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
i
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
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 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

2
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
i
!
!

VS-88HN - Getting Started
3
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/.

4
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.

6
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
6
VS-88HN –Overview

VS-88HN - Overview
7
VS-88HN –Overview
7
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