Kramer VM-4Hxl User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VM-4Hxl
1:4 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-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor 5
5Installing the VM-4Hxl in a Rack 7
6Connecting a VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor 8
7Acquiring EDID 10
7.1.1 Acquiring the EDID from a Selected Output 10
7.1.2 Restoring the Default EDID 10
7.1.3 Acquiring the Auto EDID 10
8Technical Specifications 11
Figures
Figure 1: VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor 6
Figure 2: Connecting a VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor 9
Tables
Table 1: VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features 7
Table 2: Technical Specifications of the VM-4Hxl 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 groups1
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI
Distributor. The VM-4Hxl is ideal for:
that are clearly defined
by function.
•Home theater, presentation and multimedia applications
•Rental and staging
Note, that the Kramer VM-4Hxl is identical to the VM-4HDMIxl;just
the name has changed replacing the suffix “HDMI” by “H” (according
to the HDMI Guideline).
The package includes the following items:
•VM-4Hxl 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-4Hxl 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-4Hxl distributes signals
having resolutions up to UXGA, including all HDTV formats.
In particular, the VM-4Hxl features:
•Up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel1
•Data reclocking and equalization
•A default EDID for fast and efficient connection of the unit2
•I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™, an
intelligent EDID handling and processing algorithm that ensures
Plug and Play operation for HDMI systems
•3D pass-through
•HDMI Support – HDMI (V.1.4 with Deep Color, x.v.Color™, Lip
Sync, HDMI Uncompressed Audio Channels, Dolby TrueHD,
DTS-HD, CEC)
•Five HDMI connectors, four output status LEDs and EDID read
and select buttons
The VM-4Hxl is housed in a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and is fed
from a 100-264 VAC universal switching power supply.
1 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
2 The default EDID feature lets you connect the VM-4Hxl without having to connect a display to the output

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor
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 a graphics card (that is
connected to the display’s source). The EDID enables the VM-4Hxl 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)
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and
position your VM-4Hxl away from moisture, excessive sunlight
and dust
4 Your VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor
Figure 1and Table 1define the VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor:
1 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)

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

Installing the VM-4Hxl in a Rack
7
7
Table 1: VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor Features
#
Feature
Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
2
EDID
READ Button Press to read the EDID of the selected display
3 SELECT Button Select the desired display for EDID information
4 OUTPUTS LEDs LEDs light when an output(s) is connected and active; LEDs blink
when selecting EDID (see Section 7
5
)
INPUT HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI source
6 OUTPUT HDMI Connectors Connect to the HDMI acceptors (from 1 to 4)
7 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
5 Installing the VM-4Hxl in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting a VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor
8
6 Connecting a VM-4Hxl 1:4 HDMI Distributor
To connect the VM-4Hxl as a 1:4 HDMI distributor, do the following1
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the INPUT
connector.
:
2. Connect the four OUTPUT connectors2
OUTPUT 1 connector to HDMI acceptor 1 (for example, an LCD
TV)
to up to four HDMI acceptors, as
follows:
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 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VM-4Hxl. After connecting your VM-4Hxl, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
).
2 As required. Up to 4 outputs can be connected on the VM-4Hxl. Not all outputs need to be connected