Kramer VP-553xl User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP
-553xl
Presentation Switcher/Scaler
P/N: 2900-300421 Rev 2

VP-553xl – Contents i
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 Using the USB Switcher 6
3.2 Using Twisted Pair Cable for HDBT 6
3.3 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) / Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) 7
3.4 Defining the VP-553xl Presentation Switcher/Scaler 7
4Installing in a Rack 11
5Connecting the VP-553xl 12
5.1 Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input and Outputs 15
6Controlling the VP-553xl 16
6.1 Controlling via the Front Panel Buttons 16
6.2 Using the OSD Menu 17
6.3 Connecting to the VP-553xl via RS-232 24
6.4 Operating via Ethernet 25
6.5 Controlling via the Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 29
7Using the Embedded Web Pages 30
7.1 Browsing the VP-553xl Web Pages 31
7.2 The Switching Page 32
7.3 The Scaler Page 35
7.4 The Device Settings Page 37
7.5 The USB Routing Page 39
7.6 The Audio Settings Page 40
7.7The EDID Page 43
7.8 The Data Routing Page 45
7.9 The Authentication Page 46
7.10 The About Page 46
8Technical Specifications 47
8.1 Default Communication Parameters 48
8.2 Input Resolutions 49
9The VP-553xl RS-232 Communication Protocol 50
9.1 Kramer Protocol 3000 Syntax 50
9.2 Kramer Protocol 3000 – Command List 53
9.3 Kramer Protocol 3000 – Detailed Commands 55
Figures
Figure 1: VP-553xl Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel 8
Figure 2: VP-553xl Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel 9
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-553xl Presentation Switcher / Scaler 14
Figure 4: Balanced Stereo Audio Connection 15
Figure 5: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output Connection 15
Figure 6: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input Connection 15
Figure 7: HDBT IR transmission Example 18

ii VP-553xl - Contents
Figure 8: VP-553xl Audio Volume Level (dB) vs. OSD Volume Values 23
Figure 9: Local Area Connection Properties Window 26
Figure 10: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window 27
Figure 11: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window 27
Figure 12: Internet Protocol Properties Window 28
Figure 13: Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 29
Figure 14: The Loading Page 31
Figure 15: Enter Username and Password 31
Figure 16: The Switching Page 32
Figure 17: Input and Output Icons 33
Figure 18: Edit Input Buttons 33
Figure 19: Edit Output Buttons 34
Figure 20: The Scaler Page – Output 1 35
Figure 21: The Scaler Page – Output 1 for an Analog Input 36
Figure 22: The Scaler Page – Output 2 36
Figure 23: The Device Settings Page 37
Figure 24: The Device Settings Page – Static IP Confirmation. 37
Figure 25: The Device Settings Page – Uploading the New Firmware File 38
Figure 26: The Device Settings Page –New Firmware Updated 38
Figure 27: The USB Routing Page 39
Figure 28: The USB Tied to a Selected Input 40
Figure 29: The Audio Settings Page – Inputs 41
Figure 30: The Audio Settings Page – Output 1 41
Figure 31: The Audio Settings Page – Output 2 42
Figure 32: The Audio Settings Page – Monitor 42
Figure 33: The EDID Page 43
Figure 34: The EDID Page – Copying the Native Timing 43
Figure 35: The EDID Page – Copying the Default 44
Figure 36: The EDID Page –The Copy EDID Results 44
Figure 37: The Data Routing Page 45
Figure 38: The Authentication Page 46
Figure 39: The About Page 46

VP-553xl – 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-553xl Presentation
Switcher/Scaler. This product, which incorporates HDMI™ technology, is ideal for:
•Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, hotels and churches
•Video conferencing setups

2 VP-553xl - 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 www.kramerav.com/downloads/VP-553xl 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-553xl 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-553xl – 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 www.kramerav.com/support/recycling/.
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4 VP-553xl - Overview
3 Overview
The VP-553xl is a high-performance 6x2 presentation switcher/scaler for HDMI,
HDBaseT and analog signals, and a 4x1 USB switcher. The unit has dual,
independent, scaled outputs, the first on both HDMI and HDBaseT connectors,
and the second on an HDMI connector. Both can take from the six digital inputs:
three HDBaseT and three HDMI signals; while the first also includes analog inputs
– for two computer graphics signals, two composite video and two analog TP
inputs. Analog, digital and embedded audio are supported, and the unit also
includes a microphone input and rich DSP features.
The VP-553xl features:
•Pix-Perfect™ 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 video input signals
•System Range for the HDBT inputs and outputs - Up to 70m (230ft)
For optimum range and performance using HDBaseT™, use Kramer's
BC-UNIKat cable. Note that the transmission range depends on the
signal resolution, source and display used. The distance using
non−Kramer CAT 6 cable may not reach these ranges.
•System Range for the TP inputs and outputs - over 250m (more than 820ft)
For optimum range and performance using TP, use Kramer's BC-STP
cable where skewing is not an issue or the Kramer BC-XTP Unshielded
Twisted Pair (UTP) skew-free cable. Note that the transmission range
depends on the signal resolution, source and display used. The
distance using non−Kramer CAT 6 cable may not reach these ranges.
•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
•Video inputs - three HDMI connectors, two VGA on 15-pin HD connectors
each with unbalanced stereo audio on 3.5mm connectors, two composite
video on RCA connectors with unbalanced stereo audio on RCA connectors,
three HDBaseT on RJ-45 connectors and two analog TP on RJ-45
connectors
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VP-553xl – Overview 5
•Two scaled HDMI outputs (OUT 1 also outputs HDBaseT)
•Output resolutions - HDTV and computer graphics and 1080p/UXGA with
selectable refresh rates
•A 4x1 USB switcher that can be set to follow the switching of the video layer
or can be used as an independent switcher
•OSD (On Screen Display) - for easy setup and adjustment, accessible via
the IR remote control and via the front panel buttons
•Powerful audio features via DSP technology
•Input and output audio level adjustment
•Selectable microphone talkover or mix modes
•Automatic audio detection and selection of the HDMI input source (the
default selection is HDMI). If not present, the unit uses the audio from the
analog input. Manual audio selection is also available
•Audio inputs - three analog HDMI audio and two analog PC audio on 3.5mm
mini jacks; two stereo CV audio on RCA connectors each with individual
level controls
•A microphone input - dynamic or condenser (with 48V phantom voltage)
•Audio outputs - two balanced stereo audio on terminal blocks (mirrored with
independent volume settings)
•Multiple aspect ratio selections - full, over scan, under scan, letter box, pan
scan and best fit
•Built-in ProcAmp - color, hue, sharpness, noise, contrast and brightness
•Front panel control - audio mute, video blanking and freeze frame
•Built-in Web pages for easy setup and remote control
•Firmware upgrade via the Ethernet
•Non-Volatile memory that saves the final settings

6 VP-553xl - Overview
Control your VP-553xl:
•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-553xl is housed in a 19” 2U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears”
included, and is fed from a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.
3.1 Using the USB Switcher
The VP-553xl incorporates a simple, yet effective, 4:1 USB 1.1 switcher. The
switcher can be used, for example, to connect one out of several PCs to a smart
board or other USB client.
The USB switcher can be routed as a separate layer, or can be tied to the video
switching layer of the unit. This creates a powerful “USB follows video” system – the
PC routed to the display also connects to the smart board. In many meeting room
setups these USB switching schemes are highly effective.
3.2 Using Twisted Pair Cable for HDBT
Kramer engineers have developed special twisted pair cables to best match our
digital twisted pair products; BC−UNIKat (CAT 6 23 AWG cable) significantly
outperforms regular CAT 5 / CAT 6 cables.
We strongly recommend that you use shielded twisted pair cable.
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VP-553xl – Overview 7
3.3 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) / Unshielded Twisted Pair
(UTP)
We recommend that you use Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable, and stress that the
compliance to electromagnetic interference was tested using STP cable. There are
different levels of STP cable available, and we advise you to use the best quality
STP cable that you can afford. Our non-skew-free cable, Kramer BC-STP is
intended for analog signals where skewing is not an issue.
In cases where there is skewing in analog TP systems, our Unshielded Twisted Pair
(UTP) skew-free cable, Kramer BC-XTP, may be advantageous, and UTP cable
might also be preferable for long range applications. In any event when using UTP
cable, it is advisable to ensure that the cable is installed far away from electric
cables, motors and so on, which are prone to create electrical interference.
3.4 Defining the VP-553xl Presentation Switcher/Scaler
This section defines the VP-553xl.

Figure 1: VP-553xl Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR Receiver
Receives signals from the remote control transmitter
2
Input
Selector
Buttons
TO USB OUT
Press a button to switch a USB input to the output (from USB 1 to USB 4)
3
TO OUT 2
Press a button to switch an input to the OUT 2 output (HDMI inputs from 1 to 3 and HDBT inputs from1 to 3)
4 TO OUT 1
Press a button to switch an input to the OUT 1 output (HDMI inputs from 1 to 3, HDBT inputs from 1 to 3, PC inputs from 1 to 2, TP
inputs from 1 to 2 and CV inputs from 1 to 2)
5
BLANK Buttons
Press to toggle between a blank screen and the display on OUT 1 and OUT 2 separately; can be programmed to follow MUTE (see
Section 6.2.5)
6 MUTE Buttons Press to toggle between muting (blocking out the sound) and enabling the embedded audio output for OUT 1 and OUT 2 separately
Note that the mute button will not affect the LINE and MONITOR outputs
7
FREEZE Buttons
Press to freeze/unfreeze the output video image on OUT 1 and OUT 2 separately; can be programmed to follow MUTE (see Section 6.2.5)
8
MENU Button
Displays the OSD menu (see Section 6.2)
9
Navigation
Buttons 
Button
Press to decrease numerical values or select fromseveral definitions

Button
Press to move up the menu list values (see Section 6.2)

Button
Press to move down the menu list (see Section 6.2)

Button
Press to increase numerical values or select from several definitions
10
ENTER Button
Press to accept changes and change the SETUP parameters (see Section 6.2)
11 RESET TO XGA/720p
Button Press to reset the video resolution of both scalers to XGA or 720p
Press and hold for about 2 seconds to reset to XGA; or press and hold for about 5 seconds to reset to 720p
12
OSD OUT LEDs
Red LEDS indicate whether the OSD is displayed on OUT 1 and/or OUT 2
13
OSD SELECT Button
Click to select the output on which the OSD will be displayed (on both outputs, on output 1, output 2 or none)
8VP-553xl – Overview

VP-553xl – Overview 9
Figure 2: VP-553xl Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
14
VIDEO INPUT
Connectors
TP IN
RJ-45
Connect to a TP transmitter, for example the TP-121xl (from 1 to 2)
LEVEL Trimmer
Use to adjust the input signal level
EQ. Trimmer
Use to adjust the cable compensation equalization level
15 HDBT IN
Connect to an HDBT Transmitter (for example, the Kramer TP-580Txr) to pass audio and video signals as
well as serial commands (from 1 to 3)
16
HDMI IN
Connect to the HDMI source (from 1 to 3)
17
PC IN 15-pin HD
Connect to the computer graphics source (from 1 to 2)
18
CV RCA
Connect to the composite video source (from 1 to 2)
19
USB (B type) IN Connectors
Connect to a USB host (from 1 to 4)
20
USB (A type) OUT Connector
Connect to a USB client
21
AUDIO INPUT
Connectors
HDMI 3.5mm Mini
Jack
Connect to the analog audio HDMI source (from 1 to 3)
22
AUX IN
Terminal Block Connector
Connect to an auxiliary stereo balanced audio source or microphone
LINE/MIC Selector
Select either a line or a microphone input
COND/DYN Selector
Select between a condenser and a dynamic type microphone
MONO/STEREO Select between a stereo or mono input
23
PC 3.5mm Mini
Jack
Connect to the analog audio computer graphics source (from 1 to 2)
24
CV
Connect to the L and R analog audio composite video source (from 1 to 2)

#
Feature
Function
25 AUDIO
OUTPUT
Terminal Block
Connectors
MONITOR OUT Connect to a stereo analog audio acceptor (for example, active speakers or an audio power amplifier)
26 LINE OUT Connect to a stereo analog audio acceptor (for example, active speakers or an audio power amplifier)
27 REM Terminal Block Connector Remote switch to mute the analog and embedded audio signal. Allows easy integration of the audio system
with a public announcement audio system, usually used in cases of alarms or other audio messages
28
POWER Switch
Switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
29
VIDEO
OUTPUT
Connectors
OUT 1
HDMI
Connect to an HDMI acceptor
HDBT RJ-45
Connect to an HDBT Receiver (for example, the Kramer TP-580Rxr)
30
OUT 2
Connect to an HDMI acceptor
31
ETHERNET Connector
Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer networking
32 RS-232 DATA 9-pin D-sub Port Connect to the PC or the remote controller and pass data between this RS-232 port and the HDBT OUT port
or one of the HDBT IN ports
33
RS-232 CONTROL 9-pin D-sub Port
Connect to the PC or the remote controller
34
Mains Power Fuse
Fuse for protecting the device
35
Mains Power Connector
Connect to the mains power
10 VP-553xl – Overview

VP-553xl – Installing in a Rack 11
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

12 VP-553xl - Connecting the VP-553xl
5 Connecting the VP-553xl
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to
your VP-553xl. After connecting your VP-553xl, 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-553xl, as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the following:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a Blu-ray player) to the HDMI VIDEO
INPUT connector (from 1 to 3).
Alternatively, you can connect the DVI connector on the DVD player to the HDMI
connector on the VP-553xl 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 a composite video source (for example, a composite video player)
to the CV VIDEO INPUT RCA connector (from 1 to 2).
4. Connect a TP transmitter (for example, TP-121xl) to the RJ-45 TP IN
connectors (from 1 to 2).
5. Connect an HDBT transmitter (for example, TP-580T) to the RJ-45 TP IN
connectors (from 1 to 3).
6. Connect the USB IN ports (from 1 to 4) (for example, a PC) and USB OUT
port (for example, a smart whiteboard).
7. Connect the audio inputs (not shown in Figure 3) to the:
HDMI audio input 3.5mm mini jacks (from 1 to 3)
PC audio input 3.5mm mini jacks (from 1 to 2)
CV audio inputs to the L and R RCA connectors (from 1 to 2)
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VP-553xl – Connecting the VP-553xl 13
8. Connect an external audio source to the AUX IN 5-pin terminal block
connector (not shown in Figure 3).
9. Connect the video outputs. The:
OUT 1 HDMI and/or HDBT output to an HDMI acceptor (for example
an LCD display) and/or an HDBT receiver (for example, the output of
TP-580R connected to HDBT)
HDMI OUT 2 (for example, a projector)
10. Connect the LINE OUT and/or MONITOR OUT AUDIO OUTPUT terminal
blocks to:
An audio power amplifier
Active speakers
11. Connect the:
RS-232 DATA 9-pin D-sub Port to a PC for sending RS-232
commands via HDBT
RS-232 CONTROL 9-pin D-sub Port to a PC to control the unit
12. Connect the REM 2-pin terminal block contact-closure remote-control pins to
a switch to mute/unmute the audio output by momentarily pressing the
switch.
13. Connect the ETHERNET port, see Section 6.4

14 VP-553xl - Connecting the VP-553xl
Figure 3: Connecting the VP-553xl Presentation Switcher / Scaler

VP-553xl – Connecting the VP-553xl 15
5.1 Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input and
Outputs
Figure 4: Balanced Stereo Audio
Connection
Figure 5: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output
Connection
Figure 6: Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input
Connection