Kramer VS-88DT User manual

P/N: 2900-300275 Rev 6 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-88DT
HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Contents
i
Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 2
Achieving the Best Performance 2
Safety Instructions 2
Using TP cables 2
Recycling Kramer Products 3
Overview 4
About HDBaseT™ Technology 5
Defining the VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher 6
Installing the VS-88DT in a Rack 8
Connecting the VS-88DT 9
Connecting a Serial Controller to the VS-88DT 10
Connecting to the VS-88DT via Ethernet 10
Operating the VS-88DT 13
Switching Inputs to Outputs 13
Storing and Recalling Preset Configurations 14
Acquiring an EDID 14
Cancelling One or All Outputs 14
Resetting the Device to Factory Default Configuration 15
Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 15
RS-232 Data Routing over HDBaseT 16
Configuring the VS-88DT 17
Using the Menu 17
Selecting the HDBaseT or HDMI Outputs 19
Selecting DHCP 19
Configuring the IP Network Address 19
Resetting the VS-88DT to Factory Default Configuration 20
Operating the VS-88DT Remotely Using the Web Pages 21
Switching Page 21
Device Settings Page 24
Authentication Page 25
RS-232 Routing Page 26
EDID Page 27
About Page 27
Wiring the DGKat TP RJ-45 Connectors 28
Updating the Firmware 29
Technical Specifications 30
Default Parameters 31
Default Communication Parameters 31
Kramer Protocol 32
Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 32
Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 34

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Introduction
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!
Congratulations on purchasing your VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher which is ideal
for:
•Conference room presentations
•Advertising applications

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –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 www.kramerav.com/downloads/VS-88DT
to check for up-to-date user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).
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 Kramer VS-88DT 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.
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.
Using TP cables
Kramer engineers have developed a special twisted pair cable to best match our HDBaseT
products, the Kramer BC−HDKat6a (CAT 6 23 AWG) cable. This specially built cable
significantly outperforms regular CAT 5/CAT 6/CAT 7a cables.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Getting Started
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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 www.kramerav.com/support/recycling.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Overview
4
Overview
The high-quality Kramer VS-88DT is an HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher that accepts up to
eight HDMI signals and routes any or all of them to any or all eight HDMI outputs or HDBaseT
for connection to compatible receivers, for example, the TP-588D and TP-588VGA.
The VS-88DT features:
•Eight HDMI and nine IR inputs
•Eight HDMI, eight HDBaseT and nine IR outputs
•Bandwidth up to 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per video channel)
•EDID Capture—copies and stores the EDID from a display device
•Hot-plug Detect (HPD)
•HDBaseT range up to 130m (430ft) at normal mode (2K) when using BC-UNIKat cables
•RS-232 data tunneling over HDBaseT
•HDCP support
•HDTV compatibility
•Support for HDMI –3D, Deep Color, x.v.Color™, Lip Sync , Dolby®TrueHD, Dolby
Digital Plus, DTS−HD®and linear PCM 7.1 surround sound
•A non-volatile memory for matrix configuration
•A store and recall facility for preset configurations
•Automatic output shutdown if no input signal is detected after a configurable idle period
•An LCD display for easy configuration and operation
•Remote control using serial commands (over RS-232 and Ethernet) and built-in,
browser-based Web pages
•Support for Kramer Protocol 3000
•A lock button to prevent unwanted tampering with the settings
•2U height that fits a standard 19” professional rack enclosure
You can control the VS-88DT using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
•Built-in, embedded Web pages using a standard Web browser over Ethernet
•RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC or other serial
controller
•The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Overview
5
About HDBaseT™ Technology
HDBaseT™ is an advanced all-in-one connectivity technology (supported by the HDBaseT
Alliance). It is particularly suitable in the consumer home environment as a digital home
networking alternative where it enables you to replace numerous cables and connectors by a
single LAN cable used to transmit, for example, uncompressed, full, high definition video,
audio and IR as well as various control signals.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Defining the VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher
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Defining the VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT
Matrix Switcher
Figure 1 defines the front panel of the VS-88DT.
Figure 1: VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR LED
Lights yellow when receiving an IR signal
2
IR Sensor
IR receiver for remote control
3
POWER LED
Lights green when the device is powered on
4
IN 1~8
Press to select an input after selecting an output (see Switching Inputs to
Outputs on page 13)
5
OUT 1~8
Press to switch, followed by an input or OFF
6
ALL Button
Press, followed by an Input to switch the Input to all outputs or press followed by the
Off button to disconnect all switches, (see Cancelling One or All Outputs on page 14)
7
STO Button
Press to store a preset configuration followed by the preset number in which to save it
(see Section Storing and Recalling Preset Configurations on page 14)
8
EDID Button
Press to copy the EDID from an Output to an Input (see Acquiring an
EDID on page 14)
9
LOCK Button
Press and hold to lock the front panel buttons, (see Locking and Unlocking the Front
Panel on page 15). Press and hold again to unlock
10
Menu
Navigation
Pad
Use the Enter, up (▲), down (▼), left (◄) and right (►) buttons to navigate the menu,
and modify parameters or values (see Section Using the Menu on page 17)
11
LCD Readout
(20 char x 2
lines)
Displays either the input/output resolution currently selected or the menu during
configuration
12
OFF Button
Press after an output button to cancel the currently selected outputs. Press after the
All button to cancel all currently switched outputs (see Cancelling One or All
Outputs on page 14)
13
RCL Button
Press, followed by a preset number to recall the preset configuration (see Section
Storing and Recalling Preset Configurations on page 14)
14
MENU Button
Press to enter the Menu and move one level back when the menu is displayed (see
Section Using the Menu on page 17)

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Defining the VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher
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Figure 2 defines the rear panel of the VS-88DT.
Figure 2: VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
OUT
1~8
RJ-45 HDBaseT
Connector
Connect to compatible HDBaseT devices, for example, TP-588D (see
Section Connecting the VS-88DT on page 9)
2
IR IN 3.5mm Mini
Jack
Connect to IR sensors
3
IR OUT 3.5mm
Mini Jack
Connect to IR blasters
4
HDMI Connector
Connect HDMI acceptors
5
ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to a PC controller via a LAN (see Section Connecting to the
VS-88DT via Ethernet on page 10)
6
IR ALL IN 3.5mm Mini Jack
Connect to an IR sensor
7
IR ALL OUT 3.5mm Mini
Jack
Connect to an IR blaster
8
AC
Mains
Power Socket
Connect the mains power cord
Fuse
AC mains supply protection fuse
Power Switch
Turns the device on and off
9
IN 1~8 HDMI Connectors
Connect to HDMI sources
10
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Serial
Port
Connect to a serial controller (see Section Connecting a Serial Controller
to the VS-88DT on page 10)
11
PROGRAM Mini USB
Connector
For performing firmware upgrade

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Installing the VS-88DT in a Rack
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Installing the VS-88DT in a Rack

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Connecting the VS-88DT
9
Connecting the VS-88DT
Switch off the power to all devices before connecting them to your
VS-88DT. After connecting your VS-88DT, connect its power and then switch on the power to
the other devices.
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-88DT HDMI/HDBT Matrix Switcher
To connect the VS-88DT as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect the HDMI sources, (for example, Blu-ray disc players) to the HDMI In 1 and In 2
connectors.
2. Connect an external IR sensor to the In 4 IR In 3.5mm mini jack.
3. Connect the Out 1 IR 3.5mm mini jack to an external IR transmitter.
4. Connect the Out 4 HDMI connector to an HDMI acceptor, (for example, a display).
5. Connect the Out 3 TP RJ-45 HDBT connector to a compatible HDBT receiver, (for
example, the TP-580Rxr), and connect the HDMI output of the TP-580Rxr to a display.
6. Connect the Out 7 TP RJ-45 HDBT connector to a compatible HDBT receiver, (for
example, the TP-588D), and connect the DVI output of the TP-588D to a display.
7. Connect a controller via either RS-232 or a LAN to the Ethernet RJ-45 connector.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Connecting the VS-88DT
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Connecting a Serial Controller to the VS-88DT
You can connect to the VS-88DT via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC. For
information about routing RS-232 data over HDBaseT, see RS-232 Data Routing over
HDBaseT on page 16.
To connect to the VS-88DT via RS-232:
•Connect the 9-pin D-sub connector on the rear panel of the VS-88DT (pin 5 to pin 5, pin
2 to pin 3, pin 3 to pin 2) to the RS 232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
Connecting to the VS-88DT via Ethernet
You can connect to the VS-88DT via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
•Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to
a PC on page 10)
•Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see Connecting the
Ethernet Port via a Network Hub on page 12)
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.
Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-88DT directly to the Ethernet port on your PC
using a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VS-88DT
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting the VS-88DT 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 4.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Connecting the VS-88DT
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Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window
4. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window appears as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address for static IP addressing and fill in the details as
shown in Figure 6.
For TCP/IPv4 you can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255
(excluding 192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT department.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Connecting the VS-88DT
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Figure 6: Internet Protocol Properties Window
7. Click OK.
8. Click Close.
Connecting the Ethernet Port via a Network Hub or Switch
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-88DT to the Ethernet port on a network hub or
using a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Operating the VS-88DT
13
Operating the VS-88DT
When the VS-88DT is powered on, the following is displayed briefly on the LCD display:
KRAMER ELEC
8X8 HDMI/HDBT Matrix
Following the self-test the current switching configuration is displayed, an example of which is
shown below. The top row indicates the output port and the bottom row indicates which input
port is switched to the output port displayed directly above it. An input port showing 0 (zero)
indicates that the output port has no input switched to it.
O:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I:
3
0
1
2
4
5
2
8
Note: If there is no button activity during any procedure for approximately 30 seconds, the
procedure is aborted and the display reverts back to the Input/Output display.
Switching Inputs to Outputs
You can switch:
•Individual inputs to individual outputs
•One input to all outputs
To switch an output to an input, (for example, Input 7 to Output 3):
1. Press Out 3.
The Output button lights red.
2. Press In 7.
The Input button lights red and the switch is performed.
To switch one input to all outputs, (for example, Input 2 to all outputs):
1. Press All.
The All button lights red.
2. Press In 2.
The Input 2 button lights and Input 2 is switched to all outputs.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Operating the VS-88DT
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Storing and Recalling Preset Configurations
You can store up to eight preset configurations for instant recall. The top row of output buttons
relate to presets one to eight.
To store the current configuration in preset 5:
1. Press Sto.
2. Press Out 5.
The selection is displayed in the readout.
3. Press Sto.
The current configuration is stored in preset 5.
To recall preset 8:
1. Press Rcl.
2. Press Out 8.
The selection is displayed in the readout.
3. Press Rcl.
The configuration stored in preset 8 is recalled.
Acquiring an EDID
You can acquire the EDID from an output and assign it to either one or all inputs.
To acquire the EDID from an output and store it on one input, (for example, Output 5 to
Input 8):
1. Press EDID.
The button lights red.
2. Press Out 5.
3. Press In 8.
4. Press EDID.
The button no longer lights and the EDID from Output 5 is stored in Input 8.
Cancelling One or All Outputs
The Off button is used to cancel one or all currently switched outputs.
To cancel one currently switched output, (for example, Output 7):
1. Press Out 7.
2. Press Off.
To cancel all currently switched outputs:
1. Press All.
2. Press Off.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Operating the VS-88DT
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Resetting the Device to Factory Default Configuration
The VS-88DT can be reset to factory default configuration either by sending a Protocol 3000
command or by using the front panel buttons.
To reset the device to the factory default configuration by sending a P3000 command:
1. Connect from a PC to the VS-88DT via the serial port using the following parameters:
▪115200, 8, 1, none
2. Send the P3000 command to reset the device to factory default (see
Section Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands on page 34).
After a few seconds the VS-88DT is reset to factory default.
To reset the device to the factory default configuration using the front panel buttons:
1. Press the Menu button.
The Menu button lights and the first option on the menu appears.
2. Use the up (▲) and down (▼) arrows on the keypad to scroll to the RESET TO
DEFAULT option.
3. Press the Enter button.
The Reset to Default No and Yes options appear.
4. Use the left (◄) and right (►) arrows on the keypad to select Yes.
5. Press Enter.
After a few seconds the standby readout is displayed and the device is reset to factory
default.
Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel
You can lock the front panel buttons to prevent unwanted key presses from changing the
current configuration.
To lock the front panel:
•Press and hold the Lock button.
The button lights, the Locked message is displayed briefly, and the front panel buttons
are locked. Pressing any button causes the Locked message to display briefly and the
Lock button to flash
To unlock the front panel:
•Press and hold the Lock button.
The button no longer lights and the front panel buttons are unlocked

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Operating the VS-88DT
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RS-232 Data Routing over HDBaseT
The VS-88DT enables routing data from a source connected to the RS-232 serial port to one
of the HDBaseT outputs. This can be performed from the RS-232 Routing Web page (see
RS-232 Routing Page on page 26) or using the ROUTE command (see Kramer
Protocol on page 32).
For simulation purposes, the VS-88DT also enables routing the RS-232 data to all the
HDBaseT outputs, by chaining multiple ROUTE commands. For more information on chaining
multiple commands, see Chaining Commands on page 34.
Note: When RS-232 data routing is enabled, the RS-232 serial port cannot be used for
connecting a serial controller.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Configuring the VS-88DT
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Configuring the VS-88DT
Using the Menu
The main menu comprises three sections:
•Interface Out (see Interface Out Sub-menu on page 17)
•RS-232 Routing (see RS-232 Routing Sub-menu on page 17)
•DHCP (see Network Settings Sub-menu on page 18)
•Ethernet Status (see Ethernet Status on page 18)
•FW version display (see FW Version Display on page 18)
•Reset to Default (see Reset to Default Sub-menu on page 18)
•Update Firmware (see Update Firmware Sub-menu on page 18)
Navigation through the menu is performed as follows:
•Menu—Enter the Menu or exit one level when in the Menu
•Enter—Select a parameter/value
•Up (▲) or Right (►)—scroll up through the parameter/value list
•Down (▼) or Left (◄)—scroll down through the parameter/value list
Note: If there is no button activity for approximately 30 seconds, the display reverts back to
the Input/Output display.
Interface Out Sub-menu
The parameters in the Interface Out sub-menu set the output signal format.
Parameter
Description
Options
Output 1~8:
Sets the required outputs
HDBT, HDMI
Default—HDBT
RS-232 Routing Sub-menu
The RS-232 Status sub-menu turns the RS-232 serial communication routing on and off.
Parameter
Description
Options
OFF, ON
Turns the RS-232 routing on and off
OFF, ON
Default—OFF

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VS-88DT –Configuring the VS-88DT
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Network Settings Sub-menu
The Network Status sub-menu controls DHCP selection and IP network parameters.
Parameter
Description
Options
OFF, ON
Turns DHCP on and off
OFF, ON
Default—OFF
IP Settings
Sets the IP network address
All valid IP addresses
Netmask Settings
Sets the IP netmask
All valid IP netmask addresses
Gateway Settings
Sets the IP gateway
All valid IP gateway addresses
Note: When turning DHCP on, the device performs an automatic reset.
Ethernet Status Sub-menu
The parameters in the Ethernet Status sub-menu display the TCP/IP communication
parameters.
Parameter
Description
IP Status:
Displays the TCP/IP address of the device
Netmask Status:
Displays the TCP/IP netmask of the device
Gateway Status:
Displays the TCP/IP gateway
MAC Address:
Displays the MAC address of the device
FW Version Display
Displays the firmware version similar to the following:
V1.1.1123+04A+1.0
Reset to Default Sub-menu
Parameter
Description
NO, YES
Resets the device to default factory parameters
Update Firmware Sub-menu
Parameter
Description
Update I/O FW:
Updates the I/O firmware