Kramer VP-444 User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-444
Presentation Switcher/Scaler
P/N: 2900-300305 Rev 1

VP-444 – Contents
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Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 3
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
3.1 Defining the VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler 5
4Installing in a Rack 8
5Connecting the VP-444 9
5.1 Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Output 11
5.2 Microphone Pinout 11
6Controlling the VP-444 12
6.1 Controlling via the Front Panel Buttons 12
6.2 Using the OSD Menu 12
6.3 Connecting to the VP-444 via RS-232 15
6.4 Operating via Ethernet 15
6.5 Controlling via the Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 19
7Using the Embedded Web Pages 20
7.1 Browsing the VP-444 Web Pages 21
7.2 The Input Select Page 22
7.3 The Device Settings Page 24
7.4 The Output Settings Page 26
7.5 The HDCP Page 27
7.6 The EDID Page 28
7.7 The Audio Settings Page 31
7.8 The Advanced Page 31
7.9 The About Page 32
8Technical Specifications 33
8.1 Default Communication Parameters 34
8.2 Input Resolutions 34
9The VP-444 RS-232 Communication Protocol 35
9.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 35
9.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 –Command List 38
9.3 Kramer Protocol 3000 –Detailed Commands 39

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VP-444 - Introduction
Figures
Figure 1: VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-444 Presentation Switcher / Scaler 10
Figure 4: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Output 11
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Stereo Audio Acceptor to the Balanced Output 11
Figure 6: Condenser Microphone Pinout 11
Figure 7: Dynamic Microphone Pinout 11
Figure 8: Local Area Connection Properties Window 16
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window 17
Figure 10: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window 17
Figure 11: Internet Protocol Properties Window 18
Figure 12: Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 19
Figure 13: The Input Select Page 22
Figure 14: Edit Input Buttons 23
Figure 15: The Device Settings Page 24
Figure 16: The Device Settings Page –Static IP Confirmation. 24
Figure 17: The Device Settings Page –Uploading the New Firmware File 25
Figure 18: The Device Settings Page –Uploading the New Firmware File 25
Figure 19: The Device Settings Page –New Firmware Updated 26
Figure 20: The Output Settings Page 26
Figure 21: The HDCP Page 27
Figure 22: The EDID Page 28
Figure 23: The EDID Page –Copying the Default 29
Figure 24: The EDID Page –The Copy EDID Results 30
Figure 25: The Audio Settings Page 31
Figure 26: The Advanced Page 32
Figure 27: The About Page 32

VP-444 –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 14 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; GROUP 11:
Sierra Video Products; GROUP 12: Digital Signage; GROUP 13: Audio; and
GROUP 14: Collaboration.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler.
This product, which incorporates HDMI™ technology, is ideal for:
Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, hotels and churches
Home theater up-scaling

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VP-444 - 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
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
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 (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 VP-444 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.
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VP-444 –Getting Started
3
2.2 Safety Instructions
Caution:
There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning:
Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit
Warning:
Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause
electrical shock! Servicing by qualified personnel only
Warning:
Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall
before installing
2.3 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 http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/recycling/.
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VP-444 - Overview
3 Overview
The VP-444 is a high−performance presentation scaler/switcher for HDMI and
computer graphics signals. The unit scales the video, embeds the audio, and
outputs the signal to two HDMI (with embedded audio) outputs (with S/PDIF and
balanced stereo audio) simultaneously.
The VP-444 features:
PixPerfect™scaling technology –Kramer’s precision pixel mapping and
high quality scaling technology. High-quality 3:2 and 2:2 pull down de-
interlacing and full up and down scaling of all video input signals
HDTV compatibility
HDCP compliance - The HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) license
agreement allows copy−protected data on the HDMI input to pass only to the
HDMI outputs
12 video inputs - 10 HDMI on HDMI connectors, 2 computer graphics video
on 15−pin HD connectors
Two HDMI scaled outputs
Up to UXGA/1080p output resolutions
Two microphone inputs that can be used by mixing, switching or talk-over
Companion AFV (Audio-Follow-Video) - stereo audio for every input (on
terminal blocks)
12 unbalanced stereo inputs on terminal blocks as well as embedded audio
for the HDMI inputs, each with individual level controls
Audio outputs –one S/PDIF on an RCA connector, one balanced stereo
audio on a terminal block as well as embedded audio on the HDMI outputs
Multiple aspect ratio selections - full, best fit, over scan, under scan, letter
box and pan scan
Powerful audio features via DSP technology including audio equalization,
mixing, delay and so on
Built-in ProcAmp - color, hue, sharpness, noise, contrast and brightness

VP-444 –Overview
5
Front panel control - audio mute and freeze frame
Front panel lockout
Non-volatile memory - saves final settings
Control your VP-444:
Directly, via the front panel push buttons
By RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or
other serial controller
Remotely, from the infrared remote control transmitter with OSD (on-screen
display)
Via the Ethernet with built-in Web pages
The VP-444 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 Defining the VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler
This section defines the VP-444.

Figure 1: VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR LED
Lights when the unit accepts IR remote commands
2
IR Receiver
Receives signals from the remote control transmitter
3
INPUT Selector
Buttons
HDMI
Press to select the HDMI input (from 1 to 10)
4
PC
Press to select the computer graphics input (from 1 to 2)
5
FREEZE Button
Press to freeze/unfreeze the output video image; can be programmed to follow MUTE (see Section 6.2.1)
6
MUTE Button
Press to toggle between muting (blocking out the sound) and enabling the audio output
7
MENU Button
Displays the OSD menu (see Section 6.2)
8
Navigation Buttons

Press to decrease numerical values or select from several definitions
When not within the OSD menu mode, press to reduce the output volume

Press to move up the menu list values (see Section 6.2)

Press to increase numerical values or select from several definitions
When not within the OSD menu mode, press to increase the output volume

Press to move down the menu list (see Section 6.2)
ENTER
Press to accept changes and change the SETUP parameters (see Section 6.2)
9
RESET TO XGA/720p Button
Press to reset the video resolution to XGA or 720p
Press and hold for about 5 seconds to toggle between switching to XGA or 720p
10
PANEL LOCK Button
Press and hold for about 5 seconds to lock/unlock the front panel buttons
6
VP-444 –Overview

VP-444 –Overview
7
Figure 2: VP-444 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
11
VIDEO INPUT
Connectors
HDMI
Connect to the HDMI source (from 1 to 10)
12
PC 15-pin HD
Connect to the computer graphics source (from 1 to 2)
13
AUDIO INPUT Unbalanced
Stereo Terminal Blocks
HDMI
Connect to the analog audio HDMI source (from 1 to 10)
14
PC
Connect to the analog audio computer graphics source (from 1 to 2)
15
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Balanced Stereo
Terminal Block
Connects to the balanced stereo analog audio acceptor
16
S/PDIF 3.5 Mini
Jack Connector
Connects to a digital audio acceptor
17
Mains Socket
Connect the mains power cord
18
Mains Fuse Holder
Fuse for protecting the device
19
Power Switch
Switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
20
HDMI OUT 1
Connect to the HDMI acceptor 1
21
HDMI OUT 2
Connect to the HDMI acceptor 2
22
COND / DYN Switch for MIC 1
Move up to select a condenser type microphone; down to select a dynamic type microphone
23
MIC 1 6mm Jack
Connect to the microphone source 1
24
COND / DYN Switch for MIC 2
Move up to select a condenser type microphone; down to select a dynamic type microphone
25
MIC 2 6mm Jack
Connect to the microphone source 2
26
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port
Connect to the PC or the remote controller
27
PROG
For factory use only
28
ETHERNET Connector
Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer networking

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VP-444 - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VP-444 - Connecting the VP-444
9
9
5 Connecting the VP-444
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to
your VP-444. After connecting your VP-444, connect its power and
then switch on the power to each device.
You do not have to connect all the inputs and outputs, connect only
those that are required.
To connect the VP-444, as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the following:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a BluRay disk player) to the HDMI
VIDEO INPUT connector (from 1 to 10).
Alternatively, you can connect the DVI connector on the DVD player to the HDMI
connector on the VP-444 via a DVI-HDMI adapter. When using this adapter, you can
connect the audio signal via the terminal block connector
2. Connect a computer graphics source to the PC 1 15-pin HD VIDEO INPUT
connector (from 1 to 2).
3. Connect the audio input signals to the AUDIO IN terminal block connectors,
as required (not shown in Figure 3).
4. Connect the HDMI OUT 1 connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, an
LCD display), from 1 to 2.
5. Connect the audio output signals to the OUT stereo analog audio acceptor
and/or the digital audio acceptor, as required (not shown in Figure 3).
6. Connect the power cord (not shown in Figure 3).
7. If required, connect:
A PC via RS-232, see Section 6.3
The ETHERNET port, see Section 6.4
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VP-444 - Connecting the VP-444
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-444 Presentation Switcher / Scaler

VP-444 - Connecting the VP-444
11
11
5.1 Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Output
Figure 4: Connecting the Balanced
Stereo Audio Output
Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Stereo
Audio Acceptor to the Balanced Output
5.2 Microphone Pinout
The microphone 6mm
jack pinout for a
condenser microphone.
Figure 6: Condenser Microphone Pinout
The microphone 6mm
jack pinout for a
Dynamic microphone.
Figure 7: Dynamic Microphone Pinout

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VP-444 - Controlling the VP-444
6 Controlling the VP-444
The VP-444 can be controlled via:
The front panel buttons (see Section 6.1)
The OSD menu (see Section 6.2)
RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other
serial controller (see Section 6.3)
The ETHERNET (see Section 6.4)
The infrared remote control transmitter (see Section 6.5)
6.1 Controlling via the Front Panel Buttons
The VP-444 includes the following front panel buttons:
Input selector buttons for selecting the required input: HDMI (1 to 10) and PC
(1 and 2)
MUTE and FREEZE buttons
MENU, ENTER, and up, down, left and right arrow buttons
RESET TO XGA/720p and PANEL LOCK buttons
6.1.1 The Auto Adjust Feature
The auto adjust feature is implemented every time the input is switched to VGA or
when the input resolution changes, via the FINETUNE menu (see Section 6.2.1).
6.2 Using the OSD Menu
The control buttons let you control the VP-444 via the OSD menu. Press the:
MENU button to enter the menu
The default timeout is set to 10 seconds
ENTER button to accept changes and to change the menu settings
Arrow buttons to move through the OSD menu, which is displayed on the
video output
On the OSD menu, select EXIT to exit the menu.

VP-444 - Controlling the VP-444
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6.2.1 The MAIN MENU
Mode
Function
OUTPUT
SOURCE:
Select the input: HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, HDMI 4, HDMI 5, HDMI 6,
HDMI 7, HDMI 8, HDMI 9, HDMI 10, PC1 or PC2
SIZE:
Select the image size: FULL, OVER SCAN, UNDER 1, UNDER 2, LETTER
BOX, PAN SCAN or BEST FIT
RESOLUTION:
Select the output resolution from the menu:
Output resolution:
Appears as:
Output resolution:
Appears as:
NATIVE OUT1
1680x1050 @60Hz
1680x1050 60
NATIVE OUT2
1600x1200 @60Hz
1600x1200 60
640x480 @60Hz
640x480 60
1920x1080 @60Hz
1920x1080 60
800x600 @60Hz
800x600 60
1920x1200 @60Hz
1920x1200 60
1024x768 @60Hz
1024x768 60
480p @60Hz
720x480P 60
1280x768 @60Hz
1280x768 60
720p @60Hz
1280x720P 60
1360x768 @60Hz
1360x768 60
1080i @60Hz
1920x1080I 60
1280x720 @60Hz
1280x720 60
1080p @60Hz
1920x1080P 60
1280x800 @60Hz
1280x800 60
576p @50Hz
720x576P 50
1280x1024 @60Hz
1280x1024 60
720p @50Hz
1280x720P 50
1440x900 @60Hz
1440x900 60
1080i @50Hz
1920x1080I 50
1400x1050 @60Hz
1400x1050 60
1080p @50Hz
1920x1080P 50
NATIVE - Select NATIVE to select the output resolution from the EDID of the
connected HDMI monitor
PICTURE
CONTRAST:
Set the contrast (the range and default values vary according to the input
signal)
BRIGHTNESS:
Set the brightness (the range and default values vary according to the input
signal)
RED
Set the red shade
GREEN
Set the green shade
BLUE
Set the blue shade
HUE
Set the color hue (not applicable for VGA inputs)
SATURATION
Set the color saturation (not applicable for VGA inputs)
SHARPNESS
Set the sharpness of the picture (not applicable for VGA inputs)
NOISE
REDUCTION
Select the noise reduction: OFF, LOW, MID (middle) and HIGH (not
applicable for VGA inputs)
FINETUNE
Enabled for VGA: AUTO ADJUST (NO/YES), H-POSITION, V-POSITION,
PHASE, CLOCK, WXGA/XGA, RESET (NO/YES)
AUDIO
INPUT
VOLUME:
Set the volume separately for each input: HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, HDMI
4, HDMI 5, HDMI 6, HDMI 7, HDMI 8, HDMI 9, HDMI 10, PC1 and PC2
Not applicable for embedded HDMI inputs
OUTPUT
VOLUME:
Set the output volume
DELAY
Select the audio delay time: OFF, 40ms, 110ms and 150ms
MUTE
Select the sound mute options: ON, OFF
EMBEDDED
AUDIO:
Select the audio source of the HDMI 1 to HDMI 10 inputs:
AUTOMATIC: the embedded audio on the HDMI input is selected for an
HDMI signal, or the analog audio input is selected if the input is not HDMI
(for example, for a DVI input signal)

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VP-444 - Controlling the VP-444
Mode
Function
EMBEDDED: the embedded audio in the HDMI signal is selected
ANALOG: the analog audio input is selected
MIXER:
Set to OFF to disable mixing of the microphone with the audio output, MIC1, MIC2
or both to mix either MIC 1, MIC 2 or both microphones with the audio output
MIC VOLUME
Set the microphone volume for MIC1 and MIC2
ADVANCED
HDCP ON
INPUT
Select the HDCP option for the HDMI input: either ON (the default) or OFF.
Setting HDCP support to enabled (ON) on the HDMI input allows the
source to transmit a non-HDCP signal if required (for example, when
working with a Mac computer)
HDCP ON
OUTPUT
Set HDMI OUT1 and HDMI OUT2:
Select FOLLOW INPUT or FOLLOW OUTPUT to define whether the
HDCP will follow the input or the output
When FOLLOW INPUT is selected, it changes its HDCP output setting (for
the HDMI output) according to the HDCP of the input. This option is
recommended when the HDMI output is connected to a splitter/switcher
When FOLLOW OUTPUT is selected, the scaler matches its HDCP output
to the HDCP setting of the HDMI acceptor to which it is connected
AUTO SYNC
OFF
Turn the auto sync OFF, FAST (for almost immediate shut down if no input is
present –about 10 seconds) or SLOW (for shutdown after about 2 minutes).
This is useful, for example, when the output is connected to a projector, and the
projector will automatically shut down when it has no input
OSD
H POSITION
Set the horizontal position of the OSD
V POSITION
Set the vertical position of the OSD
TIMER
Set the timeout period in seconds
TRANSPARENCY
Set the OSD background between 100 (transparent)
and 0 (opaque)
DISPLAY
Select the information shown on the screen during
operation:
INFO: the information is shown for 10 seconds
ON: the information is shown permanently
OFF: the information is not shown
MUTEFOLLOWS
FREEZE
Set to ON to have MUTE follow FREEZE. Otherwise set to OFF
AUTO
SWITCHING
MODE
Set the auto switching mode to OFF, AUTO SCAN or
LAST CONNECTED. PRIORITY (below) is enabled
when AUTO SCAN is selected
SCAN PRIORITY
Set to HDMI to begin scan with HDMI1 or to PC to
begin scan with PC1
ETHERNET
IP MODE
Set the IP mode to DHCP or STATIC IP
STATIC IP ADDRESS (fill in if STATIC IP (above) is selected:
IP ADDRESS
Enter the IP address
SUBNET
Enter the subnet
GATEWAY
Enter the gateway
CONTROL PORT
Enter the control port
MAC ADDRESS
MAC address
FACTORY RESET
Select NO or YES
INFORMATION
Displays the INPUT RESOLUTION, the OUTPUT RESOLUTION, INPUT
HDCP (HDCP/NONE), OUTPUT 1/2 HDCP (HDCP/NONE) VERSION and
the IP ADDRESS

VP-444 - Controlling the VP-444
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6.3 Connecting to the VP-444 via RS-232
You can connect to the VP-444 via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC.
Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the VP-444 via RS-232, connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port
on the product unit via a 9-wire straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, and pin
5 to pin 5 need to be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
6.4 Operating via Ethernet
You can connect to the VP-444 via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 6.4.1)
Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see
Section 6.4.2)
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.
6.4.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VP-444 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 VP-444
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting the VP-444 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 8.
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