Kramer VS-161H User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-161H
16x1 HDMI Switcher
P/N: 2900-000665 Rev 3

VS-161H - Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1 About HDMI—General Description 3
3.2 About HDCP—General Description 4
3.3 Defining the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 5
4Installing in a Rack 7
5Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 8
5.1 Connecting to the VS-161H Using the RS-232 Connection 9
5.2 Connecting to the VS-161H Using Ethernet 10
6Operating the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 14
6.1 The PC and DVD Modes 14
6.2 Acquiring the EDID 15
6.3 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel 16
6.4 Resetting the Device to Factory Default Values 16
6.5Upgrading the Firmware 16
7Technical Specifications 17
8Default Communication Parameters 18
9Kramer Protocol 2000 19
Figures
Figure 1: VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher Front and Rear Panels 5
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 8
Figure 3: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 10
Figure 4: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 10
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window 12
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 13

VS-161H - 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 VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher. This
product is ideal for:
•Conference room presentations
•Rental and staging
Note: The Kramer VS-161H is identical to the VS-161HDMI, just the name has
changed by replacing the suffix “HDMI” by “H” (according to the HDMI Guideline).

2 VS-161H - 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 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 VS-161H away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
i

VS-161H - Overview 3
3 Overview
The Kramer VS-161H is a high quality switcher for HDMI signals.
In particular, the VS-161H features:
•Support for up to 1.65Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
•HDCP support (High Definition Digital Content Protection)
•HDMI support (HDMI V1.3 with Lip Sync and CEC)
•EDID PassThru that passes EDID/HDCP signals from source to display
•A Mute button to disconnect the output
•A Panel Lock button to prevent unwanted tampering with the buttons on the
front panel
•Installation in 1U of a standard 19” professional rack enclosure
You can control the VS-161H using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
•RS-232/RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a PC, touch screen system
or other serial controller
•The Kramer RC-IR3 infrared remote control transmitter
•A PC connected to the Ethernet port on the device via a LAN
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.

4 VS-161H - Overview
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)
•Supports CEC, two-way 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 @60Hz), standard definition formats such as NTSC or
PAL, as well as 480p and 576p
3.2 About HDCP—General Description
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.

VS-161H – Defining the VS-161H HDMI Switcher 5
3.3 Defining the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
Figure 1defines the front and rear panels of the VS-161H.
Figure 1: VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher Front and Rear Panels

# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED lights when receiving signals from the Infrared remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit on or off
3 MUTE Button Press to toggle disconnecting the output
4 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Press the INPUT button to select input (from 1 to 16)
5 PANEL LOCK Button Press to toggle disengaging the front panel buttons, to acquire the EDID and to set to the PC/DVD mode
6 INPUT HDMI Connectors Connect to the HDMI sources (from 1 to 16)
7 OUTPUT HDMI Connector Connect to the HDMI acceptor
8 RS-232 DB-9 (F) Port Connect to a PC/serial controller (see Section 5.1
9 ) ETHERNET Connector Connect to a PC via a LAN (see Section 5.2
10 ) RESET Button Press while turning on the device to reset the device to factory default values (see Section 6.4 and 8Section
11 )
Power Connector with Fuse Plug in the power cord and switch the device on and off
6VS-161H – Defining the VS-161H HDMI Switcher Switcher

VS-161H - Installing in a Rack 7
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.