Kramer VS-44HN User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-44HN
4x4
HDMI
Matrix Switcher
P/N: 2900-300161 Rev 2

VS-44HN - Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1 Defining the EDID 4
3.2 About HDMI–General Description 4
3.3 About HDCP–General Description 5
3.4 Defining the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 6
3.5 Using the IR Transmitter 8
4Installing in a Rack 9
5Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 10
6Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 12
6.1 Acquiring the EDID 12
6.2 Storing and Recalling a Switching Setting from a Preset 14
6.3 Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 15
6.4 Resetting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher’s IP Parameters 15
7Connecting to the VS-44HN 16
7.1 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher via RS-232 16
7.2 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher via Ethernet 16
7.3 Upgrading the Firmware 18
8Technical Specifications 19
9Default Communication Parameters 20
10 Default EDID 21
11 Kramer Protocol 2000 23
12 Protocol 3000 26
12.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 26
12.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 29
Figures
Figure 1: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17
Figure 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 18

VS-44HN - 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 11 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 and GROUP 11:
Sierra Video Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Conference room presentations
•Advertising applications
•Rental and staging

2 VS-44HN - 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
Use Kramer high performance high resolution cables
Use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com 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 to avoid 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
•Position your VS-44HN away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
i

VS-44HN - Overview 3
3 Overview
The VS-44HN is a high quality 4x4 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-44HN 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 – HDMI (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 & processing algorithm ensures Plug and Play operation for HDMI
systems
•Kramer reKlocking™ & 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-44HN 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 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 3.5

4 VS-44HN - Overview
3.1 Defining the EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is a data-structure provided by a
display, to describe its capabilities to a graphics card (that is connected to the
display’s source). The EDID enables the VS-44HN to “know” what kind of monitor
is connected to the output. The EDID includes the manufacturer’s name, the
product type, the timing data supported by the display, the display size, luminance
data and (for digital displays only) the pixel mapping data.
EDID is defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA).
3.2 About HDMI–General Description
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. HDMI ensures an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated
with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-to-analog conversions. It delivers
the maximum high-definition image and sound quality in use today. Note that Kramer
Electronics Limited is an HDMI Adopter and an HDCP Licensee.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI licensing LLC.
In particular, HDMI:
•Provides a simple 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 cable
SIMPLICITY - With video and mul i-channel audio combined into a single cable, the cost,
complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems is reduced
LENGTHY CABLE - HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable
construction at up to 15m
•Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel digital
audio on a single cable
MULTI-CHANNEL DIGITAL AUDIO - 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
•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

VS-44HN - Overview 5
quality via a single cable, and user-friendly connector
HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting
uncompressed video formats in a simple, cost-effective manner
•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), standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL, as well
as 480p and 576p
3.3 About HDCP–General Description
The High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) standard developed by
Intel, protects digital video and audio signals transmitted over DVI or HDMI
connections between two HDCP-enabled devices to eliminate the reproduction of
copyrighted material. To protect copyright holders (such as movie studios) from
having their programs copied and shared, the HDCP standard provides for the
secure and encrypted transmission of digital signals.

3.4 Defining the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
Figure 1: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1 IR Receiver and Indication LED Signal receiver for the infrared remote control transmitter. LED lights yellow when receiving
an IR signal
2 POWER Illuminated Power Switch Turn the device on and off
3 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
4 OFF Button Press after pressing an output button to disconnect the selected output from the inputs.
To disconnect all the outputs, press ALL followed by OFF
5
SELECT Buttons
IN (1 to 4) Press to select the input to switch after selecting an output (also used for storing machine
setups (see Section 6.2)
6 OUT (1 to 4) Press to select an output to switch followed by an input (also used for storing machine
setups (see Section 6.2)
7 STO Button Press to store the current switching setting to a preset (see Section 6.2)
8 RCL Button Press to recall the switch setting from a preset (see Section 6.2)
9 LOCK Button Press and hold to toggle the locking/release of he front panel buttons.
When storing or recalling presets, press to store or recall the preset (see Section 6.2)
10 EDID Button Press to capture the EDID (see Section 6.1)
11 OUTPUT/INPUT 7-segment LED Display Displays the input currently switched to the output which is marked above each input
6VS-44HN – Overview

VS-44HN – Overview 7
Figure 2: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
# Feature Function
12 IN HDMI Connectors (1 to 4) Connect to up to 4 HDMI sources
13 OUT HDMI Connectors (1 to 4) Connect to up to 4 HDMI acceptors
14 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Serial Port Connector Connect to a PC/serial controller
15 ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector Connect to a PC via a LAN
16 RESET Button Press and hold while powering on the device to reset to factory default IP settings (see
Section 6.4 and Section 9)
17 REMOTE IR Opening
Connect to an external IR receiver for controlling the device via and IR remote
controller (see Section 3.5)
Covered by a cap. The 3 5mm jack at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits into this
opening
18 Mains Power Connector and Fuse Plug in the power cord

8 VS-44HN - Overview
3.5 Using the IR Transmitter
You can use the RC-IR3IR 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-44HN - Installing in a Rack 9
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

10 VS-44HN - Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
5 Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix
Switcher
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-44HN. After connecting your VS-44HN, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
To connect the VS-44HN 4x4 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.
i

VS-44HN - Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 11
2. Connect the four OUT HDMI connectors to up to four 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 6.3)
and/or the Ethernet port (see Section 7.2).
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)

12 VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
6 Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix
Switcher
This section describes:
•Acquiring the EDID (see Section 6.1)
•Storing and recalling switch settings (see Section 6.2)
•Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 (see Section 6.3)
6.1 Acquiring the EDID
You can acquire the EDID from any of the following:
•One output to one or more of the six inputs (see Section 6.1.1)
•Several outputs simultaneously (see Section 6.1.2)
•The default EDID (see Section 6.1.3)
Note: Attempting to acquire the EDID from an output that does not have a display
device connected to it results in the default EDID being acquired.
6.1.1 Acquiring the EDID from One Output
Note: You can assign the EDID from one output to any or all of the eight inputs.
To acquire the EDID from a display device connected to one of the outputs:
1. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.
2. Press the input button to which the EDID is copied.
The selected input number flashes on the display.
3. Select the output from which the EDID is to be acquired.
4. Press the EDID button.
The EDID is stored when the display returns to normal and the EDID and
STO buttons stop flashing.

VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 13
6.1.2 Acquiring the EDID from Several Outputs
To acquire the EDID from several outputs (for example, OUT 1 to IN 1 and
OUT 6 to IN 3):
1. Connect the display devices to the outputs from which you want to acquire
the EDIDs.
2. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.
3. Press the input button to which the EDID is copied (for example,
IN 1).
The selected input number flashes on the display.
4. Select the output from which the EDID is acquired (for example,
OUT 1).
5. Press the IN 1 button.
The IN 1 button stops flashing.
6. Press the next input button to which the EDID is copied (for example, IN 3).
The selected input number flashes on the display.
7. Select the output from which the EDID is acquired (for example,
OUT 6).
8. Press the IN 3 button.
The IN 3 button stops flashing.
9. Press the input buttons to which you want to copy the EDID (for example, IN
1 and IN 3).
10. Make sure that the relevant input numbers flash on the display.
11. Press the EDID button.
The process is complete when the display returns to normal.

14 VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
6.1.3 Acquiring the Default EDID
To store the default EDID on a selected input (for example, Input 2):
1. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.
2. Press the input (for example, Input 2) to which the EDID is to be copied.
The selected input number flashes on the display.
3. Press the OFF button until "0" (zero) appears on the display.
4. Press the EDID button.
The default EDID is stored on the selected input when the display returns to
normal.
6.2 Storing and Recalling a Switching Setting from a Preset
You can use the STO and RCL buttons to store up to 8 setups and then recall
them.
To store a preset (for example, Input 4/Output 3 in preset 8):
You can set each of the inputs/outputs independently; you are not limited to a single
input/output combination
1. Configure the switching as required for the preset (for example, Input 4 to
Output 3).
2. Press the STO button.
The STO button flashes.
3. Select an OUT or IN SELECT button to store the device setting (for example,
IN 4 for preset 8).
4. Press the LOCK button to store the current setup.
You have to press the LOCK button within 10 seconds or the procedure automatically
imes out.

VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 15
To recall a preset (for example, preset 3):
1. Press the RCL button.
The RCL button flashes.
2. Press the relevant OUT or IN button that stored the preset (for example,
OUT 3/preset 3).
3. Press the LOCK button to recall the stored preset.
The RCL button stops flashing.
6.3 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 Output buttons 1 and 3 at the same time.
Protocol 3000 is active.
2. On the TO OUTPUT 1 row, press Output buttons 1 and 2 at the same time.
Protocol 2000 is active.
6.4 Resetting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher’s IP
Parameters
Note: 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 9):
•Press and hold the RESET button on the rear panel while powering up the
device

16 VS-44HN - Connecting to the VS-44HN
7 Connecting to the VS-44HN
This section describes:
•Connecting to the VS-44HN via RS-232 (see Section 7.1)
•Connecting to the VS-44HN via Ethernet (see Section 7.2)
7.1 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
via RS-232
You can connect to the VS-44HN 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-44HN via RS-232:
•Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VS-44HN 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
7.2 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
via Ethernet
You can connect the VS-44HN via the Ethernet, using a crossover cable (see
Section 7.2.1) for direct connection to the PC or a straight through cable (see
Section 7.2.2) for connection via a network hub or network router.
After connecting the Ethernet port, you have to install and configure your Ethernet Port. For
detailed instructions, see the “Ethernet Configuration (FC-11) guide.pdf” file in the technical
support section at http://www.kramerelectronics.com.
7.2.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-44HN 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-44HN during the initial configuration
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. On your desktop, right-click the My Network Places icon.
i

VS-44HN - Connecting to the VS-44HN 17
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 4).
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 5.
7. Click OK.