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.

8 VS-161H - Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
5 Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI
Switcher
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-161H. After connecting your VS-161H, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
i

VS-161H - Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 9
To connect the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher as illustrated in the example in
Figure 2:
1. If required:
Set the appropriate INPUTS to the DVD/PC mode
Acquire the EDID
2. Connect the HDMI sources as follows:
A multimedia player to INPUT 1
A set top box to INPUT 2
A DVD player to INPUT 6
A DVD player to INPUT 16
3. Connect the OUTPUT HDMI connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a
plasma display).
4. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port and/or the
Ethernet port.
5. Connect the power cord and power the device on.
Note: The Mute button flashes if the EDID of the device connected to the output is
different from the EDID which is currently stored.
5.1 Connecting to the VS-161H Using the RS-232
Connection
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 (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.

10 VS-161H - Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
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
5.2 Connecting to the VS-161H Using Ethernet
You can connect the VS-161H via the Ethernet, using a crossover cable (see
Section 5.2.2) for direct connection to the PC or a straight through cable (see
5.2.3Section
After connecting the Ethernet port, you have to install and configure your Ethernet Port. For
detailed instructions, see the “Ethernet Configuration (FC-11) guide.pdf” file in the technical
support section at
) for connection via a network hub or network router.
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
9to PC
Null-Modem
Adapter

VS-161H - Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 11
5.2.1 Configuring the Ethernet Port
After connecting the Ethernet port, you have to install and configure it.
For detailed instructions on how to install and configure your Ethernet port, see the Ethernet
Configuration (FC-11) guide.pdf on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com.
5.2.2 Connecting the Ethernet Port directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-161H 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-161H during the initial configuration
After connecting the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. On your desktop, right-click the My Network Places icon.
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 5).
i

12 VS-161H - Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 6. You can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to
192.168.1.255 (excluding 192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT
department.
7. Click OK.

VS-161H - Connecting the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 13
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window
5.2.3 Connecting the Ethernet Port via a Network Hub
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-161H to the Ethernet port on a
network hub or network router, via a straight through cable with RJ-45 connectors.

14 VS-161H - Operating the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
6 Operating the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
This section describes:
•The PC and DVD modes (see Section 6.1
•Acquiring the EDID (see
)
Section 6.2
•Locking and unlocking the front panel buttons (see
)
Section 6.3
•Resetting to the factory default values (see
)
Section 6.4
•Upgrading the firmware (see
)
Section 6.5
6.1 The PC and DVD Modes
)
The VS-161H has two operation modes that are specific per input: the PC mode
and the DVD mode:
•The PC mode is used when connecting a computer or several computers to
one or more of the inputs via a DVI-to-HDMI converter cable (for example,
the Kramer HDMI-DVI Gold Plated Cable in various lengths). This is the
default mode
•The DVD mode is used when connecting a DVD or several DVDs to the
inputs
When in the PC mode, the input has access to the EDID (default or acquired) to
prevent the computer from resetting if an output is not connected. In the DVD
mode, the EDID of the connected output is available only when the input to which
the DVD is connected, is switched to the output.
The PC mode and the DVD mode can be applied to a single input or to several
inputs. For example, if you want to connect a computer to INPUT 1, another
computer to INPUT 2, and DVD machines to all the other inputs (from INPUT 3 to
INPUT 16), set INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 to the PC mode and all the other inputs to
the DVD mode.
To set the inputs to either the PC or the DVD mode:
1. Turn the power off.

VS-161H - Operating the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher 15
2. Press the PANEL LOCK button while turning the POWER on again.
The INPUT buttons flash simultaneously.
3. Keep pressing and holding the PANEL LOCK button for a few seconds and
then release it.
The PANEL LOCK button flashes. If an input button lights this indicates that
that input is set to the DVD mode. If no input button lights this indicates that
that input is set to the PC mode.
4. Toggle between the PC mode (input button not lit) and the DVD mode (input
button lights) by pressing that input.
5. Press the PANEL LOCK button to exit this mode.
6. You can connect a computer to the input(s) that is set to the PC mode and a
DVD to the input(s) that is set to the DVD mode.
The following table summarizes the differences between the PC mode and the
DVD mode.
PC Mode DVD Mode
The input is connected to a
computer The input is connected to a multimedia application, such as a DVD, a set top box and so on
The EDID is available at all times
(to prevent computer reset) The EDID is available only when that input is connected to an output
The input EDID source is the
default EDID or an acquired EDID
(see Section 6.2
The input EDID source is acquired directly from the connected
output
)
6.2 Acquiring the EDID
The acquired EDID is used when an input is set to the PC mode.
To acquire the EDID:
1. Turn the POWER off.
2. Press the PANEL LOCK button and the INPUT 16 button while turning the
POWER on again.
The INPUT buttons flash in sequence until the unit has completed reading
the EDID.

16 VS-161H - Operating the VS-161H 16x1 HDMI Switcher
3. Release the PANEL LOCK and INPUT 16 buttons.
If an output was connected, the output EDID is read to all the inputs. If an
output was not connected to the machine, the default EDID is read to the
inputs.
Note: The Mute button flashes if the EDID of the device connected to the output is
different from the EDID which is currently stored.
6.3 Locking and Unlocking the Front Panel
To lock and unlock the front panel buttons:
1. Press and hold the Panel Lock button until the button lights.
The front panel buttons are locked.
2. Press and hold the Panel Lock button again until the button no longer lights.
The front panel buttons are unlocked.
6.4 Resetting the Device to Factory Default Values
To reset to factory default values:
1. Turn the VS-161H off.
2. Press and hold the Reset button on the rear panel while turning the device
on.
3. After approximately five seconds release the Reset button.
The device is reset to its factory default values (see Section 6.4
6.5 Upgrading the Firmware
).
For instructions on upgrading the firmware see “Upgrading the VS-161H Firmware
Using the K-Upload Software”.

VS-161H - Technical Specifications 17
7 Technical Specifications
INPUTS: 16 HDMI connectors
OUTPUT: 1 HDMI connector
BANDWIDTH: Supports up to 1.65Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
COMPLIANCE WITH HDMI
STANDARD: Supports HDMI and HDCP
RESOLUTION: Up to UXGA; 1080p
POWER CONSUMPTION: 90−240VAC; 50/60Hz, 22VA
CONTROLS: Front panel buttons, infrared remote control transmitter,
RS-232, Ethernet
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: 0° to +55°C (32° to 131°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: –45° to +72°C (–49° to 162°F)
HUMIDITY: 10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
DIMENSIONS: 19” x 7” x 1U (W, D, H)
WEIGHT: 2.5kg (5.5lbs) approx.
ACCESSORIES: Power cord, null-modem adapter, rack “ears”, IR remote
control
OPTIONS: Kramer HDMI cables (for example, the C-HM/HM series,
the C-HM/DM series and/or our HDMI over fiber optics
C-FOHM/FOHM series)
Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com