Kramer VW-4 User manual

P/N: 2900-301487 Rev 1 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VW-4
4 Output Video-Wall Driver

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VW-4 –Contents
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Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Typical Applications 3
Defining VW-4 4 Output Video-Wall Driver 4
Mounting VW-4 5
Connecting VW-4 6
Connecting to VW-4 via RS-232 7
Connecting via Ethernet 7
Configuring VW-4 10
Configuring SETUP DIP-Switches 10
Using the VW-4 App 11
Adjusting the Video-Wall Image 24
Upgrading Firmware 25
Technical Specifications 26
Default Communication Parameters 27
Default EDID 27
Protocol 3000 30
Understanding Protocol 3000 30
Protocol 3000 Commands 31
Result and Error Codes 36

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VW-4 –Introduction
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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!
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 www.kramerav.com/downloads/VW-4 to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving 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 VW-4 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust.
Safety Instructions
Caution:
•This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
•For products with relay terminals and GPI\O ports, please refer to the permitted rating
for an external connection, located next to the terminal or in the User Manual.
•There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Warning:
•Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit.
•To ensure continuous risk protection, replace fuses only according to the rating
specified on the product label which is located on the bottom of the unit.

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VW-4 –Introduction
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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 www.kramerav.com/support/recycling.
Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VW-4 4 Output Video-Wall Driver, designed to
configure and manage video-walls quickly and easily. Use one VW-4 device to create any wall
configuration with up to 4 displays, for example, a 2x2, 4x1, 1x4, 2x1, 3x1 video-wall. Connect
additional devices to create walls of any size and configuration of up to 64 displays. Configure
a single or multiple device setup using the VW-4 app via Ethernet or RS-232, or quickly
configure a basic setup using the local DIP-switches.
VW-4 provides exceptional quality and user-friendly operation.
Exceptional Quality
•Scalable Video-walls –Create and manage a video-wall of up to 4 displays or, by adding
devices, create video-walls of up to 64 displays.
•Content Protection –Supports HDCP 2.2 on the input and loop output and HDCP 1.4 on
the main outputs.
•EDID Support –Upload EDID files, copy any output EDID to the input, and select from
several built-in EDID files.
•Reliable Video –Features constant output sync, and includes auto-sync off options for
shutting down the output when no input is detected.
•Auto Display Powering –CEC capabilities turn ON or OFF the connected displays
according to the status of the input video.
•HDMI Support –CEC (by-pass loop for output only), 4K@60Hz (input and loop output),
1080P (output), Deep Color, 7.1 PCM, as specified in HDMI 2.0.
Advanced and User-friendly Operation
•Quick, Basic, Local Setup –Use front panel DIP-switches for basic setup of video-walls
up to 16 displays.
•Full Feature Configuration –Use the VW-4 app via Ethernet or RS-232 to set up video-
walls of up to 8x8 displays. Also use the app for bezel corrections, HDCP status, factory
reset, upgrading firmware, viewing network settings and copying EDID.
•Easy Installation –Compact MegaTOOLS® fan-less enclosure for surface mounting or
side-by-side mounting of 2 units in a 1U rack space with the recommended rack adapter.

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VW-4 –Introduction
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Typical Applications
VW-4 is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Command and control rooms
•Digital signage
•Stock market displays
•Building lobbies
•Corporate offices
•In-store retail promotion
•Convention and trade shows.
Controlling your VW-4
Control your VW-4 via:
•DIP-switch settings –for basic video-wall configuration.
•VW-4 app, via the Ethernet or RS-232.
•Remotely, by RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or
other serial controller.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
VW-4 –Defining VW-4 4 Output Video-Wall Driver
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Defining VW-4 4 Output
Video-Wall Driver
This section defines VW-4.
Figure 1: VW-4 4 Output Video-Wall Driver
#
Feature
Function
ON LED
Lights green when the device is powered.
INPUT LED
Lights green when a valid input signal is detected on the input.
OUTPUT LEDs (1 to 4)
Light green when an acceptor is detected on that output.
INPUT HDMI Connector
Connect to an HDMI source.
LOOP HDMI Connector
Connect to an additional VW-4 device for configuring a large video-wall
or to a local monitor.
SERVICE USB Port
Use to perform firmware upgrade.
OUT HDMI Connectors
(1 to 4)
Connect to up to 4 HDMI acceptors that make up the video-wall
configuration.
The appropriate segments of the zoomed picture are output on these
connectors for connection to the displays in the video-wall.
The output on these connectors is at 1080P resolution.
SETUP 4-way DIP-switch
Use for fast, basic configuration of the device without needing to be
connected to a PC, see Configuring SETUP DIP-Switches on page 10.
RS-232 3-pin terminal
block connector
Use to setup and monitor the VW-4 via the Windows software and to
upgrade the firmware.
ETHERNET RJ-45
Connector
Connect to a PC via a LAN to setup and monitor the VW-4 via the
configuration app.
5V DC Connector
Connect to the supplied power adapter.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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VW-4 –Mounting VW-4
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Mounting VW-4
This section provides instructions for mounting VW-4. Before installing, verify that the
environment is within the recommended range:
•Operation 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.
Caution:
•Mount VW-4 before connecting any cables or power.
Warning:
•Ensure that the environment (e.g., maximum ambient temperature & air flow) is
compatible for the device.
•Avoid uneven mechanical loading.
•Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used for avoiding
overloading of the circuits.
•Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.
•Maximum mounting height for the device is 2 meters.
Mount VW-4 in a rack:
•Use the recommended rack adapter
(see www.kramerav.com/product/VW-4).
Mount VW-4 on a surface using one of the following methods:
•Attach the rubber feet and place the unit on a flat surface.
•Fasten 2 brackets (included) on each side of the unit and attach
them to a flat surface. For more information go to
www.kramerav.com/downloads/VW-4.

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VW-4 –Connecting VW-4
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Connecting VW-4
You can connect up to 16 VW-4 devices to create a video-wall of 8x8, using 64 displays. In
the example below, three VW-4 devices are used to create a 6x2 video-wall.
The ID Name of the three devices in this 6x2 diagram are set by the App to 0, 1 and 2
(see Changing the Device ID Number on page 16). Each output is designated by the device
ID number and its outputs. For example, VW-4 (1) is defined as the second device in this
video-wall configuration and VW-4 (1-2) is HDMI OUT 2 on that device.
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your VW-4. After
connecting your VW-4, connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.
Figure 2: Connecting to the VW-4
To connect VW-4 as illustrated in the example in Figure 2:
1. Connect the HDMI source (for example, a laptop) to the HDMI INPUT connector on
the front panel of VW-4 (0).
2. Connect the LOOP HDMI connector on VW-4 (0) to the HDMI INPUT connector on
the front panel of VW-4 (1).
3. Connect the LOOP HDMI connector on VW-4 (1) to the HDMI INPUT connector on the
front panel of VW-4 (2).
4. Connect each of the HDMI OUT connectors on the three VW-4 devices to a display
(in its appropriate location on the video-wall).
5. Connect the power adapter to VW-4 and to the mains electricity (not shown in Figure 2).
6. Configure the video-wall (see Configuring VW-4 on page 10).
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5
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VW-4 –Connecting VW-4
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Connecting to VW-4 via RS-232
You can connect to VW-4 via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC.
VW-4 features an RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector allowing the RS-232 to control
VW-4.
Connect the RS-232 terminal block on the rear panel of VW-4 to a PC/controller, as follows:
From the RS-232 9-pin D-sub serial port connect:
•Pin 2 to the TX pin on the VW-4 RS-232 terminal block
•Pin 3 to the RX pin on the VW-4 RS-232 terminal block
•Pin 5 to the G pin on the VW-4 RS-232 terminal block
RS-232 Device VW-4
Connecting via Ethernet
You can connect to VW-4 via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
•Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Connecting Ethernet Port Directly to PC
on page 7).
•Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see Connecting
Ethernet Port via Network Hub on page 9).
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.
Connecting Ethernet Port Directly to PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of VW-4 directly to the Ethernet port on your PC using a
crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying VW-4
with the factory configured default IP address.
After connecting VW-4 to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
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VW-4 –Connecting VW-4
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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 3.
Figure 3: 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 4 or Figure 5.
Figure 4: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window

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VW-4 –Connecting VW-4
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Figure 5: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address for static IP addressing and fill in the details as
shown in Figure 6.
For TCP/IPv4 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.
Figure 6: Internet Protocol Properties Window
7. Click OK.
8. Click Close.
Connecting Ethernet Port via Network Hub or Switch
You can connect the Ethernet port of VW-4 to the Ethernet port on a network hub or using a
straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
Configuring Ethernet Port
You can set the Ethernet parameters via the embedded webpages.

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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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Configuring VW-4
We recommend that you configure the video-wall after connecting the video-wall. You can
configure the video-wall by:
•Configuring SETUP DIP-Switches on page 10.
•Using the VW-4 App on page 11.
•Configuring the video-wall via protocol commands (see Protocol 3000 on page 30).
Once the video-wall settings are defined, adjust the image on the video-wall (see Adjusting
the Video-Wall Image on page 24).
Configuring SETUP DIP-Switches
Use the SETUP DIP-switch settings to configure a basic video-wall (without defining bezel
correction) of up to 4x4, consisting of 1 to 4 VW-4 devices. This can be very useful for quickly
testing video-wall functionality when setting up the system.
When the video-wall size is configured using the DIP-switches, you cannot set it via the
configuration app. To use the app, make sure that all DIP-switches are OFF.
DIP 1
DIP 2
DIP 3
DIP 4
Columns x Rows Layout
Notes
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
Basic setup is not used (default)
The setup is configured via the
APP, not via the DIP-switches.
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
Full size picture (“1x1” wall)
Image appears on all displays.
(Each display shows the full
image).
OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
N/A
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
N/A
One VW-4 Device
OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
2x2 wall (0)
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
4x1 wall (0)
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
1x4 wall (0)
OFF
ON
ON
ON
N/A
Three VW-4 Devices
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
3x3 wall, first unit (0)
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
3x3 wall, second unit (1)
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
3x3 wall, third unit (2)
ON
OFF
ON
ON
N/A
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DIP 1
DIP 2
DIP 3
DIP 4
Columns x Rows Layout
Notes
Four VW-4 Devices
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
4x4 wall, first unit (0)
ON
ON
OFF
ON
4x4 wall, second unit (1)
ON
ON
ON
OFF
4x4 wall, third unit (2)
ON
ON
ON
ON
4x4 wall, fourth unit (3)
Using the VW-4 App
Use the VW-4 Windows® Control Software app to configure a video-wall of up to 8x8,
consisting of one or more VW-4 devices.
Download app from www.kramerav.com/product/VW-4#Tab_Resources).
VW-4 app enables performing the following actions:
•Connecting VW-4 Devices to the Network on page 12.
•Configuring Device Settings on page 15.
•Configuring Device Layout on page 21.
In the following example, two VW-4 devices are used to configure a 3x2 video-wall.
We recommend that you first arrange the displays on the video-wall and then configure the
devices using the VW-4 App.

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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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Connecting VW-4 Devices to the Network
Before setting the video-wall using the app, you need to connect all the VW-4 devices to the
same network as your PC and then open the app.
Set each device with a unique IP address. You can do this by connecting a device to the
App and changing its IP address (see Updating Network Settings on page 14).
To Connect the video-wall VW-4 devices (for example, a 3x2 video-wall, using two
devices):
1. Connect all the video-wall VW-4 devices to your network, making sure that each has a
unique IP address.
2. Open the app.
Figure 7: VW-4 Windows® Control Software App

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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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3. Click Connection.
The Connection window opens, showing a list of all the connected VW-4 devices and the
available RS-232 ports on your PC.
Figure 8: Connection Window
4. Select a connected device under All Units and click .
The selected device moves to the Selected Units area.
5. Move other connected devices.
Figure 9: Selected Devices under Selected Units

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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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6. Click Connect. The device is connected, and a green indication circle appears under
Stat.
Figure 10: [Figure Caption]
7. Click OK. The app Status line indicates the number of devices selected and connected.
Video-wall devices are connected.
Updating Network Settings
Change the IP address and other Network settings via P3K commands (see Protocol 3000
Commands on page 31) or via the VW-4 App.
When changing Network settings, the device should be disconnected.

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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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To update the Network settings:
1. Click Connection.
2. Click next to the TELNET number of a device. The Network status window opens.
Figure 11: Network Settings Window (Detail Window)
3. Change Network settings (if IP mode is set to Static).
4. Change the IP mode to static or DHCP.
5. Change Network settings as required.
6. Click Save and then Reboot.
Network settings are updated.
Configuring Device Settings
Once the devices are connected, you can configure each of the video-wall VW-4 devices via
the Settings tab.
Settings tab enables performing the following actions:
•Changing the Device ID Number on page 16.
•Updating the Firmware on page 17.
•Performing Factory Reset on page 18.
•Viewing Network Settings on page 18.
•Defining Input Settings on page 18.
•Defining Output Settings on page 20.

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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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Changing the Device ID Number
The ID-NAME area lists the devices in the order they were discovered and connected: “0” is
the first, “1” the second, and so on. You can change that order to match your video-wall
configuration.
To change the ID of a device:
1. Select the Settings tab.
2. Place cursor next to the ID.
Figure 12: ID-NAME List
3. Change the ID number for each device and press ENTER on your PC.
Figure 13: ID-NAME Changed
The device ID number has changed and is saved.

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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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Updating the Firmware
VW-4 App enables updating the firmware for each device.
To update the firmware:
1. Save the new firmware file to a memory stick.
The memory stick should only include this file.
2. Select the Settings tab and then click System tab.
Figure 14: System Tab
3. Click Update. The following message appears.
Figure 15: Firmware Update Message
4. Connect the memory stick (USB) to SERVICE USB connector .
5. Click OK. The device disconnects and the firmware is upgraded.
6. Reconnect the device and make sure that the firmware revision has changed.
Firmware is updated.
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VW-4 –Configuring VW-4
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Performing Factory Reset
To perform factory reset:
1. Select the Settings tab and then click System tab.
2. Click Reset.
The device is reset to its factory default values (except for the network parameters).
Viewing Network Settings
You can change Network settings via the Connection window (see Updating Network Settings
on page 14).
To view Network settings:
1. Select the Settings tab and then click Network tab.
2. View the device Network settings.
Network settings are viewed.
Defining Input Settings
Manage the EDID and HDCP settings.
To define input settings:
1. Select the Settings tab and then click Input tab.
Figure 16: Input Settings
2. View the input signal status. Sync is green if a valid input is detected.