Kramer VS-88HDxl User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Preliminary
USER MANUAL
Model:
VS-88HDxl
8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3Overview 3
4Your VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 4
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter 7
5Installing the VS-88HDxl in a Rack 8
6Connecting the VS-88HDxl 9
6.1 Connecting the VS-88HDxl in the Single Link Mode 9
6.2 Connecting the VS-88HDxl in the Dual Link Mode 11
6.3 Setting the Working Mode 13
6.4 Connecting the RS-232 Port 13
6.4.1 Determining the Machine Number 13
6.4.2 Setting the DIP-Switches 14
6.5 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port 15
6.5.1 Setting the Address Switches 15
6.5.2 Setting the Line Termination 15
6.6 Switching Genlocked Video Signals 16
6.7 Connecting the Ethernet Port 16
6.7.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port Directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 16
6.7.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 18
6.8 Configuring the Ethernet Port 18
6.9 Controlling via the Ethernet Port 19
6.10 Using the Ethernet Reset Button 19
7Operating the VS-88HDxl 20
7.1 Operating the VS-88HDxl from the Front Panel 20
7.1.1 Power On Display 20
7.1.2 Using the AT ONCE and CONFIRM Modes 20
7.1.3 Switching in the AT ONCE Mode 20
7.1.4 Toggling Between Modes 21
7.1.5 Switching in the CONFIRM Mode 21
7.1.6 Storing an Input/Output Configuration 21
7.1.7 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration 22
7.1.8 Locking the Front Panel 22
7.1.9 Switching Protocols 22
7.1.10 Indicating Errors 22
7.2 Using Serial Commands 23
7.3 Using the Infrared Remote Controller 23
8Technical Specifications 23
9Using the P3K Wizard 24

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
9.1 Changing the Device Parameters 24
9.2 Updating the VS-88HDxl Firmware 26
10 Kramer Protocol 3000 27
10.1 Switching Protocols 27
10.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 28
10.2.1 Host Message Format 28
10.2.1.1 Simple Command 28
10.2.1.2 Command String 28
10.2.2 Device Message Format 28
10.2.2.1 Device Long Response 28
10.2.3 Command Terms 29
10.2.4 Entering Commands 29
10.2.5 Command Forms 30
10.2.6 Command Chaining 30
10.2.7 Maximum String Length 30
10.2.8 Backward Support 30
10.3 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 31
10.3.1 Device Initiated Messages 31
10.3.2 Result and Error Codes 31
10.3.3 Basic Routing Commands 31
10.3.4 Preset Commands 32
10.3.5 Operation Commands 32
10.3.6 Machine Information Commands 32
10.3.7 Identification Commands 33
10.3.8 Network Setting Commands 33
11 Hex Table (Protocol 2000) 34
12 Kramer Protocol 2000 35
Figures
Figure 1: VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 5
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 10
Figure 3: VS-88HDxl Dual-Link Inputs and Outputs 12
Figure 4: Connecting the Dual-Link VS-88HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI Matrix Switcher 12
Figure 5: DIP-Switch Settings 14
Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window 17
Figure 7: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 17
Figure 8: Connect Screen 18
Figure 9: Device Properties Screen 19
Figure 10: P3K Wizard Screen 24
Figure 11: Connect Window 25
Figure 12: Device Properties Window 26

Contents
iii
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 6
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher 6
Table 3: Machine # DIP-Switch Settings 14
Table 4: DIP-Switch Settings 14
Table 5: Genlock Settings 16
Table 6: VS-88HDxl Technical Specifications 23
Table 7: VS-88HDxl Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 34
Table 8: Protocol Definitions 35
Table 9: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 36

Introduction
1
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 groups1
Thank you for purchasing the Kramer VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI
Matrix Switcher, which is ideal for:
that are clearly
defined by function.
•Professional broadcasting and production studios
•Presentation applications
The package includes the following items:
•The VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
•RC-IR3remote control (with manual)
•Power cord2
•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 cables4
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 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
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation:

Overview
3
3
3 Overview
The VS-88HDxl is a high-performance matrix switcher for 3G HD-SDI and
HD-SDI dual link signals. The unit can switch up to eight single link inputs
to any or all of eight single link outputs or four dual link inputs to any or all
of four dual link outputs.
In particular, the VS-88HDxl features:
•Operation of up to 2.97Gbps – enabling it to be used for standard
definition, high-definition and 3G high-definition serial digital
video signals (SD/HD/3G HD-SDI)
•SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M, and 372M (dual link) compliance
and support for data rates of 270Mbps, 1483.5Mbps, 1485Mbps
and 2970Mbps
•Cable equalization up to 350m for SD1signals, 140m for 1.5GHz
HD2
•Reclocking and equalization on each input, storing and recalling
setups, and a TAKE button for the execution of multiple switches
all at once
signals, and 120m for 3GHz HD signals
•The ability to switch genlocked video signals according to the
timing of the genlock reference input. Switching according to the
bi-level or tri-level genlock3
The VS-88HDxl is housed in a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and is fed
from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply. The unit can be
controlled via the front panel buttons or via:
input according to SMPTE RP-168
•An infrared remote control transmitter
•An infrared remote extension cable transmitter
•Remotely, by RS-232 or RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a
PC, touch screen system, or other serial controller
•The Ethernet
•By default, the VS-88HDxl is operated using the Kramer 3000
protocol (see section 7.1.9 for details of how to switch to Protocol
2000 and section 9.2 for the relevant protocol commands)
1 Standard Definition (SD) means an NTSC or PAL compatible video format, consisting of 480 (for NTSC) or 576 (for PAL)
lines of interlaced video
2 High Definition (HD) means a video format, consisting of 720 active lines of progressive video or 1080 lines of progressive
or interlaced video
3 The sources must be genlocked to the GENLOCK input in order to switch clearly

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
4
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables1
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your Kramer
VS-88HDxl away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
to avoid interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated
noise levels (often associated with low quality cables)
4 Your VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
Figure 1, Table 1, and Table 2define the VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI
Matrix Switcher.
1 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Your VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
5
Figure 1: VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
6
Table 1: Front Panel VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
#
Feature
Function
1 IR Receiver The yellow LED illuminates when receiving signals from the infrared remote
control transmitter
2 POWER LED Illuminates when the unit is ON
3 ALL Button Pressing ALL followed by an INPUT button, connects that input to all outputs
4 OFF Button Pressing OFF+OUT disconnects that output from the inputs;
pressing OFF+ALL disconnects all the outputs;
a long press toggles between dual link and normal mode
5 IN SELECT Buttons Select the input to switch to the output;
long presses on buttons IN1 to IN5 change the genlock timing (see Table 5)
6 OUT SELECT Buttons Select the output to which the input is switched
7 STO (STORE) Button Pressing STO followed by an IN / OUT button stores the current setting
8 RCL (RECALL) Button Pressing the RCL button and the corresponding INPUT / OUTPUT key recalls a
setup from the non-volatile memory
9 LOCK Button A long press toggles activation/inactivation of the front panel buttons;
pressing LOCK+OUT2 selects Protocol 2000; pressing LOCK+OUT3 selects
Protocol 3000
10 TAKE Button Pressing TAKE toggles the mode between the CONFIRM mode and the AT
ONCE mode (user confirmation per action is unnecessary)
11 7-segment Display Displays the selected input switched to the output (marked above each input)
Table 2: Rear Panel VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
#
Feature
Function
12 GENLOCK BNC Connector Connects to the genlock source
13 TERM HI-Z/75Ω Pushbutton Press to terminate the genlock source (75Ω) or release for looping
14 LOOP BNC Connector Connects to the genlock connector of the next unit in the line
15 INPUT BNC Connectors Connects to the serial digital video sources
16 RS-232 9-pin D-sub (F) Port Connects to the PC or the remote controller
17 PROG/RS-485 TERM
DIP-switches PROG DIP-switch enables microcontroller firmware upgrade RS-485 TERM DIP-switch terminates the RS-485 line with a 120Ω load
18 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485;
Pin G may be connected to the shield (if required)
19 ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer networking
LAN
20 MACH # DIP-switches DIP-switches 1-4 for setting the Machine Address of the unit
21 ETH RESET Button Press to reset to factory default definitions
1
22
:
IP number −192.168.1.39, Mask – 255.255.0.0, Gateway – 0.0.0.0
OUTPUT BNC Connectors Connect to the serial digital video acceptors
23 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)2
24 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
25 Power Switch Turns the power to the unit ON and OFF
1 First disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the ETH Factory Reset button. The unit powers up
and loads its memory with the factory default definitions and erases all stored presets
2 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the VS-88HDxl (only if the
internal IR connection cable has been installed) (See section 4.1)

Your VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher
7
7
4.1 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
receiver1. 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 cables2
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer
dealer to insert the internal IR connection cable12F
3with 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.
1 Model: C-A35M/IRR-50
2 Model: C-A35M/A35F-50
3 P/N: 505-70434010-S

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VS-88HDxl in a Rack
8
5 Installing the VS-88HDxl in a Rack
.
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the 1U unit.

Connecting the VS-88HDxl
9
9
6 Connecting the VS-88HDxl
This section describes how to connect the VS-88HDxl in single link mode
(see section 6.1) and in dual link mode (see section 6.2).
6.1 Connecting the VS-88HDxl in the Single Link Mode
The VS-88HDxl can switch one of the eight SD/HD/3G HD-SDI inputs to
any or all of the eight SD/HD/3G HD-SDI outputs, as the example in
Figure 2shows.
To connect the VS-88HDxl8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher, do the
following1
1. Connect up to eight SDI sources to the SDI INPUT BNC connectors (for
example, an HD/SD camera to INPUT 1 and an SDI player to INPUT 8).
:
2. Connect the SDI OUTPUT BNC connectors to up to eight SDI acceptors
(for example, OUTPUT 1 to a non-linear editor, and OUTPUT 8 to an HD
SDI display).
3. Set the DIP-switches (see section 6.4.2).
4. Optionally2
•A genlock source to the GENLOCK BNC connector
, connect:
•The LOOP BNC connector to the GENLOCK connector of
the next unit in the line, and release the TERM button for
looping3
5. Connect a PC and/or controller (if required), to the:
•RS-232 port (see section 6.4), and/or
•RS-485 port (see section 6.5), and/or
•ETHERNET connector (see section 6.7)
6. Connect the power cord4
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-88HDxl. After connecting your VS-88HDxl, switch
on its power and then switch on the power on each device
.
2 Not illustrated in Figure 2
3 Pushed in terminates the input. Release when the input extends to another unit
4 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-88HDxl
10
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-88HDxl 8x8 3G SD/HD-SDI Matrix Switcher

Connecting the VS-88HDxl
11
11
6.2 Connecting the VS-88HDxl in the Dual Link Mode
You can use your VS-88HDxl in the dual-link mode to switch any of the
four dual-link SDI inputs to any or all of the four dual-link SDI outputs, as
shown1Figure 3in the examples in and Figure 4.
To connect the VS-88HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI Matrix Switcher in the dual-
link mode, do the following2
1. Connect up to 4 of the SDI sources to the INPUT DUAL LINK BNC
connectors. For example, a dual-link HD/SD camera to DUAL LINK 1
(inputs 1 and 2) and a dual-link 3G HD video server to DUAL LINK 4
(inputs 7 and 8).
:
2. Connect the SDI OUTPUT BNC connectors to up to four SDI acceptors.
For example, OUTPUT DUAL LINK 3 (outputs 5 and 6) to a dual-link
preview display and OUTPUT DUAL LINK 4 (outputs 7 and 8) to a dual-
link HD SDI mixer.
3. Set the DIP-switches (see section 6.4.2).
4. Optionally3
•A genlock source to the GENLOCK BNC connector
, connect:
•The LOOP BNC connector to the GENLOCK connector of
the next unit in the line, and release the TERM button for
looping4
5. Connect a PC and/or controller (if required), to the:
•RS-232 port (see section 6.4), and/or
•RS-485 port (see section 6.5), and/or
•ETHERNET connector (see section 6.7)
6. Connect the power cord5
7. Set the machine to the dual-link mode (see section
.
6.3).
Note: In dual link mode only the first input status LED lights when both
inputs are connected. For example, if inputs 3 and 4 are connected as a dual
link, only the input status LED 3 lights.
1 The graphic on the rear panel does not indicate the dual link connections
2 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-88HDxl. After connecting your VS-88HDxl, switch
on its power and then switch on the power on each device
3 Not illustrated in Figure 2
4 Pushed in terminates the input. Release when the input extends to another unit
5 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-88HDxl
12
Figure 3: VS-88HDxl Dual-Link Inputs and Outputs
Figure 4: Connecting the Dual-Link VS-88HDxl 3G HD/SD-SDI Matrix Switcher

Connecting the VS-88HDxl
13
13
6.3 Setting the Working Mode
To enter the dual-link mode:
•Press and hold the OFF front panel button for 3 seconds until the 7-
segment display shows 4 dual-link devices in the first 4 outputs of
the display and “dl” in the rest of the outputs
To exit the dual-link mode:
•Press and hold the OFF front panel button for 3 seconds until the 7-
segment display shows devices in all the 8 outputs
Notes:
1. The unit stays in the last working mode even after being powered down or
after rebooting. It only changes after you perform the above procedure.
2. The error sign appears when switching to an illegal configuration. It
can also appear momentarily during switching1
6.4 Connecting the RS-232 Port
.
You can connect to the VS-88HDxl 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-88HDxl via RS-232:
•Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VS-88HDxl
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
6.4.1 Determining the Machine Number
Each unit must be identified by a unique Machine #. Determine the
Machine #according to Table 3.
•When using a single unit, set the unit to Machine # 1.
•A master unit must be Machine #1.
When connecting more than one VS-88HDxl unit, set a different Machine #
on each unit. The units do not have to be numbered sequentially but each
unit must have a unique machine number.
1 In this case it can be ignored

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-88HDxl
14
Table 3: Machine # DIP-Switch Settings
Machine # DIP-SWITCH
1 2 3 4
1 (Single or
master unit1OFF ON) OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
2 OFF ON OFF OFF
3 ON ON OFF OFF
4 OFF OFF ON OFF
5 ON OFF ON OFF
6 OFF ON ON OFF
7 ON ON ON OFF
8 OFF OFF OFF ON
9 ON OFF OFF ON
10 OFF ON OFF ON
11 ON ON OFF ON
12 OFF OFF ON ON
13 ON OFF ON ON
14 OFF ON ON ON
15 ON ON ON ON
Note: After changing the address, the device must be reset by turning OFF
and ON.
6.4.2 Setting the DIP-Switches
When controlling a unit via the RS-232 or RS-485 ports set the
DIP-switches on the rear of the unit. Figure 5and Table 4define the
DIP-switches2
:
Figure 5: DIP-Switch Settings
Table 4: DIP-Switch Settings
DIPS
Function
Description
RS-485 Term RS-485 line termination OFF for no RS-485 line termination
ON for RS-485 120Ωline termination
PROG Firmware update Set ON only to update device firmware
MACH # 1, 2, 3, 4 Self Address Sets the MACHINE # (see section 6.4.1)
1 A single or master unit can have the address 0 or 1
2 The default address is 0 (all DIP-switches are OFF)

Connecting the VS-88HDxl
15
15
The RS-485 TERM DIP-switch is used only when the RS-485 port is
connected (see section 6.4.2). The first and last units on the RS-485 line
(for example, the controller and the last VS-88HDxl) must be terminated;
the units in between must not be terminated.
Set the PROG DIP-switch ON only while updating the unit firmware,
otherwise the switch must be OFF.
6.5 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port
You can operate the VS-88HDxl via the RS-485 port from a distance of up
to 1200 meters (3900ft) using any device equipped with an RS-485 port (for
example, a PC). For successful communication, you must set the RS-485
machine number and bus termination.
To connect a device with a RS-485 port to the VS-88HDxl:
•Connect the A (+) pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the A (+) pin on
the RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VS-88HDxl
•Connect the B (–) pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the B (–) pin on
the RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VS-88HDxl
•Connect the G pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the G pin on the
RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VS-88HDxl
6.5.1 Setting the Address Switches
To set the address DIP-switches:
•Assign Master Machine #1 to the master unit with the address
0 or 1 set in the DIP-switches
•Assign a unique Machine # from 2 to 15 for each VS-88HDxl slave
unit using Table 3. The units do not have to be sequentially
numbered but they must have unique addresses
6.5.2 Setting the Line Termination
To ensure correct operation, the RS-485 line must be terminated at both
ends. The master unit may be located at any part of the line, but when it is at
the end of the line, the termination switch must be set ON.
To set line termination, as shown in Figure 5:
•For the VS-88HDxl unit located at the end of the RS-485 line, set
the RS-485 TERM DIP-switch ON
•For all other VS-88HDxl units in the middle of the line, set the
RS-485 TERM DIP-switch OFF

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the VS-88HDxl
16
6.6 Switching Genlocked Video Signals
The genlock feature lets you switch genlocked video signals according to
timing of the GENLOCK reference input1
1. Connect the GENLOCK cable.
.
2. To set the genlock timing, press and hold for 3 seconds the appropriate input
button as follows2
Table 5: Genlock Settings
:
To Set Press and Hold
for 3 Seconds
Displayed
1080i/p @60Hz IN 1 1080 60H
1080i/p @50Hz IN 2 1080 50H
720p @60Hz IN 3 720P 60H
PAL @50Hz IN 4 PAL 50H
NTSC @60Hz IN 5 NtSC 60H
Note: When turning the machine ON, the last stored setup is shown in the
7-segment display.
6.7 Connecting the Ethernet Port
You can connect the VS-88HDxl via the ETHERNET in the following
ways:
•For direct connection to the PC, use a crossover cable (see section
6.7.1)
•For connection via a network hub or network router, use a straight-
through cable (see section 6.7.2)
6.7.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port Directly to a PC (Crossover
Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-88HDxl to the Ethernet port on
your PC, via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identification of the factory default
IP address3
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
of the VS-88HDxl during the initial configuration
1 According to SMPTE RP-168. The sources must be genlocked to the GENLOCK input in order to switch cleanly
2 The unit will detect automatically when SD-SDI inputs are used
3 The default IP address is 192.168.1.39