Kramer Electronics Ltd.
1
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics Switcher. Since 1981 Kramer has been
dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio equipment. The Kramer line
has become an integral part of many of the best production and presentation facilities around the world. In
recent years, Kramer has redesigned and upgraded most of the line, making the best even better. Kramer’s
line of professional video/audio electronics is one of the most versatile and complete available, and is a
true leader in terms of quality, workmanship, price/performance ratio and innovation. In addition to the
Kramer line of high quality switchers, such as the one you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full
line of high quality distribution amplifiers, processors, interfaces, controllers and computer-related
products.
This manual includes configuration, operation and option information for the following products from the
Kramer line of switching tools. These tools are similar in operation and features.
4x1S - 4:1 s-Video Switcher
4x1V - 4:1 Video Switcher
4x1VB - 4:1 Video Switcher
VP-201 - 2:1 VGA Switcher
1.1
A Word on Video Switchers
Switchers route one or more signals to one or more users. They vary in the number of inputs, programming
capability, number of outputs, operating format (composite video, component, etc.) and switching method
(i.e., whether they switch during the vertical interval or not, whether they are electronic, RS-232 or
mechanically controlled). A video switcher usually switches between several sources (inputs) and one or
more acceptors (outputs). A switcher that allows several inputs to be connected to several outputs
simultaneously is called a Matrix Switcher. Switchers may be of the electronic or mechanical type, such as
the ones described in this manual. Most matrices are of the active electronic type, with many crosspoints.
Vertical Interval Switching, frequently used in video, ensures that the transition from one video source to
another is smooth and without interference. The mechanical switchers described in this manual have full
industrial specifications and are rack-mountable. Most of them offer a simple and economic solution for
every video or VGA/XGA application. Due to very careful design, the video bandwidth is excellent.
1.2
Factors Affecting Quality of Results
There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from a source to an
acceptor:
Connection cables
- Low quality cables are susceptible to interference; they degrade signal quality
due to poor matching and cause elevated noise levels. They should therefore be of the best quality.
Sockets and connectors of the sources and acceptors
- So often ignored, they should be of
highest quality, since "Zero Ohm" connection resistance is the objective. Sockets and connectors
also must match the required impedance (75ohm in video). Cheap, low quality connectors tend to
rust, thus causing breaks in the signal path.
Amplifying circuitry
- Must have quality performance when the desired end result is high linearity,
low distortion and low noise operation.
Distance between sources and acceptors
- Plays a major role in the result. For long distances
(over 15 meters) between sources and acceptors, special measures should be taken in order to avoid
cable losses. These include using higher quality cables or adding line amplifiers.
Interference from neighboring electrical appliances
- These can have an adverse effect on signal
quality. Balanced audio lines are less prone to interference, but unbalanced audio should be
installed far from any mains power cables, electric motors, transmitters, etc. even when the cables
are shielded.
