Kramer VS-88HN User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-88HN
8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
P/N: 2900-300155 Rev 10

VS-88HN - Contents
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Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 2
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
3.1 About Fast Switching 5
3.2 Defining the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher 5
3.3 Using the IR Transmitter 8
4Installing in a Rack 9
5Connecting the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher 10
6Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher 12
6.1 Switching an Input to an Output 12
6.2 Acquiring the EDID 12
6.3 Storing and Recalling a Setting 14
6.4 Changing the Port Switching Speed 15
6.5 Setting HDCP to On/Off 16
6.6 Resetting the IP Parameters 17
6.7 Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 17
6.8 Connecting via RS-232 17
6.9 Connecting via Ethernet 18
6.10 Upgrading the Firmware 18
7Technical Specifications 19
8Default Communication Parameters 20
9Default EDID 21
10 Kramer Protocol 2000 24
11 Protocol 3000 27
11.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 27
11.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 Commands 30
11.3 Kramer Protocol 3000 –Detailed Commands 31
Figures
Figure 1: VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher 11
Figure 4: Store-Recall Button Configuration 14

VS-88HN - 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 video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
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-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Conference room presentations
Advertising applications
Rental and staging

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VS-88HN - 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.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
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-88HN 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.
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
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!
!

VS-88HN - Getting Started
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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-88HN - Overview
3 Overview
The VS-88HN is a high quality 8x8 matrix switcher for HDMI signals. It reclocks
and equalizes the signal and can route any input to any or all outputs
simultaneously.
In particular, the VS-88HN features:
Up to 6.75Gbps data rate (2.25Gbps per graphics 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™, Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby Digital
Plus, DTS−HD®, and linear PCM 7.1 surround sound
3D pass-through
Kramer reKlocking™ & Equalization Technology that rebuilds the digital
signal to travel longer distances
A lock button to prevent unwanted tampering with the buttons on the front
panel
16 Preset memory locations for quick access to common configurations
You can control the VS-88HN using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen system or other
serial controller
The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter
A PC connected to the Ethernet port on the device via a LAN
An external remote IR receiver (optional), see Section 3.3

VS-88HN - Overview
5
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-88HN 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-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
This section defines the VS-88HN.

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VS-88HN - Overview
Figure 1: VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR Indication LED
Lights yellow when receiving signals from the infrared remote control transmitter
2
IR Receiver
Signal receiver for the infrared remote control transmitter
3
POWER LED
Lights when the device is turned on
4
ALL Button
Press followed by an input button to connect the selected input to all outputs
For example, press ALL and then Input button # 2 to connect input # 2 to all the outputs
5
OFF Button
Press after pressing an output button to disconnect the selected output from the inputs.
To disconnect all the outputs, press ALL followed by OFF
6
SELECT Buttons
IN (1 to 8)
Press to select the input to switch after selecting an output (also used for storing machine
setups (see Section 6.3)
7
OUT (1 to 8)
Press to select an output to switch followed by an input (also used for storing machine setups
(see Section 6.3)
8
STO Button
Press to store the current switching setting to a preset (see Section 6.3)
9
RCL Button
Press to recall the current switching setting from a preset (see Section 6.3)
10
LOCK Button
Press and hold to toggle the locking/release of the front panel buttons.
When storing or recalling presets, press to store or recall the preset (see Section 6.3)
11
EDID Button
Press to capture the EDID (see Section 6.2)
12
OUTPUT/INPUT 7-segment LED Display
Displays the input currently switched to the output which is marked above each input
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VS-88HN –Overview

VS-88HN - Overview
7
VS-88HN –Overview
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Figure 2: VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
13
IN HDMI Connectors(1 to 8)
Connect to up to 8 HDMI sources
14
OUT HDMI Connectors (1 to 8)
Connect to up to 8 HDMI acceptors
15
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connector
Connect to a PC/serial controller
16
ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector
Connect to a PC via a LAN
17
ETH RESET Button
Press to reset to the factory default IP parameters:
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask –255.255.255.0
Gateway –192.168.1.1
Depress the button while powering on the device. The device powers up with the factory default IP parameters
18
REMOTE IR Opening
Connect to an external IR receiver for controlling the device via and IR remote controller (see
Section 3.3)
Covered by a cap. The 3.5mm jack at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits into this opening
19
Mains Power Connector
Connect to the mains power
20
Mains Power Fuse
Fuse for protecting the device
21
Mains Power Switch
Switch for turning the device on or off

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VS-88HN - 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-88HN - Installing in a Rack
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4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

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VS-88HN - Connecting the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
5 Connecting the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix
Switcher
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-88HN. After connecting your VS-88HN, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher as illustrated in the example
in Figure 3:
1. Connect up to eight HDMI sources (for example, DVD players) to the IN
HDMI connectors.
You do not have to connect all the sources.
2. Connect the eight OUT HDMI connectors to up to eight HDMI acceptors (for
example, LCD displays with built-in speakers).
You do not have to connect all the outputs.
3. If required, connect a PC/controller to the RS-232 port (see Section 6.8)
and/or the Ethernet port (see Section 6.9).
4. Connect the device to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 3).
5. Power the device.
6. If necessary, acquire the EDID (see Section 6.2)
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VS-88HN - Connecting the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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Figure 3: Connecting the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher

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VS-88HN - Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
6 Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix
Switcher
This section describes how to:
Switch an input to an output (see Section 6.1)
Acquire the EDID (see Section 6.2)
Store and recall switch settings (see Section 6.3)
Change the port switching speed (see Section 6.4)
Set HDCP on or off (see Section 6.5)
Reset the VS-88HN IP parameters (see Section 6.6)
Switch between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000 (see Section 6.7)
Connect to the VS-88HN via RS-232 (see Section 6.8)
Connect to the VS-88HN via Ethernet (see Section 6.9)
Upgrade the firmware (see Section 6.10)
6.1 Switching an Input to an Output
To switch an input to an output:
Press an output button followed by an input button to switch the selected
input to the selected output
6.2 Acquiring the EDID
You can acquire the EDID from any of the following:
One output set to one or more of the eight inputs (see Section 6.2.1)
Different outputs set to different inputs (see Section 6.2.2)
The default EDID (see Section 6.2.3)
Note: Attempting to acquire the EDID from an output that does not have a display
device connected to it results in the default EDID being acquired.

VS-88HN - Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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6.2.1 Acquiring the EDID from One Output
Note: You can assign the EDID from one output to any or all of the eight inputs.
To acquire the EDID from a display device connected to one of the outputs:
1. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.
2. Press the input button to which the EDID is copied.
The selected input number flashes on the display.
3. Select the output from which the EDID is to be acquired.
4. Press the EDID button.
The EDID is stored when the display returns to normal and the EDID and
STO buttons stop flashing.
6.2.2 Acquiring the EDID from Different Outputs to Different Inputs
To acquire the EDID from several outputs (for example, OUT 1 to IN 1 and OUT 6
to IN 3):
1. Connect the display devices to the outputs from which you want to acquire
the EDIDs.
2. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.
3. Press the input button to which the EDID is copied (for example, IN 1).
The selected input number flashes on the display.
4. Select the output from which the EDID is acquired (for example, OUT 1).
5. Press the IN 1 button.
The IN 1 button stops flashing.
6. Press the next input button to which the EDID is copied (for example, IN 3).
The selected input number flashes on the display.

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VS-88HN - Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
7. Select the output from which the EDID is acquired (for example, OUT 6).
8. Press the IN 3 button.
The IN 3 button stops flashing.
9. Press the input buttons to which you want to copy the EDID (for example, IN
1 and IN 3).
10. Make sure that the relevant input numbers flash on the display.
11. Press the EDID button.
The process is complete when the display returns to normal.
6.2.3 Acquiring the Default EDID
To store the default EDID on a selected input (for example, Input 2):
1. Press the EDID and STO buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3
seconds.
Both buttons flash.
2. Press the input (for example, Input 2) to which the EDID is to be copied.
The selected input number flashes on the display.
3. Press the OFF button until "0" (zero) appears on the display.
4. Press the EDID button.
The default EDID is stored on the selected input when the display returns to
normal.
6.3 Storing and Recalling a Setting
You can use the STO and RCL buttons to store up to 16 setups and then recall
them using the OUT (1-8) and IN (9-16) SELECTOR buttons (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Store-Recall Button Configuration

VS-88HN - Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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To store a preset (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 device setting (for
example, IN 2 for preset 10).
4. Press the STO button to store the current setup.
You have to press the STO button within 10 seconds or the procedure automatically
times out.
To recall a preset (for example, preset 10):
1. Press the RCL button.
The RCL button flashes.
2. Press the relevant OUT or IN button that stored the preset (for example, IN
2/preset 10).
3. Press the RCL button to recall the stored preset.
The RCL button stops flashing.
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).

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VS-88HN - Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
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.
6.5 Setting HDCP to On/Off
HDCP support can be enabled (On) or disabled (Off) for each of the HDMI inputs,
allowing the source to transmit a non-HDCP signal if required (for example, when
working with a Mac computer)
To set the HDCP:
1. Turn the power off on the machine.
2. Press and hold the IN 1, IN 2 and LOCK buttons simultaneously and turn the
power on while pressing these buttons (you will need more than one person
to perform this step).
The machine is set to the HDCP enable/disable mode.
The input front panel buttons’status indicates the HDCP state of each input:
HDCP enabled (ON) on an input –that input button is illuminated
HDCP disabled (OFF) on an input –that button is not illuminated
3. Press an input button to change its status.
You can press one or more inputs.

VS-88HN - Operating the VS-88HN 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
17
4. Once you have changed the status of HDCP on the inputs as desired, press
the EDID to save the changes and exit the HDCP enable/disable mode to
return to normal operation.
Note: If the EDID button is not pressed within about 12 seconds, the device exits
the port speed switching mode automatically and all changes are lost.
6.6 Resetting the IP Parameters
This procedure resets only the IP related parameters. All switching and
preset values remain unchanged.
To reset the IP parameters to their default values (see Section 8):
Press and hold the ETH Reset button on the rear panel while powering up
the device
6.7 Switching Between Protocol 2000 and Protocol 3000
To switch from Protocol 2000 to Protocol 3000 and vice-versa using the front
panel buttons:
Press Output buttons 1 and 3 at the same time.
Protocol 3000 is active.
Press Output buttons 1 and 2 at the same time.
Protocol 2000 is active.
Note that when sending consecutive protocol commands make sure to
maintain at least a 200ms delay between commands.
After performing EDID get/store commands, a 1 sec delay is required
before sending another protocol command.
6.8 Connecting via RS-232
You can connect to the VS-88HN via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a
PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the product via RS-232:
Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub on the rear panel of the VS-88HN 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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