Kramer VS-161HDMI User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
VS-161HDMI
16x1 HDMI Switcher

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
2.1 Quick Start 1
3 Overview 3
3.1 Defining EDID 3
3.2 About HDMI 4
3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance 5
3.4 Terminology Used in this User Manual 5
4 Your VS-161HDMI 16x1 Switcher 5
5 Installing the VS-161HDMI on a Rack 8
6 Connecting a VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher 9
7 Operating the VS-161HDMI 11
7.1 The PC and DVD Modes 11
7.2 Acquiring the EDID 12
7.3 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC) 13
7.4 Controlling the VS-161HDMI via the ETHERNET Port 14
7.4.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover Cable) 14
7.4.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through Cable) 16
7.5 Configuring the Ethernet Port 16
7.5.1 Setting a Virtual Port 18
7.5.2 Setting an Ethernet Connection 19
8 Technical Specifications 20
9 Kramer Protocol 2000 21
Figures
Figure 1: VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher 6
Figure 2: Connecting a VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher 10
Figure 3: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter 13
Figure 4: RJ-45 PINOUT 14
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window 15
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 15
Figure 7: The Ethernet Configuration Manager Window 17
Figure 8: The Virtual Serial Port Manager Window 18
Figure 9: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window 18
Figure 10: The Virtual Serial Port Properties Window (COM 3 and COM 4) 19
Figure 11: The Port Window – Selecting a Virtual Serial Port 19
Figure 12: The Port Window – Selecting a Remote Connection 19

Contents
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
ii
Tables
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual 5
Table 2: VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher Front Panel Features 7
Table 3: VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher Rear Panel Features 7
Table 4: DVD Mode and PC Mode Characteristics 12
Table 5: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 14
Table 6: Straight-through Cable RJ-45 PINOUT 16
Table 7: Ethernet Configuration Manager Window Functionality 17
Table 8: Technical Specifications of the VS-161HDMI 20
Table 9: Protocol Definitions 21
Table 10: Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000 22

Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics (since 1981): a world of unique, creative and
affordable solutions to the infinite range of problems that confront the video,
audio and presentation professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have
redesigned and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our
500-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI
Switcher.
The VS-161HDMI is ideal for conference room presentations and advertising
applications, as well as for rental and staging.
Each package includes the following items:
 VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher
 Power cord and Null-modem adapter
 Windows®-based Kramer control software
2
 Windows®-based Ethernet Configuration Manager and Virtual Serial Port
Manager
 Kramer RC-IR1 Infra-Red Remote Control Transmitter
3
(including the
required batteries and a separate user manual
4
)
 This user manual
4
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
5
2.1 Quick Start
This quick start chart summarizes the basic setup and operation steps.
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Video and Audio Switchers, Matrix Switchers and Controllers; GROUP 3:
Video, Audio, VGA/XGA Processors; GROUP 4: Interfaces and Sync Processors; GROUP 5: Twisted Pair Interfaces;
GROUP 6: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; and GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors
2 Downloadable from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 Previously known as the IR-1 / IR-1-01
4 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
5 The complete list of Kramer cables is on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Getting Started
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
2







DVD Mode
To input
Acquired EDID
To input
PC Mode
Output
connected
Default EDID
Output not
connected

Overview
3
3 Overview
The VS-161HDMI is a high quality 16x1 switcher for HDMI signals.
In particular, the VS-161HDMI:
 Supports up to 1.65Gbps bandwidth per graphic channel
1
 Has sixteen input selector buttons
 Supports HDCP (High Definition Digital Content Protection)
 Includes a MUTE button to disconnect the output and a PANEL LOCK
button to prevent unwanted tampering with the buttons on the front panel
 Fits in one vertical space of a standard 19” professional rack enclosure
Control the VS-161HDMI using the front panel buttons, or remotely via:
 RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or
other serial controller
 The Kramer infra-red remote control transmitter
 The ETHERNET
3.1 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID
2
) is a data-structure,
provided by a display, to describe its capabilities to an HDMI source. The
EDID enables the VS-161HDMI to “know” what kind of monitor is
connected to the output. The EDID includes the manufacturer’s name, the
product type, the timing data supported by the display, the display size,
luminance data and (for digital displays only) the pixel mapping data.
1 Suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all HD resolutions
2 Defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)

Overview
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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3.2 About HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an uncompressed all-digital
1
audio/video interface, widely supported in the entertainment and home cinema
industry. It delivers the highest high-definition image and sound quality. Note that
Kramer Electronics Limited is an HDMI Adopter
2
and an HDCP Licensee
3
.
In particular, HDMI:
 Provides a simple
4
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
5
cable
 Supports standard, enhanced, high-definition video, and multi-channel
digital audio
6
on a single cable
 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
7
, and user-friendly connector
 Is backward-compatible with DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
 Supports 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
HDMI has the capacity to support existing high-definition video formats
(720p, 1080i, and 1080p/60), standard definition formats such as NTSC or
PAL, as well as 480p and 576p.
1 Ensuring an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-
to-analog conversions
2 See http://www.hdmi.org/about/adopters_founders.asp
3 See http://www.digital-cp.com/list/
4 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
5 HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at up to 15m
6 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
7 HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner

Your VS-161HDMI 16x1 Switcher
5
3.3 Recommendations for Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
 Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise
levels (often associated with low quality cables)
 Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and position
your VS-161HDMI away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
3.4 Terminology Used in this User Manual
Table 1 defines some terms that are used in this user manual.
Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual
Term Definition
802.3 The standard specification for ETHERNET that is maintained by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Dynamic Host
Configuration
Protocol (DHCP)
Allows the network administrator to distribute IP addresses from a central point and
automatically send a new IP address when an Ethernet point is plugged into a different
network location
Gateway A network position serving as an entry to another network. On the Internet, a node or
stopping point can be either a gateway node or a host (end-point) node.
IP Address A 32-binary digit number that identifies each sender or receiver (within a network via a
particular server or workstation) of data (HTML pages or e-mails) that is sent in packets
across the Internet. Every device connected to an IP network must have a unique IP
address. This address is used to reference the specific unit.
Local Area Network
(LAN)
Computers sharing a common communications line or wireless link, which often share a
server within a defined geographic area.
Media Access
Control (MAC)
Address
A computer's unique hardware number (or address) in a LAN or other network. On an
Ethernet LAN, the (MAC) address is identical to the Ethernet address.
Transmission
Control
Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP)
The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet that breaks the message
into appropriately sized packets for the network, and can be used as a communications
protocol in an intranet or an extranet.
4 Your VS-161HDMI 16x1 Switcher
Figure 1 illustrates the front and rear panels of the VS-161HDMI. Table 2
and Table 3 define the front and rear panels of the VS-161HDMI,
respectively.

Your VS-161HDMI 16x1 Switcher
KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
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Figure 1: VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher

Your VS-161HDMI 16x1 Switcher
7
Table 2: VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher Front Panel Features
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver The red LED lights when receiving signals from the
Infra-red 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
Table 3: VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher Rear Panel Features
# Feature Function
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 9F Port Connects to the PC or the RS-232 Remote Controller
9 ETHERNET Connector Connects to the PC or other Ethernet Controller
10 RESET Button Press the ETHERNET factory reset button to reset to the
factory default definitions
1
:
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
11 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit
1 First, disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the RESET button. The unit will power up and
load its memory with the factory default definitions

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Installing the VS-161HDMI on a Rack
8
5 Installing the VS-161HDMI on a Rack
This section describes what to do before installing on a rack and how to rack
mount.
Before Installing on a Rack
Before installing on a rack, be sure that the environment is
within the recommended range:
Operating temperature range +5 to +45 Deg. Centigrade
Operating humidity range 5 to 65 % RHL, non-condensing
Storage temperature range -20 to +70 Deg. Centigrade
Storage humidity range 5 to 95% RHL, non-condensing
CAUTION!!
When installing on a 19" rack, avoid hazards by taking care
that:
1 It is located within the recommended environmental
conditions, as the operating ambient temperature of a
closed or multi unit rack assembly may exceed the room
ambient temperature.
2 Once rack mounted, enough air will still flow around the
machine.
3 The machine is placed straight in the correct horizontal
position.
4 You do not overload the circuit(s). When connecting the
machine to the supply circuit, overloading the circuits
might have a detrimental effect on overcurrent
protection and supply wiring. Refer to the appropriate
nameplate ratings for information. For example, for fuse
replacement, see the value printed on the product label.
5 The machine is earthed (grounded) in a reliable way
and is connected only to an electricity socket with
grounding. Pay particular attention to supply
connections other than direct connections to the branch
circuit (for example, the use of power strips), and that
you use only the power cord that is supplied with the
machine.
How to Rack Mount
To rack-mount the machine:
1 Attach both ear brackets to the
machine. To do so, remove the
screws from each side of the
machine (3 on each side), and
replace those screws through
the ear brackets.
2 Place the ears of the machine
against the rack rails, and
insert the proper screws (not
provided) through each of the
four holes in the rack ears.
Note that:
In some models, the front panel
may feature built-in rack ears
Detachable rack ears can be
removed for desktop use
Always mount the machine in the
rack before you attach any cables or
connect the machine to the power
If you are using a Kramer rack
adapter kit (for a machine that is not
19"), see the Rack Adapters user
manual for installation instructions
(you can download it at:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com)

Connecting a VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher
9
6 Connecting a VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher
To connect the VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher as illustrated in the
example in Figure 2, do the following
1
:
1. If required:
 Set the appropriate INPUTS to the DVD/PC mode (see section 7.1)
 Acquire the EDID (see section 7.2)
2. Connect
2
the HDMI sources as follows
3
:
 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 (see section 7.3)
and/or the ETHERNET port (see section 7.4).
5. Connect the power connector to the mains electricity.
Press an INPUT SELECTOR button (from 1 to 16) to choose which HDMI
input to route to the output
4
.
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your VS-161HDMI. After connecting your VS-161HDMI,
switch on its power and then switch on the power on each device
2 You can connect up to 16 HDMI sources
3 Alternatively, you can connect a PC to any of the inputs and set those inputs to the PC mode (see section 7.1)
4 The input button illuminates

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting a VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher
10
Plasma
Display
Multimedia
Player
DVD Player
RS-232
DVD Player
Set Top Box
Source
Figure 2: Connecting a VS-161HDMI 16x1 HDMI Switcher

Operating the VS-161HDMI
11
7 Operating the VS-161HDMI
This section describes:
 The PC mode and the DVD mode (see section 7.1)
 How to acquire the EDID (see section 7.2)
 How to control the machine via RS-232 (see section 7.3)
 How to control the machine via the ETHERNET port (see section 7.4)
7.1 The PC and DVD Modes
The VS-161HDMI has two operation modes that are specific per input: the
PC mode
1
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
2
 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, do the following:
1. Turn the POWER off.
2. Press the PANEL LOCK button while turning the POWER on again.
The INPUT buttons blink simultaneously.
3. Keep pressing and holding the PANEL LOCK button for a few seconds and
then release it.
The PANEL LOCK button blinks.
If an input button illuminates, this indicates that that input is set to the DVD
mode.
If an input button is not illuminated, this indicates that that input is set to the
PC mode.
1 The default
2 For example, the Kramer HDMI-DVI Gold Plated Cable in various lengths (3”, 6”, 10” and 15”)

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-161HDMI
12
4. Toggle between the PC mode (input button not illuminated) and the DVD
mode (input button illuminated) 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.
Table 4 summarizes the differences between the PC mode and the DVD
mode:
Table 4: DVD Mode and PC Mode Characteristics
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 7.2)
The input EDID source is acquired directly from the
connected output
7.2 Acquiring the EDID
The acquired EDID is used when an input is set to the PC mode.
To acquire the EDID, do the following:
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 blink in sequence until the unit has completed to read the
EDID.
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.

Operating the VS-161HDMI
13
7.3 Controlling via RS-232 (for example, using a PC)
To connect a PC to the VS-161HDMI unit, using the Null-modem adapter
provided with the machine (recommended):
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 rear panel port on the VS-161HDMI unit to the
Null-modem adapter and connect the Null-modem adapter with a 9-wire
flat cable to the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC
To connect a PC to the VS-161HDMI unit, without using a Null-modem adapter:
 Connect the RS-232 DB9 port on your PC to the RS-232 DB9 rear panel
port on the Master VS-161HDMI unit, as Figure 3 illustrates
Female DB9 (From PC)
PIN 4 Connected to PIN 6
PINS 8, 7, 1 Connected together
If a Shielded cable is used, connect the shield to PIN 5
PIN 5 Connected to PIN 5 (Ground)
PIN 3 Connected to PIN 2
PIN 2 Connected to PIN 3
Male DB9
Figure 3: Connecting a PC without using a Null-modem Adapter

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-161HDMI
14
7.4 Controlling the VS-161HDMI via the ETHERNET Port
You can connect the VS-161HDMI 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-161HDMI to the Ethernet port
on your PC, via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors, as Table 5 and
Figure 4 define.
Table 5: Crossover Cable RJ-45 PINOUT
EIA /TIA 568A
Side 1
EIA /TIA 568B
Side 2
PIN Wire Color PIN Wire Color
1 White-orange 1 White-green
2 Orange 2 Green
3 White-green 3 White-orange
4 Blue 4 Blue
5 White-blue 5 White-blue
6 Green 6 Orange
7 White-brown 7 White-brown
8 Brown 8 Brown
Pair 1 4 and 5 Pair 1 4 and 5
Pair 2 1 and 2 Pair 2 3 and 6
Pair 3 3 and 6 Pair 3 1 and 2
Pair 4 7 and 8 Pair 4 7 and 8
Figure 4: RJ-45 PINOUT
This type of connection is recommended for identification of the factory default
IP Address of the VS-161HDMI 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.

Operating the VS-161HDMI
15
5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button (see
Figure 5).
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 6.
7. Click OK.
Figure 6: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Operating the VS-161HDMI
16
7.4.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-Through
Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-161HDMI to the Ethernet port
on a network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45
connectors, as Table 6 defines:
Table 6: Straight-through Cable RJ-45 PINOUT
Side 1 Side 2
PIN Wire Color PIN Wire Color
1 White-orange 1 White-orange
2 Orange 2 Orange
3 White-green 3 White-green
4 Blue 4 Blue
5 White-blue 5 White-blue
6 Green 6 Green
7 White-brown 7 White-brown
8 Brown 8 Brown
7.5 Configuring the Ethernet Port
To configure the ETHERNET port, do the following:
1. Connect the ETHERNET port as described in section 7.4.1.
2. Insert the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive, double click the Set
Setfc11eth_confxx.exe
1
file and follow the on-screen instructions
2
.
The Ethernet Configuration Manager is installed.
3. Click the appropriate shortcut in the Start menu’s Programs folder. The
Configuration Manager window (see Figure 7) opens.
4. Click the Search button
3
(or the Action menu’s, Search Board command).
The MAC Address for the found ETHERNET port appears in the Device List.
5. Change the settings according to your network requirements and then click the
Config button (or the Action menu’s, Config command) to apply the settings.
Note, that clicking the Config button will alter the IP settings of the
ETHERNET port
1 File names are liable to change from time to time
2 The latest version appears on our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com
3 To automatically search for devices

Operating the VS-161HDMI
17
Figure 7: The Ethernet Configuration Manager Window
Table 7: Ethernet Configuration Manager Window Functionality
# Feature Function
File The Exit command closes the Configuration Manager application
Action The Search Board command seeks the VS-161HDMI device that connects to the PC
via the ETHERNET port, and displays it and its corresponding settings;
The Config command adjusts the VS-161HDMI according to the displayed data
Set MAC
1
For factory use only (click the Password command to enter the password)
1
Menu bar
About Displays software information, including the software version
2 Device List Displays the MAC Address
3 Progress Bar Shows the progress
4 Status Bar Shows the status
5 Version Displays the firmware version
6 Device Network
Settings Area
DHCP
1
Mode Check Box: When selected, configures the Ethernet port to obtain an IP
address automatically from the DHCP server. When cleared, manual configuration of
the Ethernet port is required to obtain an IP address (Static IP)
IP Address:A 32-binary digit number obtained from your Network Administrator that
identifies the Ethernet port that is currently being configured
Subnet: A 32-binary digit number obtained from your Network Administrator, which
combined with the IP Address, identifies which network your device is on
Gateway: A network position serving as an entry to another network or to the Internet
(only relevant in the Active Routing mode)
7 Action Buttons Search: seeks the devices that connect to the PC via the ETHERNET port, and
displays them and their corresponding settings
Config: adjusts the according to the displayed data
8 Exit Button Closes the Configuration Manager application
1 See the definition in Table 1