Kramer VS-44H2 User manual

P/N: 2900-300654 Rev 1 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-44H2
4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Contents
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Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Typical Applications 3
Defining VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher 4
Mounting VS-44H2 6
Connecting VS-44H2 7
Connecting to VS-44H2 via RS-232 8
Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons 9
Switching Inputs to Outputs 10
Switching an Input to All the Outputs 10
Muting Outputs 10
Switching a Pattern to an Input 11
Storing and Recalling Presets 11
Locking and Unlocking Front Panel Buttons 12
Assigning EDID to Inputs 12
Operating via Ethernet 13
Using Embedded Webpages 16
Browsing VS-44H2 Webpages 17
Defining Global Settings 18
Routing Inputs to Outputs 21
Defining HDMI Input Port Parameters 23
Defining HDMI Output Parameters 24
Managing EDID 27
Configuring Device Automation 32
Restarting and Resetting to Factory Default Parameters 33
Changing Device Name 35
Setting Authentication 36
Changing the Ethernet Settings 37
Performing Firmware Upgrade 39
Setting Date and Time 40
Viewing General Version Information 41
Upgrading Firmware 42
Technical Specifications 43
Default Communication Parameters 44
Default EDID 44
Protocol 3000 46
Understanding Protocol 3000 46
Protocol 3000 Commands 47
Result and Error Codes 62

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Introduction
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!
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 www.kramerav.com/downloads/VS-44H2 to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving 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 Kramer VS-44H2 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust.
Safety Instructions
Caution:
•This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
•For products with relay terminals and GPI\O ports, please refer to the permitted rating
for an external connection, located next to the terminal or in the User Manual.
•There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Warning:
•Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit.
•Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall before installing.
•Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause electrical shock! Servicing by qualified
personnel only.
•To ensure continuous risk protection, replace fuses only according to the rating
specified on the product label which located on the bottom of the unit.

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VS-44H2 –Introduction
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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 www.kramerav.com/support/recycling.
Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher.
VS-44H2 is a high-performance 4x4 matrix switcher for 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) HDR signals. It
reclocks and equalizes the signals and can route any one of 4 HDMI™, HDCP-compliant
sources (selectable) to any or all outputs simultaneously.
VS-44H2 provides exceptional quality, and advanced and user-friendly operation.
Exceptional Quality
•High-Performance AV Matrix –Switches four 4K@60Hz (4:4:4), HDR, HDMI, HDCP
(2.2/1.4)–compliant signals to four 4K@60Hz (4:4:4), HDR, HDMI, HDCP (2.2/1.4)–
compliant outputs at up to 18G data rate, featuring Kramer re-Klocking™ and
Equalization Technology that rebuilds the digital signal to travel longer distances.
For optimum range and performance, use recommended Kramer cables.
•HDMI Support –Deep Color, 3D, up to 7.1 uncompressed audio channels as specified in
HDMI 2.0.
Advanced and User-friendly Operation
•Quick Access to Common Configurations –Save up to 8 preset configurations.
•Simple and Powerful Maestro Room Automation –Intuitive user interface enables you to
fully automate your meeting room elements. Configure lights, shades, devices and more
to be activated by an extensive range of triggers, including scheduling, input/output
connectivity, routing, and button pressing. By minimizing user intervention, Maestro
room automation saves meeting prep time and minimizes human error before
presentations.
•Smart Switching –Active source & acceptor detection. Automatic input selection based
on priority selection or last connected input.
•Embedded Pattern Generator –With selectable patterns.

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VS-44H2 –Introduction
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•Convenient Unit Control and Configuration Options –Local control via front panel
switching, memory, lock and EDID buttons, and input/output LED display. Distance
control via user-friendly embedded webpages via the Ethernet, Protocol 3000 API, and
RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen system or other serial
controller.
•EDID Management –Individual EDID management per input. Captures and stores the
EDID from a display device.
•Flexible Content Protection –Selectable HDCP per input.
•Cost–Effective Maintenance –Input selection indicators facilitate easy local maintenance
and troubleshooting. Firmware upgrade via Ethernet.
•Easy Installation –19” enclosure for rack mounting in a 1U rack space with included rack
ears and universal 100–240V AC power supply.
Typical Applications
VS-44H2 is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Control rooms with multiple displays.
•Presentation and multimedia applications.
•Systems that require automatic HDMI routing.
Controlling your VS-44H2
Control your VS-44H2 directly via the front panel push buttons, or:
•By RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial
controller.
•Via the Ethernet using built-in user-friendly webpages.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Defining VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher
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Defining VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix
Switcher
This section defines VS-44H2.
Figure 1: VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
IN Select Buttons
(1 to 4)
Press to select the input to switch after selecting an output (also used for
storing/recalling machine setups).
OUT Select Buttons
(1 to 4)
Press to select an output to switch to followed by an input (also used for
storing/recalling machine setups.
MUTE/PATTERN
Button
Press to view the current pattern status and select the output/s to which a
pattern is routed.
Press to mute audio and video on a selected output. Press the selected
output and then press MUTE.
ALL Button
Press followed by an input button to connect the selected input to all
outputs.
For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all
the outputs.
STO Button
Press STO followed by an IN or OUT (1 to 4) button to store the current
switching configuration to the location corresponding to that INPUT number.
RCL Button
Press RCL followed by the corresponding IN or OUT (1 to 4) button to recall
the preset switching configuration saved in that location.
LOCK Button
Press and hold to toggle between locking and releasing the front panel
buttons.
EDID Button
Press to enter the EDID mode.
OUTPUT/INPUT 7-
segment LED
Display
Displays the input currently switched to the output which is marked above
each input.
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5
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VS-44H2 –Defining VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher
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Figure 2: VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
HDMI™ INPUT Connectors (1 to 4)
Connect to up to 4 HDMI sources.
HDMI OUTPUT Connectors (1 to 4)
Connect to up to 4 HDMI acceptors.
5V/2A USB Port
Use to charge a device.
PROG USB Mini Port
Connect to a PC/serial controller to control the device.
Reset Button
Press and hold for about 8 seconds to reset the configuration
to its default parameters.
ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector
Connect to a PC via a LAN.
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector
Connect to a PC/serial controller to control the device.
Mains Power Connector Fuse
Plug in the power cord.
Power Illuminated Switch
Turn the device on and off.
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Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Mounting VS-44H2
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Mounting VS-44H2
This section provides instructions for mounting VS-44H2. Before installing, verify that the
environment is within the recommended range:
•Operation temperature –0to 40C (32 to 104F).
•Storage temperature –-40to +70C (-40 to +158F).
•Humidity –10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing.
Caution:
•Mount VS-44H2 before connecting any cables or power.
Warning:
•Ensure that the environment (e.g., maximum ambient temperature & air flow) is
compatible for the device.
•Avoid uneven mechanical loading.
•Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used for avoiding
overloading of the circuits.
•Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.
Mount VS-44H2 in a rack:
•Attach both rack ears by removing the screws from each side of
the machine and replacing those screws through the rack ears.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Connecting VS-44H2
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Connecting VS-44H2
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your VS-44H2. After
connecting your VS-44H2, connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.
Figure 3: Connecting to the VS-44H2 Rear Panel
To connect VS-44H2 as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect up to four HDMI sources (for example, Blu-ray players and laptops) to the
HDMI INPUT connectors .
2. Connect the HDMI OUTPUT connectors to up to four HDMI acceptors (for example,
projectors and displays).
3. Connect the power adapter to VS-44H2 and to the mains electricity (not shown in
Figure 3).
4. Connect the ETHERNET RJ-45 port to the Network.
5. Connect the RS-232 port to a controller (for example, a laptop).
6. Connect the power.
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VS-44H2 –Connecting VS-44H2
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Connecting to VS-44H2 via RS-232
You can connect to VS-44H2 via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC.
VS-44H2 features an RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector allowing the RS-232 to control
VS-44H2.
Connect the RS-232 terminal block on the rear panel of VS-44H2 to a PC/controller, as
follows:
From the RS-232 9-pin D-sub serial port connect:
•Pin 2 to the TX pin on the VS-44H2 RS-232 terminal
block
•Pin 3 to the RX pin on the VS-44H2 RS-232 terminal
block
•Pin 5 to the G pin on the VS-44H2 RS-232 terminal
block
RS-232 Device VS-44H2
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VS-44H2 –Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons
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Operating VS-44H2 Via Front
Panel Buttons
Press the power switch to power the device. During the 60-second initialization process:
•The 7-segment display LEDs first display LOAD and then, towards the completion of
the initialization process, flash a few times.
•All the front panel buttons illuminate for a few seconds.
Following initialization, the IN-OUT status is displayed on the 7-segment displays, and the
front panel buttons are ready for normal operation.
You need to carry out all front panel button operations within 15 seconds otherwise that
action times out if the operation is not carried out.
Any switching operation is performed by selecting the output (or all the outputs) first and then
selecting the input.
An illuminated input button means that a valid input is connected to that input.
An illuminated output button means that a display is connected to that output.
VS-44H2 front panel buttons enable performing the following actions:
•Switching Inputs to Outputs on page 10.
•Switching an Input to All the Outputs on page 10.
•Muting Outputs on page 10.
•Switching a Pattern to an Input on page 11.
•Storing and Recalling Presets on page 11.
•Locking and Unlocking Front Panel Buttons on page 12.
•Assigning EDID to Inputs on page 12.
•Operating via Ethernet on page 13.
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VS-44H2 –Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons
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Switching Inputs to Outputs
VS-44H2 enables switching an input to one or more outputs via the front panel buttons. First
an output is selected and then the input is selected to be switched to the selected output.
To switch an input to one or more outputs:
1. Press an OUT button (for example, press OUT 1). The selected OUT button, as well as
the 7-segment display LED under the selected output, flash.
2. Press an IN button (for example, press IN 3) to choose the input to be switched to the
selected output.
The selected OUT button stops flashing and the 7-segment display under the selected
output, displays the input number that is routed to that output.
Input 3 is routed to output 1.
In the same way, you can route the same input to another output or different inputs to
different outputs.
Switching an Input to All the Outputs
VS-44H2 enables switching an input to all the outputs via the front panel buttons. Pressing
ALL selects all the outputs.
To switch an input to all the outputs:
1. Press ALL . The ALL button flashes as well as all the 7-segment display LEDs.
2. Press an IN button (for example, press IN 3) to choose the input to be switched to all the
outputs.
The ALL button and the 7-segment display LEDs stop flashing. The 7-segment display
shows the same input routed to all the outputs.
Input 3 is routed to all the outputs.
Muting Outputs
VS-44H2 enables muting an output, several outputs or all the outputs via the front panel
buttons.
To mute an output:
1. Select an output to mute (to mute all outputs, press ALL on the front panel).
2. Press MUTE/PATTERN on the front panel.
The selected output/s is muted.
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VS-44H2 –Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons
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Switching a Pattern to an Input
VS-44H2 generates 4 embedded patterns. These patterns can be routed at a resolution of
480p to one output at a time. A pattern is selected by pressing inputs 1 to 4 when in the
Pattern mode as follows:
1 (Color Bars)
2 (Solid Blue)
3 (Solid Green)
4 (Solid Red)
Figure 4: VS-44H2 Embedded Patterns
To route a pattern:
1. Press MUTE/PATTERN . The MUTE/PATTERN button flashes.
▪If there is currently no pattern routed to an output, all 4 inputs on the 7-segment
display hyphens.
▪If a pattern is currently routed to an output, the pattern number is displayed under
that output and the other inputs display a hyphen.
2. Select the output to which the pattern is routed.
3. Select the pattern (1 to 4) by pressing an input. The 7-segment display returns to normal
operation mode and “P” under the selected output number indicates that a pattern is
routed to that output.
A pattern is routed to the selected output.
Storing and Recalling Presets
You can store up to 8 presets. Each setup includes the device configuration, excluding
Network settings, security configuration and Maestro configuration.
In Store-Recall mode, OUT 1 corresponds to setup 1, IN 1 corresponds to setup 5, and so on.
Figure 5: VS-44H2 4K 4x4 Matrix Switcher Front Panel
Storing Presets
To store a preset:
1. Press STO on the front panel button. The STO button flashes.
2. Press an IN or OUT button (for example, IN 1).
The selected button flashes until the current configuration is stored.
The current configuration is stored to preset 5.
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Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons
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Recalling Presets
To recall a preset:
1. Press RCL on the front panel button.
The RCL button flashes.
2. Press an IN or OUT button to recall the preset stored in that IN/OUT button.
The stored preset is recalled.
Locking and Unlocking Front Panel Buttons
VS-44H2 enables using the LOCK button to toggle between locking and unlocking the front
panel buttons.
To lock or unlock the front panel buttons:
1. Press LOCK for a few seconds on the front panel until it illuminates.
Front panel buttons are locked.
2. Press LOCK for a few seconds on the front panel button until it no longer illuminates.
Front panel buttons are unlocked.
Front panel buttons are locked/unlocked
Assigning EDID to Inputs
VS-44H2 enables using the EDID button to assign EDID to a selected input.
To copy the EDID from a connected output to a selected input:
1. Press EDID on the front panel button. The EDID button flashes and the 7-segment
display shows the current EDID status (“d” for default or the number of the output
source).
2. Press an input button (for example, IN 3 or press ALL for copying to all the inputs) to
which you want to copy the EDID.
All the selected buttons flash as well as the 7-segment display LEDs of the selected
inputs.
3. Press an output button (for example, OUT 3) from which the EDID is copied.
4. Press EDID button. Wait a few seconds for the device to copy the EDID from the
connected display.
EDID is copied from the connected output to the selected inputs.
To copy the default EDID:
1. Press and hold EDID until button illuminates.
VS-44H2 enters the EDID mode and the 7-segment display shows the current EDID
status.
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VS-44H2 –Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons
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2. Press an input button (or ALL).
The selected input and 7-segment display LEDs of the selected inputs flash.
3. Press a disconnected output button.
Default EDID is copied to the selected inputs.
Operating via Ethernet
You can connect to VS-44H2 via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
•Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Connecting Ethernet Port Directly to PC
on page 13).
•Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see Connecting
Ethernet Port via Network Hub on page 15).
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.
Connecting Ethernet Port Directly to PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of VS-44H2 directly to the Ethernet port on your PC using a
crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying VS-44H2
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting VS-44H2 to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and click Change
settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network adapter appears
as shown in Figure 6.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons
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Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window
4. Highlight either Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet Protocol Version 4
(TCP/IPv4) depending on the requirements of your IT system.
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears as shown in
Figure 7 or Figure 8.
Figure 7: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window

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VS-44H2 –Operating VS-44H2 Via Front Panel Buttons
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Figure 8: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address for static IP addressing and fill in the details as
shown in Figure 9.
For TCP/IPv4 you can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255
(excluding 192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT department.
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Properties Window
7. Click OK.
8. Click Close.
Connecting Ethernet Port via Network Hub or Switch
You can connect the Ethernet port of VS-44H2 to the Ethernet port on a network hub or using
a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
Configuring Ethernet Port
You can set the Ethernet parameters via the embedded webpages.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Using Embedded Webpages
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Using Embedded Webpages
VS-44H2 enables you to configure settings via Ethernet using built-in, user-friendly
webpages.
You can also configure VS-44H2 via Protocol 3000 commands (see Protocol 3000
Commands on page 47).
VS-44H2 webpages enable performing the following:
•Browsing VS-44H2 Webpages on page 17.
•Defining Global Settings on page 18.
•Routing Inputs to Outputs on page 21.
•Defining HDMI Input Port Parameters on page 23.
•Defining HDMI Output Parameters on page 24.
•Managing EDID on page 27.
•Configuring Device Automation on page 32.
•Restarting and Resetting to Factory Default Parameters on page 33.
•Changing Device Name on page 35.
•Setting Authentication on page 36.
•Changing the Ethernet Settings on page 37.
•Performing Firmware Upgrade on page 39.
•Setting Date and Time on page 40.
•Viewing General Version Information on page 41.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Using Embedded Webpages
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Browsing VS-44H2 Webpages
If a webpage does not update correctly, clear your Web browser’s cache.
To browse webpages:
1. Type the IP address of the device in the address bar of your internet browser (default is
192.168.1.39).
By default, security is enabled. The Login window appears (to disable security, see
Setting Authentication on page 36).
Figure 10: Embedded Webpages Login Window
2. Enter the Username (default is Admin) and Password (default is Admin) and click
Sign in.
The Routing Settings webpage appears.
Figure 11: Routing Settings Page
3. Click the Navigation Pane on the left side of the screen to access the relevant webpage.
Click the arrow next to the navigation pane to hide/show the names of the pages.
Webpages can be accessed.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-44H2 –Using Embedded Webpages
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Defining Global Settings
VS-44H2 enables performing the following actions via the Presets & Settings page:
•Setting Video Timeouts on page 18.
•Saving and Loading Presets on page 20.
Setting Video Timeouts
VS-44H2 enables setting the video switching timeouts.
To set the video timeouts:
1. In the Navigation pane, click Routing Settings. The Routing Matrix page appears (see
Figure 11).
2. Click Presets & Settings (next to Routing Matrix).
The Auto-Switching Timeouts tab in the Global Settings window appears.
Figure 12: Global Settings Window –Auto-Switching Timeouts