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.
Contents 7.7 8 9 9.1 9.2 The Audio Input/Output Gain Control Flash Memory Upgrade Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Connecting to the VP-8x4AK via your Browser The VP-8x4AK Switching Matrix Page 25 26 26 27 28 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 29 30 31 9.3 9.4 10 11 12 13 14 14.
Contents Figure 20: Switching an Input to an Output Figure 21: Switching an Input to an Output in the Confirm Mode Figure 22: Exiting Offline Warning 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 Figure 28: CONFIGURATIONS Embedded Web Page 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 Tables Table 1: Terminology Used in this User Manual Table 2: Front Panel VP-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Fea
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-8x4AK is a high performance 8x4 computer graphics video matrix switcher for high-resolution video and stereo audio signals. The VP-8x4AK is HDTV compatible and lets you route any combination of inputs and outputs.
Overview Control the VP-8x4AK 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-8x4AK is dependable, rugged, and fits into two vertical spaces (2U) of a standard 19” professional rack.
Your VP-8x4AK 8x4 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-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Figure 1: VP-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher – Front View 6 KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Table 2: Front Panel VP-8x4AK 8x4 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-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Figure 2: VP-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher – Rear View 8 KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your VP-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Table 3: Rear Panel VP-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher Features # 3 4 5 6 Feature AUDIO INPUT 3.5mm Mini Connectors AUDIO OUTPUT Terminal Block Connectors Power Switch INPUT 15-pin HD Connectors OUTPUT 15-pin HD Connectors PROGRAM Button 7 RS-485 TERM DIP-switch 8 9 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port REMOTE IR Opening 2 10 FACTORY RESET Button 11 12 ETHERNET Connector RS-485 Terminal Block Port 13 Power Connector with Fuse 1 2 4.
Installing the VP-8x4AK in a Rack 5 Installing the VP-8x4AK in a Rack This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit. .
Using the VP-8x4AK 6 Using the VP-8x4AK This section describes how to: • Connect the VP-8x4AK rear panel (see Section 6.1) • Connect a balanced stereo audio output (see Section 6.2) • Connect the VP-8x4AK 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-8x4AK machines (see Section 6.9) 6.
Using the VP-8x4AK Figure 3: Connecting the VP-8x4AK 8x4 VGA / UXGA / Audio Matrix Switcher 12 KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Using the VP-8x4AK 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 a Balanced Stereo Audio Output Figure 5: Connecting an Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output 6.3 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS-232 Port You can connect to the VP-8x4AK via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
Using the VP-8x4AK 6.4 Connecting a PC or Controller to the RS 485 Port You can operate the VP-8x4AK 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-8x4AK 6.5 Configuring the Ethernet Port To configure the Ethernet port, you have to connect your PC to the VP-8x4AK either via the Ethernet (see Section 6.5.1) or via a serial port. Once the machine is connected, you can configure the Ethernet port. 6.5.1 Connecting via the Ethernet You can connect the VP-8x4AK via the ETHERNET in the following ways: • For direct connection to the PC, use a crossover cable (see Section 6.5.1.
Using the VP-8x4AK 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. Figure 8: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 6.5.1.2 Connecting the ETHERNET Port via a Network Hub (StraightThrough Cable) You can connect the Ethernet port of the VP-8x4AK to the Ethernet port on a network hub or network router, via a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
Using the VP-8x4AK 6.5.2 Ethernet Port Configuration To configure the Ethernet port, download the P3K Wizard Ethernet configuration software. Extract the file to a folder and create a shortcut on your desktop to the file. Follow these steps to configure the port: 1. Double click the desktop icon. The Connect screen appears as follows: Figure 9: Connect Screen 2. Select the method to connect to the Ethernet port of the VP-8x4AK. Select: Ethernet, if you know the IP address number 1 or the machine name.
Using the VP-8x4AK Figure 10: 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-8x4AK 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-8x4AK 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-8x4AK 4. Set the machine numbers of the connected machines, as described in Section 6.8, by set the first VP-8x4AK unit as Machine # 1 and the following 15 VP-8x4AK units as Machine # 2 to Machine # 16. 5. Set the RS-485 TERM DIP-switch ON on the first and last VP-8x4AK units (terminating the RS-485 line at 120Ω). Set the RS-485 TERM DIP-switch OFF on the other VP-8x4AK units.
Operating the VP-8x4AK 7 Operating the VP-8x4AK 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-8x4AK 7.2.2 The REL AUDIO LEVEL 7-Segment Display The REL AUDIO LEVEL display, as illustrated in Figure 13 (see Section 7.7). Figure 13: REL AUDIO LEVEL 7-segment Display 7.3 Confirming Settings You can choose to work in the At Once or the Confirm mode.
Operating the VP-8x4AK 7.3.2 Confirming a Switching Action To confirm a switching action (in the Confirm mode), do the following: 1. Press an OUT-IN combination. The corresponding 7-segment display blinks with the new value. The TAKE button also blinks. 2. Press the blinking TAKE button to confirm the action. The corresponding 7-segment display no longer blinks. The TAKE button illuminates. To confirm several actions (in the Confirm mode), do the following: 1. Press each OUT-IN combination in sequence.
Operating the VP-8x4AK 7.4.2 Recalling an Input/Output Configuration To recall an input/output configuration, do the following: 1. Press the RCL button. The RCL button blinks. 2. Press the appropriate IN button (the button # corresponding to the setup #). If in the Confirm mode, that setup configuration will blink in the 7segment display, together with the RCL button and the TAKE button, and will only be implemented after pressing the TAKE button. The memory recalls the stored data from that reference.
Operating the VP-8x4AK 7.6.1 Setting the Audio-Follow-Video Option To set the Audio-follow-video (AFV) option, press the AFV button: • If the AUDIO and VIDEO configurations are the same, then the AFV button illuminates. The audio follows the video. • If the AUDIO differs from the VIDEO, then the TAKE and the AUDIO buttons flash. Also, the audio outputs, which are changed, flash 1 in the INPUT STATUS 7-segment display. Press the TAKE button to confirm the modification. The audio follows the video. 7.6.
Flash Memory Upgrade Gain level values are relative since the audio input signal can be also adjusted, while the range of the output gain remains constant3, independent of the input level adjustment. When decreasing the audio level below the minimum display value, the 7-segment display shows L, indicating low audio value. 8 Flash Memory Upgrade The VP8x4AK uses a microcontroller that runs firmware located in FLASH memory.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 9.1 Connecting to the VP-8x4AK via your Browser Make sure that your PC is connected via a network to the VP-8x4AK and do the following: 1. Open your Internet browser. 2. Enter the unit’s IP number 1 or name in the Address bar of your browser. If you are using DHCP, you have to enter the name.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Figure 18: First Time Security Warning 3. Click Run. The VP-8x4AK switching control page is displayed (see Figure 19). The Web embedded screens let you control the VP-8x4AK 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.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Figure 19: VP-8x4AK Embedded Web Page 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.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Figure 20: Switching an Input to an Output 9.2.2 Operate in the Confirm Mode By default, the device is set to the At-Once mode. To operate in the Confirm mode: 1. Click the red Offline button. 2. Click the desired switching-point in the switching matrix. Audio/video indicator outlines appear and the Take and Cancel buttons turn blue. Figure 21: Switching an Input to an Output in the Confirm Mode 3. Click either Take (to accept change) or Cancel.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Figure 22: Exiting Offline Warning 9.2.3 Store and Recall Setups To store a matrix configuration: 1. From the Preset drop-down list, select a preset (for example, Preset 03). Presets that contain a configuration are displayed with a blue background; presets with no configuration have a white background. When selecting a preset, the Store button changes from gray to dark blue. Figure 23: Selecting a preset 2.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages Figure 24: Save Preset Message 5. Click OK. The new In/Out configuration is stored in Preset 03. To recall a preset configuration: 1. Select the desired preset number from the Preset drop-down list 1 (for example, Preset 08): 2. Click and hold the Preview button to view the selected Preset and then release. 3. Click Recall. The following window appears: Figure 25: Load Preset Message 4. Click OK. The new In/Out configuration takes effect.
Controlling via the Embedded Web Pages 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. 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 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.
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 the configuration definitions: 1. Click CONFIGURATIONS. The CONFIGURATIONS Web page appears. 2. Change the definitions as required. 3. Click the Submit button to apply changes 2. 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-8x4AK 8x4 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: OPTIONS: 8 XGA on 15-pin HD connectors (VGA through UXGA); 8 unbalanced stereo audio 3.
Communication Parameters 11 Communication Parameters Table 5 lists the communication parameters as used in Kramer Electronics products.
Table of ASCII Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 3000) 12 Table of ASCII Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 3000) Table 6 and Table 7 list the ASCII codes that switch an input to an output for a single VP-8x4AK machine. For more detailed information, see Section 14.2.
Hex Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 2000) Table 9: VP-8x4AK Audio Output Gain Codes OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 4 #AUD-LVL 2,1, -100CR #AUD-LVL 2,4, -50CR … #AUD-LVL 2,4, 0CR … #AUD-LVL 2,4, 13CR #AUD-LVL 2,X, -100CR #AUD-LVL 2,1, -50CR … #AUD-LVL 2,X, -50CR … #AUD-LVL 2,X, 0CR … #AUD-LVL 2,X, 7CR -50dB 0dB … … … #AUD-LVL 2,1, 13CR -100dB Mute … … … #AUD-LVL 2,1, 0CR Level [Rel] … … … … #AUD-LVL 2,4, -100CR … … OUTPUT X* +7dB (Max) * Where X is the output number from 1 - 8.
Hex Codes for Serial Communication (Protocol 2000) Table 12 lists the Hex codes that increase or decrease the audio input gain: Table 12: VP-8x4AK Hex Codes for Increasing/Decreasing the Audio Input Gain IN 1 IN 2 IN 3 IN 4 IN 5 IN 6 IN 7 IN 8 Increase 18 81 86 81 18 82 86 81 18 83 86 81 18 84 86 81 18 85 86 81 18 86 86 81 18 87 86 81 18 88 86 81 Decrease 18 81 87 81 18 82 87 81 18 83 87 81 18 84 87 81 18 85 87 81 18 86 87 81 18 87 87 81 18 88 87 81 Table 13 lists the Hex values t
Kramer Protocol 14 Kramer Protocol By default, the VP-8x4AK 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 14.2.2 Command Parts Details Command: Sequence of ASCII letters ('A'-'Z', 'a'-'z' and '-'). Command will separate from parameters with at least single space. Parameters: Sequence of Alfa-Numeric ASCII chars ('0'-'9','A'-'Z','a'-'z' and some special chars for specific commands), parameters will be separated by commas.
Kramer Protocol Table 16: Instruction Codes for Protocol 3000 Help commands Command Protocol Handshaking Syntax #CR Response ~OKCRLF Device initiated messages Command Start message Syntax Kramer Electronics LTD. , Device Model Version Software Version Switcher actions Audio-video channel has switched (AFV mode) AV IN>OUT Video channel has switched (Breakaway mode) VID IN>OUT Audio channel has switched (Breakaway mode) AUD IN>OUT Result codes (errors) Syntax COMMAND PARAMETERS OK No error.
Kramer Protocol Examples: Switch Video and Audio input 3 to output 7 #AV 3>7CR ~AV 3>7 OKCRLF Switch Video input 2 to output 4 #V 2>4CR ~VID 2>4 OKCRLF Switch Video input 4 to output 2 in machine #6@VID 4>2CR number 6 ~6@VID 4>2 OKCRLF Disconnect Video and Audio Output 4 #AV 0>4CR ~AV 0>4 OKCRLF Switch Video Input 3 to All Outputs #V 3>*CR ~VID 3>* OKCRLF Chaining Multiple commands* #AV 1>* | V 3>4, 2>2, 82>1, 0>2 |V 82>3| A 0>1 | V? * CR First switch all Audio and video outputs from input 1,
Kramer Protocol Preset commands Command Syntax Response Parameters Description: PRESET = Preset number. OUT = Output in preset to show for, '*' for all.
Kramer Protocol Machine info commands Command Syntax Response * Time settings commands require admin authorization Read in\outs count INFO-IO? INFO-IO: IN INPUTS_COUNT, OUT OUTPUTS_COUNT Read max presets count INFO-PRST? INFO-PRST: VID PRESET_VIDEO_COUNT, AUD PRESET_AUDIO_COUNT Reset configuration to factory default FACTORY FACTORY RESULT Identification commands Command Syntax Response Protocol Handshaking #CR ~OK CRLF Read device model MODEL? MODEL MACHINE_MODEL Read device serial number SN?
Kramer Protocol Network settings commands Set gateway address NET-GATE GATEWAY_ADDRESS NTGT NET-GATE? Read subnet mask NTGT? Set DHCP mode Read subnet mask NET-DHCP DHCP_MODE NTDH NET-DHCP? NTDH? NET-GATE GATEWAY_ADDRESS RESULT NET-GATE GATEWAY_ADDRESS NET-DHCP DHCP_MODE RESULT NET-DHCP DHCP_MODE DHCP_MODE = 0 – Don't use DHCP (Use IP set by factory or IP set command). 1 – Try to use DHCP, if unavailable use IP as above.
Kramer Protocol 14.3 Kramer Protocol 2000 This RS-232/RS-485 communication protocol uses four bytes of information as defined below. The default data rate is 9600 baud, with no parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
Kramer Protocol Used to address machines in a system via their machine numbers. When several machines are controlled from a single serial port, they are usually configured together with each machine having an individual machine number. If the OVR bit is set, then all machine numbers will accept (implement) the command, and the addressed machine will reply. For a single machine controlled via the serial port, always set M4…M0 = 1, and make sure that the machine itself is configured as MACHINE NUMBER = 1.
Kramer Protocol INSTRUCTION # DESCRIPTION DEFINITION FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION INPUT OUTPUT NOTE 61 1 - video machine name 2 - audio machine name 3 - video software version 4 - audio software version 0 - Request first 4 digits 1 - Request first suffix 2 - Request second suffix 3 - Request third suffix 10 - Request first prefix 11 - Request second prefix 12 - Request third prefix 13 1 - number of inputs 2 - number of outputs 3 - number of setups 1 - for video 2 - for audio 14 62 IDENTIFY MACHINE D
Kramer Protocol NOTE 10 – This code is reserved for internal use. 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 Kramer Electronics, Ltd. Web site: www.kramerelectronics.com E-mail: info@kramerel.
