Kramer VP-28 User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-28
Presentation Switcher
P/N: 2900-300080 Rev 3

VP-28 – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1 About HDMI–General Description 4
3.2 About DVI–General Description 5
3.3 About HDCP 6
3.4 About DisplayPort–General Description 6
3.5 Defining EDID 7
3.6 Defining the VP-28 Presentation Switcher 7
4Installing the VP-28 in a Rack 10
5Connecting the VP-28 11
5.1 Connecting a Serial Controller to the VP-28 12
5.2 Connecting to the VP-28 via Ethernet 13
5.3 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 15
6Operating the VP-28 16
6.1 Operating the Combined 5 x 1 Switching Group 16
6.2 Operating the Combined 14 x 1 Master Audio Switching Group 16
6.3 Locking the Front Panel 17
6.4 Resetting the VP-28 to the Factory Default 18
7Operating the VP-28 Remotely 19
7.1 The Controller Software Menu Bar 21
7.2 Connecting to the Device 21
7.3 Switching an Input to the Output of the Group 22
7.4 Selecting a Master Audio Input 22
7.5 Operating the Combined 5 x 1 HDMI/DP Switching Group 23
7.6 Changing the Audio Levels 24
7.7 Muting Audio and Selecting the Talkover or Mix Audio Modes 24
7.8 Changing the Input Button Icons and Labels 25
7.9 Upgrading the Firmware 26
7.10 Setting the IP Network Parameters 26
8Technical Specifications 28
9Default Parameters 30
9.1 Default Communication Parameters 30
9.2 Default Video/Audio Parameters 30
10 Protocol 3000 Control Commands 31
11 Kramer Protocol 33
11.1 Protocol Output Definitions 33
11.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 33

ii VP-28 - Contents
Figures
Figure 1: VP-28 Presentation Switcher Front Panel 8
Figure 2: VP-28 Presentation Switcher Rear Panel 9
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-28 Presentation Switcher 11
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window 14
Figure 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 14
Figure 6: Balanced Stereo Audio Connection 15
Figure 7: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Connection 15
Figure 8: Controller Software Main Window 19
Figure 9: Typical Input Button 20
Figure 10: Connection Method Window 21
Figure 11: Input Selection 22
Figure 12: Master Audio Input Selection 22
Figure 13: Combine Button 23
Figure 14: Combined HDMI and DP Inputs 23
Figure 15: Changing the Audio Levels 24
Figure 16: Muting Audio and Selecting the Talkover and Mix Modes 24
Figure 17: Input Button Properties Window 25
Figure 18: Device Details Window 27

VP-28 - 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 video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
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 groups that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Routers;
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 and GROUP 11:
Sierra Video Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-28 Presentation Switcher, which
is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Presentation and conference room systems
•Production studios, as well as rental and staging

2 VP-28 - Getting Started
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 cables
•Use only the power cord supplied with the device
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com to check for up-to-date
user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection 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 VP-28 Presentation Switcher away from moisture,
excessive sunlight and dust
i

VP-28 - Overview 3
3 Overview
The VP-28 is a high quality presentation switcher designed for a wide variety of
presentation and multimedia applications. The VP-28 combines the functions of a
3x1 switcher for composite video and audio, a 3x1 switcher for HDMI and audio, a
3x1 switcher for computer graphics video (PC, UXGA) type signals with audio, a
3x1 switcher for DVI and audio, and a 2x1 DisplayPort video and audio switcher.
The device includes two microphone inputs mixing facilities. In addition to a 14x1
master audio switcher, the HDMI and DP switching groups can be combined to
operate as a 5x1 video and audio switcher.
The VP-28 is a one-box high performance solution for installations where you
need to control each video/audio group independently and that would otherwise
require several separate products.
The VP-28 features:
•23 selector switches and front panel control adjustments for master audio
output level, and microphone level, mix, talk over and mute functions
•Support for up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel (HDMI, DVI)
•Supports 1 to 4 data pairs ("lanes") at a transfer rate of either 1.6Gbps or
2.7Gbps (device dependent) per channel (DP)
•I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™ – Intelligent EDID
handling & processing algorithm ensures Plug and Play operation for HDMI
systems
•Support for HDCP signals
•Support for both digital and analog inputs (hybrid digital/analog presentation
switcher)
•Equalization and reclocking of the data
•The ability to use a default EDID or acquire the EDID from one output or
from all connected outputs (Auto-mix)
•A 19” 1U enclosure suitable for rack mounting using the supplied “rack ears”
•A lock button to prevent tampering with the front panel

4 VP-28 - Overview
You can control the VP-28 via the front panel buttons, IR remote control using the
Kramer infrared remote control transmitter (provided), over a LAN via Ethernet, or
by RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other
serial controller.
3.1 About HDMI–General Description
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. HDMI ensures an all-digital rendering of video without the losses
associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-to-analog
conversions. 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.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI licensing LLC.
In particular, HDMI:
•Provides a simple interface 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 lengthy cable
SIMPLICITY - 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
LENGTHY CABLE - HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper
cable construction at up to 15m
•Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel digital
audio on a single cable
MULTI-CHANNEL DIGITAL AUDIO - 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
•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 cable, and user-friendly connector
HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting
uncompressed video formats in a simple, cost-effective manner
•Is backward-compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

VP-28 - Overview 5
•Supports two-way CEC 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, 2K and 4K), standard definition formats such as NTSC or
PAL, as well as 480p and 576p
3.2 About DVI–General Description
The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video interface standard covering the
transmission of video between a source device (such as a personal computer) and
a display device. DVI is designed to carry uncompressed digital video data to a
display. It is partially compat ble with the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
Interface) standard in digital mode (DVI-D), and VGA in analog mode (DVI-A).
A single-link DVI connection consists of four TMDS links; each link transmits data
from the source to the device over 1 twisted wire pair. Three of the links
correspond to the RGB components of the video signal: red, green, blue (for a
total of 24 bits per pixel.) The fourth link carries the pixel clock. Each TMDS link
carries binary data at ten times the pixel clock reference frequency, for a
maximum data rate of 1.65Gbps × 3 data pairs for single-link DVI.
The DVI specification mandates a maximum pixel clock frequency of 165MHz
when running in single-link mode. With a single DVI link, the highest supported
standard resolution is 2.75 megapixels (including blanking interval) at 60Hz
refresh. For practical purposes, this allows a maximum screen resolution at 60Hz
of 1,915×1,436 pixels (standard 4:3 ratio), 1,854×1,483 pixels (5:4 ratio), or
2,098×1,311 (widescreen 16:10 ratio). A dual link doubles the number of TMDS
pairs, effectively doubling video bandwidth at a given pixel clock frequency.
The maximum length of DVI cables is not included in the specification since it is
dependent on the video resolution and refresh rate. In general, cable lengths up to
4.5m (15ft) will work for displays at resolutions of 1,920×1,200. This resolution will
work even up to 10m (33ft) if appropriate cable is used. Cable lengths up to 15m
(50ft) can be used with displays at resolutions up to 1,280×1,024. For longer

6 VP-28 - Overview
distances, the use of a DVI booster is recommended to mitigate signal
degradation. DVI boosters may use an external power supply.
3.3 About HDCP
The High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) standard developed by
Intel protects digital video and audio signals transmitted over DVI or HDMI
connections between two HDCP-enabled devices to eliminate the reproduction of
copyrighted material. To protect copyright holders (such as movie studios) from
having their programs copied and shared, the HDCP standard provides for the
secure and encrypted transmission of digital signals.
3.4 About DisplayPort–General Description
DisplayPort (DP) is a digital display interface standard for the PC industry. It
delivers the highest resolutions and sound quality. In addition, DisplayPort:
•Provides a simple interface between a PC and a display, projector or TV
•Supports 1 to 4 data pairs ("lanes") at a transfer rate of either 1.6Gbps or
2.7Gbps (device dependent)
•Has a maximum length of 15m (49ft) for video transmission at a resolution of
1080p/60Hz and 3m (9.8ft) for full bandwidth transmission
•Video specs include a video path that supports 6 to 16 bits per color
channel, a maximum resolution of 2560x1600 pixels and a total maximum
bandwidth of 10.8Gbps over four lanes
•Is backward-compatible with HDMI, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) and VGA,
via an appropriate adapter
•Version 1.1 supports HDCP
•Supports two-way communication over its auxiliary channel between the
video source (for example, a PC) and the digital display, enabling new
functionality such as automatic configuration and one-button play
•Replaces the interface needed between the PC and an external display, as
well as the low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface in notebook
computers, monitors, to connect to LCD panels

VP-28 - Overview 7
3.5 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) 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 VP-28 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.
EDID is defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA).
3.6 Defining the VP-28 Presentation Switcher
Figure 1defines the front panel of the VP-28.
Figure 2defines the rear panel of the VP-28.

Figure 1: VP-28 Presentation Switcher Front Panel
# Feature Function
1 IR LED Indicator Lights yellow when receiving IR signals
2 Sensor Receives the IR signal
3 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning on the power to the device
4 DVI Input Selection Buttons Press one of the three buttons to select the DVI input
5 HDMI Selec ion Buttons Press one of the three buttons to select the HDMI input
6 DP Selection Buttons Press one of the two buttons to select the DP input
7 HDMI+DP Button Press to combine/separate the HDMI and DP inputs into a single group (see Section 6.1
8 ) MASTER AUDIO SEL Button Press to select the Master audio channel (see Section 6.2
9 ) TALK OVER Button Press to select the MIC input as the primary audio feed and to lower the background Master audio level (toggle)
10 LOCK Button Press and hold to lock the front panel buttons. Press and hold again to unlock the buttons
11 MASTER VOLUME Knob Turn to adjust the master audio level
12 MIC VOLUME Knob Turn to adjust the microphone audio level
13 MIC IN 6.5mm Microphone Jack Connect a microphone. Note: Only one microphone can be connected at a time
14 PC Selection Buttons Press one of the three buttons to select the PC graphics input
15 CV Selection Buttons Press one of the three buttons to select the CV input
16 MUTE Button Press to mute/unmute the Master audio output
17 MIX Button Press to mix the microphone and Master audio output (toggle)
18 MIC SELECT
Button COND Depress the button to select a condenser type microphone
DYN Release the button to select a dynamic type microphone
8VP-28 – Overview

Figure 2: VP-28 Presentation Switcher Rear Panel
# Feature Function
19 MIC IN XLR Connector Connect a microphone. Note: Only one microphone can be connected at a time
20 CV AUDIO 3.5mm Mini Jack Connectors IN 1 ~ IN 3, OUT Connect to the audio channel of the CV sources and acceptor
21 CV VIDEO RCA Connectors IN 1 ~ IN 3, OUT Connect to the video channel of the CV sources and acceptor
22 HDMI AUDIO 3.5mm Mini Jack Connectors IN 1 ~ IN 3, OUT Connect to the audio channel of the HDMI sources and acceptor
23 HDMI VIDEO Connectors IN 1 ~ IN 3, OUT Connect to the video channel of the HDMI sources and acceptor
24 RESET Button Press and hold while turning on the power to the device to reset to factory
default set ings (see Section 6.4
25 ) PROG Button For the use of Kramer service personnel only
26 MASTER OUT 5-pin Terminal Block Balanced Audio Output Connect to the balanced, stereo master audio acceptor (see Section 5.3
27 ) DP AUDIO 3.5mm Mini Jack Connectors IN 1, IN 2, OUT Connect to the audio channel of the DP sources and acceptor
28 PC AUDIO 3.5mm Mini Jack Connectors IN 1 ~ IN 3, OUT Connect to the audio channel of the PC graphics sources and acceptor
29 DVI AUDIO 3.5mm Mini Jack Connectors IN 1 ~ IN 3, OUT Connect to the audio channel of the DVI sources and acceptor
30 PC/DVI VIDEO DVI Connectors IN 1 ~ IN 3, OUT Connect to the PC graphics (using adapters) or DVI video channel of the video
sources and acceptor. (We recommend the Kramer ADC-DM/DF+GF (one is
supplied with the device) or the C-MDMA/MGMA cable.)
31 RS-232 Serial Port 3-pin Terminal Block Connect to a serial controller (see Section 5.1
32 ) AC Power Mains Socket and Fuse Holder Connect to the mains power supply
33 DP Connectors DP IN 1, DP IN 2,
DP OUT Connect to the video channel of the DisplayPort sources and acceptor
34 ETHERNET LAN RJ-45 Connector Connect via a LAN to an Ethernet controller (see Section 5.1)
VP-28 – Overview 9

10 VP-28 - Installing the VP-28 in a Rack
4 Installing the VP-28 in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VP-28 - Connecting the VP-28 11
11
5 Connecting the VP-28
Always switch off the power to any device before connecting it to your
VP-28. After connecting your VP-28, connect its power and then switch
on the power to the other devices.
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-28 Presentation Switcher
To connect the VP-28 as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect a microphone to the MIC IN XLR connector.
2. Connect a composite video source (for example, a composite video player)
to the VIDEO IN 1 RCA connector.
i

12 VP-28 - Connecting the VP-28
3. Connect the composite VIDEO OUT RCA connector to a composite video
acceptor (for example, a projector).
4. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the HDMI IN 1
HDMI connector.
5. Connect the HDMI OUT connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, an
LCD TV).
6. Connect a DisplayPort video source (for example, a laptop) to the DP IN 1
DP connector.
7. Connect the DP OUT connector to a DisplayPort video acceptor (for
example, a projector).
8. Connect the DVI AUDIO OUT 3.5mm mini jack connector to an unbalanced,
stereo audio acceptor (for example, a power amplifier).
9. Connect a DVI source (for example, a computer) to the DVI IN 1 connector.
Note: Using the Kramer ADC-DM/DF+GF combined cable increases the
input options available to you.
10. Optional—Connect a PC via Ethernet over a LAN to the Ethernet RJ-45
connector to control the VP-28.
5.1 Connecting a Serial Controller to the VP-28
You can connect to the VP-28 via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a
PC.
To connect to the VP-28 via RS-232:
•Connect the 3-pin terminal block on the rear panel port of the VP-28 (pin G
to pin 5, pin Rx to pin 3, pin Tx to pin 2) to the RS 232 9-pin D-sub port on
your PC

VP-28 - Connecting the VP-28 13
5.2 Connecting to the VP-28 via Ethernet
You can connect the VP-28 via Ethernet via either of the following methods:
•A crossover cable (see Section 5.2.1
•A straight through cable (see
) for direct connection to the PC
Section 5.2.2
After connecting the Ethernet port, you have to install and configure your Ethernet Port. For
detailed instructions, see the Ethernet Configuration Guide (Lantronix) in the technical support
section on our Web site
) for connection via a network hub
or network router
http://www.kramerelectronics.com.
5.2.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port on the VP-28 to the Ethernet port on your PC
via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors. This type of connection is
recommended for identification of the factory default IP Address of the VP-28
during the initial configuration.
To configure your PC after connecting the Ethernet port:
1. Right-click the My Network Places icon on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Right-click Local Area Connection Properties.
4. Select Properties.
The Local Area Connection Properties window appears.
5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button.

14 VP-28 - Connecting the VP-28
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address and enter the details as shown in
Figure 5. 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.
Figure 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window

VP-28 - Connecting the VP-28 15
7. Click OK.
5.2.2 Connecting to the Ethernet Port via a Network Switch/Hub
To connect to the Ethernet port on the VP-28 via a network switch/hub:
•Connect the PC to the Ethernet network switch/hub using a straight through
cable
5.3 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio
Output
This section illustrates how to wire the devices to the balanced audio output:
•A balanced stereo output connection, see Figure 6
•An unbalanced stereo output connection, see Figure 7
Figure 6: Balanced Stereo Audio Connection
Figure 7: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Connection

16 VP-28 - Operating the VP-28
6 Operating the VP-28
The input/output button color indicates the current state of the channel as
described in the following table.
Button Color State
Red Selected group input
Purple Selected group input + active Master audio input
Green Selected Master audio input
6.1 Operating the Combined 5 x 1 Switching Group
By default, the VP-28 operates as a four 3 x 1 and one 2 x 1 switcher whereby the
video and audio for each group is switched to the output of the same group. The
VP-28 can also combine the HDMI and DP inputs into a single 5-input group
where any one of the five HDMI/DP inputs can be switched to the HDMI output.
To operate the combined 5 x 1 switching group:
1. Press the HDMI+DP button.
The button lights red.
2. Press one of the three HDMI or two DP input buttons to select an input to
switch to the HDMI output.
The selected input button lights red and the input is switched to the HDMI
video and audio outputs.
3. Press the HDMI+DP button to return the switching to separate HDMI and DP
groups.
The button no longer lights and switching is returned to separate groups.
6.2 Operating the Combined 14 x 1 Master Audio Switching
Group
The VP-28 operates in the audio-follow-video mode whereby the audio for each
group is switched to the output of the same group. The VP-28 also operates in a
combined 14 x 1 mode whereby any one of 14 audio inputs can be switched to the
master balanced audio output.