Kramer VS-44HD User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VS-44HD
4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 3
5 Installing on a Rack 6
6 Connecting Your VS-44HD 7
6.1 Connecting Your VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 7
6.2 Connecting the VS-44HD as a Dual-Link 2x2 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 9
6.3 Setting the VS-44HD to work in the Dual-Link Mode 10
6.4 Dipswitch Settings 11
6.4.1 Setting the Machine # Dipswitches 11
6.5 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 12
6.6 Controlling via the RS-485 Port 13
6.7 Factory Reset 14
6.8 Switching Genlocked Video Signals 14
6.9 Controlling via ETHERNET 14
6.9.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 14
6.9.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 16
6.9.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port 16
6.10 Controlling via the REMOTE Connector 16
7 Operating the VS-44HD 17
7.1 Switching OUT-IN Combinations 17
7.2 Switching OUT-IN Combinations in the Dual-Link Mode 17
7.3 Confirming Settings 18
7.3.1 Toggling between the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes 18
7.3.2 Confirming a Switching Action 18
7.4 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 19
7.4.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 19
7.4.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 19
7.5 Locking the Front Panel 20
8 Technical Specifications 20
9 Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication 20
10 Kramer Protocol 2000 21

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 8
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HD as a Dual-Link 2x2 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 4: VS-44HD SETUP Dipswitches 11
Figure 5: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 12
Figure 6: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000) 13
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 15
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 15
Figure 9: Using the REMOTE Connector 16
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 5
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 5
Table 3: Machine # Dipswitch Settings 11
Table 4: Technical Specifications of the VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 20
Table 5: VS-44HD Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 20
Table 6: Protocol Definitions 21
Table 7: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 22

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
1,000-plus different models now appear in 11 groups
1
that are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI
Matrix Switcher. This product is ideal for:
Professional broadcasting and production studios
Presentation applications
The package includes the following items:
VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
Null-modem adapter, infrared remote control transmitter and power cord
This user manual
2
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
3
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic steps when connecting a
VS-44HD:
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 the Internet at this URL: 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

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VS-44HD is a true 4x4 matrix switcher
1
for standard definition / high
definition SDI signals that lets you simultaneously route any of the four
inputs to any or all of the four outputs. It can be used as a 4x4 SD/HD-SDI
matrix switcher or as a dual-link 2x2 SD/HD-SDI Matrix switcher. The
VS-44HD features:
Input and output signals on BNC connectors and selector buttons that
automatically light up in different colors—green, when the VS-44HD
detects a ‘standard definition’ signal, or blue, when it detects a ‘high
definition’ signal
Reclocking and equalization on each input
The ability to switch genlocked video signals according to timing of the
GENLOCK reference input. Switching according to the Bi-level or
Tri-level Genlock input according to SMPTE RP-168
2
Factory reset that lets you reset the machine to its original default state
The storing and recalling of setups, a Take button for the execution of
multiple switches all at once, and a front panel lock
The VS-44HD is housed in a 19" 1U rack mountable enclosure and is fed
from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply. Control is via the
front panel buttons, infrared remote control transmitter, and/or remotely, by
RS 232 or RS 485 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC,
or other serial controller, as well as ETHERNET or remote contact closure for
forced operation.
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 that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer VS-44HD
away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
Figure 1, Table 1, and Table 2 define the VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix
Switcher.
1 Switching is implemented during the vertical interval period according to the SMPTE RP-168 standard, when using
synchronized SDI sources
2 The sources must be genlocked to the GENLOCK input in order to switch cleanly

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
4
Figure 1: VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher

Your VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
5
Table 1: Front Panel VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED illuminates when receiving signals from the infrared remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 INPUT SELECTOR
Buttons Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 4).
In the dual-link mode, select input 1 or 2 to switch dual-link 1 or 2 to the outputs
Press input buttons 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously, to reset the machine to its factory
default values
1
(see section 6.7)
Use to set the resolution when switching genlocked video signals (see section 6.8)
4 OUTPUT
SELECTOR Buttons
Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 4). In the dual-link
mode, select the dual-link output 1 or 2 to which the input is switched
5 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
2
and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
6 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
3
7 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an OFF-ALL
combination disconnects all the outputs
8 LOCK Button Disengages the front panel buttons
9 RCL (RECALL)
Button
Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding INPUT / OUTPUT key recalls a
setup from the non-volatile memory. The stored status blinks. Pressing a
different INPUT / OUTPUT button lets you view
4
another setup. After making
your choice, pressing the RCL button again implements the new status
10
STO (STORE) Button
Pressing STO followed by an INPUT / OUTPUT button stores the current setting
5
11
7-segment Display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each input)
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
# Feature Function
12
GENLOCK BNC Connector Connect to the Genlock source
13
TERM Button Press to terminate the Genlock source (75) or release for looping
6
14
LOOP BNC Connector Connect to the GENLOCK connector of the next unit in the line
15
INPUT BNC Connectors Connect to the serial digital video sources
16
OUTPUT BNC Connectors Connect to the serial digital video acceptors
17
REMOTE Terminal Block Connector
Connect to closure contact switches
18
RS-232 DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
7
19
RS-485 Detachable Terminal
Block Port
Pin G is for the Ground connection
8
; pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485
20
SETUP Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit
21
ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller via computer networking
22
Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 The 7-segmant display shows 1234 indicating that the operation mode is normal, and that the setups stored via the
INPUT/OUTPUT buttons have been erased
2 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
3 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
4 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage
5 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
6 Push in to terminate the input. Release when the input extends to another unit
7 Via a null-modem connection
8 The ground connection is sometimes connected to the shield of the RS-485 cable. In most applications, the ground is not
connected

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing on a Rack
6
5 Installing on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing in a Rack How to Rack Mount
Before installing in a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5°to +45°C (41°to 113°F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20°to +70°C (-4°to 158°F)
Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing

CAUTION!!
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking
care that:
1. It is located within the recommended environmental
conditions, as the operating ambient temperature of a
closed or multi unit rack assembly may exceed the
room ambient temperature.
2. Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around
the machine.
3. The machine is placed straight in the correct
horizontal position.
4. You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting
the machine to the supply circuit, overloading the
circuits might have a detrimental effect on overcurrent
protection and supply wiring. Refer to the appropriate
nameplate ratings for information. For example, for
fuse replacement, see the value printed on the
product label.
5. The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way
and is connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to situations where
electricity is supplied indirectly (when the power cord
is not plugged directly into the socket in the wall), for
example, when using an extension cable or a power
strip, and that you use only the power cord that is
supplied with the machine.
To rack-mount a machine:
1. Attach both ear brackets to the
machine. To do so, remove the
screws from each side of the
machine (3 on each side), and
replace those screws through the
ear brackets.
2. Place the ears of the machine
against the rack rails, and insert the
proper screws (not provided)
through each of the four holes in the
rack ears.
Note that:
In some models, the front panel
may feature built-in rack ears
Detachable rack ears can be
removed for desktop use
Always mount the machine in the
rack before you attach any cables
or connect the machine to the
power
If you are using a Kramer rack
adapter kit (for a machine that is not
19"), see the Rack Adapters user
manual for installation instructions
(you can download it at:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)

Connecting Your VS-44HD
7
6 Connecting Your VS-44HD
This section describes how to connect the VS-44HD as a:
4x4 SD/HD SDI Matrix Switcher, see section 6.1
Dual-Link 2x2 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher, see section 6.2
6.1 Connecting Your VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
You can use your VS-44HD to switch one of the four standard definition / high
definition SDI inputs to any or all of the four standard definition / high
definition SDI outputs, as the example in Figure 2 shows.
To connect the VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher, do the following
1
:
1. Connect up to four SDI sources to the SDI INPUT BNC connectors (for
example, an HD/SD SDI camera to input 1 and an HD video player to input 4).
2. Connect the SDI OUTPUT BNC connectors to up to
2
four SDI acceptors
(for example, output 1 to a Preview monitor, and output 4 to an HD SDI
mixer).
3. Set the dipswitches (see section 6.4).
4. As an option
3
, connect:
A Genlock source to the GENLOCK BNC connector
The LOOP BNC connector to the GENLOCK connector of the next
unit in the line, and release the TERM button for looping
4
5. Connect a PC and/or controller (if required), to the:
RS-232 port (see section 6.5), and/or
RS-485 port (see section 6.6), and/or
ETHERNET connector (see section 6.9)
6. As an option
3
, connect a remote contact closure switch (refer to section 6.10)
7. Connect the power cord
5
.
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-44HD. After connecting your VS-44HD, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
2 When only one output is required, connect that output, and leave the other outputs unconnected
3 Not illustrated in Figure 2
4 Pushed in terminates the input. Release when the input extends to another unit
5 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting Your VS-44HD
8
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-44HD 4x4 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher

Connecting Your VS-44HD
9
6.2 Connecting the VS-44HD as a Dual-Link 2x2 SD/HD-SDI Matrix
Switcher
You can use your VS-44HD in the dual-link mode to switch either of the two
dual-link SDI inputs, input 1 and 2, or input 3 and 4, to one or both of the two
dual-link SDI outputs, output 1 and 2, and/or output 3 and 4, as the example in
Figure 3 shows.
To connect the VS-44HD as a dual-link 2x2 SD/HD-SDI Matrix switcher, do
the following
1
:
1. Connect up to two SDI sources to the SDI INPUT BNC connectors (for
example, an HD/SD SDI camera to inputs 1 and 2, and an HD video player
to inputs 3 and 4).
2. Connect the SDI OUTPUT BNC connectors to up to
2
two SDI acceptors
(for example, outputs 1 and 2 to a Preview monitor, and outputs 3 and 4
to an HD SDI mixer).
3. Follow steps 3 to 7 in section 6.1.
4. Set the machine to the dual-link mode, see section 6.3.
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-44HD. After connecting your VS-44HD, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
2 When only one output is required, connect that output, and leave the other outputs unconnected

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting Your VS-44HD
10
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HD as a Dual-Link 2x2 SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
6.3 Setting the VS-44HD to work in the Dual-Link Mode
You can set the VS-44HD to work in the dual-link mode as follows:
To switch to the dual-link mode, press and hold the OFF front panel button for
3 seconds until a red dot illuminates on the display (on the second segment of the
7-segment display) and the OFF button blinks
To exit the dual-link mode, press and hold the OFF front panel button for 3
seconds until the red dot on the display disappears and the OFF button blinks.

Connecting Your VS-44HD
11
6.4 Dipswitch Settings
By default, all dipswitches are set to OFF.
Figure 4 illustrates the VS-44HD dipswitches:
ON
1 2 3 4
SETUP
Figure 4: VS-44HD SETUP Dipswitches
6.4.1 Setting the Machine # Dipswitches
The Machine # determines the position of a VS-44HD unit, specifying which
VS-44HD unit is being controlled when several VS-44HD units connect to a
PC or serial controller. Set the Machine # on a VS-44HD unit via SETUP
DIPS 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to Table 3.
When using a standalone VS-44HD unit, set the Machine # to 1. When
connecting more than one VS-44HD unit, set the first machine (the Master)
that is closest to the PC, as Machine # 1 (dipswitches are set to OFF).
Table 3: Machine # Dipswitch Settings
Mach. # DIP 1 DIP 2 DIP 3 DIP 4
1 OFF OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF OFF OFF ON
3 OFF OFF ON OFF
4 OFF OFF ON ON
5 OFF ON OFF OFF
6 OFF ON OFF ON
7 OFF ON ON OFF
8 OFF ON ON ON

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting Your VS-44HD
12
6.5 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC to the VS-44HD unit, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VS-44HD unit to the
Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9 wire
flat cable to the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC
To connect a PC to the VS-44HD unit, without using a Null-modem adapter:
Connect the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC to the RS-232 DB9 rear panel
port on the VS-44HD unit, as Figure 5 illustrates
Figure 5: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

Connecting Your VS-44HD
13
6.6 Controlling via the RS-485 Port
To cascade up to eight individual VS-44HD units, via RS-485 (with control
via a Master Programmable Remote Control system such as the Kramer
RC-3000), as Figure 6 illustrates, do the following:
1. Connect the “A” (+) and “B” (-) PINS on the RS-485 terminal block port
of the RC-3000 to the “A” (+) and “B” (-) PINS, respectively, on each of
the eight VS-44HD units. (If using shielded twisted pair cable, the shield
is usually connected to the “G” (Ground) PIN of the first unit).
2. Set the first VS-44HD unit as MACHINE # 1 and the following seven
VS-44HD units as MACHINE # 2 to MACHINE # 8, according to Table
3.
Figure 6: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting Your VS-44HD
14
6.7 Factory Reset
Press and hold the input buttons 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously for 3 seconds until
the three buttons flash to reset the machine to its default values.
6.8 Switching Genlocked Video Signals
The genlock feature lets you switch genlocked video signals according to
timing of the GENLOCK reference input
1
.
Connect the GENLOCK cable.
If the HD input signal
2
that is connected is one of the following, it is
necessary to set it up as follows:
1080i@60Hz: press and hold INPUT 1 button for 3 seconds. The
button will flash
3
to indicate that the set up was completed
1080i@50Hz or 720p@50Hz: press and hold INPUT 2 button for 3
seconds.
The button will flash
3
to indicate that the set up was completed
720p@60Hz: press and hold INPUT 3 button for 3 seconds.
The button will flash
3
to indicate that the set up was completed
When turning the machine ON, the appropriate button will flash to indicate
the latest setup (last setup is saved).
6.9 Controlling via ETHERNET
You can connect the VS-44HD via the Ethernet, using a crossover cable (see
section 6.9.1) for direct connection to the PC or a straight through cable (see
section 6.9.2) for connection via a network hub or network router.
6.9.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-44HD to the Ethernet port on
your PC, via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identification of the factory default
IP Address of the VS-44HD during the initial configuration
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Right-click the My Network Places icon on your desktop.
1 According to SMPTE RP-168. The sources must be genlocked to the GENLOCK input in order to switch cleanly
2 The unit will detect automatically when SD-SDI inputs are used
3 If a change is made to the resolution or refresh rate. The button will not flash if the new timing is the same as that
previously selected

Connecting Your VS-44HD
15
2. Select Properties.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection Properties.
4. Select Properties.
The Local Area Connection Properties window appears.
5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button (see
Figure 7).
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 8.
7. Click OK.
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting Your VS-44HD
16
6.9.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-
Through Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-44HD to the Ethernet port on a
network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45
connectors.
6.9.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port
After connecting the Ethernet port, you have to install and configure it.
For detailed instructions on how to install and configure your Ethernet port,
see the “Ethernet Configuration (FC-11) guide.pdf” on our Web site:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com.
6.10 Controlling via the REMOTE Connector
Connecting the REMOTE terminal
block connector to a contact closure
switch enables you to route an input
to an output by remote control. For
example, to route input 1 to output 4,
as the example in Figure 9
illustrates, mom
entarily touch, firstly,
output # 4 to the Ground, and then
secondly, input # 1 to the Ground.
In the dual-link mode, only inputs
and outputs 1 and 2 are used (as are
the INPUT and OUTPUT selector
buttons). Remote PINs 3 and 4 and
Selector buttons 3 and 4 are not
used.
Figure 9: Using the REMOTE Connector

Operating the VS-44HD
17
7 Operating the VS-44HD
You can operate your VS-44HD via:
The front panel buttons
RS-232/RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen
system, or other serial controller
The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter
The ETHERNET
7.1 Switching OUT-IN Combinations
To switch an input to an output via the front panel buttons
1
, in the AT ONCE
mode (see section 7.3), do the following:
1. Press an OUTPUT button (1, 2, 3, 4 or ALL).
The selected OUTPUT button illuminates brightly, as does the 7-segment
display.
2. Press an INPUT button (1, 2, 3, 4 or OFF)
2
.
The selected input switches to the selected output. The digits displayed in
the 7-segment display change as appropriate.
After a few seconds the selected OUTPUT button switches OFF and the
OUTPUT buttons illuminate according to the signal routed to the relevant
output.
Note that:
The OUTPUT button color changes during routing according to the color
of the input button: green (for standard definition) or blue (for high definition)
If an OUTPUT button is not selected, that button will not illuminate
If an OUTPUT is connected to the input with no signal connected, that
OUTPUT button will not illuminate
7.2 Switching OUT-IN Combinations in the Dual-Link Mode
To switch an input to an output in the Dual-Link Mode via the front panel
buttons
1
, in the AT ONCE mode (for immediate switching), do the following:
1. Press an OUTPUT button (either 1, 2 or ALL).
The selected OUTPUT button illuminates brightly, as does the 7-segment
display.
1 For details of how to route an input to an output using the REMOTE connector, see section 6.10
2 For immediate switching