Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
Contents Contents 1 2 2.1 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 4 4.1 5 6 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.
Contents 9 9.1 9.2 Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Connecting to the VP-4x8AK via your Browser The VP-4x8AK Switching Matrix Page 27 27 29 9.2.1 9.2.2 9.2.3 Switch an Input to an Output via the Embedded Web Pages Operate in the Confirm Mode Store and Recall Setups 30 30 31 9.3 9.4 10 11 12 13 14 14.
Contents Figure 23: Selecting a Preset Figure 24: Save Preset Message Figure 25: Load Preset Message Figure 26: Recalling a Preset in the Confirm Mode Figure 27: Audio Gain Page Figure 28: CONFIGURATIONS Embedded Web Page 32 32 32 33 34 35 Tables Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual Table 2: Front Panel VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Features Table 3: Rear Panel VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Features Table 4: Technical Specifications of the VP-4x8AK 4x8 Video Au
Introduction 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 1 that are clearly defined by function.
Getting Started 2 KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Overview 3 Overview The VP-4x8AK is a high performance 4x8 computer graphics video matrix switcher for high-resolution video and stereo audio signals. The VP-4x8AK is HDTV compatible and lets you simultaneously route any or all of the four inputs to any or all of the eight outputs and to loop each input to an additional output.
Overview Control the VP-4x8AK using the front panel buttons, or remotely via: • RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands (using Kramer 2000 and 3000 protocols) transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller • The Kramer infrared remote control transmitter or infrared remote extension cable transmitter (optional) • The ETHERNET The VP-4x8AK is dependable, rugged, and fits into two vertical spaces (2U) of a standard 19” professional rack.
Your VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher 3.2 DDC Support When establishing a VGA connection between a PC or laptop and a display device, a set of parameters known as EDID is exchanged between them, which is carried over the DDC channel. In some PC graphic cards and laptops, this information exchange is essential for proper VGA OUT operation. 3.
Your VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Figure 1: VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher – Front View 6 KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Table 2: Front Panel VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Features # 1 2 3 4 Feature IR Receiver POWER LED SELECTOR OUT Buttons SELECTOR IN Buttons 5 6 ALL Button OFF Button 7 VIDEO Button 8 AUDIO Button 9 AFV Button 10 STO (Store) Button 11 RCL (Recall) Button 12 TAKE Button 13 14 15 16 AUDIO LEVEL 17 - Button + Button LOCK Button STATUS 7-segment display REL.
Your VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Figure 2: VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher – Rear View 8 KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Table 3: Rear Panel VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Features # 1 3 4 5 6 7 Feature AUDIO INPUT 3.
Installing the VP-4x8AK in a Rack 5 Installing the VP-4x8AK in a Rack This section describes what to do before installing in a rack and how to rack mount. .
Using the VP-4x8AK 6 Using the VP-4x8AK This section describes how to: • Connect the VP-4x8AK rear panel (see Section 6.1) • Connect a balanced stereo audio output (see Section 6.2) • Connect the VP-4x8AK to a controlling device via RS-232 (see Section 6.3), RS-485 (see Section 6.4) and/or the ETHERNET (see Section 6.5) • Set the switching delay time (see Section 6.7) • Set the machine number (see Section 6.8) • Connect several VP-4x8AK machines (see Section 6.9) 6.
Using the VP-4x8AK Figure 3: Connecting the VP-4x8AK 4x8 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher 12 KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Using the VP-4x8AK 6.2 Connecting the Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output This section illustrates how to wire: • A balanced output connection, see Figure 4 • An unbalanced audio output, see Figure 5 Figure 4: Connecting the Balanced Stereo Audio Output Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Output 6.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-232 Port You can connect to the VP-4x8AK via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
Using the VP-4x8AK 6.4 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS 485 Port You can operate the VP-4x8AK 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.
Using the VP-4x8AK 4. Select Properties. The Local Area Connection Properties window appears. 5. Select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties Button (see Figure 6). Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window 6. Select Use the following IP Address, and fill in the details as shown in Figure 7. 7. Click OK.
Using the VP-4x8AK 6.5.1.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (StraightThrough Cable) You can connect the Ethernet port of the VP-4x8AK to the Ethernet port on a network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors. 6.5.2 Ethernet Port Configuration To configure the Ethernet port, download the Device Properties Ethernet configuration software. Extract the file to a folder and create a shortcut on your desktop to the file.
Using the VP-4x8AK 3. Click OK. The Device Properties window appears: Figure 9: Device Properties Screen 4. If required, make changes and press Set. If not, click Close. 6.6 Control via the Ethernet Port You can control the VP-4x8AK via RS-232/RS-485 or the Ethernet using the Kramer K-Router application. If you are controlling a standalone unit via RS-232 or the Ethernet, configure the unit as master (Mach No. 1), see Section 6.8.
Using the VP-4x8AK 6.7 Setting the Switching Delay Time You can achieve clean transitions when switching between non-genlocked sources by setting the delay time—ranging from 0sec to 3.5sec 1. The factory default delay is to 0sec. To set the delay time, do the following: 1. Press the VIDEO and AUDIO front panel buttons simultaneously. The 7-segment display shows the current switching delay time. 2. Use the + and – front panel buttons to set the delay time as required.
Using the VP-4x8AK 5. Set the RS-485 TERM DIP-switch ON on the first and last VP-4x8AK units (terminating the RS-485 line at 120Ω). Set the RS-485 TERM DIP-switch OFF on the other VP-4x8AK units.
Operating the VP-4x8AK 7 Operating the VP-4x8AK This section describes how to: • Use the IN and OUT buttons (see Section 7.1) • Read the 7-segment displays (see Section 7.2) • Confirm settings (see Section 7.3) • Store and recall input/output configurations (see Section 7.4) • Lock the front panel (see Section 7.5) • Choose the audio-follow-video or the breakaway feature (see Section 7.6) • Use the audio gain control (see Section 7.7) 7.
Operating the VP-4x8AK Figure 12 shows an example of the display immediately after switching on the power. This display disappears after a few seconds, replaced by the normal display. Firmware version # Machine # Figure 12: 7-segment Display after Turning the Switcher ON 7.2.2 The REL AUDIO LEVEL 7-Segment Display The REL AUDIO LEVEL display, as illustrated in Figure 13, is active only in the AUDIO and AFV modes (see Section 7.7). Figure 13: REL AUDIO LEVEL 7-segment Display 7.
Operating the VP-4x8AK 7.3.1 Toggling between the At Once and Confirm Modes To toggle between the At Once and Confirm modes, do the following: 1. Press the TAKE button to toggle from the At Once mode (in which the TAKE button does not illuminate) to the Confirm mode (in which the TAKE button illuminates). Actions now require user confirmation and the TAKE button illuminates. 2. Press the illuminated TAKE button to toggle from the Confirm mode back to the At Once mode.
Operating the VP-4x8AK 7.4.1 Storing an Input/Output Configuration To store the current status in memory, do the following: 1. Press the STO button. The STO button blinks. 2. Press one of the 12 IN/OUT buttons (this will be the setup # in which the current status is stored). If in the Confirm mode, press the blinking TAKE button to confirm the action. The memory stores the data at that reference. 7.4.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration To recall an input/output configuration, do the following: 1.
Operating the VP-4x8AK 7.6 Choosing the Audio-Follow-Video or Breakaway Option You can switch stereo audio signals in one of two ways, either: • Audio-follow-video (AFV), in which all operations relate to both the video and the audio channels; or • Breakaway, in which video and audio channels switch independently 7.6.
Flash Memory Upgrade The VP4x8AK output audio signal level 1 is shown on the REL. AUDIO LEVEL 7-segment display. The factory default audio gain is set to 0dB. An audio gain value of 0dB indicates that the output signal value is identical to the input signal value. When increasing/decreasing the audio gain, the output signal level is higher/lower than the input signal level.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 9 Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages You can remotely operate the VP-4x8AK using a Web browser via the Ethernet connection (see Section 9.1). To be able to do so, you must use a supported Web browser; Microsoft (V6.0 and higher), Chrome, or Firefox (V3.0 and higher). To check that Java is installed correctly and running, browse to: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml This page runs a test and displays a Java success (see Figure 15) or failure message.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages The following window appears: Figure 17: Loading the Embedded Web Pages Check that Java and JavaScript is enabled in your browser. The following window appears: Figure 18: First Time Security Warning 3. Click Run. The VP-4x8AK switching control page is displayed (see Figure 19).
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages The Web embedded screens let you control the VP-4x8AK via the Ethernet. The menu appears on the left side of the screen. There are three remote operation Web pages: • The switching matrix (see Section 9.2) • Audio gain control (See Section 9.3) • Configuration (See Section 9.4) A help box is available for each screen when clicking the question mark that appears on the left side of the screen. 9.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages You can perform the following operations via this Web page: • Operate in the AFV mode or switch the audio and video separately, by clicking the Audio, Video or AFV buttons (see Section 9.2.1) • Deselect an audio and/or video signal 1 by clicking that signal indicator • Operate in the At Once or Confirm mode (see Section 9.2.2) • Lock or unlock the front panel, by clicking the lock icon • Store and recall switching configurations (see Section 9.2.3) 9.2.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Figure 21: Switching an Input to an Output 3. Click either Take (to accept change) or Cancel. You can repeat steps 2 and 3 several times. To confirm several actions, select several switching points and then press TAKE 4. Click the Online button to exit the Confirm mode. If you click the Online button before you click the TAKE button, the following warning appears: Figure 22: Exiting Offline Warning 9.2.3 Store and Recall Setups To store a matrix configuration: 1.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Figure 23: Selecting a Preset 2. Click the Preview button to view the current setup stored in Preset 7. 3. Make sure the matrix is set to the desired configuration. If not, set it as required. 4. Click Store. The following window appears: Figure 24: Save Preset Message 5. Click OK. The new In/Out configuration is stored in Preset 07. To recall a preset configuration: 1. Select the desired preset number from the Preset drop-down list 1 (for example, Preset 03): 2.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 4. Click OK. The new In/Out configuration takes effect. You can recall a preset configuration in the Confirm mode by repeating the above procedure in the Offline state. The recalled configuration will become active when you press the Take button. Figure 26: Recalling a Preset in the Confirm Mode The Help Box ? This is the main panel window. In this window you can control the channels.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 9.3 Audio Gain Page The AUDIO GAIN screen lets you set the gain for each of the input and output channels: Figure 27: Audio Gain Page To change an input or output gain, select the channel number, then click and hold the + or – buttons to increase or decrease the gain, respectively. A single click will increase/decrease the audio gain by 0.5 units; double click to increase/decrease the gain by 1 unit.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 9.4 The Configurations Page The CONFIGURATIONS page lets you view some Ethernet settings 1 and change others (see Figure 28). To change CONFIGURATION definitions: 1. Click CONFIGURATIONS. The CONFIGURATIONS Web page appears. 2. Change the definitions as required. 3. Click the Submit button to apply changes2. A window appears asking if you are sure you want to change the network settings. 4. Click Yes.
Technical Specifications 10 Technical Specifications Table 4 lists the technical specifications: 1 Table 4: Technical Specifications of the VP-4x8AK 4x8 Video Audio Matrix Switcher INPUTS: OUTPUTS: MAX. OUTPUT LEVEL: BANDWIDTH (-3dB): DIFF. GAIN: DIFF. PHASE: K-FACTOR: S/N RATIO: CROSSTALK (all hostile): CONTROLS: COUPLING: AUDIO THD + NOISE: AUDIO 2nd HARMONIC: POWER SOURCE: DIMENSIONS: WEIGHT: ACCESSORIES: 4 XGA on 15-pin HD connectors (VGA through UXGA); 4 unbalanced stereo audio 3.
Communication Parameters 11 Communication Parameters Table 5 lists the communication parameters as used in Kramer Electronics products.
Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 2000) Table 7: VP-4x8AK Audio Signal Codes for Protocol 3000 OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4 OUT 5 OUT 6 OUT 7 OUT 8 IN 1 #A 1>1 CR #A 1>2 CR #A 1>3 CR #A 1>4 CR #A 1>5 CR #A 1>6 CR #A 1>7 CR #A 1>8 CR IN 2 #A 2>1 CR #A 2>2 CR #A 2>3 CR #A 2>4 CR #A 2>5 CR #A 2>6 CR #A 2>7 CR #A 2>8 CR IN 3 #A 3>1 CR #A 3>2 CR #A 3>3 CR #A 3>4 CR #A 3>5 CR #A 3>6 CR #A 3>7 CR #A 3>8 CR IN 4 #A 4>1 CR #A 4>2 CR #A 4>3 CR #A 4>4 CR #A 4>5 CR #A 4>6 CR #A 4>7 CR #A 4>8 CR Table 8
Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 2000) Table 10: VP-4x8AK Hex Codes for Switching via RS-232/RS-485 Switching Video Channels OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 IN 1 IN 2 IN 3 IN 4 OUT 4 OUT 5 OUT 6 OUT 7 OUT 8 01 81 81 81 01 81 82 81 01 81 83 81 01 81 84 81 01 81 85 81 01 81 86 81 01 81 87 81 01 81 88 81 01 82 81 81 01 82 82 81 01 82 83 81 01 82 84 81 01 82 85 81 01 82 86 81 01 82 87 81 01 82 88 81 01 83 81 81 01 83 82 81 01 83 83 81 01 83 84 81 01 83 85 81 01 83 86 81 01 83 87 81 01 83 88 81 01 8
Table of Hex Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 2000) Table 15 lists the Hex codes that set the audio output gain. Before sending the any of the codes in Table 15, the command 2A 87 80 81 must be sent.
Kramer Protocol 14 Kramer Protocol By default, the VP-4x8AK is set to protocol 3000 (see Section 14.2) but is also compatible with Kramer’s Protocol 2000 1 (see Section 14.3). Section 14.1 describes how to switch between protocol 3000 and protocol 2000. 14.1 Switching Protocols You can switch protocols either via the front panel buttons (see Section 14.1.1) or the protocol commands (see Section 14.1.2). 14.1.
Kramer Protocol 14.2.
Kramer Protocol Message closing char = Host messages - Carriage Return (ASCII 13), will be referred to by CR in this document. Machine messages - Carriage Return (ASCII 13) + Line-Feed (ASCII 10), will be referred to by CRLF. Spaces between parameters or command parts will be ignored. Commands chain separator char: When message string contains more than one command, commands will be separated by pipe ("|").
Kramer Protocol Basic routing commands Command Syntax Switch audio & video AV IN>OUT, IN>OUT, … Response AV IN>OUT, IN>OUT,…RESULT Switch video only VID IN>OUT, IN>OUT, …RESULT VID IN>OUT, IN>OUT, … Short form: V IN>OUT, IN>OUT, … Note: When AFV mode is active, this command will switch also audio. If audio is breakaway – device display mode will change to show audio connections status.
Kramer Protocol Parameters Description: INPUT = Input number, ‘*’ for all. STATUS = Signal state: "0" or "off" for not existent signal. "1" or "on" for existent signal.
Kramer Protocol Restart device RESET RESET OK Switch to protocol 2000* P2000 P2000 OK * Protocol 2000 has command to switch back to ASCII protocol (like protocol 3000) Audio parameters commands Command Syntax Set audio level in specific AUD-LVL STAGE, CHANNEL, VOLUME amplifier stage.
Kramer Protocol Identification commands Command Read machine name Reset machine name to factory default* Syntax NAME? Response NAME MACHINE_NAME NAME-RST NAME-RST MACHINE_FACTORY_NAME RESULT *Note: machine name not equal to model name. This name relevance for site viewer identification of specific machine or for network using (with DNS feature on). MACHINE_NAME = Up to 14 Alfa-Numeric chars. * Machine factory name = Model name + last 4 digits from serial number.
Kramer Protocol Advanced switching commands Command Syntax Set audio follow AFV AFV-MODE video mode Response AFV AFV-MODE RESULT Note: This command effect device front-panel mode and AUD\VID command. Read audio follow AFV? video mode AFV AFV-MODE AFV-MODE = Front panel AFV mode "0" or "afv" to set front panel switching buttons in audio-follow-video state. "1" or "brk" to set front panel switching buttons in their previous state when audio. 14.
Kramer Protocol When switching (ie. instruction codes 1 and 2), the OUTPUT (7 bits) is set as the output number which is to be switched. Similarly, if switching is done via the machine’s front-panel, then these bits are set with the OUTPUT NUMBER which was 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. Used to address machines in a system via their machine numbers.
Kramer Protocol INSTRUCTION # DESCRIPTION DEFINITION FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION INPUT OUTPUT NOTE 31 0 16 56 61 REQUEST WHETHER PANEL IS LOCKED AUDIO PARAMETER SETTINGS FOR INSTRUCTIONS 22, 25 CHANGE TO ASCII IDENTIFY MACHINE 62 DEFINE MACHINE 42 0 INPUT Bit: I0 - 0=input; 1=output 24 0 1 - video machine name 2 - audio machine name 3 - video software version 4 - audio software version Kramer protocol 3000 0 - Request first 4 digits 1 - Request first suffix 2 - Request second suffix 3 - Request
Kramer Protocol NOTE 13 - This is a request to identify the switcher/s in the system. If the OUTPUT is set as 0, and the INPUT is set as 1, 2, 5 or 7, the machine will send its name. The reply is the decimal value of the INPUT and OUTPUT. For example, for a 2216, the reply to the request to send the audio machine name would be (HEX codes): 7D 96 90 81 (i.e. 128dec+ 22dec for 2nd byte, and 128dec+ 16dec for 3rd byte).
LIMITED WARRANTY Kramer Electronics (hereafter Kramer) warrants this product free from defects in material and workmanship under the following terms. HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY Labor and parts are warranted for seven years from the date of the first customer purchase. WHO IS PROTECTED? Only the first purchase customer may enforce this warranty. WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT COVERED Except as below, this warranty covers all defects in material or workmanship in this product.
For the latest information on our products and a list of Kramer distributors, visit our Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com, where updates to this user manual may be found. We welcome your questions, comments and feedback. Safety Warning: Disconnect the unit from the power supply before opening/servicing. Caution PN: 2900- 000540 Rev: 3 Kramer Electronics, Ltd. Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com E-mail: info@kramerel.
