Kramer VM-28H User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Models:
VM-28H, 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor
VM-216H, 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3Overview 3
3.1 About HDMI 4
3.2 Defining EDID 5
3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance 5
4Your VM-28H / VM-216H 5
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter for the VM-28H 9
5Installing in a Rack 10
6Using the VM-28H / VM-216H 11
6.1 Connecting the VM-28H / VM-216H 11
6.1.1 Connecting the VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor 11
6.1.2 Connecting the VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor 13
6.2 Connecting to the VM-28H / VM-216H via RS-232 14
6.3 Operating the VM-28H / VM-216H 14
6.4 Using the EDID Button 14
6.4.1 Acquiring / Changing the EDID from one Output 15
6.4.2 Acquiring the Default EDID 16
6.4.3 Acquiring the EDID from several Outputs 16
7Technical Specifications 17
8Communication Protocol 18
Figures
Figure 1: VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor 6
Figure 2: VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor 7
Figure 3: Connecting a VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor 12
Figure 4: Connecting a VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor 13
Tables
Table 1: VM-28H / VM-216H Features 8
Table 2: The EDID Modes 15
Table 3: VM-28H Technical Specifications 17
Table 4: VM-216H Technical Specifications 17
Table 5: Protocol Definitions 18
Table 6: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 19

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 11 groups1
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI
that are clearly defined by function.
2
•Home theater, presentation and multimedia applications
Distributor and/or VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor!Each machine is
ideal for:
•Rental and staging
The package includes the following items:
•VM-28H and/or VM-216H
•Power cord and rack “ears”
•Infrared remote control transmitter (including the required batteries and a
separate user manual3)
•This user manual3
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 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 Products
2 High-Definition Multimedia Interface
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from the Internet at this URL: 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 operation1:
1 This quick start applies both to the VM-28H and the VM-216H

Overview
3
3 Overview
The Kramer VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor and VM-216H 2 Input
1:16 HDMI Distributor are high quality distributors that accept one of two
HDMI inputs and distribute the signal to 8/16 outputs, allowing one or more of
the outputs to be connected to receiving devices, thus making them a versatile,
reliable component in a video system. The VM-28H / VM-216H distributes
signals having resolutions up to UXGA (1600x1200), including all HDTV
formats.
Each high quality HDMI Distributor accepts one of two HDMI inputs, and
distributes the selected signal to:
•8 outputs (the VM-28H)
•16 outputs (the VM-216H)
Both machines—the VM-28H and VM-216H:
•Support up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel1
•Can read and store, in non-volatile memory
2, the EDID3
•Let you acquire the EDID from one output, from several connected outputs
or acquire the default EDID for fast and efficient connection of the unit
block, for each
input separately, from an output display device, so it can then provide the
EDID information to the HDMI source even if the display device is not
connected
4
•Have a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and are fed from a 100-240 VAC
universal switching power supply
1 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA (1600x1200) at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
2 While the machine is ON
3 EDID is Extended Display Identification Data (see section 3 1 for a detailed definition)
4 Lets you use the EDID default value when no display from which to read the EDID is connected

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Overview
4
3.1 About HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital1
In particular, HDMI
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. It delivers the highest high-definition image and sound quality.
2
•Provides a simple
:3interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-
top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and video monitor, such as a digital
flat LCD / plasma television (DTV), over a single lengthy4
•Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel
digital audio
cable
5
•Transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio,
with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and
requirements
on a single cable
•Benefits consumers by providing superior, uncompressed digital video
quality via a single cable6
•Is backward-compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
, and user-friendly connector
•Supports two-way communication between the video source (such as a
DVD player) and the digital television, enabling new functionality such as
automatic configuration and one-button play
HDMI has the capacity to support:
•Existing high-definition video formats (720p, 1080i, and 1080p/60), as well
as standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL
1 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-
to-analog conversions
2 HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
licensing LLC
3 With video and multi-channel audio combined into a single cable, the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables
currently used in A/V systems is reduced
4 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m
5 HDMI supports multiple audio formats, from standard stereo to multi-channel surround-sound HDMI has the capacity to
support Dolby 5 1 audio and high-resolution audio formats
6 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner

Your VM-28H / VM-216H
5
3.2 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID1
3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance
) is a data-structure, provided
by a display, to describe its capabilities to an HDMI source. The EDID enables
the VM-28H / VM-216H to “know” what kind of monitor is connected to the
output. The EDID includes the manufacturer’s name, the product type, the
timing data supported by the display, the display size, luminance data and (for
digital displays only) the pixel mapping data.
To achieve the best performance:
•Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding 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 and position your
VM-28H / VM-216H away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your VM-28H / VM-216H
Figure 1 illustrates the VM-28H, Figure 2 illustrates the VM-216H and Table 1
defines the front and rear panels.
1 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VM-28H / VM-216H
6
Figure 1: VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor

Your VM-28H / VM-216H
7
Figure 2: VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor1
1 The remote IR opening, item 12, is not included in this machine

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VM-28H / VM-216H
8
Table 1: VM-28H / VM-216H Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the Kramer
Infrared remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3
SELECT
IN 1 Button
1
Press to select source 1 and distribute this signal to the outputs
(when the EDID button does not illuminate)
Also used for acquiring/changing the EDID (see
Section 6.4
4 ) IN 2 Button
1
Press to select source 2 and distribute this signal to the outputs
(when the EDID button does not illuminate)
Also used for acquiring/changing the EDID (see Section 6.4
5 ) EDID Button2Press for more than 3 seconds to set to the EDID mode
6 LOCK Button
3
Press to engage/disengage the front panel switches
7 OUTPUT STATUS LEDs LEDs light when an output(s) is connected and active; LEDs blink
when selecting the EDID (see Section 6.4) or when connecting a
non-HDCP display while providing HDCP content4
VM-28H / VM-216H to the
8 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
9 INPUT 1 HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI source 1
10 INPUT 2 HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI source 2
11 OUTPUT HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI acceptor [from 1 to 8 (for the VM-28H), from 1
to 16 (for he VM-216H)]
12 REMOTE IR Opening
5
Connects to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via
an IR remote controller instead of using the front panel IR receiver
(for he
VM-28H)6
13 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 Illuminates when selected and there is a signal, blinks when selected but there is no signal
2 Illuminates when configuring the EDID When the EDID button does not illuminate the machine is in Distribution mode
(lets you distribute an input signal to the outputs)
3 Illuminates when the front panel switches are locked, pressing another button causes the LOCK button to blink once
warning that you need to unlock to regain control via the front panel The LOCK button also blinks (the IN 1, IN 2 and EDID
buttons do not blink at the same time) when the machine is busy (perhaps searching between signals) and no operation is
permitted When powering up, the VM-28H / VM-216H front panel is automatically locked
4 The specific OUTPUT STATUS LEDs blink when the outputs are not HDCP compatible
5 Covered by a cap The 3 5mm connector at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits through this opening
6 Optional Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the machine (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)

Your VM-28H / VM-216H
9
4.1 Using the IR Transmitter for the VM-28H
You can use the RC-IR2 or 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 cable25F
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

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Installing in a Rack
10
5 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

Using the VM-28H / VM-216H
11
6 Using the VM-28H / VM-216H
This section describes how to:
•Connect the VM-28H / VM-216H, see
•Control the VM-28H / VM-216H via RS-232, see
Section 6.1
•Operate the VM-28H / VM-216H, see Section 6.2
•Use the EDID button, see Section 6.3
6.1 Connecting the VM-28H / VM-216H
Section 6.4
This section describes how to connect the:
•VM-28H, see
•VM-216H, see
Section 6.1.1
6.1.1 Connecting the VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor
Section 6.1.2
To connect the VM-28H, as the example in Figure 3 shows, do the following1
1. Connect the HDMI OUTPUT connectors
:
2to up to 8 HDMI acceptors, using
Kramer HDMI copper cables. In this example3
OUTPUT 1 connector to acceptor 1 (for example, a plasma display)
, connect the:
OUTPUT 2 connector to acceptor 2 (for example, an LCD TV)
OUTPUT 7 connector to acceptor 7 (for example, an LCD TV)
OUTPUT 8 connector to acceptor 8 (for example, a plasma display)
2. Connect the two HDMI sources, for example, a DVD player and a set top
box, to the INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 connectors, respectively, using the
Kramer HDMI copper cables.
3. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see Section
6.2
4. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity.
).
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VM-28H After connecting your VM-28H, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
2 As required Up to 8 outputs can be connected Not all outputs need to be connected
3 Only connections from the first two acceptors and the last two acceptors are shown in Figure 3

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Using the VM-28H / VM-216H
12
Figure 3: Connecting a VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor

Using the VM-28H / VM-216H
13
6.1.2 Connecting the VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor
To connect the VM-216H, as the example in Figure 4 shows, do the
following1
1. Connect the HDMI OUTPUT connectors
:
2to up to 16 HDMI acceptors,
using Kramer HDMI copper cables. In this example3
OUTPUT 1 connector to acceptor 1 (for example, a plasma display)
, connect the:
OUTPUT 2 connector to acceptor 2 (for example, an LCD TV)
OUTPUT 15 connector to acceptor 15 (for example, an LCD TV)
OUTPUT 16 connector to acceptor 16 (for example, a plasma display)
2. Connect the two HDMI sources, for example, a DVD player and a set top
box, to the INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 connectors, respectively, using the
Kramer HDMI copper cables.
3. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see Section 6.2
4. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity.
).
Figure 4: Connecting a VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VM-216H After connecting your VM-216H, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
2 As required Up to 16 outputs can be connected Not all outputs need to be connected
3 Only connections from the first two acceptors and the last two acceptors are shown in Figure 4

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Using the VM-28H / VM-216H
14
6.2 Connecting to the VM-28H / VM-216H via RS-232
You can connect to the VM-28H / VM-216H via an RS-232 connection using,
for example, a PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the VM-28H / VM-216H via RS-232:
•Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the
VM-28H / VM-216H 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
6.3 Operating the VM-28H / VM-216H
To operate the VM-28H / VM-216H:
1. Turn ON the POWER.
2. Select the desired input.
3. Press the EDID button to acquire or change the EDID data (see Section 6.4
6.4 Using the EDID Button
).
Initially, the VM-28H / VM-216H operates with the factory default EDID.
You can acquire the EDID from:
•One Output (the selected output LED illuminates)
•The Default EDID (all the output LEDs blink)
•Several Connected Outputs, the Auto-mix Mode1
To cycle between the different modes (One Output, Default and Auto-mix),
press the input button (IN 1 or IN 2) to which you want to read the EDID, as
defined in
(the output LEDs blink in
sequence)
Table 2. Note, that the EDID feature has a 10 second timeout.
1 The EDID acquired is a weighted average of all the connected outputs For example, if several displays with different
resolutions are connected to the outputs, the acquired EDID supports all the resolutions, as well as other parameters included
in the EDID

Using the VM-28H / VM-216H
15
Table 2: The EDID Modes
Current
EDID Mode Appearance To cycle to the Default EDID To cycle to the Auto- mix EDID To cycle to the One output EDID
One output The selected
output LED
illuminates
Press the IN button
once again after
selecting output 8 (for
VM-28H) or output 16
(for VM-216H). The
output LEDS blink
Default The output
LEDs blink Press the IN button once
Auto-mix The output
LEDs blink in
sequence
Press he IN button to
select the required
output. The selected
output blinks
To acquire or change the EDID of a new output display from:
•One output, see
•The default EDID, see
Section 6.4.1
•Several connected outputs, see
Section 6.4.2
6.4.1 Acquiring / Changing the EDID from one Output
Section 6.4.3
To acquire or change the EDID of a new output display:
1. Connect the power supply.
2. Connect the new output display device.
3. Press the EDID button for more than 3 seconds.
4. Press an input button (either IN 1 or IN 2) once1
5. Enter the One output mode as defined in
.
The selected input button illuminates.
Table 2 (with either IN 1 or IN 2).
6. Press that input button to set the appropriate OUTPUT STATUS LED. The
OUTPUT STATUS LED illuminates indicating that that output channel is
selected.
7. Press the LOCK button to copy the EDID of the selected OUTPUT to the
input.
While the EDID is being copied the EDID button blinks. The new EDID
is copied, when the EDID button no longer blinks.
1 Depending if you want to copy the new EDID to input 1 or to input 2

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Using the VM-28H / VM-216H
16
6.4.2 Acquiring the Default EDID
To reset the default EDID, do the following:
1. Connect the power supply.
2. Press the EDID button for more than 3 seconds.
3. Press an input button (either IN 1 or IN 2)1once.
The selected input button illuminates.
4. Enter the default mode as defined in Table 2 (with either IN 1 or IN 2).
All the OUTPUT STATUS LEDs blink simultaneously.
5. Press the LOCK to copy the default EDID to the input.
While the EDID is being copied both the EDID and the Lock buttons
blink. The new EDID is copied, when the EDID and the Lock buttons no
longer blink.
6.4.3 Acquiring the EDID from several Outputs
To acquire or change an EDID via several connected outputs:
1. Connect the power supply.
2. Connect several output display devices.
3. Press the EDID button for more than 3 seconds.
4. Press an input button (either IN 1 or IN 2)1once.
The selected input button illuminates.
5. Enter the Auto-mix mode as defined in Table 2 (with either IN 1 or IN 2).
The OUTPUT STATUS LEDs blink in sequence.
6. Press the LOCK button to copy the EDID of the selected OUTPUT to the
input.
While the EDID is being copied the EDID button blinks. The new EDID
is copied, when the EDID button no longer blinks.

Technical Specifications
17
7 Technical Specifications
Table 3 and Table 4 include the technical specifications1
Table 3: VM-28H Technical Specifications
of the VM-28H and
VM-216H, respectively:
INPUTS: 2 on HDMI connectors
OUTPUTS: 8 on HDMI connectors
BANDWIDTH: Supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwid h per graphic channel
COMPLIANCE WITH HDMI STANDARD: Supports HDMI and HDCP
CONTROLS: EDID, IN 1, IN 2, IR remote controller and LOCK buttons
INDICATOR LEDS: Output status LEDs
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: 0° to +55°C (32° to 131°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -45° to +72°C (-49° to 162°F)
HUMIDITY: 10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
POWER CONSUMPTION: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz 28VA
DIMENSIONS: 19" x 7" x 1U W, D, H, rack mountable
WEIGHT: 2 5kg (5 5lbs) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, rack “ears”, IR remote control transmitter
OPTIONS: HDMI/HDMI male-to-male cables, fiber optic HDMI Cable
(C-FOHM/FOHM), External remote IR receiver cable2
Table 4: VM-216H Technical Specifications
INPUTS: 2 on HDMI connectors
OUTPUTS: 16 on HDMI connectors
BANDWIDTH: Supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwid h per graphic channel
COMPLIANCE WITH HDMI STANDARD: Supports HDMI and HDCP
CONTROLS: EDID, IN 1, IN 2, IR remote controller and LOCK buttons
INDICATOR LEDS: Output status LEDs
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: 0° to +55°C (32° to 131°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -45° to +72°C (-49° to 162°F)
HUMIDITY: 10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
POWER CONSUMPTION: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 48VA
DIMENSIONS: 19" x 7" x 1U W, D, H, rack mountable
WEIGHT: 2 5kg (5 5lbs) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, rack “ears”, IR remote control transmitter
OPTIONS: HDMI/HDMI male-to-male cables, Fiber Optic HDMI Cable
(C-FOHM/FOHM)
Warning:
This is a class A product, for professional applications and environments only
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice
2 P/N: C-A35M/IRR-50

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Communication Protocol
18
8 Communication Protocol
The VM-28H/VM-216H is compatible with Kramer’s Protocol 2000 (version
0.48) (below). This RS-232/RS-485 communication protocol uses four bytes of
information as defined below. The default data rate is 9600 baud, with no
parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
Table 5: Protocol Definitions
MSB LSB
DESTI-
NATION INSTRUCTION
0
D
N5
N4
N3
N2
N1
N0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1st byte
INPUT
1
6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
I0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2nd byte
OUTPUT
1
O6
O5
O4
O3
O2
O1
O0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
3rd byte
MACHINE NUMBER
1
OVR
X
M4
M3
M2
M1
M0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4th byte
1st BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 0
D – “DESTINATION”: 0 - for sending information to the switchers (from the PC);
1 - for sending to the PC (from the switcher)
N5 N0 – “INSTRUCTION”
The function that is to be performed by the switcher(s) is defined by the INSTRUCTION (6 bits) Similarly, if a function is performed via the
machine’s keyboard, then these bits are set with the INSTRUCTION NO , which was performed The instruction codes are defined according
to the table below (INSTRUCTION NO is the value to be set for N5 N0)
2nd BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1
I6 I0 – “INPUT”
When switching (ie instruction codes 1 and 2), the INPUT (7 bits) is set as the input number which is to be switched Similarly, if switching is
done via the machine’s front-panel, then these bits are set with the INPUT NUMBER which was switched For other operations, these bits are
defined according to the table
3rd BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1
O6 O0 – “OUTPUT”
When switching (ie instruction codes 1 and 2), the OUTPUT (7 bits) is set as the output number which is to be switched Similarly, if
switching is done via the machine’s front-panel, then these bits are set with the OUTPUT NUMBER which was switched For other
operations, these bits are defined according to the table
4th BYTE: Bit 7 – Defined as 1
Bit 5 – Don’t care
OVR – Machine number override
M4 M0 – MACHINE NUMBER
Used to address machines in a system via their machine numbers
For a single machine controlled via the serial port, always set M4 M0 = 1, and make sure that the machine itself is configured as MACHINE
NUMBER = 1
When several machines are controlled from a single serial port, they are
usually configured together with each machine having an individual machine number If the OVR bit is set, then all machine numbers will
accept (implement) the command, and the addressed machine will reply