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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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