Kramer VS-88A User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Models:
VS-88A, 8x8Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
VS-88V, 8x8Video Matrix Switcher
SD-7588V, 8x8SDI Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3 Overview 3
4 Your Matrix Switchers 3
4.1 Your VS-88A 8 x 8 Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 4
4.2 Your VS-88V 8x8 Video Matrix Switcher 7
4.3 Your SD-7588V 8x8 SDI Matrix Switcher 10
5 Installing in a Rack 13
6 Connecting Your 88 Series Matrix Switchers 14
6.1 Connecting a VS-88A 15
6.2 Connecting a VS-88V 16
6.3 Connecting an SD-5788V 17
6.4 Connecting the Stereo Audio Input/Output 18
6.5 Connecting Several Units and the PC 18
6.6 Connecting a Component, Y/C, RGBS or RGBHV Switcher 19
7 Operation 20
7.1 Understanding Modes 20
7.1.1 System Modes 21
7.1.2 Confirmation Modes 21
7.2 Setup Information 22
7.2.1 Setting DIP-Switches 22
7.2.2 Setup Capacity 23
7.2.3 Switching the Power On 23
7.2.4 Timeout and Priority 23
7.3 Using the Pushbutton Controls 23
7.3.1 Storing a Setting 23
7.3.2 Recalling a Setting 24
7.3.3 Locking and Unlocking Settings 24
8 Technical Specifications 24

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Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VS-88A 8x8 Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher 5
Figure 2: VS-88V 8x8 Video Matrix Switcher 8
Figure 3: SD-7588V 8x8 SDI Matrix Switcher 11
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-88A 15
Figure 5: Connecting the VS-88V 16
Figure 6: Connecting the SD-5788V 17
Figure 7: Connecting a Balanced Stereo Audio Input and Output 18
Figure 8: Connecting an Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input 18
Figure 9: Connecting an Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 18
Figure 10: System Connection: Switchers and the PC 19
Figure 11: Component Switcher: VS-88V Group Connection 20
Figure 12: Rear Panel DIP-switches 22
Tables
Table 1: VS-88A 8x8 Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher Features 6
Table 2: VS-88V 8x8 Video Matrix Switcher Features 9
Table 3: SD-7588V 8x8 SDI Matrix Switcher Features 12
Table 4: Rear Panel DIP-switches 22
Table 5: Machine # DIP-switch Settings 22
Table 6: Push Button Sequence Summary 24
Table 7: Technical Specifications for the VS-88A 25
Table 8: Technical Specifications for the VS-88V 25
Table 9: Technical Specifications for the SD-7588V 25

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 Kramer 88 Series switcher: VS-88A,
VS-88V, and/or SD-7588V. These products are ideal for:
Broadcast studios for on-air switching and signal routing
Production studios, for connecting various sources to acceptors
Non-linear editing suites and presentation applications
Each switcher package also includes the following items:
Power cord
2
Windows
®
-based Kramer control software
3
This user manual
4
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
5
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 We recommend that you use only the power cord supplied with this device
3 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

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Getting Started
2
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

Overview
3
3 Overview
The 88 Series is a group of 8x8 vertical interval matrix switchers for
video/stereo audio/data signals that support the simultaneous connection of
one or more inputs to several outputs
1
.
The major innovation with the 88 Series is the ability to switch different
kinds of signals simultaneously. Vertical interval switching ensures an
undisturbed picture transition. Switching is implemented according to the
SMPTE RP-168 standard, when using synchronized SDI sources.
The 88 Series includes the following items:
VS-88A 8 x 8 Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
VS-88V 8 x 8 Video Matrix Switcher
SD-7588V 8 x 8 SDI Matrix Switcher
To achieve the best performance:
Use only good quality connection cables
2
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 and position your Kramer
products away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your Matrix Switchers
This section describes the products
3
in the 88 Series range that can function
separately
4
or switch together in the same manner in the In System mode
5
.
1 However, you cannot connect two or more inputs to a single output
2 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 Switchers in the 88 Series share identical front panel controls. The VS-88V and SD-7588V have rear panel BNC
connectors. The VS-88A has rear panel detachable terminal block connectors
4 Standalone
5 Section 7.1 describes the different modes

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Your Matrix Switchers
4
4.1 Your VS-88A 8 x 8 Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher
The VS-88A is a high-performance 8x8 stereo audio matrix switcher for
balanced audio stereo signals using detachable terminal block connectors. In
addition, the VS-88A:
Is a true matrix switcher, enabling the user to simultaneously route
any input to any or all outputs
Delivers excellent audio performance ensuring that it remains
transparent in almost any audio application
Is controllable via the front panel buttons as well as the built-in
RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces
Includes 15 preset memory locations for quickly and easily
accessing the most frequently used configurations
Functions as a standalone unit as well as part of a Kramer multi-
signal switcher system
1
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the VS-88A:
1 Which includes digital and analog video, digital and analog audio and RS-422 control switchers. When integrated in a
system, it switches together with the video during the vertical interval, thus supporting true IN SYSTEM mode

Your Matrix Switchers
5
Figure 1: VS-88A 8x8 Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher

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Your Matrix Switchers
6
Table 1: VS-88A 8x8 Balanced Audio Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
2 ALL Button Pressing ALL before pressing an IN button, connects that input to all outputs
1
3 OFF Button Pressing OFF after pressing an OUT button disconnects that output from the
inputs. To turn off the connections, press the ALL button and then the OFF
button
4 OUT Select the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 8) SELECT
Buttons IN Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 8)
5 STO Button Pressing STO (Store) followed by an output button stores the current setting
(see section 7.3.1)
2
6 RCL Button Pressing the RCL (Recall) button and the corresponding OUT key recalls a
setup. Press the RCL button again to implement the new status (see section
7.3.2)
7 IN SYSTEM Button Pressing IN SYSTEM twice
3
, switches between the Standalone mode (in which
the switcher implements any action independently from the others) and the In
System mode (in which all switchers implement the same action simultaneously)
8 TAKE Button
(TAKE = CONFIRM)
Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
4
and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
9 OUTPUT labels Identifies a connection between the output and the input shown below it
INPUT Status Display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each input)
10 INPUT Terminal Block
Connectors Connect to balanced stereo audio sources (from 1 to 8)
11 OUTPUT Terminal
Block Connectors Connect to balanced stereo audio acceptors (from 1 to 8)
12 MACHINE # DIP-switches setup (see section 7.2.1)
13 RS-485 Connector RS-485 detachable terminal block port. Pins # 1 to # 3 are for RS 485 and pin #
4 is for vertical sync distribution
5
14 Power Connector with
Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
15 RS-232 OUT 9-pin
D-sub Connector Connects to the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub port of the next unit in the daisy-chain connection
6
16 RS-232 IN 9-pin
D-sub Connector Connects to PC
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
3 After pressing IN SYSTEM once, it blinks
4 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
5 The 88 Series RS-485 connector has 4 pins, and the Remote Controller RS-485 connector has just 3 pins
6 If the unit is the final unit in the daisy-chain connection, no termination is required

Your Matrix Switchers
7
4.2 Your VS-88V 8x8 Video Matrix Switcher
The VS-88V is a high-performance 8x8 Video Matrix Switcher for
composite video signals. In addition, the VS-88V:
Is a true matrix switcher, enabling the user to simultaneously route
any input to any or all outputs
Supports more than 200MHz video bandwidth
Switches during the vertical interval
1
Accepts analog video as the external source for its vertical interval
trigger
Is controllable via the front panel buttons as well as the built-in
RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces
Includes 15 preset memory locations for quickly and easily
accessing the most frequently used configurations
Functions as a standalone unit as well as part of a Kramer multi-
signal switcher system
2
Can be combined as part of a group of VS-88V switchers that
comprise a component switcher
3
Figure 2 and Table 2 define the VS-88V:
1 Transitions are glitch-free when sources share a common reference sync
2 Which includes digital and analog video, digital and analog audio, and RS-422 control switchers. When integrated into a
system, it can provide the rest of switchers with the vertical interval trigger
3 See section 6.6 and Figure 11

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Your Matrix Switchers
8
Figure 2: VS-88V 8x8 Video Matrix Switcher

Your Matrix Switchers
9
Table 2: VS-88V 8x8 Video Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
2 ALL Button (ALL= All Outputs) Pressing ALL before pressing an INPUT button, connects that input
to all outputs
1
3 OFF Button (OFF= All Inputs) Pressing OFF after pressing an OUTPUT button disconnects that
output from the inputs. To turn off the connections, press the ALL
button and then the OFF button
4 SELECT OUT Buttons Selects the output to which the input is switched (from 1 to 8)
5 SELECT IN Buttons Selects the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 8)
6 STO Button Pressing STO (STORE) followed by an output button stores the
current setting (see section 7.3.1)
2
7 RCL Button Pressing the RCL (Recall) button and the corresponding OUT key
recalls a setup. Press the RCL button again to implement the new
status (see section 7.3.2)
8 IN SYSTEM Button Pressing IN SYSTEM twice
3
, switches between the Standalone
mode (in which the switcher implements any action independently
from the others) and the In System mode (in which all switchers
implement the same action simultaneously)
9 TAKE Button
(TAKE = CONFIRM) Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
4
and the AT ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is
unnecessary)
10 OUTPUT labels Identifies a connection between the output and the input shown
below it
11 INPUT Status Display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above
each input)
12 Input Status LEDs Illuminates when the input signal is presented on a corresponding
line and complies with the SDI standard
13 INPUTS BNC Connectors Connects to the video sources (from 1 to 8)
14 OUTPUTS BNC Connectors Connects to the video outputs (from 1 to 8)
15 SYNC BNC Connectors For looping to external video sync input
16 75 ohms Button Controls loop termination
5
17 RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub Connector Connects to PC
18 MACHINE # DIP-switches For setup of the machine number (see section 7.2.1)
19 RS-485 Connector RS-485 detachable terminal block port. Pins # 1 to # 3 are for RS-
485 and pin # 4 is for vertical sync distribution
6
20 RS-232 OUT 9-pin D-sub
Connector Connects to the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub port of the next unit in the daisy-chain connection
7
21 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
3 After pressing IN SYSTEM once, it blinks
4 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
5 Push in to terminate the SYNC line. Push out when the line extends to another unit
6 The 88 Series RS-485 connector has 4 pins
7 If the unit is the final unit in the daisy-chain connection, no termination is required

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Your Matrix Switchers
10
4.3 Your SD-7588V 8x8 SDI Matrix Switcher
The SD-7588V is a high-performance multi-standard 8x8 serial digital
video matrix switcher that is adjustment-free, cable-equalized and
reclocking. In addition, the SD-7588V:
Provides automatic equalization for losses on 75coaxial cable,
and reclocks each output to provide eight low-jitter serial digital
outputs
Automatic standard recognition
Operates with both 10-bit and 8-bit video, automatically
recognizing the word length
Accepts analog video as the external source for its vertical interval
trigger
Is controllable via the front panel buttons as well as the built-in
RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces
Includes 15 preset memory locations for quickly and easily
accessing the most frequently used configurations
Functions as a standalone unit as well as part of a Kramer multi-
signal switcher system
1
Figure 3 and Table 3 define the SD-7588V:
1 Which includes digital and analog video, digital and analog audio, and RS-422 control switchers. When integrated into a
system, it provides the rest of switchers with the vertical interval trigger

Your Matrix Switchers
11
Figure 3: SD-7588V 8x8 SDI Matrix Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your Matrix Switchers
12
Table 3 defines the features and functions of the SD-7588V:
Table 3: SD-7588V 8x8 SDI Matrix Switcher Features
# Feature Function
1 Power Switch Illuminated switch supplying power to the unit
2 ALL Button
(ALL= All Outputs)
Pressing ALL before pressing an INPUT button, connects that input to all
outputs
1
3 OFF Button
(OFF= All Inputs)
Pressing OFF after pressing an OUTPUT button disconnects that output
from the inputs. To turn off the connections, press the ALL button and then
the OFF button
4 OUT Selects the output to which the input is switched
5
SELECT Buttons
IN Selects the input to switch to the output
6 STO Button Pressing STO (STORE) followed by an output button stores the current
setting (see section 7.3.1)
2
7 RCL Button Pressing the RCL (Recall) button and the corresponding OUT key recalls a
setup. Press the RCL button again to implement the new status
8 IN SYSTEM Button Pressing IN SYSTEM twice
3
, switches between the Standalone mode (in
which the switcher implements any action independently from the others)
and the In System mode (in which all switchers implement the same action
simultaneously)
9 TAKE Button
(TAKE = CONFIRM)
Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode
4
and the
AT ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
10 OUTPUT Labels Identifies a connection between the output and the input shown below it
11 INPUT Status Display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each
input)
12 INPUT STATUS LEDs Illuminates when the input signal is presented on a corresponding line and
complies with the SDI standard
13 INPUT BNC Connectors Connects to the composite video sources (from 1 to 8)
14 OUTPUT BNC Connectors Connects to the composite video acceptors (from 1 to 8)
15 SYNC BNC Connectors For looping to external video sync input
16 75 OHMS Button Controls loop termination
5
17 MACHINE # DIP-switches for setup of the machine number (see section 7.2.1)
18 RS-485 Connector RS-485 detachable terminal block port. Pins # 1 to # 3 are for RS 485 and
pin # 4 is for vertical sync distribution
6
19 IN Connects to PC
RS-232 9-pin
D-sub Connectors
OUT Connects to the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub port of the next unit in the daisy-
chain connection
7
20 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
2 For example, press STO and then the Output button # 3 to store in Setup # 3
3 After pressing IN SYSTEM once, it blinks
4 When in Confirm mode, the TAKE button illuminates
5 Push in to terminate the SYNC line. Push out when the line extends to another unit
6 The 88 Series RS-485 connector has 4 pins, and the Remote Controller RS-485 connector has just 3 pins
7 If the unit is the final unit in the daisy-chain connection, no termination is required

Installing in a Rack
13
5 Installing in a Rack
This section describes how to install the unit 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 +5º to +45º C (41º to 113º F)
Operating humidity range 10 to 90% RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20º to +70º C (-4º to 158º 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)

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Connecting Your 88 Series Matrix Switchers
14
6 Connecting Your 88 Series Matrix Switchers
This section describes how to connect:
A VS-88A standalone unit (see section 6.1)
A VS-88V standalone unit (see section 6.2)
An SD-7588V standalone unit (see section 6.3)
A balanced or unbalanced stereo audio input or output (see section
6.4
Several units and the PC (see section 6.5)
A component switcher (see section 6.6)

Connecting Your 88 Series Matrix Switchers
15
6.1 Connecting a VS-88A
To connect the VS-88A as shown in Figure 4:
1. Connect up to 8 balanced stereo audio sources
1
(for example, balanced
stereo audio players) to INPUT terminal blocks 1 to 8.
2. Connect up to 8 balanced stereo audio acceptors
1
(for example, balanced
stereo audio recorders) to OUTPUT terminal blocks 1 to 8.
3. If you are using a PC to control the device, connect the serial port of the
controlling device to the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub connector.
4. Connect the power cord
2
.
5. Set DIP-switch # 1 OFF and DIP-switches # 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ON (see section
7.2.1). The IN SYSTEM button is non responsive.
Figure 4: Connecting the VS-88A
1 You are not required to connect all inputs or outputs
2 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

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Connecting Your 88 Series Matrix Switchers
16
6.2 Connecting a VS-88V
To connect the VS-88V as shown in Figure 5:
1. Connect up to 8 composite video sources (for example, composite video
players) to INPUT BNC connectors 1 to 8
1
.
2. Connect up to 8 composite video acceptors (for example, composite video
recorders) to OUTPUT BNC connectors 1 to 8
1
.
3. Connect up to 2 video acceptors (for example, composite video displays
(not shown)) to the looping SYNC BNC connectors.
4. If you are using a PC to control the device, connect the serial port of the
controlling device to the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub connector.
5. Connect the power cord
2
.
6. Set DIP-switch # 1 OFF and DIP-switches # 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ON (see section
7.2.1). The IN SYSTEM button is non responsive.
Figure 5: Connecting the VS-88V
1 You are not required to connect all inputs or outputs
2 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Connecting Your 88 Series Matrix Switchers
17
6.3 Connecting an SD-5788V
To connect the SD-5788V as shown in Figure 6:
1. Connect up to 8 SDI digital video sources (for example, SDI video players)
to INPUT BNC connectors 1 to 8
1
.
2. Connect up to 8 SDI digital video acceptors (for example, SDI displays) to
OUTPUT BNC connectors 1 to 8
1
.
3. Connect up to 2 video acceptors (for example, SDI displays (not shown)) to
the looping SYNC BNC connectors or set the 75termination switch.
4. If you are using a PC to control the device, connect the serial port of the
controlling device to the RS-232 IN 9-pin D-sub connector.
5. Connect the power cord
2
.
6. Set DIP-switch # 1 OFF and DIP-switches # 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ON (see section
7.2.1). The IN SYSTEM button is non-responsive.
Figure 6: Connecting the SD-5788V
1 You are not required to connect all inputs or outputs
2 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine