Kramer VP-731 User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VP-731
Presentation Switcher/Scaler
P/N: 2900-000566 Rev 6

VP-731 – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Recycling Kramer Products 2
3Overview 3
3.1 Defining the VP-731 Presentation Switcher/Scaler 5
4Installing in a Rack 9
5Connecting the VP-731 10
5.1 Connecting a PC 13
5.2 Connecting the VP-731 via the ETHERNET Port 13
5.3 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 14
5.4 Connecting the Digital S/PDIF Audio Input 14
6Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons 15
6.1 Switching an Input 15
6.2 The PIP Button Feature 16
6.3 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 19
6.4 The Infrared Remote Control Transmitter 20
7Configuring the VP-731 via the OSD MENU Screens 21
7.1 The Input Screen 22
7.2 The Picture Screen 24
7.3 The Output Screen 25
7.4 The PIP Screen 27
7.5 The Audio Screen 28
7.6 The Geometry Screen 29
7.7 The Setup Screen 30
7.8 The Advanced Setup Screen 32
7.9 The Info Screen 37
8Using Text Overlay 38
9Audio Flash Memory Upgrade 40
9.1 Downloading from the Internet 40
9.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 41
9.3 Upgrading the Audio Firmware 41
10 Technical Specifications 46
11 VP-731 Communication Protocol 51
11.1 Error Codes Description 62

ii VP-731 - Contents
Figures
Figure 1: VP-731 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VP-731 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting to the VP-731 Rear Panel 12
Figure 4: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 13
Figure 5: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 13
Figure 6: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Input/Output 14
Figure 7: Connecting the Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input 14
Figure 8: Connecting an Unbalanced Stereo Audio Acceptor to the Balanced Output 14
Figure 9: Connecting the Digital S/PDIF Audio Input 14
Figure 10: PIP Source over Background 17
Figure 11: The SWAP Status 18
Figure 12: IR Remote Control Transmitter 20
Figure 13: MENU Items 21
Figure 14: Input Screen 22
Figure 15: Picture Screen 24
Figure 16: Output Screen 25
Figure 17: PIP Screen 27
Figure 18: Audio Screen 28
Figure 19: Geometry Screen 29
Figure 20: Setup Screen 30
Figure 21: Advanced Setup Screen 32
Figure 22: Misc Screen 33
Figure 23: Input Functions 35
Figure 24: Output Functions 36
Figure 25: Active Video Functions 37
Figure 26: Information Screen 37
Figure 27: Text Overlay Application Screen 38
Figure 28: Splash Screen 41
Figure 29: Atmel – Flip Window 42
Figure 30: Device Selection Window 42
Figure 31: Selecting the Device Window 43
Figure 32: Loading the Hex 43
Figure 33: RS-232 Window 44
Figure 34: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 44
Figure 35: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 45

VP-731 – 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 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!
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 Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VP-731 Presentation Switcher / Scaler,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, hotels and
churches, production studios, rental and staging
•Any application where high quality conversion and switching of multiple and
different video signals to graphical data signals is required for projection
purposes

2 VP-731 - 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 that is supplied with this machine
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-731 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
2.2 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/.
i

VP-731 – Overview 3
3 Overview
The Kramer VP-731 is a 9-input Proscale™ Presentation Switcher / Scaler. Each audio
input can accept balanced stereo audio or digital S/PDIF audio. The VP-731 has a
balanced stereo audio output and a digital S/PDIF audio output. The VP-731 scales any
composite, s-Video (Y/C), component video (YPbPr), HDMI or computer graphics video
signal, as well as jpeg files (via USB) up or down to a selectable graphics or HDTV
output resolution and provides glitch-free switching between sources through FTB™
(fade-thru-black) switching technology. The output signal is available simultaneously on
two 15-pin HD computer graphics video (PC) connectors and on an HDMI connector.
The VP-731 features include:
•Silicon Optix HQV® Video Processing - HQV (Hollywood Quality Video)
processing represents the state-of-the-art in video processing technology,
with the highest quality de-interlacing, noise reduction, and scaling
performance for both standard-definition and high-definition signals
•Fade-Thru-Black (FTB™) Switching - the video fades to black and then the
new input fades from black for glitch-free and smooth switching. The output
signal provides constant sync so the display never glitches
•K-IIT XL™ Picture-in-Picture Image Insertion Technology - ultra stable picture-
in-picture, picture-and-picture, and split screen capability. Any video source
can be inserted into or positioned next to a computer graphics video source or
vice versa with window positioning and sizing controls
•Two user definable (universal) video inputs (each can be set as composite
video, s-Video (Y/C) or component video), four computer graphics video
inputs (each can be set as RGBHV or YPbPr), two HDMI inputs and 1 USB
input (for reading JPEG picture files that are recognized up to 2048x1536 and
do not exceed 1MB)
•HDTV compatible component input
•HDTV output resolutions - 720p 1080i, and 1080p
•Scaled video outputs - HDMI and computer graphics video
•HDMI support of up to 2.25Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
•Multiple computer graphics output resolutions - including a user-defined

4 VP-731 - Overview
output resolution with selectable refresh rates
•Multiple aspect ratio selections
•Companion AFV (audio-follow-video) for every analog video input
•Embedded audio on the two HDMI inputs and output
The embedded audio feature is not available for the RGB resolutions 1920x1200 and
1920x1080. (It is available for 1080p)
•Built-in noise reduction and picture enhancement features
•Audio inputs – selectable S/PDIF or balanced audio input for each of the two
universal video inputs, for each of the four PC video inputs on 5-pin terminal
blocks; and embedded audio on the two HDMI inputs
•Audio outputs - S/PDIF (RCA connector) and balanced stereo audio (5-pin
terminal block). Transcodes stereo or S/PDIF audio to both stereo and S/PDIF
audio and embeds audio onto the HDMI output
Tip: To use a 5.1 digital audio source, connect this HDMI or S/PDIF source (for
example, a Blu-ray player) directly to your receiver or display
•One stereo speaker output, 6W per channel into 8 Ω, on a 4-pin terminal block
connector
•Built-in Time Base Corrector - stabilizes video sources with unstable sync
•Built-in video Proc-Amp - color, hue, sharpness, contrast, and brightness are
set individually for each input
•A BLANK button, a FREEZE button, a RESET TO XGA/720P button (to
hardware-reset the output resolution); and a PANEL LOCK button
The front panel blank, freeze and lock buttons can be programmed via the OSD menu
(see Page 34)
•Built-in audio Proc-Amp with bass, treble, balance and loudness control, as
well as audio delay
•Firmware upgrade performed via the USB port
•Firmware upgrade for audio via the designated 3-pin RS-232 AUDIO PROG.
connector
•Slideshow option, letting you run a slideshow via the USB port
•An OSD (On-Screen Display) – for making adjustments – that can be located
anywhere on the screen

VP-731 – Overview 5
In addition, the VP-731:
•Includes non-volatile memory that retains the last settings, after switching the
power off and then on again
•Digitally reprocesses the signal to correct mastering errors and regenerates
the video at a higher line and pixel rate format, providing native-resolution
video for LCD, DLP and plasma displays
•Is specifically designed to improve video quality by reducing chroma noise
•Includes numerous filters and algorithms for eliminating picture artifacts
•Scales and zooms (to up to 400% of the original size)
•Can provide non-linear scaling for 4:3 and 16:9 transformation
Control your VP-731 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 (with on-screen menus)
•Via the Ethernet
The VP-731 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 13BDefining the VP-731 Presentation Switcher/Scaler
This section defines the VP-731.

Figure 1: VP-731 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1 IR Receiver / LED Lights red when the unit accepts IR remote commands
2 UNIVERSAL INPUT
Selector Buttons
Press to select the composite video / s-Video / component video source and the appropriate audio source (from 1 to 2)
3 INPUT Selector
Buttons
(illuminate when
selected)
PC 1 Press to select the UXGA source 1 and the appropriate audio source (from 1 to 4)
4 HDMI 1 Press to select the HDMI source 1
5 HDMI 2 Press to select the HDMI source 2
6 USB Press to select the USB source (JPEG files on a USB memory stick) and also run/stop the slideshow (see Section 7.7.1)
The front panel UNIVERSAL INPUT selector buttons IN1 and IN2 are named Input 1 and Input 2, respectively, on the IR remote control
transmitter. Similarly, the front panel INPUT selector buttons PC 1, PC 2, PC 3 and PC 4, are named VGA 1, VGA 2, VGA 3 and VGA
4, respectively, on the IR remote control transmitter (see Section 6.4)
7 PIP Button Toggles the picture-in-picture function (see Section 6.2)
8 BLANK Button Press to toggle between a blank screen (blue or black) and the display.
The BLANK button can be programmed to mute the audio signal at the same time (see Page 34)
9 FREEZE Button Press to freeze/unfreeze the output video image, as well as pause the slideshow (see Page 31).
The FREEZE button can be programmed to mute the audio signal at the same time (see Page 34)
10 MENU Button Press to display the OSD menu screen. Press again to return to normal operation.
11 ENTER Button Press to move to the next level in the OSD screen or to accept a new parameter
12 Button Decreases the range by one step in the OSD screen or moves to the previous level in the OSD screen.
Decreases the volume level, when not in the OSD menu
13 Button Moves up one step (in the same level) in the OSD screen, or moves to the previous slide when running a slideshow (see
Section 7.7.1)
14 Button Increases the range by one step in the OSD screen
Increases the volume level, when not in the OSD menu
i
6 VP-731 – Overview

VP-731 – Overview 7
#
Feature
Function
15 Button Moves down one step (in the same level) in the OSD screen, or moves to the next slide when running a slideshow (see
Section 7.7.1)
16 RESET TO XGA/720p
Button
Press and hold to reset to the default resolution (toggles between RESET TO XGA and 720p)
17 PANEL LOCK Button Press to lock/unlock the front panel to prevent unintentional operation
18 USB Connector Connects to a USB drive to read JPEG files (smaller than 1MB and up to a resolution of 2048x1536) and also to
download new firmware
Figure 2: VP-731 Presentation Switcher/Scaler Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
19
UNIV. IN BNC Connectors
(from 1 to 2)
Y/CV
Connect to the video acceptor which can be either composite video (Y/CV), s-Video (Y/CV, PB/C ) or
component video (Y/CV, PB/C, PR)
20 PB/C
21 PR
22 PC 2 IN 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the computer graphics source 2
23 PC 1 IN 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the computer graphics source 1
24 PC 4 IN 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the computer graphics source 4
25 PC 3 IN 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the computer graphics source 3
26 UNIV. AUDIO INPUT 5-pin Terminal Block Connects to the balanced stereo analog or digital S/PDIF (See Section 5.4) audio sources from 1 to 2
27 PC AUDIO INPUT 5-pin Terminal Block Connects to the balanced stereo analog or digital S/PDIF audio sources from 1 to 4
28 AUDIO OUT 5-pin Terminal Block Connects to the balanced stereo analog audio acceptor
29 S/PDIF 3.5 Mini Jack Connector Connects to a digital audio source

#
Feature
Function
30 SPKR OUT 4-pin Terminal Block Connects to a pair of loudspeakers
31 HDMI 1 IN Connector Connects to the HDMI 1 source
32 HDMI 2 IN Connector Connects to the HDMI 2 source
33 HDMI OUT Connector Connects to the HDMI acceptor
34 PC OUT 1 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the video acceptor 1 that displays the scaled output
In the default HDTV mode, the signal goes out via 3 PINS: PIN 1 is PR, PIN 2 is Y, PIN 3 is PB
35 PC OUT 2 15-pin HD Connector Connects to the video acceptor 2 that displays the scaled output
In the default HDTV mode, the signal goes out via 3 PINS: PIN 1 is PR, PIN 2 is Y, PIN 3 is PB
36 ETHERNET Port Connects to your LAN
Local Area Network – that is computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link,
which often share a server within a defined geographic area
37 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector Connects to PC or Serial Controller
38 AUDIO
PROG
Program Button Push to upgrade to the latest audio firmware, Release for normal operation
Terminal Block Connector Connect to a PC for audio firmware upgrade
38 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
39 POWER Switch Switch for turning the machine ON or OFF
8 VP-731 – Overview

VP-731 - Installing in a Rack 9
9
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

10 VP-731 - Connecting the VP-731
5 Connecting the VP-731
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VP-731. After connecting your VP-731, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VP-731 as illustrated in the example in Figure 3, do the following:
1. Connect the video sources:
A component video source (for example, a DVD player) to the
UNIV. IN 1 RCA connectors, Y/CV, Pb/C and Pr
Component video is sometimes called YUV, or Y, B-Y, R-Y
A composite source (for example, a DVD player) to the UNIV. IN 2
RCA connector
A computer graphics source to the PC 1 IN 15-pin HD computer
graphics video connector
An HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the HDMI 1 IN
connector
A graphics data source (for example, JPEG files that should be smaller
than 1MB and should not exceed a resolution of 2048x1536, from a
PC or a USB flash drive) to the USB connector on the front panel of
the machine
2. Connect the balanced stereo audio sources, that is, the audio of:
Component video source 1 to the AUDIO UNIV. IN 1 terminal block
Composite video source to the AUDIO UNIV. IN 2 terminal block
Computer graphics source to the AUDIO PC 1 terminal block
Although this connecting example shows only several inputs that are
connected, you can connect all the inputs simultaneously.
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i

VP-731 - Connecting the VP-731 11
11
3. Connect the video outputs:
The HDMI OUT connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a
plasma display)
The PC OUT 1 15-pin HD computer graphics video connector to a video
acceptor (for example, an analog display 1)
In the HDTV mode, the signal goes out via three PINS: PIN 1 is Red or Pr, PIN 2
is Green or Y, PIN 3 is Blue or Pb
The PC OUT 2 15-pin HD computer graphics video connector to a
video acceptor (for example, an analog display 2)
In the HDTV mode, the signal goes out via three PINS: PIN 1 is Red or Pr, PIN 2
is Green or Y, PIN 3 is Blue or Pb
4. Connect the AUDIO OUT 5-pin terminal block and/or the S/PDIF digital audio
output to audio acceptors.
5. Connect the SPKR OUT block connector to a pair of loudspeakers, by
connecting the left loudspeaker to the “L+” and the “L-” terminal block
connectors, and the right loudspeaker to the “R+” and the “R-” terminal block
connectors. Do not Ground the loudspeakers.
6. Connect the power cord.
We recommend that you use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
7. If required, connect:
A PC via RS-232, see Section 5.1
The ETHERNET port, see Section 5.2
The USB connector, audio sources and acceptors, and power cord are
not shown in Figure 3.
i

12 VP-731 - Connecting the VP-731
Figure 3: Connecting to the VP-731 Rear Panel

VP-731 - Connecting the VP-731 13
13
5.1 Connecting a PC
You can connect to the unit via a crossed RS-232 connection, using for example, a
PC. A crossed cable or null-modem is required as shown in method A and B
respectively. If a shielded cable is used, connect the shield to pin 5.
Method A(Figure 4)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a
crossed cable (only pin 2to pin 3, pin 3to pin 2, and pin 5to pin 5need be
connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC.
Note: There is no need to connect any other pins.
Figure 4: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection
Hardware flow control is not required for this unit. In the rare case where a
controller requires hardware flow control, short pin 1 to 7 and 8, and pin 4 to 6 on
the controller side.
Method B (Figure 5)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via a
straight (flat) cable to the null-modem adapter, and connect the null-modem adapter
to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC. The straight cable usually contains all
nine wires for a full connection of the D-sub connector. Because the null-modem
adapter (which already includes the flow control jumpering described in Method A
above) only requires pins 2, 3 and 5 to be connected, you are free to decide
whether to connect only these 3 pins or all 9 pins.
Figure 5: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter
5.2 Connecting the VP-731 via the ETHERNET Port
To connect and configure the Ethernet port of the VP-731, refer to the ETHERNET
Configuration (Lantronix) GUIDE on our Web site: http://www.kramerelectronics.com.
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
PC
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
to PC
Null-Modem
Adapter

14 VP-731 - Connecting the VP-731
5.3 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio
Input/Output
Figure 6: Connecting the Balanced
Stereo Audio Input/Output
Figure 7: Connecting the Unbalanced
Stereo Audio Input
Figure 8: Connecting an Unbalanced
Stereo Audio Acceptor to the Balanced
Output
5.4 Connecting the Digital S/PDIF Audio Input
Figure 9 illustrates how to connect a
digital S/PDIF audio source to the
terminal block by wiring the first two
terminal block PINs to an RCA
connector using two wires; PIN L+ to
S/PDIF, and PIN L– to GND:
Figure 9: Connecting the Digital S/PDIF
Audio Input
L+ to S/PDIF L- to GND

VP-731 - Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons 15
15
6 Presentation Switcher / Scaler Buttons
The VP-731 includes the following front panel buttons:
•Nine INPUT selector buttons
•A PIP button
•BLANK and FREEZE buttons
•Six OSD navigation buttons
•A RESET TO XGA/720p button
•A PANEL LOCK button
6.1 Switching an Input
Each INPUT SELECTOR button can be used to select the source. When selected,
the button illuminates.
You can switch seamlessly between each input that is connected to a source by
pressing the appropriate INPUT SELECTOR button.
SEAMLESS SWITCHING - FTB™ switching for glitchless transitions between inputs