Kramer VS-44HN User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-44HN
4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
P/N: 2900-300161 Rev 8

VS-44HN - 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 Defining the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 5
3.2 Using the IR Transmitter 7
4Installing in a Rack 8
5Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 9
6Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 11
6.1 Switching an Input to an Output 11
6.2 Acquiring the EDID 11
6.3 Storing and Recalling a Switching Setting from a Preset 13
6.4 Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 14
6.5 Resetting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI MatrixSwitcher’s IP Parameters 14
7Connecting to the VS-44HN 15
7.1 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher via RS-232 15
7.2 Connecting to the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher via Ethernet 15
7.3 Upgrading the Firmware 19
8Technical Specifications 20
9Default Communication Parameters 21
10 Default EDID 22
11 Kramer Protocol 2000 24
12 Protocol 3000 27
12.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 27
12.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 30
Figures
Figure 1: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel 5
Figure 2: VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 6
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher 9
Figure 4: Store-Recall Button Configuration 13
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window 16
Figure 6: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window 17
Figure 7: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window 18
Figure 8: Internet Protocol Properties Window 19

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
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-44HN 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
i
!
!

VS-44HN - 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-44HN - Overview
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™ 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-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 3.2

VS-44HN - Overview
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3.1 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 6.3)
6
OUT (1 to 4)
Press to select an output to switch followed by an input (also used for storing machine
setups (see Section 6.3)
7
STO Button
Press to store the current switching setting to a preset (see Section 6.3)
8
RCL Button
Press to recall the switch setting from a preset (see Section 6.3)
9
LOCK Button
Press and hold to toggle the locking/release of the front panel buttons.
When storing or recalling presets, press to store or recall the preset (see Section 6.3)
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
5
VS-44HN –Overview

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VS-44HN - Overview
VS-44HN –Overview
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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 6.5 and Section 9)
17
REMOTE IR Opening
Connect to an external IR receiver for controlling the device via and IR remote
controller (see Section 3.2)
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

VS-44HN - Overview
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3.2 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.

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VS-44HN - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VS-44HN - Connecting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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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
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VS-44HN - 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.
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 6.4)
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).

VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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6 Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix
Switcher
This section describes:
Switching an input to an output (see Section 6.1)
Acquiring the EDID (see Section 6.2)
Storing and recalling switch settings (see Section 6.3)
Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 (see Section 6.4)
Resetting the VS-44HN (see Section 6.5)
6.1 Switching an Input to an Output
To switch an input to an output:
Press an output button followed by an input button to switch the selected
input to the selected output
6.2 Acquiring the EDID
You can acquire the EDID from any of the following:
One output set to one or more of the four inputs (see Section 6.2.1)
Different outputs set to different inputs (see Section 6.2.2)
The default EDID (see Section 6.2.3)
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.
6.2.1 Acquiring the EDID from One Output
Note: You can assign the EDID from one output to any or all of the four 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.

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VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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.
6.2.2 Acquiring the EDID from Different Outputs to Different Inputs
To acquire the EDID from several outputs (for example, OUT 1 to IN 1 and
OUT 4 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 4).
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.

VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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11. Press the EDID button.
The process is complete when the display returns to normal.
6.2.3 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.
6.3 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 using the OUT (1-4) and IN (5-8) selector buttons (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Store-Recall Button Configuration
To store a switching setting (for example, to preset 8):
1. Configure the switching as required for the preset.
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).

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VS-44HN - Operating the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher
4. Press the LOCK button to store the current setup.
You have to press the LOCK button within 10 seconds or the procedure automatically
times out.
To recall a switching setting (for example, from 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.
6.4 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.
Note that when sending consecutive protocol commands make sure to
maintain at least a 200ms delay between commands.
After performing EDID get/store commands, a 1 sec delay is required
before sending another protocol command.
6.5 Resetting the VS-44HN 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher’s 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 9):
Press and hold the RESET button on the rear panel while powering up the
device
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VS-44HN - Connecting to the VS-44HN
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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)
Upgrading the firmware (see Section 7.3)
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 to the VS-44HN via Ethernet using either of the following
methods:
Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 7.2.1)
Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see
Section 7.2.2)
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.
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/support/faq.asp.
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
using a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.

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VS-44HN - Connecting to the VS-44HN
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VS-44HN
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting the VS-44HN 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 5.
Figure 5: 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.
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VS-44HN - Connecting to the VS-44HN
17
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears
as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7.
Figure 6: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window