status 20
8Technical Specifications 20
Figures
Figure 1: VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator 5
Figure 2: Connecting the VA-2H 7
Figure 3: EDID Designer Main Window – Limited View 14
Figure 4: EDID Designer Main Window – Extended View 15
Figure 5: EDID Designer – General Tab 17
Figure 6: EDID Designer – Display Tab 18
Figure 7: EDID Designer – Color Tab 18
Figure 8: EDID Designer – Established Timing Tab 19
Figure 9: EDID Designer – Standard Timing Tab 19
Figure 10: EDID Designer – Detailed Timing Tab 20
Introduction
1
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 groups1
Thank you for purchasing the Kramer DigiTOOLS® VA-2H EDID Reader-
Emulator, which is ideal for creating, modifying and saving EDIDs on the
computer.
that are clearly
defined by function.
Note, that the Kramer VA-2H is identical to the VA-2HDMI; just the
name has changed replacing the suffix “HDMI” by “H” (according to
the HDMI Guideline).
Each package includes the following items:
•The VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
•Windows®-based Kramer application software
•Power supply (12V DC)
•This user manual2
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 cables3
1 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; GROUP 11: Sierra Products
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
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.
Overview
3
3
3 Overview
The VA-2H is a diagnostic and debugging tool for installers working with
HDMI devices. The unit can switch three different EDIDs to the HDMI
input. A software editor lets you manipulate various parameters of the
EDID via the unit's USB port.
The VA-2H features:
•A frequency of up to 2.25GHz
•An input resolution of up to 1080p @60Hz 36bit
•HDCP 1.1, and DVI 1.0 compliance
•HDMI Support – HDMI (V.1.4 with Deep Color, x.v.Color™, Lip
Sync, HDMI Uncompressed Audio Channels, Dolby TrueHD,
DTS-HD)
•I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™, an
Intelligent EDID handling and processing algorithm that ensures
Plug and Play operation for HDMI systems
•Three EDID parameter modes – monitor, default and user
•Input, output and HDCP LED indicators
•Application software for manipulating the EDID data
•The last EDID mode (Monitor, Default or User) is saved in case
of a sudden power interruption
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables1
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that
may adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer
VA-2H away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
to avoid interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated
noise levels (often associated with low quality cables).
1 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview
4
3.1 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID1
3.2 About HDCP
) is a data-structure,
provided by a display, to describe its capabilities to an HDCP source. The
EDID enables the VM-2H 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.
The High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) standard2
3.3 About HDMI
, protects
digital video and audio signals transmitted over DVI or HDMI connections
between two HDCP-enabled devices to eliminate the reproduction of
copyrighted material. To protect copyright holders (such as movie studios)
from having their programs copied and shared, the HDCP standard provides
for the secure and encrypted transmission of digital signals.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all digital3
In particular, HDMI
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. It delivers the highest high-definition image and sound quality.
4
•Provides a simple
:
5interface 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
lengthy6
•Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-
channel digital audio
cable
7
on a single cable
1 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)
2 Developed by Intel
3 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-
to-analog conversions
4 HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
licensing LLC
5 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
6 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m
7 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
Your VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
5
5
•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 cable1
•Is backward-compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
, and user-friendly connector
•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
4 Your VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
Figure 1and Table 1define the unit.
Figure 1: VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
1 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
6
Table 1: VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator Functions
#
Feature
Function
1 HDMI IN Connector Connects to an HDMI source
2 S/PDIF OUT RCA Connector Connects to a digital audio acceptor (S/PDIF)
3 HDMI OUT Connector Connects to an HDMI acceptor
4 12V DC Connector +12V DC for powering the unit
5 USB Connector Connects to a computer
6
EDID MODE
LEDs
MONITOR Illuminates when the monitor EDID is passed to the input
DEFAULT Illuminates when the default EDID is passed to the input
USER Illuminates when the user EDID is passed to the input
HDCP Illuminates when HDCP is detected on the input
IN Illuminates when an active device is connected to the input
OUT Illuminates when an active device is connected to the output
7 ON LED Illuminates green when receiving power
8 USB LED Illuminates green when a USB source is connected
9 SELECT Button Press to cycle through and select the EDID mode
5 Connecting the VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
To connect the VA-2H, as shown in Figure 2, do the following1
1. Connect an input source (for example, a DVD player) to the HDMI IN
connector.
:
2. Connect the HDMI OUT connector to the acceptor (for example, an LCD
display).
3. If needed, connect the S/PDIF RCA connector to a digital audio acceptor
(for example, a power amplifier with speakers).
4. If making changes to the EDID parameters, connect the USB connector to a
computer.
5. Connect the power adapter to the 12V DC connector, plug the adapter into
the mains and power on all external devices.
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VA-2H. After connecting your VA-2H, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
Operating the VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
7
7
Figure 2: Connecting the VA-2H
6 Operating the VA-2H EDID Reader-Emulator
You can operate the VA-2H in two ways, from the:
•Front panel (see Section 6.1)
•EDID Designer (see Section 6.2)
6.1 Operating from the Front Panel
You can operate the VA-2H from the front panel as follows:
1. Press and hold the SELECT button, for 3 seconds, to cycle through the
EDID options:
MONITOR USERDEFAULT
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
The EDID Designer
8
2. Press the SELECT button to select the desired EDID option:
When MONITOR is selected, the MONITOR LED illuminates
and the EDID from the display is routed to the input port
When DEFAULT is selected, the DEFAULT LED illuminates
and the default EDID is routed to the input port
When USER is selected, the USER LED illuminates and the
user EDID is routed to the input port. The user EDID can be
created and modified using the EDID Designer (see Section 6.2)
6.2 Operating from the EDID Designer
The EDID designer application software can be used to manipulate the
EDID data.
To operate the VA-2H from the EDID Designer, navigate to Command >
Set Device Mode and choose the mode: OUTPUT, DEFAULT or USER.
For a full description of how to setup and use the EDID Designer, see
Section 7.
7 The EDID Designer
The EDID Designer is a PC-based program for use with the VA-2H.
It lets you create, modify and save EDIDs on the computer and to download
the EDID to USER memory and operate the VA-2H. It gives the AV
technician a strong and flexible troubleshooting tool for diagnosing display
problems.
To use the VA-2H EDID Designer you must:
•Download and install the USB driver (see section 7.1)
•Download and install the EDID Designer software (see section 7.2)
You can then use the EDID Designer (see section 7.3).
The EDID Designer
9
9
7.1 Installing the USB Driver
Note: Currently the driver only works on 32-bit systems.
To install the VA-2H USB driver, do the following1
1. Navigate to the Kramer Web site
:
2, search for the product VA-2H and click
the Downloads tab. The following screen appears:
2. Download the VA-2H Windows USB Driver and the EDID Designer from
the Kramer Web site to a designated folder on your computer.
3. Extract the two zipped USB driver files to your designated folder.
4. Connect the USB cable between your computer and the VA-2H.
5. Connect the power supply to the VA-2H.
6. After a few seconds the “Found New Hardware “ message appears on your
screen and the following window opens:
1 This procedure illustrates the installation on Windows® XP
2 At http://www.kramerelectronics.com
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
The EDID Designer
10
7. When asked “Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search for
software?” select “No, not this time” and click Next.
The following screen appears:
8. Select “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” and click Next.
The following screen appears:
The EDID Designer
11
11
9. Select “Search for the best driver in these locations” and check “Include
this location in the search”. Browse to your previously designated folder
(in this example, the desktop). Click Next.
The following screen appears:
10. Select the file c:\windows\inf\va2hdmiusb.inf.
The following window appears:
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
The EDID Designer
12
11. The warning “This driver is not digitally signed!” appears. Click Next.
The following window appears:
12. Ignore the warning. Click Continue Anyway.
The following window appears:
The EDID Designer
13
13
13. Do not insert a CD. Click OK.
The following window appears:
14. Select the file va2hdmiusb.sys. Click Open. The driver installs and when
finished the following window appears:
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
The EDID Designer
14
15. The USB driver has been successfully installed and you can install the
EDID Designer software.
7.2 Installing the EDID Designer
To install the EDID Designer, do the following:
1. Navigate to the designated folder to which you downloaded the EDID
Designer in the previous section. Double-click the file setup.exe from this
folder or from the distribution media included with the VA-2H.
2. After the installation completes, navigate to Start > Programs > Kramer >
EDID Designer and run the EDID Designer. The main window opens:
Figure 3: EDID Designer Main Window – Limited View
The EDID Designer
15
15
3. Connect a USB cable from your PC to the USB connector on the
VA-2H.
4. To begin communication, click the button or menu item File > Connect
USB.
The Device Status on the main window changes to USB was found and at
the lower left corner of the Main Window changes to Online.
7.3 Using the EDID Designer
To see the entire window and access all the EDID parameters, click View >
Extended View. The main window, extended view appears:
Menu Commands
Toolbar Buttons
Status Section
EDID Definition
Tabs
Online Status
EDID
Parameters
Figure 4: EDID Designer Main Window – Extended View
The main window contains the following elements:
•Menu commands, see Section 7.3.1
•Toolbar buttons, see Section 7.3.2
•Status section, see Section 7.3.3
•EDID definition tabs and EDID parameters, see Section 7.3.4
•Online status, see Section 7.3.5
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
The EDID Designer
16
7.3.1 Menu Commands
Table 2describes the menu items of the EDID Designer.
Table 2: EDID Designer Menu Items
Menu
Item
Description
File Connect USB Connects or disconnects the USB
New EDID Creates a new EDID
Open EDID Opens an existing EDID
Close EDID Closes the existing EDID without saving
Save EDID Saves the current EDID
Save EDID as… Saves the current EDID with a different name or to a new location on disk
Exit Closes the EDID Designer
Command Set Device Mode As if pressing the SELECT button, sets the device mode to Output, Default
or User
Load EDID from Loads the EDID to the EDID Designer from Output, Default ,User or Input
Download EDID to Loads the EDID from the EDID Designer to the In Port or User memory
Security Mode With HDCP passes HDCP encoding, Without HDCP turns off HDCP
encoding for 60 seconds only to allow the signal that is not encoded to
pass
Reset Resets the device
View Extended View Expands the window to show the EDID definition tabs
Limited View Shrinks the window to hide the EDID definition tabs
Edit EDID Select read only/modify
Byte Viewer Displays the Byte Viewer window
Help About Displays the version of the EDID Designer
7.3.2 Toolbar Buttons
Table 3describes the toolbar buttons of the EDID Designer.
Table 3: EDID Designer Toolbar Buttons
Button
Description
Creates a new EDID for editing
Opens an existing EDID from the disk
Saves the current EDID to the disk
Displays the Byte Viewer window to edit the hex codes
Toggles Read-only/Modify, to disallow or allow editing of the EDID
Connects or disconnects the USB connection to the computer
The EDID Designer
17
17
7.3.3 Status Section
Table 4describes the status section of the EDID Designer.
Table 4: EDID Designer Status Section
Field
Description
Device Status Indicates if the USB connection has been detected or is disconnected
Input EDID Source Indicates the EDID source
Security Mode Indicates if HDCP is active or blocked (for 60 seconds)
Input Signal Indicates if active or inactive
Output Signal Indicates if active or inactive
7.3.4 EDID Definition Tabs and Parameters
Table 5describes the EDID definition tabs. The EDID parameters shown
for each tab are only illustrated in Figure 5to Figure 10.
For full information about the EDID definitions found in the EDID
parameter sections, refer to the VESA Enhanced Extended Display
Identification Data Standard1
Table 5: EDID Definition Tabs
.
Tab Description See
General Contains general definitions about the display and its EDID Figure 5
Display Contains detailed definitions of the video input and the image size Figure 6
Color Contains detailed definitions of color support Figure 7
Established Timing Contains detailed definitions of resolution and timing Figure 8
Standard Timing Allows the user to define 8 preset timing schemes Figure 9
Detailed Timing Allows the user to define detailed timing schemes Figure 10
Figure 5: EDID Designer – General Tab
1 Available from www.vesa.org
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1
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