KRAMER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics Matrix 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 matrix 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 of
the Kramer Electronics
VS-1604
Matrix Switcher.
A Word on Video/Audio Switchers
A video/audio 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. 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 (such as switching between two genlocked
cameras) is smooth and without interference. The switching and changeover is done during the blanked
vertical interval period, when the transition is hidden from the eyes. Vertical Interval switching is
needed when recording or transmitting a video program involving several video sources, as in live
broadcast, to ensure clean, undisturbed picture transitions. The switched sources should be genlocked.
Matrices and switchers may sometimes be RS-232 or RS-485/422 controlled. Each of these options is a
way of remotely controlling a video/audio device (switcher etc.) using a PC with a serial port, or another
device that uses a similar communication protocol. The simplest connection between the RS-232
controller and the controlled device uses two wires (TRANSMIT, RECEIVE) and a common ground
wire. Finally, the wide video bandwidth permits these matrix switchers to be used in the most
demanding applications.
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 final 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.
