Kramer VP-729 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL


Model:
VP - 729
Presentation Switcher / Scaler

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
3.1 About HDMI 5
3.2 Recommendations for Best Performance 6
4 Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler 6
5 Installing in a Rack 10
6 Connecting your Presentation Switcher / Scaler 11
6.1 Connecting a PC 13
6.2 Connecting the VP-729 via the ETHERNET port 13
7 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons 14
7.1 Switching an Input 14
7.2 The PIP Button Feature 14
7.2.1 Activating the PIP Feature 15
7.2.2 Selecting the PIP Source 15
7.2.3 Quick Selection of the PIP Source 15
7.2.4 Toggling between the PIP and the Screen Source (Swap) 16
7.3 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 17
7.4 The Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter 17
8 Configuring the VP-729 via the OSD MENU Screens 19
8.1 The Input Screen 20
8.2 The Picture Screen 21
8.3 The Output Screen 22
8.4 The PIP Screen 23
8.5 The Audio Screen 24
8.6 The Geometry Screen 25
8.7 The Setup Screen 26
8.7.1 The Advanced Setup Screen 27
8.8 Verifying Configuration Details via the Info Screen 30
9 Technical Specifications 31
10 VP-729 Communication Protocol 36
Figures
Figure 1: VP-729 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Front Panel 7
Figure 2: VP-729 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-729 Rear Panel 12
Figure 4: Connecting the PC 13
Figure 5: PIP Source Over Background 15
Figure 6: OSD SWAP Status 16

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Contents
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Figure 7: Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter 18
Figure 8: MENU Items 19
Figure 9: Input Screen 20
Figure 10: Picture Screen 21
Figure 11: Output Screen 22
Figure 12: PIP Screen 23
Figure 13: Audio Screen 24
Figure 14: Geometry Screen 25
Figure 15: Setup Screen 26
Figure 16: Advanced Setup Screen 27
Figure 17: Firmware Download Screen 28
Figure 18: Information Screen 30
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features 8
Table 2: Rear Panel Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features 9
Table 3: PIP Source Appearance Availability 16
Table 4: Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter Functions 18
Table 5: Input Screen Functions 20
Table 6: Picture Screen Functions 21
Table 7: Output Screen Functions 22
Table 8: PIP Screen Functions 23
Table 9: Audio Screen Functions 24
Table 10: Geometry Screen Functions 25
Table 11: Available Settings for Each Application 25
Table 12: Setup Screen Functions 26
Table 13: Mode Set Functions 27
Table 14: OSD Functions 27
Table 15: Misc Functions 28
Table 16: Input Functions 29
Table 17: Output Functions 29
Table 18: Technical Specifications of the VP-729 Presentation Switchers / Scaler 31
Table 19: Technical Specifications of the RGBHV / RGBS (PC) / RGsB (PC) Signal 32
Table 20: Technical Specifications of the Y/C, Video Signal 32
Table 21: Technical Specifications of the DVI Signal (for RGB Colorspace)32
Table 22: Technical Specifications of the HDMI Signal (for RGB or YUV Colorspace) 33
Table 23: Technical Specifications of the Component Input Signal 33
Table 24: Technical Specifications of the RGBHV/Comp/YPbPr Output Signal 34
Table 25: Technical Specifications of the HDMI/DVI/RGB Output Signal 35
Table 26: Technical Specifications of the 1920x1080 Output Signal 35

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 VP-729 Presentation Switcher /
Scaler, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, hotels and
churches
Production studios, rental and staging
Any application where high quality conversion and switching of multiple and
different video signals to graphical data signals is required for projection
purposes
The package includes the following items:
VP-729 Presentation Switcher / Scaler
Infra-red remote control transmitter
Power cord
2
and null-modem adapter
This user manual
3
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
4
2.1 Quick Start
The quick start charts summarize the basic setup and operation steps of the
VP-729.
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 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 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 VP-729 is a 9-input Proscale™ Presentation Switcher / Scaler
with unbalanced stereo and digital S/PDIF audio.
The VP-729 scales any composite, s-Video (Y/C), component video (YUV),
HDMI or computer graphics video signal, as well as jpeg files (via USB) up
or down to a selectable graphics or HDTV output resolution and provides
glitch-free switching between sources through FTB™ (fade-thru-black)
switching technology. The output signal is available simultaneously on a 15-
pin HD computer graphics video (UXGA) connector and on an HDMI
connector.
The VP-729 features include:
K-Storm™ Scaling Technology - Kramer’s extremely high performance
scaling technology. High quality 3:2 and 2:2 pull down
1
de-interlacing and full
up and down scaling of computer graphics video input signals
Fade-Thru-Black (FTB™) Switching - the video fades to black and then the
new input fades from black for glitch-free and smooth switching. The output
signal provides constant sync so the display never glitches
K-IIT™ Picture-in-Picture Image Insertion Technology - ultra stable picture-in-
picture image insertion capability. Any video source can be inserted into a
computer graphics video source or vice versa (or 2 images can be placed side-
by-side) with positioning and sizing controls
Four user definable (universal) video inputs (each can be set as composite
video, s-Video (Y/C) or component video), two computer graphics video
inputs, two HDMI inputs and 1 USB input (for reading JPEG picture files
2
)
HDTV compatible component input
HDTV output resolutions - 480p, 576p, 720p 1080i, and 1080p
Scaled video outputs - HDMI and computer graphics video
HDMI supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
3
Multiple computer graphics output resolutions - including a user-defined output
resolution with selectable refresh rates
Multiple aspect ratio selections
Companion AFV (audio-follow-video) for every analog video input - supports
embedded audio on the two HDMI inputs and output
Built-in noise reduction and picture enhancement features
1 Accommodates the frame-rate of a converted movie (24 frames per second) to video frequencies (25 frames per second
(PAL); 30 frames per second (NTSC)
2 JPEG files in EXIF format are recognized, up to 1920x1200
3 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions

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Overview
4
Audio inputs - four (stereo audio or S/PDIF on 2 RCA connectors) for each of
the four universal video inputs; two stereo audio (on 3.5mm connectors) for the
two computer graphics video inputs; and embedded audio on the HDMI inputs
Audio outputs - S/PDIF and stereo audio (RCA connectors). Transcodes stereo
or S/PDIF audio to both stereo and S/PDIF audio and embeds audio onto the
HDMI output
Built-in Time Base Corrector - stabilizes video sources with unstable sync
Built-in video Proc-Amp - color, hue, sharpness, contrast, and brightness are set
individually for each input
A BLANK button, a FREEZE button, a RESET TO XGA/720P button (to
hardware-reset the output resolution); and a PANEL LOCK button
1
Built-in audio Proc-Amp - with bass, treble, balance and loudness control, as
well as audio delay
Supports firmware upgrade
2
via the USB port
An OSD (On-Screen Display) – for making adjustments – that can be located
anywhere on the screen, and can be doubled in size.
For example, the OSD can be used to deactivate the source prompt, choose the
color of the blank screen, and choose from three seamless switching image
transition speeds
In addition, the VP-729:
Includes non-volatile memory that retains the last settings, after switching the
power off and then on again
Digitally reprocesses the signal to correct mastering errors, and regenerates the
video at a higher line and pixel rate format, providing native-resolution video
for LCD, DLP and plasma displays
Is specifically designed to improve video quality by reducing chroma noise
Scales and zooms (to up to 400% of the original size)
Can provide non-linear scaling for 4:3, 16:9 transformation
Control your VP-729 directly via the front panel push buttons, or:
By RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other
serial controller
Remotely, from the infra-red remote control transmitter (with on-screen menus)
Via the Ethernet
The VP-729 is housed in a 19” 1U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears”
included, and is fed from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.
1 The front panel blank, freeze and lock buttons can be programmed via the OSD menu (see Table 15)
2 To check if firmware upgrades are available, go to our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Overview
5
3.1 About HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital
1
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. It delivers the maximum high-definition image and sound quality in use
today. Note that Kramer Electronics Limited is an HDMI Adopter
2
and an HDCP
Licensee
3
.
In particular, HDMI
4
:
Provides a simple
5
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
6
cable
Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel digital
audio
7
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 cable8, 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
Has the capacity to support existing high-definition video formats (720p, 1080i,
and 1080p/60), standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL, as well as
480p and 576p
1 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-
to-analog conversions
2 See http://www.hdmi.org/about/adopters_founders.asp
3 See http://www.digital-cp.com/list/
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
8 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner

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Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
6
3.2 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
Kramer VP-729 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
Figure 1, and Table 1 define the front panel of the VP-729; Figure 2 and
Table 2 define the rear panel.

Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
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Figure 1: VP-729 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Front Panel
Figure 2: VP-729 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Rear Panel