Kramer VS-42HN User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-42HN
4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
P/N: 2900-300152 Rev 6

VS-42HN - Contents
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Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 2
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
3.1 About Fast Switching 5
3.2 Defining the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher 5
3.3Using the IR Transmitter 8
4Installing in a Rack 9
5Connecting the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher 10
6Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher 12
6.1 Routing Inputs to Outputs 12
6.2 Disconnecting the Outputs 12
6.3 Acquiring the EDID 13
6.4 Storing and Recalling a Switching Setting 14
6.5 Changing the Port Switching Speed 15
6.6 Setting HDCP to On/Off 15
6.7 Resetting the IP Parameters 16
6.8 Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 16
6.9 Connecting to the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher via RS-232 17
6.10 Connecting via Ethernet 17
6.11 Upgrading the Firmware 18
7Technical Specifications 19
8Default Communication Parameters 20
9Default EDID 21
10 Kramer Protocol 2000 23
11 Protocol 3000 26
11.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 26
11.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 29
11.3 Kramer Protocol 3000 –Detailed Commands 30
Figures
Figure 1: VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher 11

VS-42HN - 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 video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
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 14 groups that are clearly defined
by function: 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 Video Products; GROUP 12: Digital Signage; GROUP 13: Audio; and
GROUP 14: Collaboration.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Conference room presentations
Advertising applications
Rental and staging

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VS-42HN - 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
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
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 (we recommend Kramer high-
performance, high-resolution cables) to 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
Position your VS-42HN away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be
connected to other equipment that is installed inside a building.
2.2 Safety Instructions
Caution:
There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning:
Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit
Warning:
Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause
electrical shock! Servicing by qualified personnel only
Warning:
Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall
before installing
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!
!

VS-42HN - Getting Started
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2.3 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/.

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VS-42HN - Overview
3 Overview
The VS-42HN is a high quality 4x2 matrix switcher for HDMI signals. It reclocks and
equalizes the signals and can route any input to any or all outputs simultaneously.
In particular, the VS-42HN features:
Up to 6.75Gbps data rate (2.25Gbps per graphics channel)
Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA and 1080p at 60Hz
Support for HDCP (High Definition Digital Content Protection)
HDMI support for 3D, Deep Color, x.v.Color™, Lip Sync
3D pass-through
Support for up to 7.1 multi-channel audio
I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™ – Intelligent EDID
handling and processing algorithm ensures Plug and Play operation for
HDMI systems
Kramer reKlocking™ and Equalization Technology that rebuilds the digital
signal to travel longer distances
A lock button to prevent unwanted tampering with the buttons on the front
panel
Preset memory locations for quick access to common configurations
Support for Kramer Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000
You can control the VS-42HN using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen system or other
serial controller
The Kramer RC-IR3 infrared remote control transmitter
A PC connected to the Ethernet port on the device via a LAN
An external remote IR receiver (optional), see Section 3.3

VS-42HN - Overview
5
3.1 About Fast Switching
Older display devices required a longer time between the loss of one digital signal
and the introduction of another, as well as a physical disconnection of the
interconnecting cable in order to be able to detect and adjust to the new video
attributes and parameters. Normal switching, therefore, introduced a 5V signal
disconnection along with a delay in switching. Many newer display devices,
however, are now capable of on-the-fly” switching.
Depending on the display device in use, the VS-42HN allows for fast switching
(minor reset and the connection kept alive) and extra fast switching (no reset and
the connection kept alive). Using the fast and extra fast switching modes allows for
fraction-of-a-second switching times when using high performance display devices
or when using a scaler on the video output.
3.2 Defining the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
Figure 1 and Figure 2 define the VS-42HN.

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VS-42HN - Overview
Figure 1: VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR Receiver
Signal receiver for the infrared remote control transmitter
2
INPUT SELECTOR
Buttons
TO OUTPUT 2
Press one of the 4 inputs to switch it to Output 2
3
TO OUTPUT 1
Press one of the 4 inputs to switch it to Output 1
4
OFF Button Output 1
Press to disconnect output 1 from the inputs
5
OFF Button Output 2
Press to disconnect output 2 from the inputs
6
EDID Button
Press to acquire the EDID (see Section 6.1)
7
STO Button
Press to store a switching setting (see Section 6.4)
8
RCL Button
Press to recall the switch setting (see Section 6.4)
9
LOCK Button
Press and hold to toggle the locking/release of the front panel buttons.
Press to acquire the EDID (see Section 6.1)
6VS-42HN –Overview

VS-42HN - Overview
7
VS-42HN –Overview
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Figure 2: VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
10
IN HDMI Connectors (1 to 4)
Connect to up to 4 HDMI sources
11
OUT HDMI Connector (1 to 2)
Connect to the first and second HDMI acceptors
12
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Serial Port Connector
Connect to a PC/serial controller
13
ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector
Connect to a PC via a LAN
14
RESET Button
Press to reset to factory default definitions:
IP number 192.168.1.39, Mask –255.255.0.0, Gateway –0.0.0.0
First, disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the ETH Factory Reset
button. The unit powers up and loads its memory with the factory default definitions and erases all
stored preset
15
REMOTE IR Opening
Connect to an external IR receiver for controlling the device via an IR remote controller (see
Section 3.3)
Covered by a cap. The 3.5mm jack at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits into this
opening
16
Mains Power Connector, Fuse and Power
Switch
Plug in the power cord and switch the device on and off

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VS-42HN - Overview
3.3 Using the IR Transmitter
You can use the RC-IR3 IR transmitter to control the machine via the built-in IR
receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR receiver (Model:
C-A35M/IRR-50). The external IR receiver can be located up to 15 meters away
from the machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used
with three extension cables (Model: C-A35M/A35F-50).
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer dealer to
insert the internal IR connection cable (for example, P/N: 505-70434010-S) with
the 3.5mm connector that fits into the REMOTE IR opening on the rear panel.
Connect the external IR receiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.

VS-42HN - Installing in a Rack
9
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

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VS-42HN - Connecting the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
5 Connecting the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix
Switcher
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-42HN. After connecting your VS-42HN, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher as illustrated in the
example in Figure 3:
1. Connect up to four HDMI sources (for example, DVD players) to the IN
HDMI connectors.
You do not have to connect all the sources.
2. Connect the two OUT HDMI connectors to up to two HDMI acceptors (for
example, LCD displays with built-in speakers).
You do not have to connect all the outputs.
3. If required, connect a PC/controller to the RS-232 port (see Section 6.9)
and/or the Ethernet port (see Section 6.10).
4. Connect the device to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 3).
5. Power on the device.
6. If necessary, acquire the EDID (see Section 6.1)
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VS-42HN - Connecting the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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Figure 3: Connecting the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher

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VS-42HN - Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
6 Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix
Switcher
This section describes:
Switching inputs to outputs (see Section 6.1)
Disconnecting outputs (see Section 6.2)
Acquiring the EDID (see Section 6.3)
Storing and recalling switch settings (see Section 6.4)
Changing the port switching speed (see Section 6.5)
Setting HDCP on or off (see Section 6.6)
Resetting the VS-42HN IP parameters (see Section 6.7)
Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 (see Section 6.8)
Connecting to the VS-42HN via RS-232 (see Section 6.9)
Connecting to the VS-42HN via Ethernet (see Section 6.10)
Upgrading the firmware (see Section 6.11)
6.1 Routing Inputs to Outputs
To route an input to an output:
Press an INPUT button (from 1 to 4) in the TO OUTPUT 1 row to select an
input to switch to output 1
Press an INPUT button (from 1 to 4) in the TO OUTPUT 2 row to select an
input to switch to output 2
6.2 Disconnecting the Outputs
To disconnect output 1, press the OFF button on the TO OUTPUT 1 line and to
disconnect output 2, press the OFF button on the TO OUTPUT 2 line. The OFF
button illuminates.

VS-42HN - Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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6.3 Acquiring the EDID
You can acquire the EDID from OUT 1 and/or OUT 2 and copy it to any of the four
inputs, or reset to the default EDID. The EDID is acquired at once for all the inputs,
according to the status of the selector buttons.
To acquire or change the EDID of one or both new output displays:
1. Connect the required acceptor to the output from which you want to acquire
the EDID.
2. Connect the power supply.
3. Press the EDID button and hold it for 3 seconds.
The four buttons that switch to the output from which you are acquiring the
EDID show their current state:
Input buttons that do not illuminate, store the default EDID
Input buttons that flash store the previously acquired EDID from the
OUT 1 or OUT 2 acceptor
4. For each input, select the output from which it will acquire the EDID, or
deselect it so it will reset to the default EDID value.
For example, to copy the EDID of output 2 to input 3, press the INPUT
SELECTOR button 3 on the TO OUTPUT 2 line.
5. Press the LOCK button.
The LOCK button and the INPUT buttons flash until the EDID is acquired.
6.3.1 Resetting to the Default EDID
To reset to the default EDID do either of the following:
Disconnect the outputs and repeat the steps listed in Section 6.1
Press the input where the default EDID is to be stored to disconnect it from
the output

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VS-42HN - Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
6.4 Storing and Recalling a Switching Setting
You can use the STO and RCL buttons to store the current setup and then recall it.
The VS-42HN stores only one setting in memory. Storing a new setting
overwrites the previous one.
To store a setting:
1. Press the STO button.
The STO button illuminates and the:
Currently selected input buttons illuminate
The selected Input buttons in the current configuration flash
For example, if both outputs are currently disconnected, both OFF buttons
will be illuminated and the current setting input buttons (for example, INPUT
1 to OUTPUT 1 and INPUT 3 to OUTPUT 2) flash.
2. Set the machine to the desired setting.
For example, press INPUT SELECTOR button 3 on the TO OUTPUT 1 line
and INPUT SELECTOR button 1 on the TO OUTPUT 2 line.
These buttons flash.
3. Press the STO button again to store the current setup (you have to press the
STO button within 10 seconds, before the store operation times-out).
The STO button no longer illuminates and the current setting is stored in the
non-volatile memory.
To recall a setup:
1. Press the RCL button.
The RCL button illuminates as well as the current setting input buttons, and
the input buttons of the stored setup flash.
2. Press the RCL button once again to recall the stored setting.
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VS-42HN - Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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6.5 Changing the Port Switching Speed
The switching speed can be set for both output ports to any of the following:
Extra fast
Fast
Normal
To change the port switching speed:
1. Turn the power off.
2. To set the output ports’ switching speed to:
Ex-fast, press the INPUT 1 (of the TO OUTPUT 1 selector buttons) and
LOCK buttons while turning the power on
Fast, press the INPUT 2 (of the TO OUTPUT 1 selector buttons) and
LOCK buttons while turning the power on
Normal, INPUT 3 (of the TO OUTPUT 1 selector buttons) and LOCK
buttons while turning the power on
Note: If the EDID button is not pressed within about 12 seconds, the device exits
the port speed switching mode automatically and all changes are lost.
6.6 Setting HDCP to On/Off
HDCP support can be enabled (On) or disabled (Off) for each of the HDMI inputs,
allowing the source to transmit a non-HDCP signal if required (for example, when
working with a Mac computer)
To set the HDCP:
1. Turn the power off on the machine.
2. Press and hold the IN 1, IN 2 and LOCK buttons simultaneously and turn the
power on while pressing these buttons (you will need more than one person
to perform this step).
The machine is set to the HDCP enable/disable mode.

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VS-42HN - Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
The input front panel buttons’ status indicates the HDCP state of each input:
HDCP enabled (ON) on an input –that input button is illuminated
HDCP disabled (OFF) on an input –that button is not illuminated
3. Press an input button to change its status.
You can press one or more inputs.
4. Once you have changed the status of HDCP on the inputs as desired, press
the EDID to save the changes and exit the HDCP enable/disable mode to
return to normal operation.
Note: If the EDID button is not pressed within about 12 seconds, the device exits
the port HDCP On/Off mode automatically and all changes are lost.
6.7 Resetting the IP Parameters
This procedure resets only the IP related parameters. All switching and
preset values remain unchanged.
To reset the IP parameters to their default values (see Section 8):
Press and hold the ETH Reset button on the rear panel while powering up
the device
6.8 Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000
To switch from Protocol 2000 to Protocol 3000 and back again using the
front panel buttons:
1. On the TO OUTPUT 1 row, press input buttons 1 and 3 at the same time.
Protocol 3000 is active.
2. On the TO OUTPUT 1 row, press input buttons 1 and 2 at the same time.
Protocol 2000 is active.
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VS-42HN - Operating the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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6.9 Connecting to the VS-42HN 4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher
via RS-232
You can connect to the VS-42HN via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a
PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the VS-42HN via RS-232:
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VS-42HN unit via a
9-wire straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, and pin 5 to pin 5 need
to be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
6.10 Connecting via Ethernet
You can connect to the VS-42HN via Ethernet using either of the following
methods:
Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 6.10.1)
Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see
Section 6.10.2)
After connecting the VS-42HN to the Ethernet port, configure your local Ethernet port
by following the instructions in the Ethernet Configuration (K-LanConfigurator) guide
available from http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
or from the Downloads section of the VS-42HN Web page.
Note: If you want to connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6,
speak to your IT department for specific installation instructions.
6.10.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-42HN directly to the Ethernet port on
your PC using a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VS-42HN
with the factory configured default IP address.
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