Kramer VM-218DTxr User manual

P/N: 2900-300931 Rev 1 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODELS:
VM-218DTxr,VM-218DT
HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Contents
i
Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Typical Applications 4
Controlling your VM-218DTxr 4
Defining VM-218DTxr HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA 5
Installing in a Rack 7
Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA 8
Connecting VM-218DTxr 8
Connecting VM-218DT 9
Extending Control Signals 10
Controlling VM-218DTxr via RS-232 CONTROL 12
Wiring the RJ 45 Connectors 12
Setting the DIP-switches 13
Cascading Devices 14
Operating and Controlling the VM-218DTxr 15
Using the Front Panel Buttons 15
Acquiring the EDID 15
Using the Ethernet 16
Using the Embedded Web Pages 20
Browsing VM-218DTxr Web Pages 20
Switching the Inputs and Setting the Output Volume 22
Defining Video and Audio Settings 23
Setting the Output Labels 24
Managing EDID 24
Setting Web Page Access Permission 29
Changing Device Settings 31
Upgrading the Firmware 33
Viewing the About Page 34
Upgrading the Firmware 35
Technical Specifications 36
Default Communication Parameters 37
Default EDID 38
Protocol 3000 40
Understanding Protocol 3000 40
Protocol 3000 Commands 41
Result and Error Codes 47

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Introduction
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!
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 www.kramerav.com/downloads/VM-218DTxr to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving 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-218DTxr / VM-218DT 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.
Safety Instructions
Caution:
•This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
•For products with relay terminals and GPI\O ports, please refer to the permitted rating
for an external connection, located next to the terminal or in the User Manual.
•There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Introduction
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Warning:
•Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit.
•Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall before installing.
•Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause electrical shock! Servicing by qualified
personnel only.
•To ensure continuous risk protection, replace fuses only according to the rating
specified on the product label which located on the bottom of the unit.
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 www.kramerav.com/support/recycling.
Overview
The devices described in this user manual are generally referred to as VM-218DTxr or
HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA. A device is named specifically only when a device-specific
feature is described.
The differences between VM-218DTxr and VM-218DT are summarized in the following table:
Product
Extension
Resolution
Reach
VM-218DTxr
HDMI™, RS-232,
IR, Ethernet
4K @60Hz (4:2:0)
Up to 100m (330ft)
1080p @60Hz 36bpp
Up to 130m (430ft)
1080p @60Hz 24bpp
Up to 180m (590ft)
VM-218DT
HDMI, RS-232, IR
4K @60Hz (4:2:0)
Up to 40m (130ft)
1080p @60Hz 36bpp
Up to 70m (230ft)
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-218DTxr HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA.
VM-218DTxr is a high-quality, extended-reach 4K@60Hz (4:2:0) HDBaseT (HDBT) distributor
that takes either an HDMI or an extended-reach HDBaseT input (selectable), equalizes and
reclocks the signal and distributes it to eight identical extended-reach HDBaseT outputs, each
with its own Ethernet, RS-232 and IR control signals. The unit also includes a loop HDMI
output along with audio de-embedding (extraction) to analog stereo port. As an integrated
extender distributor, VM-218DTxr re-extends and distributes native extended-reach HDBaseT
signals with up to 4K video resolution.
VM-218DT distributes the selected input signal (HDMI or long-reach HDBaseT) to the eight
long-reach HDBaseT outputs together with RS-232 and IR control signals.
VM-218DTxr provides exceptional quality, advanced and user-friendly operation, and flexible
control.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Introduction
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Exceptional Quality
•High Performance Extender Distributor –High-quality professional 1:8 distribution of
native extended-reach HDBaseT signals, for deploying mid-way between an AV source
and multiple remote displays and gaining extra extended-reach extension. It is coupled
with both sides, input and output, extension of a maximum 4K@60Hz (4:2:0) 24bpp
video resolution signal to maximum 100m (330ft) extended-reach over CAT copper
cable, and even further reach for lower HD video resolution. The extender distributor is
standard and capable of being connected to any market-available HDBaseT compliant
extending product.
•I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™ – An intelligent EDID handling,
processing and pass-through algorithm that ensures Plug and Play operation for HDMI
source and display systems.
•Audio De-embedding (Extraction) –The transmitted digital audio signal is converted to
an analog signal and de-embedded to stereo unbalanced analog audio output. This
enables user-selectable de-embedding of input digital audio to play at local hi-quality
speakers separate from a remote receiver-connected AV sink device, such as a TV
display or audio speakers, to provide higher quality audio playback.
Advanced and User-friendly Operation
•HDMI Signal Extension –HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 1.4 compliant signal, supporting deep
color, x.v.Color™, lip sync, 7.1 PCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, 2K, 4K, and 3D. EDID
signals are passed through from the source to the display.
•Bidirectional RS-232 Extension –Serial interface data flows in both directions, on each
extension line, enabling data transmission and control of devices.
•Bidirectional Infrared Extension –IR interface data flows in both directions, on each
extension line, enabling remote control of peripheral devices located at either end of the
extended line.
•For VM-218DTxr only, Ethernet Extension –Ethernet interface data flows in both
directions on each extension line, enabling extension of up to 100Mbps Ethernet
connectivity for LAN communication and control of devices.
•Cost-effective Maintenance –Status LED indicators for HDMI and HDBT ports to
facilitate easy local maintenance and troubleshooting.
•Remote IP device management via built-in web pages or RS-232 control connection.
•Simple System Management –Remote system management support to enable quick
and efficient remote system and device life-cycle management.
•Easy operation and control using front panel buttons, or remotely via the Embedded web
pages.
•Local and remote firmware upgrade via mini-USB, control RS-232 or Ethernet
connection and the K-Upload tool to ensure long field-proven deployment.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Introduction
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Flexible Connectivity
•Selectable Inputs –HDMI or HDBT inputs, selectable via front panel buttons, Web UI or
remote system management.
•HDBT Outputs –one HDMI output (loop) and Eight HDBT outputs.
•Field-upgradable Scalability –Multiply your outputs by connecting an additional unit to
the HDMI loop output even while the device is active and operating. The original high-
quality signal is duplicated at the same quality and simultaneously routed to the
cascaded DA and to all the, transforming your 2x8 unit into a 2x16 switchable DA.
•Flexible control extension –Bidirectional IR, RS-232 or Ethernet (for VM-218DTxr) for
HDBT input and each of the HDBT outputs for control extension.
•Easy Installation –Twisted-pair cables for HDBaseT signals wiring. Rack mountable
enclosure for mounting in a 1U rack space with included rack ears and universal 100–
240V AC power connection.
Typical Applications
VM-218DTxr is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Presentation and multimedia applications.
•Signal distribution to multiple displays spread within large spaces.
•Digital signage.
•Rental and staging.
Controlling your VM-218DTxr
Control your VM-218DTxr 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.
•Via the Ethernet using built-in user-friendly web pages.
•Via Kramer Network management system.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Defining VM-218DTxr HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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Defining VM-218DTxr HDMI/HDBT
Switcher DA
VM-218DTxr and VM-218DT appear identical.
This section defines VM-218DTxr.
Figure 1: VM-218DTxr HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
IR LED
Lights orange when the unit accepts IR remote commands.
IR Sensor
Use to control a peripheral device connected to OUT 2 HDBT with that
device’s remote controller.
POWER LED
Lights when the unit is powered.
VOLUME ()
Press to decrease the volume of the analog audio output.
VOLUME ()
Press to increase the volume of the analog audio output.
INPUT Selector Button
Press to select input 1 HDMI or input 2 HDBT.
INPUT LEDs
Lights green to indicate the selected input: 1 HDMI or 2 HDBT.
EDID READ Button
Press to read the selected EDID and write it to both inputs.
EDID SELECT Button
Press to cycle through the sources from which to read the EDID: Default,
External, or Output. When Output is selected, cycles through outputs 1 to 9.
The relevant EDID TYPE and OUTPUT LEDs light green.
EDID TYPE LEDs
Lights green to indicate the selected EDID type: DEFAULT, EXT. (external)
or OUTPUT.
OUTPUT LEDs (1 to 9)
In normal operation mode: lights green when an acceptor is connected to the
output.
In EDID mode: when EDID TYPE OUTPUT LED lights green, press the
EDID SELECT button briefly to cycle through output 1 to 9 to select the
output from which to read EDID. The relevant LED lights during EDID setup
and remains lit after completing the EDID setup.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Defining VM-218DTxr HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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Figure 2: VM-218DTxr HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
IN 2 IR on a 3.5 Mini Jack
Connect to an IR emitter/sensor cable for IR link extension via IN 2
HDBT.
IN 2 RS-232 (G, Rx, Tx)
Terminal Block Connector
Connect to a serial controller for RS-232 link extension via IN 2 HDBT.
IN 1 HDMI Connector
Connect to an HDMI source.
IN 2 HDBT on RJ-45
Connectors
Connect to an HDBT transmitter (for example: TP-780Txr for
VM-218DTxr and TP-580T for VM-218DT).
IR on 3.5 Mini Jacks (for
OUT 2 to 9)
Connect to remote IR emitter/sensor cables to IR control the devices that
are connected to the HDBT acceptors.
RS-232 OUT (G, Rx, Tx)
Terminal Block Connectors
(2 to 9)
Connect to serially control the devices connected to the HDBT acceptors.
OUT 1 HDMI Connector
Connect to the HDMI input of an additional DA or connect to a local
monitor.
OUT HDBT RJ-45
Connectors (2 to 9)
Connect to HDBT receivers (for example: TP-780Rxr for VM-218DTxr
and TP-580R for VM-218DT).
AUDIO OUT 3.5mm Mini
Jack
Connect to an analog audio acceptor.
RS-232 CONTROL 3-pin
Terminal Block
Connect to the serial controller to control the VM-218DTxr.
REMOTE 3-pin Terminal
Block
For future use.
SETUP DIP-switches
Use to set the device behavior.
ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to LAN for Ethernet extension via IN and OUT HDBT ports and
remote IP control of the VM-218DTxr.
RESET Button
Press and hold while powering on the device to reset to factory default
parameters.
PROG Mini USB Connector
Connect to a PC to perform firmware upgrades.
Mains Power Connector,
Fuse and Switch
Connect to the mains supply.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Installing in a Rack
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Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting VM-218DTxr. Before installing in a rack,
verify that the environment is within the recommended range:
•Operation temperature –0to 40C (32 to 104F).
•Storage temperature –-40to +70C (-40 to +158F).
•Humidity –10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing.
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking care that:
•It is located within recommended environmental conditions. Operating ambient
temperature of a closed or multi-unit rack assembly may exceed ambient room
temperature.
•Once rack mounted, there is enough air flow around VM-218DTxr.
•VM-218DTxr is placed upright in the correct horizontal position.
•You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting VM-218DTxr to the supply
circuit, overloading the circuits may have a detrimental effect on overcurrent
protection and supply wiring. Refer to the appropriate nameplate ratings for
information. For example, for fuse replacement, see the value printed on the
product label.
•VM-218DTxr is earthed (grounded) and connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention when electricity is supplied indirectly (for
example, when the power cord is not plugged directly into the wall socket but to an
extension cable or power strip). Use only the supplied power cord.
To rack mount the machine, attach both ear brackets (by removing the
screws from each side of the machine and replacing those screws
through the `ear brackets) or place the machine on a table.
•Detachable rack ears can be removed for desktop use.
•Always mount VM-218DTxr in the rack before connecting any cables or power.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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Connecting the HDMI/HDBT
Switcher DA
Although both the VM-218DTxr and VM-218DT appear identical, the VM-218DTxr also
extends Ethernet signals, therefore the connecting procedures in this section are described
separately for each device.
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your VM-218DTxr. After
connecting your VM-218DTxr, connect its power and then switch on the power to each
device.
Connecting VM-218DTxr
Figure 3: Connecting to VM-218DTxr
To connect the VM-218DTxr as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a Blu-ray player) to the IN 1 HDMI connector .
2. Connect an HDBT transmitter (for example, Kramer TP-780Txr) to the IN 2 HDBT RJ-45
connector .
3. Connect the OUT 1 HDMI connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a display).
4. Connect the 8 OUT HDBT RJ-45 connectors (2 to 9) to up to 8 HDBT receivers (for
example, Kramer TP-780Rxr receivers).
5. Connect the AUDIO OUT 3.5mm mini jack to an analog audio acceptor (for example,
Kramer Tavor 6-O speakers).
6. Connect the RS-232 terminal block connector to a serial control device (for example,
a laptop) to control VM-218DTxr.
7. Connect the Ethernet RJ-45 port to the Ethernet LAN to control the VM-218DTxr and
LAN-connected peripheral devices, either local LAN or through input HDBT extended

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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Ethernet, via IP control device (for example, a laptop) and/or an IP room controller (for
example, Kramer SL-240C).
8. Connect the power adapter to the VM-218DTxr and to the mains electricity (not
shown in Figure 3).
9. Connect signal extensions (see Extending Control Signals on page 10).
The USB connector and power cord are not shown in Figure 3.
Connecting VM-218DT
Figure 4: Connecting to VM-218DT
To connect the VM-218DT as illustrated in the example in Figure 4:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a Blu-ray player) to the IN 1 HDMI connector .
2. Connect an HDBT transmitter (for example, Kramer TP-580T) to the IN 2 HDBT RJ-45
connector .
3. Connect the OUT 1 HDMI connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a display).
4. Connect the 8 OUT HDBT RJ-45 connectors (2 to 9) to up to 8 HDBT receivers (for
example, Kramer TP-580R receivers).
5. Connect the AUDIO OUT 3.5mm mini jack to an analog audio acceptor (for example,
Kramer Tavor 6-O speakers).
6. Connect the RS-232 terminal block connector to a serial control device (for example,
a laptop) to control the VM-218DT.
7. Connect the Ethernet RJ-45 port to the Ethernet LAN to control the VM-218DT and
its peripheral devices and/or to a room controller (for example, Kramer
SL-240C).
8. Connect the power adapter to the VM-218DT and to the mains electricity (not shown
in Figure 4).

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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9. Connect signal extensions. See:
▪IR Extension on page 10.
▪RS-232 Extension on page 11.
The USB connector and power cord are not shown in Figure 4.
Extending Control Signals
VM-218DTxr can extend IR, RS-232 and Ethernet control signals to peripheral devices that
are connected to the relevant ports on the transmitter and receivers that are connected to the
VM-218DTxr.
VM-218DT can extend IR and RS-232 control signals in the same way.
The following procedures provide examples for extending signals.
You can extend only one type of signal (RS-232, IR or Ethernet-for VM-218DTxr only) to
control a peripheral device.
Figure 3 (for VM-218DTxr) and Figure 4 (for VM-218DT) show several types of signal
extensions for each HDBT device, for illustrating device capabilities only.
IR Extension
Use the IR 3.5mm mini jacks for the HDBT input and outputs to extend IR control
signals between any set of IR ports on the HDBT transmitter and receivers.
To extend an IR signal, for example, from VM-218DTxr to Projector B:
1. Connect an IR sensor cable to the OUT 5 IR 3.5mm mini jack.
2. Connect an IR emitter cable between the TP-780Rxr receiver (that is connected to
OUT 5) and Projector B.
3. Point the Projector B IR remote-control transmitter to the IR sensor to control Projector B
via the TP-580Rxr receiver that is connected to HDBT OUT 5.
In the same way you can control other peripheral devices connected to the HDBT-connected
transmitter and/or receivers.
To extend an IR signal, for example, from a remote room controller to Projector A:
1. Connect an IR cable between a room controller (for example, Kramer SL-240C) and the
IR port of the IN 2 HDBT-connected on the TP-780Txr transmitter.
2. Connect an IR cable between the IN 2 IR 3.5mm mini jack and the OUT 3 3.5mm mini
jack.
3. Connect an IR emitter cable between the IR port of the TP-780Rxr receiver that is
connected to OUT 3 and the IR port on Projector A.
4. Send an IR signal from the room controller to Projector A via the IN 2 TP-780Txr
transmitter and the OUT 3 TP-780Rxr receiver.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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In the same way you can pass IR signals to control other connected peripheral devices using
the IR ports of the VM-218DTxr, HDBT transmitter and HDBT receivers.
RS-232 Extension
Use the RS-232 3-pin terminal block connectors for the HDBT input and outputs to
extend RS-232 control signals between any set of RS-232 ports on the HDBT transmitter and
receivers.
To extend an RS-232 signal, for example, from VM-218DTxr to Projector B:
1. Connect OUT 5 RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector to a room controller (for example,
the Kramer SL-240C room controller.
2. Connect the RS-232 port on the TP-780Rxr receiver (that is connected to HDBT OUT 5)
to Projector B.
3. Send an RS-232 command from the room controller to Projector B.
In the same way you can control other peripheral devices that are connected to the
transmitter and/or receivers.
To extend an RS-232 signal, for example, from a remote room controller to Projector A:
1. Connect an RS-232 cable between a room controller (for example, Kramer SL-240C)
and the RS-232 port on the TP-780Txr transmitter that is connected to HDBT IN 2.
2. Connect an RS-232 cable between the IN 2 RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector and
the OUT 3 RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector.
3. Connect an RS-232 cable between the TP-780Rxr (that is connected to OUT 3 HDBT)
RS-232 port and Projector A.
4. Send an RS-232 command from the room controller to Projector A on the TP-780Rxr via
the HDBT IN 1 port.
In the same way you can send RS-232 commands to control other peripheral devices
connected to the transmitter/receivers.
In the same way you can send RS-232 signals and commands to control other peripheral
devices connected between the RS-232 ports of the VM-218DTxr, HDBT transmitter and
HDBT receivers.
Ethernet Extension (VM-218DTxr only)
Use the ETHERNET RJ-45 port input and outputs to extend Ethernet signals via
control devices and/or control software to and from the HDBT transmitter/receivers.
To send a command from a room controller, for example, to the display:
1. Connect the ETHERNET RJ-45 port to the Ethernet.
2. Connect the ETH port of a room controller (for example, the Kramer SL-240C room
controller) to the Ethernet.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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3. Send an RS-232 command from the room controller to the display on the TP-780Rxr via
the HDBT OUT 7 port.
In the same way you can control other peripheral devices connected to the
transmitter/receivers.
Controlling VM-218DTxr via RS-232 CONTROL
VM-218DTxr features an RS-232 CONTROL 3-pin terminal block connector allowing the
RS-232 to control the VM-218DTxr. To do so, connect the VM-218DTxr to a controller (for
example a PC) via the RS-232 CONTROL terminal block on the rear panel as follows:
•Pin 2 to the TX pin on the VM-218DTxr
RS-232 CONTROL terminal block.
•Pin 3 to the RX pin on the VM-218DTxr
RS-232 CONTROL terminal block.
•Pin 5 to the G pin on the VM-218DTxr
RS-232 CONTROL terminal block.
Wiring the RJ 45 Connectors
This section defines the HDBT pinout, using a straight pin-to-pin cable with RJ 45 connectors.
For HDBT cables, it is recommended that the cable ground shielding be connected/soldered
to the connector shield.
EIA /TIA 568B
PIN
Wire Color
1
Orange / White
2
Orange
3
Green / White
4
Blue
5
Blue / White
6
Green
7
Brown / White
8
Brown

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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Setting the DIP-switches
Changes to the DIP-switches only take effect following power-up. After changing a switch,
reboot the device. All DIP-switches are set to Off (up) by default.
#
Feature
Dip-switch Settings
1
Reserved
2
Range mode
Off (up) –Normal range (default).
On (down) –HDBaseT Ultra-long range (provides increased range at
a reduced bandwidth).
Note that range mode affects the HDBT input only.
3
Audio de-embedding
Off (up) –Enable 2-channel uncompressed audio de-embedding to
the analog audio output port (default).
Note that compressed audio pass-through is disabled.
On (down) –Disable audio de-embedding and enable pass-through of
all audio formats.
Note that the analog audio output port is muted.
4
Force RGB
Off (up) –Normal mode (default).
On (down) –Force RGB mode.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Connecting the HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA
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Cascading Devices
Use the OUT 1 HDMI connecter on VM-218DTxr to connect a local monitor or to
distribute the signal to an additional receiver, thus creating a 2x16 DA system as described in
the following example.
To cascade VM-218DTxr:
1. Connect the inputs and outputs to the primary device as described in Connecting the
HDMI/HDBT Switcher DA on page 8, except for the OUT 1 HDMI connector.
2. On the cascaded DA device, connect the receivers as required.
Connect the power to the receivers only after connecting them to the cascaded device.
3. Connect the OUT 1 HDMI connector on the primary device to the IN 1 HDMI connector
on the cascaded DA device.
4. After powering the cascaded device, make sure that the HDMI input is selected on the
cascaded device.
Figure 5: Cascading DAs
18
14

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Operating and Controlling the VM-218DTxr
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Operating and Controlling the
VM-218DTxr
Control VM-218DTxr in the following ways:
•Using the Front Panel Buttons on page 15.
•Acquiring the EDID on page 15.
•Using the Ethernet on page 16.
Using the Front Panel Buttons
Use the VM-218DTxr front panel buttons:
•Press VOLUME and to set the analog audio output volume.
•Press INPUT to select the required input (indicated by HDMI and HDBT LEDs ).
•Press EDID SELECT and EDID READ to acquire the EDID (see Acquiring the
EDID on page 15).
Acquiring the EDID
Initially, each input on the VM-218DTxr has a factory default EDID loaded (see Default EDID
on page 38). This lets you connect the power to VM-218DTxr while an active source is
connected before having to connect one of the acceptors. VM-218DTxr reads the EDID,
which is stored in the non-volatile memory and uses it for the active connected sources.
In the same way, the acquired EDID from a connected output or an external source is stored
in the non-volatile memory.
You can acquire the EDID from any of the following sources:
•DEFAULT: The factory default EDID.
•OUTPUT: Active acceptors that are connected to OUT 1 HDMI or OUT (2 to 9) HDBT.
•EXTERNAL: A custom EDID (acquired via EDID Designer software, by connecting a PC
to VM-218DTxrt via RS-232 or USB ports).
You can acquire the EDID using:
•The front panel buttons (see Acquiring EDID via the Front Panel Buttons on page 16)
•The embedded web pages (see Managing EDID on page 24)

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Operating and Controlling the VM-218DTxr
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•EDID Designer software.
VM-218DTxr Supports EDID Designer (via the mini USB port) that can be
loaded from our Web site: Kramer EDID Designer.
To use the mini USB port, you need to download and the Kramer USB driver
from our Web site at: www.kramerav.com/support/product_downloads.asp and
install it.
Acquiring EDID via the Front Panel Buttons
The following procedure is usually done only once, when the device is being set up.
To acquire the EDID:
1. Press EDID SELECT repeatedly until the required EDID source is selected, (either
DEFAULT, EXT, or OUTPUT LED lights ).
When selecting OUTPUT, keep pressing repeatedly to select the desired output.
The relevant LED lights green.
2. Press EDID READ .
EDID READ flashes once and the EDID is copied to the currently selected input.
EDID READ flashing 3 times indicates that the EDID was not read.
The device reverts to the last stored EDID type, as indicated by the relevant EDID
TYPE LEDs.
If the EDID READ button is not pressed for five seconds, the procedure is terminated, the
device does not store a new EDID and the OUTPUT 1 to 9 LEDs revert to normal operation.
Forcing the RGB Mode
Normally (the default state), when acquiring EDID, the device supports any color space that is
defined in the acquired EDID parameters. In case of a color space problem, enabling Force
RGB mode may improve the colors of the image on the display.
Force RGB mode is enabled via the DIP-switches on the rear panel (see Setting the DIP-
switches on page 13).
Using the Ethernet
You can connect to the VM-218DTxr via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
•Locally, directly to the laptop using a crossover cable (see Connecting the Ethernet Port
Directly to a Laptop on page 17).
•Remotely over IP LAN, via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through
cable (see Connecting the Ethernet Port via IP LAN on page 19).
Note: If you want to connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6, speak to your
IT department for specific installation instructions.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Operating and Controlling the VM-218DTxr
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Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a Laptop
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VM-218DTxr directly to the Ethernet port on your
PC using a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VM-218DTxr
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting the VM-218DTxr to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and click Change
settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network adapter appears
as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window
4. Highlight either Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet Protocol Version 4
(TCP/IPv4) depending on the requirements of your IT system.
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears as shown in
Figure 7 or Figure 8.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VM-218DTxr, VM-218DT –Operating and Controlling the VM-218DTxr
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Figure 7: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window
Figure 8: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address for static IP addressing and fill in the details as
shown in Figure 9.
For TCP/IPv4 you can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255
(excluding 192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT department.