Kramer VS-311H User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-311H
Automatic HDMI/Audio
Switcher
P/N: 2900-000666 Rev 3

VS-311H – Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 3
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
3.1 Defining the VS-311H Automatic HDMI/Audio Switcher 5
4Connecting the VS-311H 7
4.1 Setting the DIP-Switches 8
4.2 Priority Switching Applications 9
4.3 Connecting the Contact Closure Remote Control PINs 9
4.4 Connecting to the VS-311H via RS-232 10
4.5 Controlling via ETHERNET 11
5Technical Specifications 14
6Protocol 2000 15
6.1 Syntax 15
6.2 Instruction Codes 16
Figures
Figure 1: VS-311H Automatic HDMI/Audio Switcher 5
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-311H Automatic HDMI/Audio Switcher 8
Figure 3: DIP-Switches 8
Figure 4: Connecting the Contact Closure Remote Control PINS 10
Figure 5: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 10
Figure 6: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 11
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 12
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 13

VS-311H - 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 Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VS-311H Automatic HDMI/Audio
Switcher, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Systems requiring automatic HDMI routing
Presentation and multimedia applications

2
VS-311H - 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
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/support/product_downloads.asp
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 (we recommend Kramer high-
performance, high-resolution 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 VS-311H away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be
connected to other equipment that is installed inside a building.
i
!

VS-311H - Getting Started
3
2.2 Safety Instructions
Caution:
There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning:
Use only the Kramer Electronics input power wall
adapter that is provided with the unit
Warning:
Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall
before installing
2.3 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/.
2.4 Terminology Used in this User Manual
The following table defines some terms that are 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
VS-311H - Overview
3 Overview
The VS-311H is a high-performance 3x1 HDCP- compatible automatic switcher for
HDMI signals, digital audio (S/PDIF) signals and stereo audio signals.
The VS-311H switches any one of three HDMI, HDCP compliant sources to a
single display device, on HDMI connectors with the corresponding:
Digital audio (S/PDIF) input signals switched to an S/PDIF output, on RCA
connectors and/or
Unbalanced stereo audio input signals on 3.5 mini-jack connectors switched
to an unbalanced stereo audio output on a 3.5 mini-jack connector, as well
as to a balanced stereo audio output on a 5-pin terminal block connector
The VS-311H can operate either in the manual mode or in the auto mode.
In the manual mode, the VS-311H acts as a regular switcher, switching the input
video and audio signals to the output via the three front panel INPUT SELECT
buttons.
In the auto mode, you can switch any input to the output via the three front panel
INPUT SELECT buttons, but once the selected video signal is lost, the machine
automatically switches to the highest priority input, according to the input priority
setup. The VS-311H switches back to the primary input when an HDMI signal is
detected on that input.
When selecting an INPUT SELECT button, via the manual or auto mode, that
button lights. Pressing an illuminated button deselects that input and that button no
longer lights.
The VS-311H is housed in a desktop-sized enclosure and is 12V DC fed.
Control the VS-311H 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 infrared remote control transmitter
The ETHERNET
Remote control contact closure

VS-311H - Overview
5
3.1 Defining the VS-311H Automatic HDMI/Audio Switcher
This section defines the VS-311H.
Figure 1: VS-311H Automatic HDMI/Audio Switcher
#
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
INPUT SELECT Buttons
Press the INPUT button to select the input to
switch to the output (from 1 to 3). The selected
input button illuminates
4
Audio
Line
BALANCED OUTTerminal
BlockConnector
Connect the balanced stereo audio output to a
balanced stereo audio acceptor
5
OUT 3.5mm Mini Jack
Connect to an unbalanced stereo audio output
6
IN 3.5mm Mini Jack
Connect to the unbalanced stereo audio inputs
(from 1 to 3)
7
Audio
S/PDIF
OUT RCA Connector
Connect to a digital audio (S/PDIF) output
8
IN RCA Connectors
Connect to the digital audio (S/PDIF) inputs (from
1 to 3)
9
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector
Connect to the PC or the Remote Controller
10
PRIORITY SETUP DIP-switches
DIP-switches for setup of the machine: DIPs 1, 2
and 3 are for setting the signal priorities; DIP 4 is
for setting to the manual or the AUTO mode (see
Section 4.1)
11
REMOTE Terminal Block
Connects to a contact closure switch (see
Section 4.3)
12
OUT HDMIConnector
Connect to the HDMI acceptor

6
VS-311H - Overview
#
Feature
Function
13
IN HDMI Connectors
Connect to the HDMI sources (from 1 to 3)
14
ETHERNET Connector
Connect to the PC or other Serial Controller
through computer networking
15
FACTORY RESET Button
Press the ETHERNET factory reset button to reset
to the factory default definitions:
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask –255.255.255.0
Gateway –192.168.1.1
First, disconnect the power and then connect it again
while pressing the RESET button. The unit will power
up and load its memory with the factory default
definitions
16
12V DC
+12V DC connector for powering the unit

VS-311H - Connecting the VS-311H
7
4 Connecting the VS-311H
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-311H. After connecting your VS-311H, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VS-311H as illustrated in the example in Figure 2:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, an HDMI DVD player) to the IN 1
HDMI connector and connect the digital audio input to the IN 1 S/PDIF RCA
connector.
You can also connect a DVD player with a DVI connector, using a DVI-HDMI adapter to
transfer video signals. Alternatively you can connect analog audio to the 3.5 mini-jack
connector
2. Connect an HDMI source (for example, an HDMI set top box source) to the
IN 3 HDMI connector and connect the digital audio input to the IN 3 3.5 mini-
jack connector or you can connect it to the S/PDIF RCA connector.
3. Connect the OUT HDMI connector to the HDMI acceptor (for example, an
HDMI plasma display).
4. Connect the AUDIO OUT S/PDIF RCA connector and the AUDIO OUT 3.5
mini-jack connector to a digital audio acceptor (for example, an AV receiver).
If the inputs are connected only to the 3.5 mini-jack connectors, connect the AUDIO
OUT 3.5 mini-jack connector and/or the BALANCED OUT terminal block connector
only.
5. Set the PRIORITY SETUP DIP-switches (see Section 4.1)
6. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the RS-232 port (see
Section 4.4) and/or the ETHERNET port (see Section 4.5).
7. If required, connect the contact closure remotecontrol PINs (see Section 4.3).
8. Connect the 12V DC power adapter to the power socket and connect the
adapter to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 2).
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8
VS-311H - Connecting the VS-311H
Figure 2: Connecting the VS-311H Automatic HDMI/Audio Switcher
4.1 Setting the DIP-Switches
This section describes the machine set-up and DIP-switch selection.
By default, all the VS-311H DIP-switches are set to OFF. Figure 3 describes the
VS-311H unit DIP-switches.
Figure 3: DIP-Switches

VS-311H - Connecting the VS-311H
9
DIPS
Function
Description
1, 2, 3
Priority setup
Set the inputs priority
4
AUTO
OFF: manual mode, switch between channels manually;
ON: automatic mode, inputs switch automatically to the output
according to the priority setup
Inputs 1, 2 and 3 can be set in priority according to your needs. The VS-311H
switches to the secondary input upon loss of the primary input signal, and back to
the primary input when a signal is detected.
The following table describes the priority setup:
Priority
DIP Position
1, 2, 3
OFF
OFF
OFF
3, 2, 1
OFF
OFF
ON
2, 3, 1
OFF
ON
OFF
1, 3, 2
ON
OFF
OFF
3, 1, 2
ON
OFF
ON
2, 1, 3
ON
ON
OFF
4.2 Priority Switching Applications
In the following example, DIP-switches 1, 2, and 3 are set to OFF, OFF and OFF
respectively, meaning that the highest priority input is IN 1; IN 2 is the secondary
input; and IN 3 the third. DIP-switch 4 is set ON, enabling AUTO mode operation.
If all the inputs are connected, you can, for example, press the INPUT SELECTOR
2 button to switch IN 2 to OUT. The plasma display shows the IN 2 signal.
If the HDMI signal on IN 2 is cut off, the switcher automatically switches IN 1 to the
output, and if that fails too, IN 3 is automatically switched to the output. If, in the
meantime, the IN 2 signal is restored, IN 2 will take priority once again.
4.3 Connecting the Contact Closure Remote Control PINs
The contact closure remote control pins operate in a similar way to the input
buttons.
For example, you may override (equivalent to pressing a different input button) the
presently routed input by using the remote control contact closure. To do so,

10
VS-311H - Connecting the VS-311H
connect the appropriate input number (input 1, 2 or 3) pin on the REMOTE
terminal block connector to the G (Ground) pin, as Figure 4 illustrates.
When in the manual mode (DIP-switch 4 set to OFF), you can switch an input to the output
using the front panel INPUT SELECT button.
Note that unless the connection is permanent, the VS-311H will revert to an automatic
switcher when the connection is removed.
DO NOT Connect more than one PIN to the Ground PIN at the
same time.
Figure 4: Connecting the Contact Closure Remote Control PINS
4.4 Connecting to the VS-311H via RS-232
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 5)—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 5: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection
!
To route IN 1 to the
output, temporarily
attach PIN 1 to
PIN G (Ground)
To route IN 2 to the
output, temporarily
attach PIN 2 to
PIN G (Ground)
To route IN 3 to the
output, temporarily
attach PIN 3 to
PIN G (Ground)
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
PC

VS-311H - Connecting the VS-311H
11
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 6)—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 6: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter
4.5 Controlling via ETHERNET
You can connect the VS-311H via the Ethernet, using a crossover cable (see
Section 4.5.1) for direct connection to the PC or a straight-through cable (see
Section 4.5.2) for connection via a network hub or network router.
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 on our Web site: http://www.kramerelectronics.com
4.5.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover
Cable)
You canconnect the Ethernet port of the VS-311H to the Ethernet port on your PC,
via a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VS-311H
with the factory configured default IP address
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9to PC
Null-Modem
Adapter
i

12
VS-311H - Connecting the VS-311H
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 7).
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 8.
7. Click OK.

VS-311H - Connecting the VS-311H
13
Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window
4.5.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-
Through Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-311H to the Ethernet port on a
network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
4.5.3 Control Configuration via the Ethernet Port
To control several units via the Ethernet, connect the unit via the Ethernet port to
the LAN port of your PC. Use your PC initially to configure the settings (see
Section 4.5).

14
VS-311H - Technical Specifications
5 Technical Specifications
INPUTS:
3 HDMI connectors
3 S/PDIF digital audio on RCA connectors
3 unbalanced stereo audio +4dBm on 3.5mm mini jacks
OUTPUT:
1HDMI connector
1 S/PDIF digital audio on an RCA connector
1 unbalanced stereo audio + 4dBm on a 3.5mm mini jack,
with 1 balanced stereo audio on a 5-pin detachable
terminal block
STANDARDS COMPLIANCE:
HDMI, HDCP
DATA RATE:
6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel)
CONTROLS:
Front panel buttons, infrared remote control transmitter,
RS-232, Ethernet
POWER CONSUMPTION:
12V DC, 380mA
OPERATING TEMPERATURE:
0° to +40°C (32° to 104°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE:
-40° to +70°C (-40° to 158°F)
HUMIDITY:
10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
DIMENSIONS:
21.6cm x 16.1cm x 4.4cm (8.5” x 6.3” x 1.7”, W, D, H)
WEIGHT:
1.2kg (2.6lbs) approx.
ACCESSORIES:
Power supply
OPTIONS:
Rack adapter RK-1
Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

VS-311H - Protocol 2000
15
6 Protocol 2000
This RS-232/RS-485 communication protocol uses four bytes of information as
defined below.
For RS-232, a null-modem connection between the machine and controller is
used. The default data rate is 9600 baud, with no parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
6.1 Syntax
MSB
LSB
1st Byte
DESTINATION
INSTRUCTION
0
D
N5
N4
N3
N2
N1
N0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2nd Byte
INPUT
1
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
I0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
3rd Byte
OUTPUT
1
O6
O5
O4
O3
O2
O1
O0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
4th Byte
MACHINE NUMBER
1
OVR
X
M4
M3
M2
M1
M0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1st Byte: Bit 7 –Defined as 0
D –DESTINATION:
0 –Sends information to the switchers (from the PC)
1 –Sends information to the PC (from the switcher)
N5…N0 – INSTRUCTION
The 6-bit INSTRUCTION defines the function performed by the switcher(s). If a function is performed using the
machine’s keyboard, these bits are set with the INSTRUCTION NO. performed. The instruction codes are defined
according to the table below (INSTRUCTION NO. is the value set in N5…N0).
2nd Byte: Bit 7 –Defined as 1
I6…I0 – INPUT
When switching (i.e. instruction codes 1 and 2), the 7-bit INPUT is set as the input number to be switched. If switching is
done using the machine’s front panel, these bits are set with the INPUT NUMBER switched. For other operations, these
bits are defined according to the table.
3rd Byte: Bit 7 –Defined as 1
O6…O0 – OUTPUT
When switching (i.e. instruction codes 1 and 2), the 7-bit OUTPUT is set as the output number to be switched. If
switching is done using the machine’s front panel, these bits are set with the OUTPUT NUMBER switched. For other
operations, these bits are defined according to the table.
4th Byte: Bit 7 –Defined as 1
Bit 5 –Don’t care
OVR –Machine number override
M4…M0 – MACHINE NUMBER
This byte is used to address machines in a system by their machine numbers. When several machines are controlled
from a single serial port, they are usually configured together and each machine has an individual machine number. If
the OVR bit is set, then all machine numbers accept (implement) the command and the addressed machine replies.
When a single machine is controlled over the serial port, always set M4…M0 to 1, and make sure that the machine itself
is configured as MACHINE NUMBER = 1.

16
VS-311H - Protocol 2000
6.2 Instruction Codes
All the values in the table are decimal, unless otherwise stated
Instruction Codes for Protocol 2000
Instruction
Definition for Specific Instruction
Notes
#
Description
Input
Output
1
SWITCH VIDEO
Set equal to video input that
is switched
(0 = disconnect)
Set equal to video output that is
switched
(0 = to all the outputs)
2, 15
NOTES on the above table:
NOTE 2 –These are bi-directional definitions. If the switcher receives the code, it performs the instruction. If the
instruction is performed (due to a keystroke operation on the front panel), then these codes are sent.
For example, if the PC sends HEX code:
01 85 88 83
then the switcher (machine 3) switches input 5 to output 8.
If the user switches input 1 to output 7 using the front panel buttons, the switcher sends HEX code:
41 81 87 83
to the PC.
When the PC sends one of the commands in this group to the switcher, if the instruction is valid, the switcher replies by
sending the same four bytes to the PC that it received (except for the first byte, where the DESTINATION bit is set high).
NOTE 15 –When the OVR bit (4th byte) is set, then the video commands have universal meaning.
For example, instruction 1 (SWITCH VIDEO) causes all units (including audio, data, etc.) to switch. Similarly, if a
machine is in FOLLOW mode, it performs any video instruction.