Kramer VS-81H User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-81H
8x1 HDMI Switcher
P/N: 2900-000670 Rev 3

VS-81H – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1Defining EDID 4
3.2About HDMI—General Description 4
3.3About HDCP—General Description 5
3.4Defining the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher 5
4Installing in a Rack 8
5Connecting the VS-81H 9
6Operating the VS-81H 11
6.1The PC and DVD Modes 11
6.2Acquiring the EDID 12
6.3Connecting via the RS-232 Port 13
6.4Connecting via the ETHERNET Port 13
7Technical Specifications 16
8Default Communication Parameters 17
9Protocol 2000 18
Figures
Figure 1: VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher 10
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window 14
Figure 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 15

VS-81H - 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 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 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-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher, which is
ideal for the following typical applications:
•Conference room presentations
•Rental and staging

2 VS-81H - 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 machine
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 Kramer VS-81H away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
i

VS-81H - Overview 3
3 Overview
The VS-81H is a high-performance switcher for HDMI signals. It reclocks and
equalizes the signal and switches one of the 4 inputs to a single HDMI output.
In particular, the VS-81H features:
•A maximum data rate of 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel)
•HDTV compatibility (suitable for resolutions up to UXGA at 60Hz, and for all
HD resolutions)
•HDMI support with Deep Color, x.v.Color™, up to 7.1 Uncompressed Audio
Channels
•HDCP support (High Definition Digital Content Protection)
•EDID pass-through that passes EDID/HDCP signals from source to display
•3D pass-through
•Kramer Equalization & re-Klocking™ Technology that rebuilds the digital
signal to travel longer distances.
•Eight input selector buttons
•A OFF button to disconnect the output and a PANEL LOCK button to
prevent unwanted tampering with the buttons on the front panel
•A world-wide power supply 100−240V AC
•Installation in one vertical space of a standard 19” professional rack
enclosure
Control the VS-81H 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 RC-IR3 infrared remote control transmitter
•The Ethernet

4 VS-81H - Overview
3.1 Defining EDID
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is a data-structure provided by a
display, to describe its capabilities to a graphics card (that is connected to the
display’s source). The EDID enables the VS-81H 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.
EDID is defined by a standard published by the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA).
3.2 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.
In particular, HDMI:
•Provides a simple interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-
top box, DVD player, or AV 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 AV 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

VS-81H - Overview 5
•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 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), standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL, as well as
480p and 576p
3.3 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.
3.4 Defining the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher
This section defines the VS-81H.

6 VS-81H - Overview
Figure 1: VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher Front Panel
# Feature Function
1 IR Receiver LED illuminates when receiving signals from the infrared remote control transmitter
2 POWER Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON or OFF
3 OFF Button Press to toggle disconnecting the output
Flashes when the EDID of the connected monitor is different from the last EDID that was saved
4 INPUT SELECTOR Buttons Press to select an input (from 1 to 8)
5 PANEL LOCK Button Press to toggle disengaging the front panel buttons and to set to the PC/DVD mode
6VS-81H – Overview

VS-81H - Overview 7
VS-81H – Overview 7
Figure 2: VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher Rear Panel
# Feature Function
6 INPUT HDMI Connectors Connect to the HDMI sources (from 1 to 8)
7 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Connector Connects to a PC or an RS-232 remote controller
8 ETHERNET Connector Connects to a PC, Ethernet controller or network
9 RESET Button Press to reset to the factory default definitions:
First disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the RESET button. The
unit powers up and loads the factory default definitions into its memory.
IP number −192.168.1.39
Mask – 255.255.255.0
Gateway – 192.168.1.1
10 OUTPUT HDMI Connector Connects to the HDMI acceptor
11 Power Connector with Fuse AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

8 VS-81H - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VS-81H - Connecting the VS-81H 9
5 Connecting the VS-81H
To connect the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher (as illustrated in Figure 3), do the
following:
1. If required:
Set the appropriate INPUTS to the DVD mode (see Section 6.1)
Acquire the EDID (see Section 6.2)
2. Connect the HDMI sources as follows:
You do not have to connect all the HDMI sources.
Alternatively, you can connect a PC to any of the inputs and set those inputs to the PC
mode (see Section 6.1)
A multimedia player to INPUT 1
A set top box to INPUT 2
A DVD player to INPUT 6
A DVD player to INPUT 8
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
Section6.3) and/or the ETHERNET port (see Section 6.4).
5. Connect the power connector to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 3).
Press an INPUT SELECTOR button (from 1 to 8) to choose the HDMI input to
route to the output.
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-81H. After connecting your VS-81H, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
i

10 VS-81H - Connecting the VS-81H
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-81H 8x1 HDMI Switcher

VS-81H - Operating the VS-81H 11
6 Operating the VS-81H
This section describes:
•The PC mode and the DVD mode (see Section 6.1)
•How to acquire the EDID (see Section 6.2)
•How to control the machine via RS-232 (see Section 6.3)
•How to control the machine via the ETHERNET port (see Section 6.4)
6.1 The PC and DVD Modes
The VS-81H has two operation modes that can be set individually for each input:
the PC mode (default) and the DVD mode:
•Use the PC mode when connecting one or more computers to the inputs
using a DVI-to-HDMI converter cable
For example, the Kramer HDMI-DVI gold-plated cable in various lengths (3”, 6”, 10” and
15”).
•Use the DVD mode when connecting one or more DVDs to the inputs
In the PC mode, an input always has access to the EDID (default or acquired) to
prevent the computer from resetting if the output is not connected.
In the DVD mode, an input only has access to the EDID when it is switched to the
connected output.
The PC mode and the DVD mode can be applied to a single unit or to several
inputs. For example, if you want to connect computers to INPUTS 1 and 2, and
DVD machines to INPUTS 6 and 8, set INPUTS 1 and 2 to the PC mode and
INPUTS 6 and 8 to the DVD mode.
To set the inputs to either the PC or DVD mode, do the following:
1. Turn off the VS-81H POWER.
2. Press the PANEL LOCK button while turning the POWER on again.

12 VS-81H - Operating the VS-81H
3. Keep pressing and holding the PANEL LOCK button for a few seconds and
then release it.
The LOCK button flashes.
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.
4. Press an input to toggle between the PC mode (input button not illuminated)
and the DVD mode (input button illuminated).
5. To exit this mode, press the PANEL LOCK button.
6. Connect a computer to the input that is set to the PC mode and a DVD to the
input 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 the input
and an output are connected
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, do the following:
1. Turn the POWER off.
2. Press the PANEL LOCK button and the INPUT 8 button while turning the
POWER on again.
The INPUT buttons flash in sequence until the unit has completed to read
the EDID.

VS-81H - Operating the VS-81H 13
3. Release the PANEL LOCK and INPUT 8 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.
6.3 Connecting via the RS-232 Port
You can connect to the VS-81H to a PC or RS-232 controller using the RS-232
connection.
Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the VS-81H via RS-232:
•Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the VS-81H unit via a
9-wire straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, and pin 5 to pin 5
need to be connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC
6.4 Connecting via the ETHERNET Port
You can connect the VS-81H via the Ethernet, using a crossover cable (see
Section 6.4.1) for direct connection to the PC or a straight through cable (see
Section 6.4.2) for connection via a network hub or network router.
After connecting the Ethernet port, 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.
6.4.1 Connecting the ETHERNET Port directly to a PC (Crossover
Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-81H 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-81H 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.

14 VS-81H - Operating the VS-81H
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 4).
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in
Figure 5.
7. Click OK.

VS-81H - Operating the VS-81H 15
Figure 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window
6.4.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (Straight-
Through Cable)
You can connect the Ethernet port of the VS-81H to the Ethernet port on a network
hub or network router, via a straight through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
6.4.3 Configuring Several Units via the Ethernet Port
To control several units via the Ethernet, connect each unit via the Ethernet port to
the LAN port of your PC. Use your PC to initially configure the settings of each unit
(see Section 6.46.4.1).

16 VS-81H - Technical Specifications
7 Technical Specifications
INPUTS: 8 HDMI connectors
OUTPUT: 1 HDMI connector
MAX. DATA RATE: Up to 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel)
COMPLIANCE WITH HDMI
STANDARD:
Supports HDMI and HDCP
RESOLUTION: Up to UXGA; 1080p, deep color
POWER SOURCE: 100−240V AC; 50/60Hz, 12VA
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, rack “ears” and IR remote control
Specifications are subject to change without notice at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

VS-81H - Default Communication Parameters 17
8 Default Communication Parameters
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
IP Address: 192.168.1.39
TCP Port Number: 5000
Network Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1