Kramer VM-4H User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VM-4H
1:4 HDMI Distributor

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1Quick Start 2
3Overview 3
3.1About HDMI 3
3.2Defining EDID 4
3.3Recommendations for Best Performance 5
4Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 5
5Installing the VM-4H on a Rack 7
6Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 8
7Acquiring the EDID 9
7.1The Simple Operation State 9
7.2The Normal Operation State 10
7.2.1Acquiring the EDID from a Selected Output 10
7.2.2Restoring the Default EDID 10
7.2.3Acquiring the Auto EDID 10
8Technical Specifications 11
Figures
Figure 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 6
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 9
Tables
Table 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features 7
Table 2: Technical Specifications of the VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor 11

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 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 groups1that are clearly
defined by function.
Thank you for purchasing your Kramer VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor.
The VM-4H is ideal for:
•Home theater, presentation and multimedia applications
•Rental and staging
Note, that the Kramer VM-4H is identical to the VM-4HDMI; just the
name has changed replacing the suffix “HDMI” by “H” (according to
the HDMI Guideline).
The package includes the following items:
•VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
•Power cord and rack “ears”
•This user manual2
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 cables3
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 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 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 steps.

Overview
3
3 Overview
The Kramer VM-4H is a high quality 1:4 HDMI distributor that accepts an
HDMI input and distributes the signal to four outputs, allowing one or more
of the outputs to be connected to receiving devices, thus making it a
versatile, reliable component in a video system. The VM-4H distributes
signals having resolutions up to UXGA, including all HDTV formats.
In particular, the VM-4H:
•Supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel1
•Equalizes and reclocks the data
•Has I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™, an
intelligent EDID handling and processing algorithm that ensures
Plug and Play operation for HDMI systems
•Can read and store, in non-volatile memory, the EDID2block
from one or more outputs, so it can then provide the EDID
information to the HDMI source even if the display device is not
connected
•Includes five HDMI connectors, four output status LEDs, an
active status LED, as well as EDID read and select buttons
The VM-4H is housed in a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and is fed
from a 100-264V AC universal switching power supply.
3.1 About HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital3
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home
cinema industry. It delivers the highest high-definition image and sound
quality.
1 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
2 EDID is Extended Display Identification Data
3 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-
to-analog conversions

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview
4
In particular, HDMI1:
•Provides a simple2interface 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
lengthy3cable
•Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-
channel digital audio4on a single cable
•Transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital
audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements
and requirements
•Benefits consumers by providing superior, uncompressed digital
video quality via a single cable5, and user-friendly connector
•Is backward-compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
•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
3.2 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID6) is a data-structure,
provided by a display, to describe its capabilities to a graphics card (that is
connected to the display’s source). The EDID enables the VM-4H 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.
1 HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
licensing LLC
2 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
3 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m
4 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
5 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner
6 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)

Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
5
3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance
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)
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and
position your VM-4H away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
4 Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
Figure 1 and Table 1 define the VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor:

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
6
Figure 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor

Installing the VM-4H on a Rack
7
Table 1: VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features
# Feature Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2 ACTIVE LED Illuminates when the input is active; flashes when the input is not valid
3
EDID
READ Button Press to read the EDID of the selected display
4 SELECT Button Select the desired display for EDID information
5 OUTPUTS LEDs LEDs light when an output(s) is connected and active; LEDs flash
when selecting EDID (see section 7)
6 INPUT HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI source
7 OUTPUT HDMI Connectors Connect to the HDMI acceptors (from 1 to 4)
8 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
5 Installing the VM-4H on a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
8
6 Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
To connect the VM-4H as a 1:4 HDMI distributor, do the following:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the INPUT
connector.
2. Connect the four OUTPUT connectors1to up to four HDMI acceptors, as
follows:
OUTPUT 1 connector to HDMI acceptor 1 (for example, an
LCD TV)
OUTPUT 2 connector to HDMI acceptor 2 (for example, a
plasma display)
OUTPUT 3 connector to HDMI acceptor 3 (for example, a
plasma display)
OUTPUT 4 connector to HDMI acceptor 4 (for example, a
plasma display)
3. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity.
4. Turn ON the POWER.
5. Acquire EDID (see section 7 ).
1 As required. Up to 4 outputs can be connected on the VM-4H. Not all outputs need to be connected

Acquiring the EDID
9
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
7 Acquiring the EDID
The VM-4H initially operates with the default EDID. This means that you can
turn ON the power before connecting any of the acceptors or the source.
This section describes the two EDID working modes, the:
•Simple mode (see section 7.1)
•Normal mode (see section 7.2)
7.1 The Simple Operation State
In the Simple operation state, the READ and SELECT front panel buttons
are disabled, and the default EDID is passed directly to the input.
To enter the Simple Operation State,
turn the machine ON while pressing the READ button.
LEDS 3 and 4 flash three times

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Acquiring the EDID
10
7.2 The Normal Operation State
In the Normal operation state, you can toggle between the following
working modes:
•Sending the EDID from a selected output to the input (see section
7.2.1)
•Sending the default EDID to the input (see section 7.2.2)
•Sending the auto1EDID to the input (see section 7.2.3)
To enter the Normal Operation State,
turn the machine ON while pressing the SELECT button.
LEDS 1 and 2 flash three times
7.2.1 Acquiring the EDID from a Selected Output
To select an EDID from a selected output, do the following:
1. Press the SELECT button, as required, to reach the desired output, which
flashes.
2. Press the READ button.
The EDID of the selected output is stored in the non-volatile memory when
the READ button no longer illuminates as well as the selected output LED.
7.2.2 Restoring the Default EDID
To restore the default EDID, do the following:
1. Press the SELECT button several times until the OUTPUT LEDs flash
simultaneously.
2. Press the READ button.
The READ button illuminates.
The default EDID is stored in the non-volatile memory when the READ
button no longer illuminates as well as the output LEDs.
7.2.3 Acquiring the Auto EDID
To acquire the Auto EDID, do the following:
1. Press the SELECT button several times until the OUTPUT LEDs flash in
sequence.
2. Press the READ button.
The READ button illuminates.
1 The auto EDID is an adjusted calculation of the EDIDs of all the connected outputs

Technical Specifications
11
The auto EDID is stored in the non-volatile memory when the READ
button no longer illuminates as well as the output LEDs.
8 Technical Specifications
Table 2 includes the technical specifications:
Table 2: Technical Specifications1of the VM-4H 1:4 HDMI Distributor
INPUT: HDMI connector
OUTPUTS: 4 HDMI connectors
BANDWIDTH: Supports up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
COMPLIANCE WITH HDMI
STANDARD: Supports HDMI and HDCP
CONTROLS: SELECT and READ buttons for selecting and storing EDID information
INDICATOR LEDs: OUTPUTS 1 to 4, and ACTIVE LED
POWER SOURCE: 100-264V AC, 50/60Hz, 16VA
DIMENSIONS: 19" x 7" x 1U W, D, H rack mountable
WEIGHT: 2.5kg (5.5lbs) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, rack “ears”
OPTIONS: HDMI/HDMI male-to-male cables
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
12
LIMITED WARRANTY
WHOISPROTECTED?
WHATISCOVEREDANDWHATISNOTCOVERED
WHATWEWILLPAYFORANDWHATWEWILLNOTPAYFOR
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
LIMITATIONOFIMPLIEDWARRANTIES
EXCLUSIONOFDAMAGES
CAUTION!
Kramer Electronics (hereafter ) warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship under the
followingterms.
Kramer
HOWLONGISTHE WARRANTY
Labor and parts are warranted for seven years from the date of the first customer purchase.
Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty.
Wewillpaylaborandmaterialexpensesforcovereditems.Wewill notpayforthefollowing:
The liability of Kramer for any effective productsis limited to the repair orreplacement of the product at ouroption. Kramer shall
notbeliablefor:
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights,whichvaryfromplacetoplace.
Allproductsreturnedto Kramerforservicemust havepriorapproval.Thismay be obtained from yourdealer.
Thisequipmenthasbeentestedtodeterminecompliancewiththerequirementsof:
EN-50081: "Electromagneticcompatibility(EMC);
genericemissionstandard.
Residential, commercial and lightindustry"
EN-50082: "Electromagneticcompatibility(EMC)genericimmunitystandard.
Part 1: Residential, commercialand light industryenvironment".
CFR-47: FCC* Rules and Regulations:
Part 15: “Radio frequency devices
Subpart B Unintentional radiators”
Except as below, this warranty covers all defects in material or workmanship in this product. The following are not covered
by thewarranty:
1. Any product which is not distributed by Kramer, or which is not purchased from an authorized Kramer dealer. If you are
uncertain as to whether a dealer is authorized, please contact Kramer at one of the agents listed in the Web site
www.kramerelectronics.com.
2. Any product, on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed, or on which the WARRANTYVOID
TAMPERED sticker has been torn,
3. Damage,deteriorationormalfunctionresultingfrom:
i) Accident,misuse,abuse,neglect,fire, water,lightning orother actsof nature
ii) Productmodification,orfailuretofollowinstructionssuppliedwiththeproduct
iii) RepairorattemptedrepairbyanyonenotauthorizedbyKramer
iv) Anyshipmentoftheproduct(claimsmustbepresentedtothecarrier)
v) Removalorinstallationoftheproduct
vi) Anyothercause,whichdoesnotrelatetoaproductdefect
vii) Cartons,equipmentenclosures, cablesoraccessoriesusedinconjunctionwiththeproduct
1. Removalorinstallationscharges.
2. Costs of initial technical adjustments (set-up), including adjustment of user controls or programming. These costs are the
responsibilityoftheKramerdealerfromwhomtheproductwaspurchased.
3. Shippingcharges.
1. To obtain service on you product, you must take or ship it prepaid to any authorized Kramer service center.
2. Whenever warranty service is required, the original dated invoice (or a copy) must be presented as proof of warranty
coverage, and should be included in any shipment of the product. Please also include in any mailing a contact name,
company, address, and a description of the problem(s).
3. For the name of the nearest Kramer authorized service center, consult your authorized dealer.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to
the length of this warranty.
1. Damage to other property caused by defects in this product, damages basedupon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss
oftime,commercialloss;or:
2. Anyotherdamages, whether incidental,consequential or otherwise.Some countries maynot allow limitations onhow longan
implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitationsandexclusionsmaynotapplytoyou.
Servicing the machines can only be done by an authorized Kramer technician. Any user who makes changes or
modifications to the unit without the expressed approval of the manufacturer will void user authority to operate the
equipment.
UsethesuppliedDCpowersupplytofeedpowertothemachine.
Pleaseuserecommendedinterconnectioncablestoconnectthemachinetoothercomponents.
IF reattached, removed or otherwise interfered with.
*FCCandCEapprovedusingSTPcable(fortwistedpairproducts)
NOTE:
Part1:

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com
E-mail: [email protected]
P/N: 2900-000678 REV 2
For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer
distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com,
where updates to this user manual may be found.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback.
Caution
Safety Warning:
Disconnect the unit from the power supply before
opening/servicing.