Kramer VS-808DS User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL



Model:
VS-808DS
8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
4 Your VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler 3
5 Installing on a Rack 7
6 Connecting the VS-808DS 8
6.1 Connecting a PC 10
6.2 Connecting via RS-485 11
6.3 Setting the VS-808DS Dipswitches 12
6.3.1 Setting the SELF ADDRESS Dipswitches 12
6.3.2 Setting the REPLY Dipswitch 13
6.3.3 Setting the RS-232/RS-485 Dipswitch 13
7 Operating Your VS-808DS 14
7.1 Displaying the Unit Characteristics 14
7.2 Selecting and Connecting an Output and/or Input 14
7.3 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option 15
7.3.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option 15
7.3.2 Setting the Breakaway Option 15
7.4 Confirming Settings 15
7.4.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes 16
7.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action 16
7.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations 17
7.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 17
7.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 17
7.5.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration 17
7.6 Resetting the Machine 17
8 Technical Specifications 18
 Table of Hex Codes for the Master VS-808DS 19
10 Communication Protocol 20
Figures
Figure 1: VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler Front Panel 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler 9
Figure 3: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 10
Figure 4: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000) 11
Figure 5: VS-808DS Dipswitches 12

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Tables
Table 1: VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler Front Panel Features 5
Table 2: VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler Rear Panel Features 6
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings 12
Table 4: Self Address # Dipswitch Settings 13
Table 5: Technical Specifications of the VS-808DS 18
Table 6: Hex Codes for Switching the Master VS-808DS 19
Table 7: Protocol Definitions 20
Table 8: Instruction Codes 21

Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics (since 1981): a world of unique, creative and
affordable solutions to the infinite range of problems that confront the video, audio
and presentation professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned
and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our 500-plus
different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio
Matrix Switcher / Scaler!It is ideal for:
Audio/video duplication
Production studios
Professional presentation systems
The package includes the following items:
VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler
Power cord and Null-modem adapter
Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
Remote IR cable (optional)
Infra-red remote control transmitter (including the required batteries and a
separate user manual
3
) and this user manual
3
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
4
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation:
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Video and Audio Switchers, Matrix Switchers and Controllers; GROUP 3:
Video, Audio, VGA/XGA Processors; GROUP 4: Interfaces and Sync Processors; GROUP 5: Twisted Pair Interfaces;
GROUP 6: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; and GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors
2 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2
Video
Player
Video Recorder
LCD Display

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler is a high
performance matrix switcher for composite video and unbalanced stereo
audio signals. It lets you simultaneously route any or all of the eight inputs to
any or all of the eight outputs, plus one scaled output
1
(that is, output 8 also
goes to the Scaler). Switching during the vertical interval ensures glitch-free
switching with genlocked sources.
The VS-808DS features:
A video bandwidth of 200MHz that ensures transparent performance even
in the most critical applications
Switching synchronization that lets you synchronize either to the external
reference or to the incoming video
Both audio-follow-video and breakaway options
The storing of eight setups
2
(presets) to be recalled and executed when
needed
A TAKE button for executing multiple switches all at once
The ability to control via the front panel buttons, via the infra-red remote
control transmitter, via an external remote IR receiver (optional
3
) and
remotely by RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch
screen system, PC, or other serial controller
Scaled graphics output resolutions: VGA (640x480), SVGA (800x600),
XGA (1024x768), or WXGA (1366x768)
Acceptance of PAL-B/D/G/H/I, NTSC 3.58, and NTSC 4.43 video formats
The VS-808DS is housed in a 19" 2U rack-mountable enclosure and is fed
from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.
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 VS-808DS away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler
This section defines the front and rear panels of the VS-808DS 8x8 Video
Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler:
1 The signal that is converted via the scaled output is the input signal that is routed to output 8
2 Note, that the saved setup does not include the scaler setup
3 Kramer P/N: 95-0103050)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler
4
Figure 1: VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler Front Panel

Your VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler
5
Table 1: VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler Front Panel Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the infra-red remote
control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OUTPUT
RES. Button
Press to select the scaler output resolution: VGA, SVGA, XGA, or WXGA
4
SCALER
CONTROL
LEDs Light the specific resolution selected via the OUTPUT RES. button: VGA
(640x480), SVGA (800x600), XGA (1024x768), or WXGA (1366x768)
5 INPUT SELECTOR
Buttons
Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 8)
6 OUTPUT SELECTOR
Buttons
Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 8)
7 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
1
8 OFF Button An OFF-OUT combination disconnects that output from the inputs; an OFF-ALL
combination disconnects all the outputs
9 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the Confirm mode
2
and the At
Once mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary). When in TAKE
mode, pressing TAKE implements the action
10 AFV Button When pressed (illuminates), actions relate to video and audio channels.
Audio channels follow the video channels
11 AUDIO Button When pressed (illuminates), actions relate to audio, and display shows audio
status
12 VIDEO Button When pressed (illuminates), actions relate to video, and display shows video
status
13 STATUS 7-segment
Display
Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each
input). Also displays the firmware version number and the MACHINE #
14 RCL (Recall) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding OUTPUT key recalls a setup
from the non-volatile memory
15 STO (Store) Button Pressing STO followed by an output button stores the current setting
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler
6
Table 2: VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler Rear Panel Features
# Feature Function
16 AUDIO INPUT L RCA
Connectors
Connect to the LEFT audio sources (from 1 to 8)
17 AUDIO INPUT R RCA
Connectors
Connect to the RIGHT audio sources (from 1 to 8)
18 EXT. SYNC BNC Connector Connect to an external SYNC
19 SYNC SELECT EXT. / IN 1
Pushbutton
Press to select the external SYNC, release to select the SYNC
from input 1
20 VIDEO INPUT BNC
Connectors
Connect to the composite video sources (from 1 to 8)
21 AUDIO OUTPUT L RCA
Connectors
Connect to the LEFT audio acceptors (from 1 to 8)
22 AUDIO OUTPUT R RCA
Connectors
Connect to the RIGHT audio acceptors (from 1 to 8)
23 VIDEO OUTPUT BNC
Connectors
Connect to the composite video acceptors (from 1 to 8)
24 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pin G is for Ground connection
1
; Pins B (-) and A (+) are for
RS-485
25 RS-232 DB 9F Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
26 SCALER OUTPUT HD15
Connector
Connects to the video acceptor that displays the scaled output
2
27 Dipswitches Dipswitches for setup of the unit (1, 2, and 3 are for setting the
Machine # (SELF ADDRESS), 4 is for RS-485 Termination, 5 is
for Reply, and 8 is for RS-232/RS-485 (see section 6.3)
28 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
29 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 Usually not connected. If shielded twisted pair is used for RS-485, G may be connected to the shield
2 The signal that is converted via the scaled output is the input signal that is routed to output 8
3 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the VS-808DS (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)

Installing on a Rack
7
5 Installing on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-808DS
8
6 Connecting the VS-808DS
To connect
1
the VS-808DS, as the example in Figure 2 shows, do the following
2
:
1. Connect up to eight composite video sources (for example, input 1
connected to a camera, input 3 connected to video player and input 8
connected to a DVD player) to the VIDEO INPUT BNC connectors and
the AUDIO INPUT R and L RCA connectors.
2. Connect the eight VIDEO OUTPUT BNC connectors and the AUDIO
OUTPUT R and L RCA connectors to up to eight composite video
acceptors (for example, composite video recorders, TV and so on).
3. Connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see section 6.1).
4. Connect
3
the SCALER OUT HD15 connector to a VGA acceptor (for
example, an LCD display).
5. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity (not illustrated in Figure 2).
1 You do not have to connect all the inputs or all the outputs
2 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-808DS. After connecting your VS-808DS, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
3 After connecting the power, if required, press the OUTPUT RES. button to set the scaled output resolution

Connecting the VS-808DS
9
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-808DS 8x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher / Scaler

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-808DS
10
6.1 Connecting a PC
You can connect a PC (or other controller) to the VS-808DS via the RS-232
port.
To connect using the Null-modem adapter provided with the machine
(recommended method):
Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VS-808DS 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 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-808DS, as Figure 3 illustrates
Female DB9 (From PC)
PIN 4 Connected to PIN 6
PINS 8, 7, 1 Connected together
If a Shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5
PIN 5 Connected to PIN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to PIN 2
PIN 2 Connected to PIN 3
Male DB9
Figure 3: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

Connecting the VS-808DS
11
6.2 Connecting via RS-485
You can control a VS-808DS unit via an RS-485 controller, or a Master
Programmable Remote Control system such as the Kramer RC-3000.
To connect an RC-3000 to a VS-808DS unit (see Figure 4), connect the
RS-485 terminal block port on the RC-3000 to the RS-485 port on the
VS-808DS unit, as follows:
Connect the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
RC-3000 to the “A” (+) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VS-808DS unit
Connect the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
RC-3000 to the “B” (-) PIN on the RS-485 rear panel port of the
VS-808DS unit
If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the “G” (Ground) PIN on one of the units (for example, on the
RC-3000)
Set the VS-808DS unit to a Machine # other than 1, according to
Table 4, and set DIP 4 ON (for RS-485 Line Termination with
120)
KEYBOARD EXTENSION REMOTE CONTACT
RS-485 RS-232 IN RS-232 OUT 12 VDC 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 G4 6 8 103 5 7 9 11 12 14 16
OU T
13 15
IN

RS-485 PINOUT
G
B
A
_
+
Figure 4: Controlling via RS-485 (for example, using an RC-3000)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-808DS
12
6.3 Setting the VS-808DS Dipswitches
This section describes the machine set-up and dipswitch selection.
Figure 5 and Table 3 define the factory default dipswitches.
Figure 5: VS-808DS Dipswitches
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings
DIPS Function Description
1, 2, 3 SELF ADDRESS Determines the position of the machine in the input expansion configuration
4 RS-485 TERM ON for RS-485 Line Termination
OFF for no RS-485 Line Termination
5 REPLY ON enables reply from switcher to PC
OFF disables reply from switcher to PC
6, 7 RESERVED
8 RS-232 \ RS-485 ON enables RS-232 communication between switcher and PC
OFF disables reply from switcher to PC
6.3.1 Setting the SELF ADDRESS Dipswitches
The SELF ADDRESS determines the position of a VS-808DS unit in the
sequence, specifying which VS-808DS unit is being controlled when several
VS-808DS units are controlled by a PC or serial controller. Set the SELF
ADDRESS on a VS-808DS unit via DIPS 1, 2, and 3, according to Table 4.
When using a stand-alone VS-808DS unit, set the SELF ADDRESS to 1
When connecting more than one VS-808DS unit, set the first
machine (the Master) connected via RS-232, as SELF ADDRESS #
1. The Master connects to the PC via the RS-232 port. The other
VS-808DS slave units (each set
1
to a SELF ADDRESS # between 2
and 8) interconnect via their RS-485 ports to the RS-485 port on the
Master
1 You do not have to number the units in the sequence order as they connect to the PC

Connecting the VS-808DS
13
Table 4: Self Address # Dipswitch Settings
DIPS
MACHINE # 1 2 3
1 Master ON ON ON
2 OFF ON ON
3 ON OFF ON
4 OFF OFF ON
5 ON ON OFF
6 OFF ON OFF
7 ON OFF OFF
8 OFF OFF OFF
6.3.2 Setting the REPLY Dipswitch
Dipswitch #5 (the REPLY dipswitch)enables or disables a reply from the
VS-808DS to the PC.
Enabling the reply is usually desirable, so that the controlling device “knows”
that the controlled device has carried out its instructions. When an RS-485
connection is used for communication between the Matrix Switcher and the
PC, dipswitch #8 should be set to OFF. In some applications, it may be
desirable for some machines not to reply to instructions received on the RS-
232 and RS-485 ports. In this case, the REPLY, or acknowledgement
commands should be disabled.
6.3.3 Setting the RS-232/RS-485 Dipswitch
The RS-232/RS-485 dipswitch allows you to enable RS-232 communication
between the Matrix Switcher and the PC.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating Your VS-808DS
14
7 Operating Your VS-808DS
This section describes:
The 7-segment display (see section 7.1)
How to switch an input to an output (see section 7.2)
The audio-follow-video and breakaway options (see section 7.3)
How to confirm settings (see section 7.4)
How to store and recall input/output configurations (see section 7.5)
How to reset the machine (see section 7.6)
7.1 Displaying the Unit Characteristics
The VS-808DS 7-segment display shows the selected audio
1
or video
2
input
switched to the marked output.
The unit’s characteristics
3
are displayed in the following circumstances:
Immediately (and automatically) after switching on the power; and
When simultaneously pressing and holding for 3 seconds the INPUT
buttons:
1, 2 and 3 (see section 7.6)
7.2 Selecting and Connecting an Output and/or Input
To switch an input to an output, press the desired OUTPUT button, followed by
the desired INPUT button.
In addition, to:
disconnect a video/audio Input from a specific output, press the
desired OUTPUT button followed by the OFF button. To disconnect
all the outputs, press the ALL button, followed by the OFF button
connect a video/audio input to all outputs, press the ALL button
followed by the INPUT button corresponding to the input that is to
be routed to all the outputs
1 When the Audio button illuminates, that is, when the audio breakaway mode is selected
2 When the Video button illuminates, that is, when the video breakaway mode is selected
3 Machine model and software version

Operating Your VS-808DS
15
7.3 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option
You can switch stereo audio signals in one of two ways, either:
Audio-follow-video (AFV), in which all operations relate to both the
video and the audio channels; or
Breakaway, in which video and audio channels switch independently
7.3.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option
To set the Audio-follow-video (AFV) option press the AFV button:
If the AUDIO and VIDEO configurations are the same, then the AFV
button illuminates. The audio will follow the video
If the AUDIO differs from the VIDEO, then the TAKE and the AUDIO
buttons will flash. Also, the audio outputs in the STATUS 7-segment
display, which will be changed, will flash1. Press the TAKE button to
confirm the modification. The audio will follow the video
7.3.2 Setting the Breakaway Option
To set the Breakaway option:
Press either the AUDIO (for audio control only) or the VIDEO (for video
control only) button:
If the AUDIO button illuminates, switching operations relate to Audio
If the VIDEO button illuminates, switching operations relate to Video
The STATUS window displays audio or video settings, according to your
selection.
7.4 Confirming Settings
You can choose to work in the At Once or the Confirm mode. When the
VS-808DS operates in the At Once mode, pressing an OUTPUT-INPUT
combination implements the switch immediately. In the Confirm mode, the
TAKE button must be pressed to authorize the switch.
The At Once Mode
In the At Once mode, you save time as execution is immediate and actions
require no user confirmation. However, no protection is offered against
changing an action in error.
1 Warning that you are about to modify the audio configuration for AFV operation

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating Your VS-808DS
16
The Confirm Mode
In the Confirm mode:
You can key-in several actions and then confirm them by pressing the
TAKE button, which simultaneously activate the multiple switches
Every action requires user confirmation, to protect against erroneous switching
Execution is delayed
1
until the user confirms the action
7.4.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes
To toggle between the At Once and Confirm modes, do the following:
1. Press the TAKE button to toggle from the At Once mode
2
to the
Confirm mode
3
.
Actions now require user confirmation and the TAKE button illuminates.
2. Press the illuminated TAKE button to toggle from the Confirm mode
back to the At Once mode.
Actions no longer require user confirmation and the TAKE button no
longer illuminates.
7.4.2 Confirming a Switching Action
To confirm a switching action (in the Confirm mode), do the following:
1. Press an OUTPUT-INPUT combination.
The corresponding input number that is displayed in the STATUS
7-segment Display blinks. The TAKE button also blinks.
2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm the action.
The corresponding input number that is displayed in the STATUS
7-segment Display no longer blinks. The TAKE button illuminates.
To confirm several actions (in the Confirm mode), do the following:
1. Press each OUTPUT-INPUT combination in sequence.
The corresponding input numbers that are displayed in the STATUS
7-segment Display blink. The TAKE button also blinks.
2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm all the actions.
The corresponding input numbers that are displayed in the STATUS
7-segment Display no longer blink. The TAKE button illuminates.
1 Failure to press the TAKE button within one minute (the Timeout) will abort the action
2 The TAKE button does not illuminate
3 The TAKE button illuminates

Operating Your VS-808DS
17
7.5 Storing/Recalling Input/Output Configurations
You can store and recall up to 8 input/output configurations (or setups) in
non-volatile memory, using the INPUT SELECTOR buttons 1 to 8.
7.5.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration
To store the current status in memory, do the following:
1. Press the STO button.
The STO button blinks.
2. Press one of the INPUT SELECTOR buttons from 1 to 8. This will be
the setup # in which the current status is stored.
The memory stores the data at that reference.
7.5.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration
To recall an input/output configuration, do the following:
1. Press the RCL button.
The RCL button blinks.
2. Press the appropriate INPUT SELECTOR button (the INPUT
SELECTOR button # corresponding to the setup #). The memory recalls
the stored data from that reference.
7.5.3 Deleting an Input/Output Configuration
To delete an input/output configuration, do the following:
1. Press the STO and RCL buttons simultaneously.
Both the STO and RCL buttons blink.
2. Press the appropriate INPUT SELECTOR button.
This erases that specific input/output configuration from the memory,
leaving it empty and available
1
.
7.6 Resetting the Machine
To reset the machine, press INPUT buttons 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously. The
machine resets itself and a 7-segment self-test is automatically performed.
1 Storing a new configuration over a previous configuration (without deleting it first) replaces the previous configuration