Kramer VS-606xl User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Preliminary
USER MANUAL
Models:
VS-606xl , 6x6 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher
VS-808xl , 8x8 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher
VS-804xl , 8x4 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher
VS-646 , 6x6 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
VS-848 , 8x8 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 2
2.1 Quick Start 2
3 Overview 4
4 Your Matrix Switchers 5
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter 14
5 Installing on a Rack 15
6 Connecting the VS-808xl Video/Audio Matrix Switcher 16
6.1 Setting the DIP-Switches 18
6.1.1 Self Address DIP-Switches 18
6.1.2 Setting Connection DIP-Switches 19
6.2 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 19
6.3 Controlling via RS-232 and RS-485 20
6.4 RGB/YUV Switching with RS-232 21
7 Operating VS-808xl Matrix Switcher 23
7.1 Displaying Unit Characteristics 23
7.2 Selecting and Connecting an Output and/or Input 23
7.3 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 24
7.3.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 24
7.3.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 24
7.4 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 24
7.4.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 24
7.4.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 25
7.4.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 25
7.5 Resetting the Machine 25
8 Technical Specifications 26
9 Communication Protocol 28
10 Table of Hex Codes for the Master VS-808xl 34
Figures
Figure 1: VS-606xl 6x6 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher 6
Figure 2: VS-808xl 8x8 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher 7
Figure 3: VS-804xl 8x4 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher 8
Figure 4: VS-646 6x6 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 11
Figure 5: VS-848 8x8 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 12
Figure 6: Connecting the Video Sources and Acceptors to the Rear Panel 17
Figure 7: DIP-switch Configuration 18
Figure 8: Connecting a PC Without Using a Null-Modem Adapter 19
Figure 9: RS-232 and RS-485 Operation 20
Figure 10: RGB Switching with RS-232 control via a Computer 22

Contents
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
ii
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel Video/Audio Matrix Switcher Features 9
Table 2: Rear Panel Video/Audio Matrix Switcher Features 10
Table 3: Front Panel VS-646 6x6 (VS-848 8x8) Features 13
Table 4: Rear Panel VS-646 6x6 (VS-848 8x8) Features 14
Table 5: DIP-switch Settings 18
Table 6: Self Address DIP-switch Settings 18
Table 7: Technical Specifications of the VS-606xl/VS-808xl/VS-804xl 26
Table 8: Technical Specifications of the VS-646/VS848 27
Table 9: Protocol Definitions 28
Table 10: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 29
Table 11: Hex Codes for Switching the Master VS-808xl 34

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.
Thank you for purchasing your VS-606xl 6x6 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher
and/or VS-808xl 8x8 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher and/or VS-804xl 8x4
Video/Audio Matrix Switcher and/or VS-646 6x6 Video/Balanced Audio
Matrix Switcher and/or VS-848 8x8 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
which are ideal for the following typical applications:
Any professional system requiring outstanding value in a matrix
Production and duplications facilities, rental and staging
Security, CCTV, and home theater systems
Production studios
Audio/video duplication facilities
Professional presentation systems
Production studio vertical interval routing between Genlocked
sources
The package includes the following items:
VS-606xl 6x6 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher and/or
VS-808xl 8x8 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher and/or
VS-804xl 8x4 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher and/or
VS-646xl 6x6 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher and/or
VS-848xl 8x8 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
Windows®-based Kramer control software
Power cord, null-modem adapter and a Kramer IR remote control
transmitter
This user manual
2
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 our Web site: http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Getting Started
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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
1
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation:
1 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Getting Started
3

Overview
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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3 Overview
The Kramer VS-606xl, VS-804xl and VS-808xl are high performance matrix
switchers for composite video and unbalanced stereo audio signals (via RCA
connectors). The Kramer VS-646 and VS-848 are high performance matrix
switchers for composite video and balanced stereo audio signals (via terminal
block connectors). Switching during the vertical interval ensures glitch-free
switching with genlocked sources.
The matrix switchers feature:
A bandwidth of 200MHz that ensures transparency even in the
most critical applications
A TAKE button, which allows you to place multiple switches in a
queue and then activate them simultaneously with one touch of
this button
Memory locations, letting you store multiple switches as presets
(salvos) to be recalled and executed when needed
Audio-follow-video or audio breakaway option (to switch audio
independently from video)
Vertical interval switching
An external Sync/Genlock input that may be programmed to
switch according to the timing of either this input or of source
number 1
Selectable sync signal termination
The matrix switcher is dependable, rugged and fits into two vertical spaces
(2U) of a standard 19" rack. 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 and
position your Kramer matrix switcher away from moisture,
excessive sunlight and dust

Your Matrix Switchers
5
4 Your Matrix Switchers
The VS-606xl, VS-808xl and VS-804xl are video/unbalanced audio matrix
switchers that differ only in the number of their input and output channels:
VS-606xl, illustrated in Figure 1, has 6 inputs and 6 outputs
VS-808xl, illustrated in Figure 2, has 8 inputs and 8 outputs
VS-804xl, illustrated in Figure 3, has 8 inputs and 4 outputs
Table 1 and Table 2 define their front and rear panel features
1
respectively.
The VS-646 and the VS-848 are video/balanced audio matrix switchers that
differ in the number of their input and output channels:
VS-646, illustrated in Figure 4, has 6 inputs and 6 outputs
VS-848, illustrated in Figure 5, has 8 inputs and 8 outputs
Table 3 and Table 4 define their front and rear panel features
1
respectively.
1 Which are the same, except for the number of inputs and outputs

Your Matrix Switchers
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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Figure 1: VS-606xl 6x6 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher

Your Matrix Switchers
7
Figure 2: VS-808xl 8x8 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher

Your Matrix Switchers
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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Figure 3: VS-804xl 8x4 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher

Your Matrix Switchers
9
Table 1: Front Panel Video/Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the infrared remote
control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an OFF-
ALL
combination disconnects all the outputs
4 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
1
5 OUTPUT Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
2
6 INPUT Buttons Select the input to switch to the output
2
7 STATUS 7-segment
Display Displays the selected audio
3
or video
4
input switched to the output (marked
above each input
2
)
8 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
5
and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
9 VIDEO Button When pressed, this button is illuminated and all actions relate to video
10 AUDIO Button When pressed, this button is illuminated and all actions relate to audio
11 AFV Button When pressed, this button is illuminated and all actions relate to video and
audio channels. Audio channels follow the video channels
12 STO (STORE) Button Pressing STO followed by an output button stores the current setting
6
13 RCL (RECALL) Button
Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUTPUT key recalls a
setup from the non-volatile memory. The stored status blinks. Pressing a
different OUTPUT button lets you view
7
another setup. After making your
choice, pressing the RCL button again implements the new status
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 For the VS-606xl, 6 inputs and 6 outputs; for the VS-808xl, 8 inputs and 8 outputs; for the VS-804xl, 8 inputs and 4 outputs
3 When the Audio button illuminates, that is, when the audio breakaway mode is selected
4 When the Video button illuminates, that is, when the video breakaway mode is selected
5 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
6 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
7 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage

Your Matrix Switchers
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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Table 2: Rear Panel Video/Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
14 EXT. SYNC BNC Connector Connects to the external SYNC source
15 AUDIO INPUT RCA Connectors Connect to the audio sources
1
16 VIDEO INPUT BNC Connectors Connect to the video sources
1
17 SYNC SELECT Source Selector
Button
Pushing in selects the (EXT.) external sync source on the SYNC
connector; releasing selects the (IN 1) internal sync on the
VIDEO IN 1 connector
18 AUDIO OUTPUT RCA Connectors Connect to the audio acceptors
1
19 VIDEO OUTPUT BNC Connectors
2
Connect to the video acceptors
1
20 RS-485 Connector RS-485 port on detachable terminal block
21 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector Connects to the PC or other serial controller
22 Setup DIP-switches DIP 1, 2, and 3 for machine SELF ADDRESS #; DIP 4 for
RS-485 termination, DIP 5 for reply from switcher to PC,
DIP 8 for RS-232/RS-485 communication
23 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
24 REMOTE IR 3.5mm Mini Jack Connect to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the
machine via an IR remote controller (instead of using the front
panel IR receiver)
3
1 For the VS-606xl, 6 inputs and 6 outputs; for the VS-808xl, 8 inputs and 8 outputs; for the VS-804xl, 8 inputs and 4 outputs
2 For RGBS applications, one of the sync channels (H or V) may be used for the S channel
3 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the machine (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)

Your Matrix Switchers
11
Figure 4: VS-646 6x6 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Your Matrix Switchers
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Figure 5: VS-848 8x8 Video/Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

Your Matrix Switchers
13
Table 3: Front Panel VS-646 6x6 (VS-848 8x8) Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The LED illuminates when receiving signals from the infrared remote control
transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an OFF-
ALL
combination disconnects all the outputs
4 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
1
5 OUTPUT Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
2
6 INPUT Buttons Select the input to switch to the output
2
7 STATUS 7-segment
Display Displays the selected audio
3
or video
4
input switched to the output (marked
above each input
2
)
8 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
5
and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
9 VIDEO Button When pressed, this button is illuminated and all actions relate to video
10 AUDIO Button When pressed, this button is illuminated and all actions relate to audio
11 AFV Button When pressed, this button is illuminated and all actions relate to video and
audio channels. Audio channels follow the video channels
12 STO (STORE) Button Pressing STO followed by an output button stores the current setting
6
13 RCL (RECALL) Button
Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUTPUT key recalls a
setup from the non-volatile memory. The stored status blinks. Pressing a
different OUTPUT button lets you view
7
another setup. After making your
choice, pressing the RCL button again implements the new status
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 For the VS-646, 6 inputs and 6 outputs; for the VS-848, 8 inputs and 8 outputs
3 When the Audio button illuminates, that is, when the audio breakaway mode is selected
4 When the Video button illuminates, that is, when the video breakaway mode is selected
5 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
6 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
7 Only view, nothing is implemented at this stage

Your Matrix Switchers
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Table 4: Rear Panel VS-646 6x6 (VS-848 8x8) Features
# Feature Function
14 EXT. SYNC BNC Connector Connects to the external SYNC source
15 AUDIO INPUT Terminal Block
Connectors Connect to the audio sources
1
16 VIDEO INPUT BNC Connectors Connect to the video sources
1
17 SYNC SELECT Source Selector
Button
Pushing in selects the (EXT) external sync source on the SYNC
connector; releasing selects the (IN 1) internal sync on the
VIDEO IN 1 connector
18 VIDEO OUTPUT BNC Connectors
2
Connect to the video acceptors
1
19 AUDIO OUTPUT RCA Connectors Connect to the audio acceptors
1
20 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller
21 Setup DIP-switches DIP 1, 2, and 3 for machine SELF ADDRESS #; DIP 4 for
RS-485 termination, DIP 5 for reply from switcher to PC,
DIP 8 for RS-232/RS-485 communication
22 RS-485 Connector RS-485 port on detachable terminal block
23 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
24 REMOTE IR 3.5mm Mini Jack Connect to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the
machine via an IR remote controller (instead of using the front
panel IR receiver)
3
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter
You can use the RC-IR2 IR transmitter to control the machine via the
built-in IR receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR
receiver
4
. The external IR receiver can be located 15 meters away from the
machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used with
three extension cables
5
.
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer
dealer to insert an internal IR connection cable
6
, which is required so that
the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector can be used. Connect the external IR
receiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.
Control the matrix switcher using the front panel buttons, or remotely via
the Kramer Infrared Remote Control Transmitter, via an external remote IR
receiver (optional), or via RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted
by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller.
1 For the VS-646, 6 inputs and 6 outputs; for the VS-848, 8 inputs and 8 outputs
2 For RGBS applications, one of the sync channels (H or V) may be used for the S channel
3 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the machine (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)
4 P/N: 95-0104050
5 P/N: 95-0103050
6 P/N: 505-70434010-S

Installing on a Rack
15
5 Installing on a Rack
This section describes how to install your product in a rack.
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 the VS-808xl Video/Audio Matrix Switcher
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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6 Connecting
1
the VS-808xl Video/Audio Matrix Switcher
To connect a single
2
VS-808xl switcher, as illustrated in the example in
Figure 6, do the following
3
:
1. Connect up to eight
1
composite video sources (for example, composite
video players) to the VIDEO INPUT BNC connectors and the AUDIO
INPUT R and L RCA
4
connectors.
2. Connect the eight
1
VIDEO OUTPUT BNC connectors and the AUDIO
OUTPUT R and L RCA
4
connectors to up to eight
1
composite video
acceptors (for example, composite video recorders).
3. If required, connect to a PC or other controller via RS-232 (see
section 6.2) or RS-232 and RS-485 (see section 6.3).
4. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity
5
.
5. Set the DIP-switches (see section 6.1).
1 From this section on, all the information is relevant also to the VS-606xl (with 6 inputs and 6 outputs), VS-804xl (with 8
inputs and 4 outputs), VS-646 (with 6 inputs and 6 outputs) and VS-848 (with 8 inputs and 8 outputs), unless noted otherwise
2 Note that you can connect up to 8 units to a PC or other RS-232 or RS-485 controller
3 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-808xl. After connecting your VS-808xl, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
4 The VS-606xl and 804xl also have audio RCA connectors, and the VS-646 and VS-848 have audio terminal block
connectors
5 Not illustrated in Figure 6

Connecting the VS-808xl Video/Audio Matrix Switcher
17
Figure 6: Connecting the Video Sources and Acceptors to the Rear Panel