Kramer VS-121HC User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VS-121HC
12 x 1 Component Video Switcher / Transcoder

Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 2
3Overview 3
4Your VS-121HC Switcher / Transcoder 3
5Installing the VS-121HC in a Rack 6
6Connecting the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder 7
7Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder 8
7.1 Operating Using the Front Panel Buttons 9
7.2 Connecting to the VS-121HC via the RS-232 Port 9
7.2.1 Connecting the RS-232 Port 9
7.3 Operating via the RS-485 Port 10
7.3.1 Setting the Machine number 11
7.3.2 Setting the Line Termination 11
7.4 Operating via the ETHERNET Port 12
7.4.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 12
7.4.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 13
7.4.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port 13
7.5 Operating via the Infrared Remote Controller 14
7.6 Setting the DIP-switches 14
7.7 Operating the VS-121HC in Tandem with the VS-121HCA 16
8Technical Specifications 17
9Upgrading the VS-121HC Firmware 18
9.1 Upgrading the Device Firmware 18
9.1.1 Downloading from the Internet 18
9.1.2 Connecting a PC to the RS-232 Port 18
9.1.3 Installing the Device Firmware 19
9.2 Upgrading the Ethernet Firmware 23
9.2.1 Downloading from the Internet 24
9.2.2 Connecting the PC to the RS-232 Port 24
9.2.3 Installing the Ethernet Firmware 24
10 Hex Table 25
11 Kramer Protocol 2000 26

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Contents
ii
Figures
Figure 1: VS-121HC 12 x 1 Component Video Switcher / Transcoder 4
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-121HC Switcher / Transcoder 8
Figure 3: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 10
Figure 4: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 10
Figure 5: Master/Slave Configuration 11
Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window 12
Figure 7: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 13
Figure 8: Product DIP-switches 14
Figure 9: Operating the VS-121HC in Tandem with the VS-121HCA 16
Figure 10: Splash Screen 19
Figure 11: Atmel – Flip Window 20
Figure 12: Device Selection Window 20
Figure 13: Device Selection Window 21
Figure 14: Loading the Hex 21
Figure 15: RS-232 Window 22
Figure 16: Atmel – Flip Window (Connected) 22
Figure 17: Atmel – Flip Window (Operation Completed) 23
Figure 18: The KFR-Programmer Window 24
Tables
Table 1: VS-121HC Front Panel Features 5
Table 2: VS-121HC Rear Panel Features 5
Table 3: DIP-switch Settings 14
Table 4: Machine Number DIP-switch Settings 15
Table 5: VS-121HC Technical Specifications 17
Table 6: Communication Parameters 17
Table 7: VS-121HC Hex Table 25
Table 8: Protocol Definitions 26
Table 9: Instruction Codes 27

Introduction
1
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 groups1
Thank you for purchasing the Kramer VS-121HC 12 x 1 Component Video
Switcher / Transcoder. This product is ideal for the following typical
applications:
that are clearly
defined by function.
•Home cinema
•Presentation and conference rooms, board rooms and auditoriums
•Production studios, rental and staging
The package includes the following items:
•VS-121HC 12 x 1 Component Video Switcher / Transcoder
•Power cord2
•Windows®-based Kramer control software
, Null-modem adapter and rack ears
3
•RC-IR2 infrared remote control transmitter (including the required
battery and a separate user manual
4)
•This user manual4
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 cables5
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix Switchers; 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 Products
2 We recommend that you use only the power cord supplied with this device
3 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Getting Started
2
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.

Overview
3
3
3 Overview
The Kramer VS-121HC is a high-quality 12 x 1:2 Component Video
Switcher / Transcoder designed for home cinema applications. It features:
•Four composite video inputs on RCA connectors
•Four s-Video inputs on 4-pin connectors
•Four sets of component video inputs on RCA connectors
In particular:
•The VS-121HC supports the following video standards when
transcoding: NTSC3.58 and NTSC4.43; PAL B, D, G, H, I, M, N; and
SECAM. The VS-121HC does not support HD
•Composite and s-Video inputs are transcoded to component video, and the
component inputs are switched to two identical component video outputs
•The front panel has 12 input selector buttons, as well as a panel lock
button to prevent unintentional tampering with the front panel
•The VS-121HC has a high video bandwidth, ensuring that it remains
transparent even in the most critical applications
•The VS-121HC can operate in tandem with the VS-121HCA
The VS-121HC can be operated using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
•RS-232 and RS-485 serial commands transmitted by PC, a touch screen
system, or other serial controller
•The ETHERNET
•The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter
The VS-121HC is housed in a 19” 1U rack-mountable enclosure, and is
powered by a 100-240 VAC universal switching power supply.
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables1
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may
adversely influence signal quality and position your
VS-121HC away from moisture, excessive sunlight, and dust
to avoid interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise
levels (often associated with low quality cables)
4 Your VS-121HC Switcher / Transcoder
Figure 1,Table 1,and Table 2define the front and rear panels of the
VS-121HC 12 x 1 Component Video Switcher / Transcoder.
1 Available from Kramer Electronics on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VS-121HC Switcher / Transcoder
4
Figure 1: VS-121HC 12 x 1 Component Video Switcher / Transcoder

Your VS-121HC Switcher / Transcoder
5
Table 1: VS-121HC Front Panel Features
#
Feature
Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED is illuminated when receiving signals from the infra-red
remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 COMPOSITE INPUT Buttons Select the composite video input (1 to 4) to switch to the outputs
4 s-VIDEO INPUT Buttons Select the s-Video input (5 to 8) to switch to the outputs
5 COMPONENT INPUT Buttons Select the component video input (9 to 12) to switch to the outputs
6 PANEL LOCK Button Disengages the front panel buttons
Table 2: VS-121HC Rear Panel Features
#
Feature
Function
7 CV IN RCA connectors Connect to the composite video sources (from IN 1 to IN 4)
8 s-VIDEO IN s-Video connectors Connect to the s-Video sources (from IN 5 to IN 8)
9 COMPONENT
INPUT
RCA connectors
Y Connect to the Y-component inputs (from IN 9 to IN 12)
10 PB/CB Connect to the PB/CB -component inputs (from IN 9 to IN 12)
11 PR/CR Connect to the PR/CR -component inputs (from IN 9 to IN 12)
12 COMPONENT
OUTPUT
RCA connectors
Y Connect to the Y-component outputs (A and B)
13 PB/CB Connect to the PB/CB -component outputs (A and B)
14 PR/CR Connect to the PR/CR -component outputs (A and B)
15 RS-232 9-pin D-sub (F) Port Connect to the PC or the Remote Controller via a null-modem
connection
16 RS-485 Terminal Block Port Pins B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485; Pin G may be connected to the
shield (if required)
17 FLASH PROG Button Release (the factory default) for normal operation or push in
1
9.1.1
for
“Program” to upgrade the switcher microcontroller to the latest Kramer
firmware (seesection )
18 ETHERNET RJ-45 Connector Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer
networking LAN
19 FACTORY RESET Button Press to reset to factory default definitions
2
IP number −192.168.1.39 :
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
20 ETH PROG Button Release for normal operation or push in to upgrade ETH firmware
(see section 9.2)
21 REMOTE IR 3.5mm Mini Jack Connect to an external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via an
IR remote controller (instead of using the front panel IR receiver)3
22 Setup DIP-switches DIP-switches for setup of the unit (1 through 7 are for setting the
Self Address number; and 8 is for RS 485 termination)
23 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 Using a screwdriver if required
2 Turn the machine OFF, then turn the machine ON while pressing the FACTORY RESET button. The unit powers up and
loads its memory with the factory default definitions
3 Optional. Can be used instead of the front panel (built-in) IR receiver to remotely control the VS-121HC (only if the internal
IR connection cable has been installed)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VS-121HC in a Rack
6
5 Installing the VS-121HC in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

Connecting the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
7
6 Connecting the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
To connect devices to the VS-121HC, as illustrated in the example in
Figure 2, perform the following1
1. Connect the following video input sources (up to 12 input devices can
be connected
:
2
One composite video source (for example, composite video player
1) to the CV IN 1 RCA connector
):
One s-Video source (for example, s-Video player 1) to the s-Video
IN 8 4-pin connector
One component video source (for example, composite video player
1) to the Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr COMPONENT INPUT 12 RCA
connectors
2. Connect the output to an acceptor (1 or 2 output devices can be
connected1):
COMPONENT OUTPUT B (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr RCA connectors) to a
display3
3. Connect the power cord (not shown in Figure 2).
4. Optionally, you can connect a PC or controller to the RS-232, RS-485,
or Ethernet ports (see section 7) and/or an IR remote transmitter (see
section 7.5).
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-121HC. After connecting your VS-121HC, switch on
its power and then switch on the power on each device
2 Not all input or output ports need to be connected
3 In this example an LCD TV display is used, but you can also connect separate outputs such as video recorders, and so on

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
8
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-121HC Switcher / Transcoder
7 Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
You can operate the VS-121HC using:
•The front panel buttons (see section 7.1)
•The RS-232 port (see section 7.2)
•The RS-485 port (see section 7.3)
•An Ethernet network (see section 7.4)
•The RC-IR2remote control transmitter17.5(see section )
This section also describes:
•How to set the DIP-switches (see section 7.6)
•How to operate the VS-121HC in tandem with the VS-121HCA
(section 7.7)
1 Refer to the separate user manual. Download it from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
9
7.1 Operating Using the Front Panel Buttons
The front panel includes 4 COMPOSITE input, 4 s-VIDEO input, 4
COMPONENT input, and one PANEL LOCK button.
To operate the unit:
•Press one of the 12 INPUT SELECTOR buttons to choose the relevant
video signal.
The selected button illuminates in red1
To lock the input buttons (to prevent tampering with the unit):
and the converted or switched
signal is outputted to both component video outputs
•Press and hold the PANEL LOCK button for two seconds.
When the panel is locked and a channel selector button is pressed, the
PANEL LOCK button flashes
•Press and hold the button again for two seconds to unlock the buttons
7.2 Connecting to the VS-121HC via the RS-232 Port
The VS-121HC can be operated via a PC, touch screen, or serial controller
by means of serial commands transmitted through the RS-232 port.
You can connect to the VS-121HC via an RS-232 connection using, for
example, a PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the VS-121HC via RS-232, connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub
rear panel port on the VS-121HC unit via a 9-wire straight cable (pin 2 to
pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, pin 5 to pin 5) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your
PC
To operate your device using serial commands, you need to install Kramer's
control software that can be downloaded from the Kramer Electronics Web
site.
For an explanation of all serial commands, see section 11.
7.2.1 Connecting the RS-232 Port
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 3)—Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the unit via
a crossed cable (pin 2to pin 3, pin 3to pin 2, and pin 5to pin 5) to the
RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on the PC.
1 Pressing an illuminated button for more than 2 seconds will disconnect the output and the button will no longer illuminate

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
10
Note: There is no need to connect any other pins.
Figure 3: 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 4)—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 4: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter
7.3 Operating via the RS-485 Port
You can operate the VS-121HC via the RS-485 port from a distance of up
to 1200 meters (3900ft) using any device equipped with an RS-485 port (for
example, a PC). For successful communication, you must set the RS-485
machine number and bus termination.
To connect a device with a RS-485 port to the VS-121HC:
•Connect the TxD+ pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the A (+) pin on
the RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VS-121HC
•Connect the TxD- pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the B (-) pin on
the RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VS-121HC
•If shielded twisted pair cable is used, the shield may be connected to
the G (ground) pin on the unit

Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
11
7.3.1 Setting the Machine number
Set the first or master device to machine #1. Set all other devices to other
unique machine numbers, as defined in Table 4.
7.3.2 Setting the Line Termination
To ensure correct operation, the RS-485 line must be terminated at both
ends. The master unit may be located at any part of the line, but when it is at
the end of the line, the termination switch must be set ON.
To set line termination, as shown in Figure 5:
•For the VS-121HC units located at the ends of the RS-485 line (whether
master or slave), set DIP 8 ON
•For all other VS-121HC units in the middle of the line, set DIP 8 OFF
Figure 5: Master/Slave Configuration

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
12
7.4 Operating via the ETHERNET Port
You can operate the VS-121HC via the Ethernet, using a crossover cable
(see section 7.4.1) for direct connection to the PC or a straight through cable
(see section 7.4.2) for connection via a network hub or network router.
7.4.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-121HC 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 VS-121HC during the initial configuration
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
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
(see Figure 6).
Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window

Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
13
6. Select Use the following IP address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 7.
7. Click OK.
Figure 7: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window
7.4.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through
Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-121HC to the Ethernet port on
a network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45
connectors.
7.4.3 Configuring the Ethernet Port
After connecting the Ethernet port, you must install and configure the port.
For detailed instructions on how to install and configure your Ethernet port,
see the “Ethernet Configuration (FC-11) guide.pdf” on our Web site:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
14
7.5 Operating via the Infrared Remote Controller
You can use the RC-IR2 IR transmitter to control the machine via the
built-in IR receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR
receiver1. The external IR receiver can be located 15 meters away from the
machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60 meters when used with
three extension cables2
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer
dealer to insert an internal IR connection cable16F
3, which is required so that
the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector can be used. Connect the external IR
receiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.
To operate your device using the infra-red remote controller, see the User
Manual packed with the remote controller.
7.6 17BSetting the DIP-switches
This section describes the VS-121HC DIP-switch settings that configure
RS-485 bus termination, the VS-121HC machine number, and DIP-switch 7
that lets you operate the VS-121HC in tandem with the VS-121HCA.
Figure 8illustrates the factory default DIP-switch positions.
12345678
OFF
ON
In-tandem operation
Figure 8: Product DIP-switches
Table 3: DIP-switch Settings
DIP-switch Number Function
1, 2, 3, 4 Machine number (see Table 4)
5, 6 Not used
7 Operation in tandem with VS-121HCA
8 RS-485 Termination
1 P/N: 95-0104050
2 P/N: 95-0103050
3 P/N: 505-70434010-S

Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
15
DIP-switches 1, 2, 3, and 4 determine the machine number of the
VS-121HC.
.
DIP-switches 5 and 6 are not used.
DIP-switch 7 determines operation in tandem with the Kramer VS-121HCA.
DIP-switch 8 determines the RS-485 bus termination for the VS-121HC.
When several product units are connected, the machine number determines
the unique identity of the VS-121HC in the sequence (see section 7.6).
•When using a standalone product unit, or when operating in tandem
with the VS-121HCA, set the machine number to 1 (factory default)
•When connecting more than one VS-121HC, set the first machine (only
when connected via RS-232) to be machine number 1. The other
VS-121HC units must each be set to a unique machine number between
2 and 16
Table 4: Machine Number DIP-switch Settings
Machine Number DIP-switch
Machine Number DIP-switch
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 48
1 (Master, factory default) OFF OFF OFF OFF
9 (Slave) ON OFF OFF OFF
2 (Slave) OFF OFF OFF ON
10 (Slave) ON OFF OFF ON
3 (Slave) OFF OFF ON OFF
11 (Slave) ON OFF ON OFF
4 (Slave) OFF OFF ON ON
12 (Slave) ON OFF ON ON
5 (Slave) OFF ON OFF OFF
13 (Slave) ON ON OFF OFF
6 (Slave) OFF ON OFF ON
14 (Slave) ON ON OFF ON
7 (Slave) OFF ON ON OFF
15 (Slave) ON ON ON OFF
8 (Slave) OFF ON ON ON
16 (Slave) ON ON ON ON
When connecting more than one VS-121HC unit, set a different Machine # on
each unit. You do not have to number the units in the order in which they
connect to the PC, but each unit must be assigned a unique machine number.

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-121HC Switcher/Transcoder
16
7.7 Operating the VS-121HC in Tandem with the VS-121HCA
The VS-121HC can operate in tandem with the Kramer VS-121HCA12x1
Stereo Audio – S/PDIF Switcher. Once the units are connected, you can
operate the system via the front panel buttons of the VS-121HC or via the
RS-232 or the Ethernet ports of the VS-121HC.
To set the VS-121HC to operate in tandem with the VS-121HCA:
1. Set the machine number on both units to 1 (DIP-switches 1, 2, 3 and 4
are set OFF).
2. Connect the VS-121HC to the VS-121HCAvia the RS-485 port (see
section 7.3).
3. Set DIP-switch 7 on both units to ON.
4. To control the VS-121HC/VS-121HCAsystem via RS-232 or via the
Ethernet, connect the PC to the VS-121HC, as illustrated in Figure 9.
VS-121HC
VS-121HCA
RS-485
RS-232
PC
Figure 9: Operating the VS-121HC in Tandem with the VS-121HCA

Technical Specifications
17
8 Technical Specifications
Table 5includes the technical specifications and Table 6defines the
communication parameters:
Table 5: VS-121HC Technical Specifications1
INPUTS:
4 composite video (1Vpp/75Ω) on RCA connectors
4 s-Video 1 Vpp (Y), 0.3Vpp (C) / 75Ωon 4-pin connectors
4 component video (1Vpp/75Ω) on RCA connectors
OUTPUTS: 2 component video (1Vpp/75Ω) on RCA connectors
MAX. OUTPUT LEVEL: VIDEO: 2.1Vpp; XGA: 0.77Vpp AUDIO: 27Vpp
BANDWIDTH (-3dB): VIDEO: VGA / UXGA: 400MHz;
s-Video (Y): 310MHz;
Composite/SDI video: 310MHz;
HDTV compatible
AUDIO: 40kHz
DIFF. GAIN: <0.07% all channels
DIFF. PHASE: <0.05 Deg. all channels
S/N RATIO: VIDEO: 75dB all channels AUDIO: 75dB /1Vpp all channels
CONTROLS: 12 selector buttons, lock button, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, IR
POWER SOURCE: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, (115V AC, U.S.A.) 7VA
DIMENSIONS: 19-inch (W), 7-inch (D) 1U (H) rack-mountable
WEIGHT: 2.6kg (8lbs.) approx
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, Null modem adapter, rack ears, RC-IR2 remote control transmitter,
Windows®-based Kramer control software
OPTIONS: External remote IR receiver cable
Table 6: Communication Parameters
EDID
EDID data is passed between Input 1 and Output 1
RS-232
Protocol 2000
Baud Rate: 9600
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None
Command Format: HEX
Example (Output 1 to Input 1): 0x01, 0x81, 0x81, 0x81
Ethernet
Default Settings Reset Settings
IP Address: 192.168.1.39 Power cycle the unit while holding in the Factory Reset
button, located on the rear panel of the unit.
TCP Port #: 5000
UDP Port #: 50000
1 Specifications are subject to change without notice