Kramer VS-81HDxl User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VS-81HDxl
8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher
P/N: 2900-000418 Rev 4

VS-81HDxl – 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-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher 5
3.2 Using the IR Transmitter 8
4Installing in a Rack 9
5Connecting the VS-81HDxl 10
5.1 DIP-Switch Settings 11
5.2 Connecting to the VS-81HDxl via RS-232 12
5.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port 13
5.4 Switching Genlocked Video Signals 14
5.5 Operating via Ethernet 14
5.6 Controlling via the REMOTE Connector 19
6Operating the VS-81HDxl 20
6.1Locking the Front Panel 20
7Technical Specifications 21
8Protocol 2000 22
8.1 Syntax 22
8.2 Instruction Codes 23
Figures
Figure 1: VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher 11
Figure 4: VS-81HDxl MACHINE ID DIP-switches 11
Figure 5: Crossed Cable RS-232 Connection 12
Figure 6: Straight Cable RS-232 Connection with a Null Modem Adapter 13
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window 16
Figure 8: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window 17
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window 17
Figure 10: Internet Protocol Properties Window 18
Figure 11: Using the REMOTE Connector 19

VS-81HDxl - 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-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD ‑ SDI Switcher,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Professional broadcasting and production studios
Post production

2
VS-81HDxl - 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-81HDxl 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-81HDxl - Getting Started
3
2.2 Safety Instructions
Caution:
There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning:
Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit
Warning:
Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause
electrical shock! Servicing by qualified personnel only
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/.
!

4
VS-81HDxl - Overview
3 Overview
The Kramer VS-81HDxl is a true 8x1 switcher for SD/HD/3G HD-SDI signals that
lets you switch any one of the eight inputs to two identical outputs.
The VS-81HDxl features:
A maximum data rate of 3Gbps
HDTV compatibility
Multi-standard operation: SDI (SMPTE 259M/344M) & HD−SDI (SMPTE
292M) & 3G HD−SDI (SMPTE 424M)
Kramer Equalization & re-Klocking™ Technology that rebuilds the digital
signal to travel longer distances
Cable equalization of up to 350m for SD signals, 140m for 1.5GHz HD
signals, and 120m for 3GHz HD signals
Standard Definition (SD) means an NTSC or PAL compatible video format, consisting of
480 (for NTSC) or 576 (for PAL) lines of interlaced video.
High Definition (HD) means a video format, consisting of 720 active lines of progressive
video or 1080 lines of progressive or interlaced video.
Active Input Indication™ reporting where each input button on the front
panel automatically lights up when the unit detects a video signal on that
input. Green indicates a standard definition (SDI) input signal and blue
indicates a high definition (HD−SDI) input signal
ANC data support (embedded audio, Teletext, time code and so on)
Bi−level, tri−level analog sync
Front panel control lockout
Output disconnect
SMPTE RP−168 vertical interval switching
A 100−240V AC worldwide power supply
Standard 19” rack mount size - 1U, rack “ears” included

VS-81HDxl - Overview
5
The VS-81HDxl can be controlled via the:
Front panel buttons
Infrared remote control transmitter
Infrared remote extension cable transmitter
Remotely, by RS-232 or RS-485 serial commands transmitted by a touch
screen system, PC, or other serial controller
Ethernet
Remote contact closure for forced operation
3.1 Defining the VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher
This section defines the VS-81HDxl.

6
VS-81HDxl - Overview
Figure 1: VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
IR Receiver
The red LED is illuminated 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 disconnect the outputs
4
INPUT SELECTOR Buttons
Select the input to switch to the output (from 1 to 8)
Use to set the resolution when switching genlocked video signals (see Section 5.4)
5
PANEL LOCK Button
Disengages the front panel buttons
6
VS-81HD –Overview

VS-81HDxl - Overview
7
VS-81HD –Overview
7
Figure 2: VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
6
GENLOCK IN BNC Connector
Connect to the genlock source
7
GENLOCK TERM Button
Press to terminate the genlock source (75) or release for looping to another unit
8
GENLOCK LOOP BNC Connector
Connect to the GENLOCK connector of the next unit in the line
9
INPUTS BNC Connectors
Connect to the serial digital video sources (from 1 to 8)
10
OUTPUTS SDI BNC Connectors
Connect the two identical SDI outputs to serial digital video acceptors (1 and 2)
11
RS-485 Detachable Terminal Block Port
PIN G is for the ground connection; PINs B (-) and A (+) are for RS-485
12
RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port
Connects to the PC or the Remote Controller via a null-modem
13
REMOTE Terminal Block Connector
Connect to contact closure switches (see Section 5.5)
14
MACHINE ID DIP-switches
DIP-switches for setting the machine ID number
15
REMOTE IR Opening
Connects to an optional external IR receiver unit for controlling the machine via an IR
remote controller (instead of using the front panel IR receiver)
16
ETH RESET Button
Press to reset to factory default definitions:
First disconnect the power cord and then connect it again while pressing the ETH Factory
Reset button. The unit will power up and load its memory with the factory default definitions
IP number 192.168.1.39
Mask –255.255.255.0
Gateway –192.168.1.1
17
ETHERNET Connector
Connects to the PC or other Serial Controller through computer networking
18
Power Connector with Fuse
AC connector enabling power supply to the unit

8
VS-81HDxl - Overview
3.2 Using the IR Transmitter
You can use the RC-IR3 IR transmitter to control the machine via the built-in IR
receiver on the front panel or, instead, via an optional external IR receiver (Model:
C-A35M/IRR-50). The external IR receiver can be located up to 15m (50ft) away
from the machine. This distance can be extended to up to 60m (200ft) when used
with three extension cables (Model: C-A35M/A35F-50).
Before using the external IR receiver, be sure to arrange for your Kramer dealer to
insert the internal IR connection cable (P/N: 505-70434010-S) with the 3.5mm
connector that fits into the REMOTE IR opening on the rear panel. Connect the
external IR receiver to the REMOTE IR 3.5mm connector.

VS-81HDxl - Installing in a Rack
9
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

10
VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
5 Connecting the VS-81HDxl
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VS-81HDxl. After connecting your VS-81HDxl, connect its power and
then switch on the power to each device.
You can use your VS-81HDxl to switch one of the eight HD/SD SDI inputs to the
two identical HD/SD SDI outputs, as the example illustrated in Figure 3 shows.
To connect the VS-81HDxl as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect up to eight SDI sources to the INPUTS BNC connectors, for
example an:
HD/SD SDI camera to INPUT 1
HD/SD SDI camera to INPUT 2
HD/SD SDI camera to INPUT 7
SDI VTR to INPUT 8
2. Connect the SDI OUTPUT BNC connectors to up to two SDI acceptors (for
example, two HD/SD SDI displays).
3. Set the DIP-switches (see Section 5.1).
4. As an option (not illustrated in Figure 3), you can connect:
A genlock source to the GENLOCK IN BNC connector
The LOOP BNC connector to the GENLOCK connector of the next unit
in the line, and release the TERM button for looping
Push in to terminate the input. Release when the input extends to another unit.
5. If required, connect a PC and/or controller to the:
RS-232 port (see Section 5.2), and/or
RS-485 port (see Section 5.3), and/or
ETHERNET connector (see Section 5.5)
i

VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
11
6. If required, connect a remote contact closure switch (see Section 5.5).
7. Connect the power cord.
Figure 3: Connecting the VS-81HDxl 8x1 HD/SD‑SDI Switcher
5.1 DIP-Switch Settings
By default, all the DIP-switches are set to OFF.
Figure 4 illustrates the VS-81HDxl DIP-switches:
Figure 4: VS-81HDxl MACHINE ID DIP-switches
ON 1 2 3 4

12
VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
5.1.1 Setting the Machine ID DIP-switches
The MACHINE ID determines the position of a VS-81HDxl unit, specifying which
VS-81HDxl unit is being controlled when several VS-81HDxl units connect to a PC
or serial controller. Set the Machine number on a VS-81HDxl unit via MACHINE ID
DIPs 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to the following table.
When using a standalone VS-81HDxl unit, set the Machine ID to 1. When
connecting more than one VS-81HDxl unit, set the first machine (the Master) that
is closest to the PC, as Machine ID 1 (the DIP-switches are set to OFF).
Mach.
#
DIP 1
DIP 2
DIP 3
DIP 4
Mach. #
DIP 1
DIP 2
DIP 3
DIP 4
1
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
9
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
2
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
10
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
3
OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
11
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
4
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
12
ON
ON
OFF
ON
5
OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
13
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
6
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
14
ON
OFF
ON
ON
7
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
15
OFF
ON
ON
ON
8
ON
ON
ON
OFF
16
ON
ON
ON
ON
5.2 Connecting to the VS-81HDxl 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
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
PC

VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
13
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
5.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-485 Port
You can operate the VS-81HDxl via the RS-485 port from a distance of up to
1200m (3900ft) using any device equipped with an RS-485 port (for example, a
PC). For successful communication, you must set the RS-485 machine number
and bus termination.
To connect a device with a RS-485 port to the VS-81HDxl:
Connect the A (+) pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the A (+) pin on the
RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VS-81HDxl
Connect the B (–) pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the B (–) pin on the
RS-485 port on the rear panel of the VS-81HDxl
Connect the G pin on the RS-485 port of the PC to the G pin on the RS-485
port on the rear panel of the VS-81HDxl
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9to PC
Null-Modem
Adapter

14
VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
5.4 Switching Genlocked Video Signals
The genlock feature lets you switch genlocked video signals according to timing of
the GENLOCK reference input.
According to SMPTE RP-168. The sources must be genlocked to the GENLOCK input in order
to switch cleanly.
Connect the GENLOCK cable.
If the HD or SD input signal (the unit detects automatically when SD-SDI inputs
are used) that is connected is one of the following, it is necessary to set it up as
follows:
1080i@60Hz: press and hold INPUT 1 button for 3 seconds. The button
flashes to indicate that the set up was completed
1080i@50Hz or 720p@50Hz: press and hold INPUT 2 button for 3 seconds
The button flashes to indicate that the set up was completed
720p@60Hz: press and hold INPUT 3 button for 3 seconds.
The button flashes to indicate that the set up was completed
NTSC: press and hold INPUT 7 button for 3 seconds.
The button flashes to indicate that the set up was completed
PAL: press and hold INPUT 8 button for 3 seconds.
The button flashes to indicate that the set up was completed
If a change is made to the resolution or refresh rate. The button does not flash if the
new timing is the same as that previously selected.
This feature is available in the devices upgraded to the latest firmware version 1.9 or
higher. Contact your Kramer dealer for details.
When turning the machine ON, the appropriate button will flash to indicate the
latest setup (last setup is saved).
5.5 Operating via Ethernet
You can connect to the VS-81HDxl via Ethernet using either of the following
methods:
Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Section 5.5.1)
Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see
Section 5.5.2)

VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
15
Note: If you want to connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6,
speak to your IT department for specific installation instructions.
5.5.1 Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You canconnect the Ethernet port of the VS-81HDxl directly to the Ethernet port
on your PC using a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the VS-81HDxl
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting the VS-81HDxl to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and
click Change settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network
adapter appears as shown in Figure 7.
i

16
VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
Figure 7: Local Area Connection Properties Window
4. Highlight either Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet
Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) depending on the requirements of your IT
system.
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears
as shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9.

VS-81HDxl - Connecting the VS-81HDxl
17
Figure 8: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window
Figure 9: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window