Kramer ProScale VP-728 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VP-728
Presentation Switcher / Scaler

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3Overview 3
3.1 About HDMI 5
3.2 Recommendations for Best Performance 6
4Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler 6
5Installing in a Rack 10
6Connecting your Presentation Switcher / Scaler 11
6.1 Connecting a PC 13
7Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons 14
7.1 Switching an Input 14
7.2 The PIP Button Feature 14
7.2.1 Activating the PIP Feature 15
7.2.2 Selecting the PIP Source 15
7.2.3 Toggling between the PIP and the Screen Source (Swap) 16
7.2.4 Quick Selection of the PIP Source via the Front Panel Buttons 16
7.3 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 18
7.4 The Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 18
8Configuring the VP-728 via the OSD MENU Screens 20
8.1 The Input Screen 21
8.1.1 Reading JPEG Files 22
8.2 The Picture Screen 23
8.3 The Output Screen 24
8.4 The PIP Screen 25
8.5 The Audio Screen 26
8.6 The Geometry Screen 27
8.7 The Setup Screen 28
8.7.1 The Slideshow Feature 29
8.7.2 The Advanced Setup Screen 29
8.8 Verifying Configuration Details via the Info Screen 33
9Using Text Overlay 34
10 Audio Flash Memory Upgrade 36
10.1 Downloading from the Internet 37
10.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 37
10.3 Upgrading the Audio Firmware 38
11 Technical Specifications 43
12 VP-728 Communication Protocol 48
12.1 Error Codes Description 58

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Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VP-728 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Front Panel 7
Figure 2: VP-728 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-728 Rear Panel 12
Figure 4: Connecting to a PC via RS-232 13
Figure 5: PIP Source Over Background 15
Figure 6: OSD SWAP Status 16
Figure 7: Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 19
Figure 8: MENU Items 20
Figure 9: Input Screen 21
Figure 10: Picture Screen 23
Figure 11: Output Screen 24
Figure 12: PIP Screen 25
Figure 13: Audio Screen 26
Figure 14: Geometry Screen 27
Figure 15: Setup Screen 28
Figure 16: Advanced Setup Screen 30
Figure 17: Misc Setup Screen 31
Figure 18: Information Screen 34
Figure 19: TextOverlay Application Screen 35
Figure 20: RS-232 PINOUT Connection 37
Figure 21: Splash Screen 38
Figure 22: Atmel – Flip Window 39
Figure 23: Device Selection Window 39
Figure 24: Selecting the Device Window 40
Figure 25: Loading the Hex 40
Figure 26: RS-232 Window 41
Figure 27: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 41
Figure 28: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 42
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features 8
Table 2: Rear Panel Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features 9
Table 3: PIP Source Appearance Availability 17
Table 4: Infrared Remote Control Transmitter Functions 19
Table 5: Input Screen Functions 21
Table 6: Picture Screen Functions 23
Table 7: Output Screen Functions 24
Table 8: PIP Screen Functions 25
Table 9: Audio Screen Functions 26
Table 10: Geometry Screen Functions 27
Table 11: Available Settings for Each Application 27
Table 12: Setup Screen Functions 28
Table 13: Mode Set Functions 30
Table 14: OSD Functions 30
Table 15: Misc Functions 31

Contents
iii
Table 16: Input Functions 32
Table 17: Output Functions 33
Table 18: Features and Functions of the TextOverlay Application 35
Table 19: RS-232 PINOUT Connection 37
Table 20: Technical Specifications of the VP-728 Presentation Switchers / Scaler 43
Table 21: Technical Specifications of the RGBHV / RGBS (PC) / RGsB (PC) Input Signal 44
Table 22: Technical Specifications of the HDMI Input Signal (for RGB Colorspace)44
Table 23: Technical Specifications of the Y/C, Video Signal 45
Table 24: Technical Specifications of the HDMI Signal (for RGB or YUV Colorspace) 45
Table 25: Technical Specifications of the Component Input Signal 45
Table 26: Technical Specifications of the RGBHV/Comp/YPbPr Output Signal 46
Table 27: Technical Specifications of the HDMI/DVI/RGB Output Signal 47

Introduction
1
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 VP-728 Presentation Switcher /
Scaler, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
that are clearly defined by function.
•Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, hotels and
churches
•Production studios, rental and staging
•Any application where high quality conversion and switching of multiple and
different video signals to graphical data signals is required for projection
purposes
The package includes the following items:
•VP-728 Presentation Switcher / Scaler
•Infrared remote control transmitter
•2 sets of C-SF/2RVM cables, power cord2
•This user manual
, rack “ears” and null-modem adapter
3
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
2.1 Quick Start
The quick start charts summarize the basic setup and operation steps of the
VP-728.
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 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
3 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

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Getting Started
2

Overview
3
3
3 Overview
The Kramer VP-728 is a 9-input Proscale™ Presentation Switcher / Scaler
with unbalanced stereo and digital S/PDIF audio.
The VP-728 scales any composite, s-Video (Y/C), component video (YUV),
HDMI or computer graphics video signal, as well as jpeg files (via USB) up
or down to a selectable graphics or HDTV output resolution and provides
glitch-free switching between sources through FTB™ (fade-thru-black)
switching technology. The output signal is available simultaneously on a
15-pin HD computer graphics video (UXGA) connector and on an HDMI
connector.
The VP-728 features include:
•Silicon Optix HQV® Video Processing - HQV (Hollywood Quality Video)
processing represents the state-of-the-art in video processing technology, with
the highest quality de-interlacing, noise reduction, and scaling performance for
both standard-definition and high-definition signals
•Fade-Thru-Black (FTB™) Switching - the video fades to black and then the
new input fades from black for glitch-free and smooth switching. The output
signal provides constant sync so the display never glitches
•K-IIT XL™ Picture-in-Picture Image Insertion Technology - ultra stable
picture-in-picture, picture-and-picture, and split screen capability. Any video
source can be inserted into or positioned next to a computer graphics video
source or vice versa with window positioning and sizing controls
•Four user definable (universal) video inputs (each can be set as composite
video, s-Video (Y/C) or component video), two computer graphics video inputs,
two HDMI inputs and 1 USB input (for reading JPEG picture files1
•HDTV compatible component input
)
•HDTV output resolutions - 720p 1080i, and 1080p
•Scaled video outputs - HDMI and computer graphics video
•HDMI support of up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel2
•Multiple computer graphics output resolutions - including a user-defined output
resolution with selectable refresh rates
•Multiple aspect ratio selections
•Companion AFV (audio-follow-video) for every analog video input
•Embedded audio on the two HDMI inputs and output3
•Built-in noise reduction and picture enhancement features
1 JPEG files are recognized up to 2048x1536
2 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
3 The embedded audio feature is not available for the 1920x1200 and 1920x1080 resolutions

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Overview
4
•Audio inputs - four (stereo audio or S/PDIF on two RCA connectors) for each
of the four universal video inputs; two stereo audio (on 3.5mm connectors) for
the two computer graphics video inputs; and embedded audio on the HDMI
inputs
•Audio outputs - S/PDIF and stereo audio (RCA connectors). Transcodes stereo
or S/PDIF audio to both stereo and S/PDIF audio and embeds audio onto the
HDMI output1
•Built-in Time Base Corrector - stabilizes video sources with unstable sync
•Built-in video Proc-Amp - color, hue, sharpness, contrast, and brightness are set
individually for each input
•A BLANK button, a FREEZE button, a RESET TO XGA/720P button (to
hardware-reset the output resolution); and a PANEL LOCK button2
•Built-in audio Proc-Amp - with bass, treble, balance and loudness control, as
well as audio delay
•Firmware upgrade3
•The slideshow option, letting you run a slideshow via the USB port
via the USB port
•An OSD (On-Screen Display) – for making adjustments – that can be located
anywhere on the screen4
In addition, the VP-728:
•Includes non-volatile memory that retains the last settings, after switching the
power off and then on again
•Digitally reprocesses the signal to correct mastering errors, and regenerates the
video at a higher line and pixel rate format, providing native-resolution video for
LCD, DLP and plasma displays
•Is specifically designed to improve video quality by reducing chroma noise
•Scales and zooms (to up to 400% of the original size)
•Can provide non-linear scaling for 4:3, 16:9 transformation
Control your VP-728 directly via the front panel push buttons, or:
•By RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other
serial controller
•Remotely, from the infrared remote control transmitter (with on-screen menus)
1 Tip: if you want to use a 5.1 digital audio source, connect this HDMI or S/PDIF source (for example, a Blu-ray player)
directly to your receiver or display
2 The front panel blank, freeze and lock buttons can be programmed via the OSD menu (see Table 15)
3 To check if firmware upgrades are available, go to our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 Centered on the screen, or in one of the four corners

Overview
5
5
The VP-728 is housed in a 19” 1U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears”
included, and is fed from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.
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 maximum high-definition image and sound quality in use
today. Note that Kramer Electronics Limited is an HDMI Adopter and an HDCP
Licensee.
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
•Has the capacity to support existing high-definition video formats (720p, 1080i,
and 1080p/60), standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL, as well as
480p and 576p
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

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
6
3.2 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
Kramer VP-728 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
Figure 1, and Table 1 define the front panel of the VP-728; Figure 2 and
Table 2 define the rear panel.

Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
7
Figure 1: VP-728 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Front Panel
Figure 2: VP-728 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Rear Panel

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Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
8
Table 1: Front Panel Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features
#
Feature
Function
1 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the machine ON or OFF
2 IR Receiver / LED Red when the unit accepts IR remote commands
3 UNIVERSAL INPUT Selector
Buttons
Press to select the composite video / s-Video / component video
source1
4
(from 1 to 4)
INPUT Selector
Buttons2
UXGA 1 Press to select the UXGA1source 1
5 UXGA 2 Press to select the UXGA1source 2
6 HDMI 1 Press to select the HDMI source 1
7 HDMI 2 Press to select the HDMI source 2
8 USB Press to select the USB
3
8.7.1
source and also run/stop the slideshow (see
section )
9 PIP Button Toggles the picture-in-picture function (see section 7.2)
10 BLANK Button Press to toggle between a blank screen (blue or black screen)4
11
and the
display
FREEZE Button Press to freeze/unfreeze the output video image
4
, as well as pause the
slideshow (see section 8.7.1)
12 MENU Button Displays the OSD menu screen (toggle)
13 ENTER Button Moves to the next level in the OSD screen, or accepts a new parameter
14 Button Decreases the range by one step in the OSD screen or moves to the
previous level in the OSD screen
Decreases the volume level, when not in the OSD menu
15 Button Moves up one step (in the same level) in the OSD screen, or moves to
the previous slide when running a slideshow (see section 8.7.1)
16 Button Increases the range by one step in the OSD screen
Increases the volume level, when not in the OSD menu
17 Button Moves down one step (in the same level) in the OSD screen, or moves
to the next slide when running a slideshow (see section 8.7.1)
18 RESET TO XGA/720p Button Press and hold to reset to the default resolution
5
19 PANEL LOCK Button Press to lock/unlock the front panel to prevent unintentional operation
20 USB Connector Connect to a USB drive to read JPEG files, and also to download new
firmware
1 And the appropriate audio source
2 When selected, button illuminates. See section 7.1 for details of how to program the INPUT SELECTOR buttons
3 JPEG files on a USB memory stick
4 Can be programmed to mute the audio signal at the same time (see Table 15)
5 Toggles between reset to XGA and reset to 720p

Your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
9
9
Table 2: Rear Panel Presentation Switcher / Scaler Features
#
Feature
Function
21 UNIV. IN RCA Connectors
(from 1 to 4)
Y/CV Connect to the video acceptor which can be either composite
video (Y/CV), s-Video (Y/CV, PB/C ) or component video
(Y/CV, PB/C, PR)
22 PB/C
23 PR
24 UXGA 1 IN 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the UXGA (analog interface) graphics source 1
25 UXGA 2 IN 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the UXGA (analog interface) graphics source 2
26 AUDIO IN UNIV. IN RCA
Connectors (from 1 to 4)
L/S/PDIF Connect to the left unbalanced stereo analog audio source;
Alternatively, connect to a digital audio source
27 R Connect to the right unbalanced stereo analog audio source
28 AUDIO IN 3.5 Mini Jack UXGA 1 Connects to the unbalanced stereo analog audio source 1
29 UXGA 2 Connects to the unbalanced stereo analog audio source 2
30 AUDIO OUT RCA
Connectors
L Connect to the left unbalanced stereo analog audio acceptor
31 R Connect to the right unbalanced stereo analog audio acceptor
32 S/PDIF Connect to a digital audio acceptor
33 AUDIO
PROG
Program Button Push to upgrade to the latest Kramer audio firmware
Release for normal operation
34 Terminal Block Connector Connect to a PC for audio firmware upgrade
35 HDMI 1 IN Connector Connect to the HDMI 1 source
36 HDMI 2 IN Connector Connect to the HDMI 2 source
37 HDMI OUT Connector Connect to the HDMI acceptor
38 UXGA OUT 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the video acceptor that displays the scaled output
In the default HDTV mode, the signal goes out via 3 PINS: PIN
1 is Pr, PIN 2 is Y, PIN 3 Pb
39 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector Connects to PC or Serial Controller
40 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

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Installing in a Rack
10
5 Installing in a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing in a rack and how to rack
mount.

Connecting your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
11
11
6 Connecting your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
To connect1Figure 3the VP-728 as illustrated in the example in , do the
following2
1. Connect the following video sources
:
3
A component video
:
4
An s-Video source (for example, a DVD player) to the UNIV. IN 4 RCA
connectors, Y/CV and PB/C
source (for example, a DVD player) to the UNIV.
IN 1 RCA connectors, Y/CV, PB/C and PR
A computer graphics source to the UXGA 1 IN 15-pin HD computer
graphics video connector
An HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the HDMI 1 IN
connector
A graphics data source (for example, JPEG files from a PC or a USB
flash drive) to the USB connector on the front panel of the machine (not
illustrated in Figure 3)
2. Connect the unbalanced stereo or digital audio sources5
Figure 3
(not illustrated in
):
The audio of the component video source 1 to the AUDIO UNIV IN 1
S/PDIF RCA connector
The audio of the s-Video source 4 to the AUDIO UNIV IN 4 L and R
RCA connector
The audio of computer graphics source to the AUDIO UXGA 1 3.5mm
mini jack
3. Connect the video outputs:
The HDMI OUT connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a plasma
display)
The UXGA OUT 15-pin HD computer graphics video connector6
4. Connect the AUDIO OUT L and R unbalanced stereo audio output and/or
the S/PDIF digital audio output to audio acceptors, for example, speakers
(not illustrated in
to a
video acceptor (for example, an analog display)
Figure 3).
1 Although this example shows only several inputs that are connected, you can connect all the inputs simultaneously
2 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VP-728. After connecting your VP-728, switch on its
power and then switch on the power on each device
3 You do not have to connect all the inputs
4 Sometimes called YUV, or Y, B-Y, R-Y, or Y, Pb, Pr
5 As required. Not all devices need to be connected
6 In the HDTV mode, the signal goes out via three PINS: PIN 1 is Red or Pr, PIN 2 is Green or Y, PIN 3 is Blue or Pb

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Connecting your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
12
5. Connect the power cord1
Figure 3
(the power connector is not illustrated in
).
6. If required, connect a PC via RS-232, see section 6.1
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-728 Rear Panel
1 We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine

Connecting your Presentation Switcher / Scaler
13
13
6.1 Connecting a PC
Figure 4: Connecting to a PC via RS-232

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons
14
7 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons
The VP-728 includes the following front panel buttons:
•Nine INPUT selector buttons, see section 7.1
•A PIP button, see section 7.2
•BLANK and FREEZE buttons
•Six OSD buttons
•A RESET TO XGA/720p button
•A PANEL LOCK button, see section 7.3
7.1 Switching an Input
Each INPUT SELECTOR button can be used to select the source.
You can switch seamlessly1
7.2 The PIP Button Feature
between each input that is connected to a source,
by pressing the appropriate INPUT SELECTOR button.
The Picture-in-Picture inserter (PIP) uses K-IIT XL™ image insertion
technology to present video and graphic sources simultaneously2
•An inserted video source
. You can
display:
3PIP over a graphic source4
•An inserted graphic source
4PIP over a video source3
Three types of PIP insertions are available:
•Picture-in-Picture – the PIP image appears over the background image
•Picture + Picture – both the video source and the graphic source are placed side
by side and have the same height (the PIP image is stretched lengthwise)
•Split – both the video source and the graphic source are placed side by side (the
PIP image appears smaller than the defined size and the source size is reduced)
1 FTB™ switching for glitchless transitions between inputs
2 If the HDMI signal is HDCP protected, it cannot appear on a display that is not HDCP compliant, and the machine will not
output a picture on the VGA output
3 That is, composite, s-Video
4 That is, HDMI or UXGA or component

Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons
15
15
7.2.1 Activating the PIP Feature
You can activate the PIP by:
•Pressing the PIP button
•Pressing the PIP key on the infrared remote control transmitter (see
section 7.4, Figure 7)
•Switching on the PIP functionality via the OSD Menu (see Figure 12 and
Table 8)
7.2.2 Selecting the PIP Source
To use the PIP feature, set the PIP source via the OSD menu (see Figure 12 and
Table 8) or the remote-transmitter keys.
To set the PIP source via the OSD menu, do the following:
1. Press the MENU button to enter the OSD menu.
2. Press the button to move to the PIP icon.
3. Scroll down to select Source and press ENTER.
4. Use the or buttons to select the PIP Source from the drop-down list
box, and press ENTER (see Figure 12).
5. To exit the OSD menu, press the MENU button.
Figure 5: PIP Source Over Background

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Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons
16
7.2.3 Toggling between the PIP and the Screen Source (Swap)
To toggle back and forth between the PIP source and the main display, as
Figure 6 illustrates, press the Swap key on the infrared remote control transmitter
(see Figure 7).
Figure 6: OSD SWAP Status
7.2.4 Quick Selection of the PIP Source via the Front Panel Buttons
For quick selection of the PIP source, press and hold the PIP front panel button
while pressing the input button of the required PIP source. For example, to select
UXGA 2 as the graphic PIP source over a video background, press the PIP front
panel button while pressing the UXGA 2 front panel button.
When attempting to select a PIP source of the same category as the background
source (for example, video on video, which is not compliant to Table 3),
a message is prompted: “unavailable operation”
To replace a PIP in the same category (for example, changing the PIP source
from UXGA 1 to HDMI 2), press the required PIP Source on the remote control
transmitter and the PIP display will change accordingly.
You can swap the PIP source category with the main source category via the:
•Remote control keys, by selecting a new main source and then a new PIP source
•OSD menu, by selecting a new Input source through the Input menu and a new
PIP source through the PIP menu
When selecting one PIP source, the Presentation Switcher / Scaler automatically
recognizes and displays the selected graphic PIP source on all the video displays1
1
and the selected video source on all the graphic displays, compliant to Table 3.
1 Even if the input signal is not connected. In this case the PIP appears over a blank screen