Kramer VM-28H User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VM-28H
2Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor
VM-216H
2Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor
P/N: 2900-000662 Rev 5

VM-28H, VM-216H – Contents
i
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 Defining the VM-28H, VM-216H 2 Input 1:8/16 HDMI Distributor 4
3.1 Using the IR Transmitter 9
4Installing in a Rack 10
5Using the VM-28H/VM-216H 11
5.1 Connecting the VM-28H/VM-216H 11
5.2 Connecting the VM-28H/VM-216H via RS-232 14
5.3 Operating the VM-28H/VM-216H 14
5.4 Using the EDID Button 15
6Technical Specifications 18
7Protocol 2000 19
7.1 Syntax 19
7.2 Instruction Codes 20
Figures
Figure 1: VM-216H 2-Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor Rear Panel 8
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor 12
Figure 3: Connecting a VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor 14

VM-28H, VM-216H - 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 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 and GROUP 11:
Sierra Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-28H, VM-216H 2 Input 1:8/16
HDMI Distributor, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Home theater, presentation and multimedia applications
Rental and staging

2
VM-28H, VM-216H - 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 VM-28H, VM-216H 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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VM-28H, VM-216H - Getting Started
3
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/.
!

4
VM-28H, VM-216H - Overview
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 1080p, 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 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel)
Suitable for resolutions up to 1080p, and for all HD resolutions.
Can read and store, in non-volatile memory, the EDID 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
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
Lets you use the EDID default value when no display from which to read the EDID is
connected.
Have a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and are fed from a 100-240 VAC
universal switching power supply
3.1 Defining the VM-28H, VM-216H 2 Input 1:8/16 HDMI
Distributor
This section defines the VM-28H, VM-216H.

5
Figure 1: VM-28H 2-Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor Front Panel
#
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
IN 1 Button
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 5.4)
Illuminates when selected and there is a signal, flashes when selected but there is no signal
4
IN 2 Button
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 5.4)
5
EDID Button
Press for more than 3 seconds to set to the EDID mode
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)
6
LOCK Button
Press to engage/disengage the front panel switches
Illuminates when the front panel switches are locked, pressing another button causes the LOCK button to flash
once warning that you need to unlock to regain control via the front panel. The LOCK button also flashes (the
IN 1, IN 2 and EDID buttons do not flash 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
7
OUTPUT STATUS LEDs
LEDs light when an output(s) is connected and active; LEDs flash when selecting the EDID (see
Section 5.4) or when connecting a non-HDCP display while providing HDCP content to the
VM-28H
The specific OUTPUT STATUS LEDs flash when the outputs are not HDCP compatible

Figure 2: VM-28H 2-Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
8
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port
Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
9
INPUT 1/2 HDMI Connectors
Connects to the HDMI source 1/2
10
OUTPUT HDMI Connector
Connects to the HDMI acceptor from 1 to 8
11
REMOTE IR Opening (for the VM-28H)
Connects to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via an IR remote
controller instead of using the front panel IR receiver
Covered by a cap. The 3.5mm connector at the end of the internal IR connection cable fits
through this opening.
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)
12
Power Connector with Fuse
AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
6

7
Figure 3: VM-216H 2-Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor Front Panel
#
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
IN 1 Button
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 5.4)
Illuminates when selected and there is a signal, flashes when selected but there is no signal
4
IN 2 Button
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 5.4)
5
EDID Button
Press for more than 3 seconds to set to the EDID mode
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)
6
LOCK Button
Press to engage/disengage the front panel switches
Illuminates when the front panel switches are locked, pressing another button causes the LOCK button to flash
once warning that you need to unlock to regain control via the front panel. The LOCK button also flashes (the
IN 1, IN 2 and EDID buttons do not flash at the same time) when the machine is busy (perhaps searching
between signals) and no operation is permitted. When powering up, the VM-216H front panel is automatically
locked
7
OUTPUT STATUS LEDs
LEDs light when an output(s) is connected and active; LEDs flash when selecting the EDID (see
Section 5.4) or when connecting a non-HDCP display while providing HDCP content to the
VM-216H
The specific OUTPUT STATUS LEDs flash when the outputs are not HDCP compatible

--
Figure 1: VM-216H 2-Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
8
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port
Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller
9
INPUT 1/2 HDMI Connectors
Connects to the HDMI source 1/2
10
OUTPUT HDMI Connector
Connects to the HDMI from 1 to 16
11
Power Connector with Fuse
AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
8

VM-28H, VM-216H - Overview
9
3.1 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 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.

10
VM-28H, VM-216H - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VM-28H, VM-216H - Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
11
5 Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
This section describes how to:
Connect the VM-28H/VM-216H, see Section 5.1
Control the VM-28H/VM-216H via RS-232, see Section 5.2
Operate the VM-28H/VM-216H, see Section 5.3
Use the EDID button, seeSection 5.4
5.1 Connecting the VM-28H/VM-216H
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VM-28H, VM-216H. After connecting your VM-28H, VM-216H, connect
its power and then switch on the power to each device.
This section describes how to connect the:
VM-28H, see Section 5.1.1
VM-216H, see Section 5.1.2
5.1.1 Connecting the VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor
To connect the VM-28H, as the example in Figure 2 shows, do the following:
1. Connect the HDMI OUTPUT connectors (as required, up to 8 outputs can be
connected, not all outputs need to be connected) to up to 8 HDMI acceptors,
using Kramer HDMI copper cables. In this example, connect the:
OUTPUT 1 connector to acceptor 1 (for example, a plasma display)
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.
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12
VM-28H, VM-216H - Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
3. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
Section 5.2).
4. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity.
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-28H 2 Input 1:8 HDMI Distributor

VM-28H, VM-216H - Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
13
5.1.2 Connecting the VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor
To connect the VM-216H, as the example in Figure 3 shows, do the following:
1. Connect the HDMI OUTPUT connectors (as required, up to 16 outputs can
be connected, not all outputs need to be connected) to up to 16 HDMI
acceptors, using Kramer HDMI copper cables. In this example, connect the:
OUTPUT 1 connector to acceptor 1 (for example, a plasma display)
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 settopbox,
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 5.2).
4. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity.

14
VM-28H, VM-216H - Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
Figure 3: Connecting a VM-216H 2 Input 1:16 HDMI Distributor
5.2 Connecting 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
5.3 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 5.4).

VM-28H, VM-216H - Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
15
5.4 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 flash)
Several connected outputs, the Auto-mix Mode (the output LEDs flash in
sequence)
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
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 following table. Note, that the EDID feature has a 10 second timeout.
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 flash
Default
The output LEDs
flash
Press the IN button
once
Auto-mix
The output LEDs
flash in
sequence
Press the IN button
to select the
required output.
The selected
output flashes
To acquire or change the EDID of a new output display from:
One output, see Section 5.4.1
The default EDID, see Section 5.4.2
Several connected outputs, see Section 5.4.3

16
VM-28H, VM-216H - Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
5.4.1 Acquiring / Changing the EDID from One Output
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) once (depending if you want to
copy the new EDID to input 1 or to input 2).
The selected input button illuminates.
5. Enter the One output mode as defined in Section 5.4 (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 flashes. The new EDID is
copied, when the EDID button no longer flashes.
5.4.2 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) once.
The selected input button illuminates.
4. Enter the default mode as defined in Section 5.4 (with either IN 1 or IN 2).
All the OUTPUT STATUS LEDs flash simultaneously.

VM-28H, VM-216H - Using the VM-28H/VM-216H
17
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 flash.
The new EDID is copied, when the EDID and the Lock buttons no longer
flash.
5.4.3 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) once.
The selected input button illuminates.
5. Enter the Auto-mix mode as defined in Section 5.4 (with either IN 1 or IN 2).
The OUTPUT STATUS LEDs flash 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 flashes. The new EDID is
copied when the EDID button no longer flashes.