Kramer VS-88HDCPxl User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-88HDCPxl
8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher
P/N: 2900-300016 Rev 9

VS-88HDCPxl – Contents
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Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 3
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
3.1 About Fast Switching 5
3.2 Defining the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher 5
3.3 Using the IR Transmitter 8
4Installing in a Rack 9
5Connecting the VS-88HDCPxl 10
5.1 Connecting to the VS-88HDCPxl via RS-232 11
5.2 Connecting via Ethernet 12
6Operating the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher 13
6.1 Routing Inputs to Outputs 13
6.2 Disconnecting the Outputs 13
6.3 Storing and Recalling a Setup 14
6.4 Changing the Port Switching Speed 15
6.5 Acquiring the EDID 16
6.6 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 18
6.7 Resetting the Ethernet Configuration to Default Values 18
6.8 Controlling Configuration via the Ethernet Port 18
6.9 Firmware Upgrade 18
7Technical Specifications 19
8Default Communication Parameters 20
9Protocol 2000 21
10 Application Software Tools 24
10.1 Control Methods 24
10.2 Firmware Upgrade 24
Figures
Figure 1: VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting to the VS-88HDCPxl Rear Panel 11
Figure 4: SELECTOR Buttons 14

VS-88HDCPxl - Introduction
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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 14 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; GROUP 11:
Sierra Video Products; GROUP 12: Digital Signage; GROUP 13: Audio; and
GROUP 14: Collaboration.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix
Switcher, which is ideal for the following applications:
 Conference room presentations
 Advertising
 Rental and staging

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VS-88HDCPxl - 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.kramerav.com/downloads/VS-88HDCPxl
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 Kramer VS-88HDCPxl 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.
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VS-88HDCPxl - Getting Started
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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
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-88HDCPxl - Overview
3 Overview
The high-quality Kramer VS-88HDCPxl is an HDCP compatible 8 x 8 DVI Matrix
Switcher that accepts up to eight DVI inputs and routes the selected DVI input
signal to any or all of eight DVI outputs.
Note that only the digital signal (DVI-D) is available on the DVI connector.
The VS-88HDCPxl features:
 Max. Data Rate - 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel)
Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
 HDTV Compatibility
 HDCP Compliance
 HDMI Support for Deep Color, x.v.Color™, 3D Pass-Through, HDMI
Compressed Audio Channels
 Input/Output - DVI-D signals (on DVI-I connectors)
 Kramer Equalization and re-Klocking™ Technology - Rebuilds the digital
signal integrity to travel longer distances
 Fast Switching Technology - Reduces switching delay between DVI/HDMI
sources
 Output Disconnect - Each output
 Front Panel Lockout
 Memory Locations - Stores multiple switches as presets to be recalled and
executed when needed
 Worldwide Power Supply - 100-240V AC
 Standard 19-inch Rack Mount Size - 2U. Rack “ears” included

VS-88HDCPxl - Overview
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You can control the VS-88HDCPxl using the front panel buttons or remotely via:
 RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC or other
serial controller
 The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter
 The Ethernet port
 An external remote IR receiver (optional), see Section 3.3
3.1 About Fast Switching
Older display devices required a longer time between the loss of one digital signal
and the introduction of another, as well as a physical disconnection of the
interconnecting cable in order to be able to detect and adjust to the new video
attributes and parameters. Normal switching, therefore, introduced a 5V signal
disconnection along with a delay in switching. Many newer display devices,
however, are now capable of “on-the-fly” switching.
Depending on the display device in use, the VS-88HDCPxl allows for fast
switching (minor reset and the connection kept alive) and extra fast switching (no
reset and the connection kept alive). Using the fast and extra fast switching modes
allows for fraction-of-a-second switching times when using high performance
display devices or when using a scaler on the video output.
3.2 Defining the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher
This section defines the VS-88HDCPxl.

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VS-88HDCPxl - Overview
Figure 1: VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR Receiver and LED
IR remote control sensor. LED lights yellow when receiving an IR signal
2
POWER LED
Lights green when the unit is turned on
3
ALL Button
Press to select all inputs or all outputs (see Section 6.1)
4
OFF Button
Press to disconnect one or all outputs (see Section 6.2)
5
SELECT OUT Buttons
Press to select an output (from 1 to 8)
Note that when a sink is connected to an output, that output button lights
If a screen that does not support HDCP is connected to an output, the button of that output
may possibly remain unlit
6
SELECT IN Buttons
Press to select an input (from 1 to 8)
Note that when there is a live signal at an input, that input button lights
7
STO Button
Press to store a switching configuration
8
RCL Button
Press to recall a switching configuration
9
LOCK Button
Press and hold to lock the front panel buttons and to acquire the EDID (see Section 6.6). Press and hold
a second time to unlock the front panel buttons
10
EDID Button
Press to acquire the EDID
11
OUTPUT 1 to 6
Indicates the output channels and their respective input selections on the 7-segment display
12
INPUT 7-segment Display
Number shown on the display indicates the relevant input channel
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VS-88HDCPxl –Overview

VS-88HDCPxl - Overview
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VS-88HDCPxl –Overview
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Figure 2: VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
13
INPUT DVI Connectors
Connect to the DVI sources (from 1 to 8)
14
RS-232 9-pin D-sub (F) Connector
Connect to a PC or the serial remote controller (see Section 8)
15
ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector
Connect to a PC or other Ethernet controller via a LAN (see Section 8)
16
RESET Button
Press and hold to reset the Ethernet configuration to its factory default values (see
Section 8)
17
OUTPUT DVI Connectors
Connect to the DVI acceptors (from 1 to 8)
18
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), see Section 3.3
19
Mains Power Connector with Switch and Fuse
Connect to the AC mains supply and use the switch to turn the device on or off

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VS-88HDCPxl - Overview
3.3 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 (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.

VS-88HDCPxl - Installing in a Rack
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4 Installing in a Rack

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VS-88HDCPxl - Connecting the VS-88HDCPxl
5 Connecting the VS-88HDCPxl
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-88HDCPxl. After connecting your VS-88HDCPxl, connect its
power and then switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VS-88HDCPxl as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect up to eight DVI sources (for example, DVD players) to the IN DVI
connectors.
2. Connect the OUT DVI connectors to up to eight DVI acceptors (for example,
DVI displays).
3. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
Section 5.1) and/or the Ethernet port (see Section 5.2).
4. Connect the device to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 3).
5. Power the device.
6. If required, acquire the EDID (see Section 6.5).
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VS-88HDCPxl - Connecting the VS-88HDCPxl
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Figure 3: Connecting to the VS-88HDCPxl Rear Panel
5.1 Connecting to the VS-88HDCPxl via RS-232
You can connect to the VS-88HDCPxl 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-88HDCPxl via RS-232:
 Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VS-88HDCPxl 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

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VS-88HDCPxl - Connecting the VS-88HDCPxl
5.2 Connecting via Ethernet
You can connect to the VS-88HDCPxl via Ethernet using either of the following
methods:
 Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 5.2.1)
 Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see
Section 5.2.2)
After connecting the VS-88HDCPxl to the Ethernet port, configure your local
Ethernet port by following the instructions in the Ethernet Configuration
(K-LanConfigurator) guide available from
http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp or from the
Downloads section of the VS-88HDCPxl Web page.
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.
5.2.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-88HDCPxl 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-88HDCPxl with the factory configured default IP address.
5.2.2 Connecting the Ethernet Port via a Network Hub or Switch
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-88HDCPxl to the Ethernet port on a
network hub or using a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
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VS-88HDCPxl - Operating the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher
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6 Operating the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix
Switcher
This section describes how to:
 Route inputs to outputs (see Section 6.1)
 Disconnect outputs (see Section 6.2)
 Store and recall a setup (see Section 6.3)
 Change the port switching speed (see Section 6.4)
 Acquire the EDID (see Section 6.5)
 Lock and unlock the front panel (see Section 6.6)
 Reset the Ethernet configuration to default values (see Section 6.7)
 Control the machine via the Ethernet port (see Section 6.8)
6.1 Routing Inputs to Outputs
To route an input to an output:
 Press an OUT key, followed by an IN key to route this input to that output
To route one input to all outputs:
 Press ALL followed by an IN button. The input is routed to all outputs
6.2 Disconnecting the Outputs
To disconnect one output:
 Press the OUT button of the output to disconnect and press OFF
To disconnect all outputs at once:
 Press the ALL button and then press OFF. This disconnects all the outputs

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VS-88HDCPxl - Operating the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher
6.3 Storing and Recalling a Setup
You can use the STO and RCL buttons to store up to 12 setups and then recall
them as illustrated in Figure 4.
IN 1 is used for setup number 1 and OUT 1 is used for setup number 9.
Figure 4: SELECTOR Buttons
The gray numbers (1 to 16) in Figure 4 that illustrate the corresponding
store/recall configuration numbers are for the purpose of illustration
only and do not actually appear on the buttons.
To store a setup (for example, to preset 10):
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 machine setup (for
example, OUT 2 for preset 10).
4. Press the STO button to store the current setup.
In this example, the OUT 2 button stores the setup.
Press the STO button within 10 seconds as the store operation times out automatically
after this period.
To recall a setup (for example, from preset 10):
1. Press the RCL button.
The RCL button flashes.
2. Press the relevant OUT or IN button that stored the setup.
In this example, press OUT 2 for preset 10.
3. Press the RCL button to recall the stored setup.
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VS-88HDCPxl - Operating the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher
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6.4 Changing the Port Switching Speed
The switching speed can be set per port to any of the following:
 3—Normal (default)
 2—Fast
 1—Extra fast
To change the port switching speed:
1. Ensure that the device is in normal switching mode, (that is, not Store,
Recall or EDID mode).
2. Press the RCL and EDID buttons at the same time.
The RCL and EDID buttons flash, and the display indicates the switching
speed mode of each port.
IN 1, IN 2 and IN 3 are illuminated (red).
3. Press one or more (or ALL) of the OUT buttons to select the port to change.
The selected port setting on the LED display flashes.
4. Press one of the IN 1/IN 2/IN 3 button to toggle the switching speed, (to Extra
fast/Fast/Normal, respectively).
The switching speed displayed changes for the selected ports.
5. Press the LOCK button to confirm the change.
The switching speed for the selected port is changed and the device reverts
to the normal switching mode.
Note: If the LOCK button is not pressed within about 12 seconds, the device exits
the port speed switching mode automatically and all changes are lost.

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VS-88HDCPxl - Operating the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher
6.5 Acquiring the EDID
You can acquire the EDID from:
 One output set to one or more of the four inputs (see Section 6.5.1)
 Different outputs set to different inputs (see Section 6.5.2)
 The default EDID (see Section 6.5.3)
6.5.1 Acquiring an EDID from a Single Connected Output
To acquire or change the EDID of a new output display:
1. Connect the required acceptor to the output from which you want to acquire
the EDID.
2. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.
3. Press the IN SELECT button to which the EDID is to be copied.
The selected input number flashes on the display.
4. Select the OUT SELECT button from which the EDID is to be acquired.
5. Press the EDID button.
The EDID has been captured when the display returns to normal.
6.5.2 Acquiring an EDID from Several Sets of Inputs and Outputs
To acquire the EDID from several sets of inputs and outputs (for example, OUT 1
to IN 1 and OUT 4 to IN 3):
1. Connect the required acceptors to the outputs from which you want to
acquire the EDID.
2. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.

VS-88HDCPxl - Operating the VS-88HDCPxl 8x8 DVI Matrix Switcher
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3. Press the SELECT IN button to which the first EDID is to be copied (for
example, IN 1).
The selected input number flashes on the display.
4. Press the SELECT OUT button from which the first EDID is to be acquired
(for example, OUT 1).
5. Press the SELECT IN 1 button again.
The IN 1 button stops flashing.
6. Press another SELECT IN to which the next EDID is to be copied (for
example, IN 3).
The selected input number flashes on the display.
7. Press the SELECT OUT button from which the next EDID is to be acquired
(for example, OUT 4).
8. Press the SELECT IN 3 button again.
The IN 3 button stops flashing.
9. Press the SELECT IN buttons to which you want to copy the EDID (for
example, IN 1 and IN 3).
10. Insure that the relevant input numbers flash on the display.
11. Press the EDID button.
The process is complete when the display returns to normal.
6.5.3 Acquiring the Default EDID
To reset to the default EDID:
1. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3 seconds.
Both buttons flash.
2. Press the SELECT IN button to which the EDID will be copied.
The selected input number flashes on the display.
3. Press the OFF button until a "0" (zero) appears on the display.