Kramer VP-8x8AK User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VP-8x8AK
8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Recycling Kramer Products 2
2.2 Quick Start 2
3Overview 4
4Your VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher 5
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter 9
5Installing the VP-8x8AK in a Rack 10
6Using the VP-8x8AK 11
6.1 Connecting the VP-8x8AK Rear Panel 11
6.2 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 13
6.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-232 Port 13
6.4 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS 485 Port 13
6.5 Configuring the Ethernet Port 14
6.5.1 Connecting via the Ethernet 14
6.5.2 Ethernet Port Configuration 16
6.6 Control via the Ethernet Port 17
6.7 Setting the Switching Delay Time 18
6.8 Setting the Machine Number 18
6.9 Cascading Machines 18
7Operating the VP-8x8AK 20
7.1 Switching an Input to an Output 20
7.2 Understanding the 7-Segment Displays 20
7.2.1 The STATUS 7-Segment Display 20
7.2.2 The REL AUDIO LEVEL 7-Segment Display 21
7.3 Confirming Settings 21
7.3.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 22
7.3.2 Confirming a Switching Action 22
7.4 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 22
7.4.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 23
7.4.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 23
7.5 Locking the Front Panel 23
7.6 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 24
7.6.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 24
7.6.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 24
7.7 The Audio Input/Output Gain Control 24
8Flash Memory Upgrade 25

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
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9Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 26
9.1 Connecting to the VP-8x8AK via your Browser 26
9.2 The VP-8x8AK Switching Matrix Page 28
9.2.1 Switch an Input to an Output via the Embedded Web Pages 29
9.2.2 Operate in the Confirm Mode 29
9.2.3 Store and Recall Setups 30
9.3 Audio Gain Page 33
9.4 The Configurations Page 34
10 Technical Specifications 35
11 Default Communication Parameters 36
12 Table of ASCII Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 3000) 37
13 Hex Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 2000) 38
14 Kramer Protocol 40
14.1 Switching Protocols 40
14.1.1 Switching Protocols via the Front Panel Buttons 40
14.1.2 Switching Protocols via Protocol Commands 40
14.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 41
14.2.1 Protocol 3000 Syntax 41
14.2.2 Command Parts Details 42
14.3 Kramer Protocol 2000 48
Figures
Figure 1: VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher – Front View 6
Figure 2: VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher – Rear View 8
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher 12
Figure 4: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Output 13
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Output 13
Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window 15
Figure 7: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 15
Figure 8: Connect Screen 16
Figure 9: Device Properties Screen 17
Figure 10: Control Configuration via RS-232 and RS-485 19
Figure 11: 7-segment Display During Normal Operation 20
Figure 12: 7-segment Display after Turning the Switcher ON 21
Figure 13: REL AUDIO LEVEL 7-segment Display 21
Figure 14: Storing and Recalling using the Input/Output Buttons 22
Figure 15: Java Test Page Success Message 26
Figure 16: Entering the IP Number in the Address Bar 26
Figure 17: Loading the Embedded Web Pages 27
Figure 18: First Time Security Warning 27
Figure 19: VP-8x8AK Embedded Web Page 28
Figure 20: Switching an Input to an Output 29
Figure 21: Switching an Input to an Output 30
Figure 22: Exiting Offline Warning 30

Contents
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Figure 23: Selecting a preset 31
Figure 24: Save Preset Message 31
Figure 25: Load Preset Message 32
Figure 26: Recalling a Preset in the Confirm Mode 32
Figure 27: Audio Gain Page 33
Figure 28: CONFIGURATIONS Embedded Web Page 34
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Features 7
Table 2: Rear Panel VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Features 9
Table 3: Technical Specifications of the VP-8x8AK 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher 35
Table 4: Default Communication Parameters 36
Table 5: VP-8x8AK Video Signal Codes for Protocol 3000 37
Table 6: VP-8x8AK Audio Signal Codes for Protocol 3000 37
Table 7: VP-8x8AK Audio Input Gain Codes 37
Table 8: VP-8x8AK Audio Output Gain Codes 38
Table 9: VP-8x8AK Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 38
Table 10: VP-8x8AK Hex Codes for Switching Audio Channels via RS-232/RS-485 38
Table 11: VP-8x8AK Hex Codes for Increasing/Decreasing the Audio Input Gain 39
Table 12: VP-8x8AK Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Input Gain 39
Table 13: VP-8x8AK Hex Codes for Increasing/Decreasing the Output Gain 39
Table 14: VP-8x8AK Hex Codes for Setting the Audio Output Gain 39
Table 15: Instruction Codes for Protocol 3000 43
Table 16: Protocol Definitions 48
Table 17: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 49

Introduction
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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 groups1that are clearly defined by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your VP-8x8AK8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio
Matrix Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Professional display systems requiring a true 8x8 computer graphics and
audio matrix operation
•Multimedia and presentation source, and acceptor selection
The package includes the following items:
•VP-8x8AK8x8 VGA / UXGA Matrix Switcher
•Windows®-based Kramer control software2
•Kramer RC-IR3Infrared Remote Control Transmitter (including the
required battery and a separate user manual4)
•Power cord3, rack “ears” and this user manual4
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 cables5
•Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Routers; 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 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
4 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
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2.1 Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC aims to reduce the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill
or incineration by requiring it to be collected and recycled. To comply with
the WEEE Directive, Kramer Electronics has made arrangements with the
European Advanced Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any costs of
treatment, recycling and recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded
equipment on arrival at the EARN facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling
arrangements in your particular country go to our recycling pages at
http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/recycling/.
2.2 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

Getting Started
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3

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview
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3 Overview
The VP-8x8AK is a high performance 8x8 computer graphics video matrix
switcher for high-resolution video and stereo audio signals. The VP-8x8AK
is HDTV compatible and lets you route any combination of inputs and
outputs.
In particular, the VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher
features:
•Kramer’s innovative integrated sync processing; Kr-isp® technology that
lets you achieve a sharp, stable image when the sync level is too low, by
restoring the sync signal waveform
•A video bandwidth of over 360MHz that ensures transparent performance
even in the most critical applications
•16 preset memory locations for quick access to common video and audio
configurations and audio gain status for each output
•Automatic detection of the connected input signals (the respective button
illuminates)
•A delayed switching mode (ranging from 0 to 3.5sec1) for clean
transitions when switching between non-genlocked sources
•DC-coupled video inputs and outputs
•Audio-follow-video and breakaway options
•Eight stereo unbalanced stereo audio input signals on 3.5mm mini plugs
•Eight balanced stereo audio output signals on 5-pin terminal block
connectors
•Audio level control buttons for adjusting the signal level of each input
and each output
•Measurement and indication of the audio level for each input and output,
in relative dB
•A TAKE button, which allows you to place multiple switches in a queue
and then activate them simultaneously with one touch of this button
•A LOCK button to prevent tampering with the front panel
•Supports DDC (Display Data Channel) communication between selected
input 1 and output 1 high-density 15-pin HD connectors on pins 12 and 15
•Control via embedded Web pages
1 In increments of 0.5sec

Your VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher
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5
Control the VP-8x8AK using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
•RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands (using Kramer 2000 and 3000
protocols) transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial
controller
•The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter or infrared remote
extension cable transmitter (optional)
•Ethernet over a LAN
The VP-8x8AK is dependable, rugged, and fits into two vertical spaces (2U)
of a standard 19” professional rack.
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables1to avoid interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise
levels (often associated with low quality cables)
•Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer VP-8x8AK
away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher
Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, and Table 2define the VP-8x8AK8x8 VGA /
UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher.
1 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher
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Figure 1: VP-8x8AK 8x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher – Front View