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KRAMER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Master Programmable Remote Control. Since 1981
Kramer has been dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio
equipment. The Kramer industrial line has become an integral part of many of the best video/audio
production and presentation facilities around the world. In recent years, Kramer has redesigned and
upgraded most of the industrial line, making the best even better. Kramer’s line of professional video
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 Kramer high quality remote
controllers, such as the one you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality
industrial and broadcast distribution amplifiers, switchers, processors, interfaces, controllers and
computer-related products. Kramer welcomes your inquiries for Kramer equipment or custom-
manufactured products, engineering, private labeling and OEM manufacturing per your specifications.
This manual includes configuration, operation and option information for the
VS-3000
controller.
1.1
A Word on Video/Audio Switchers
A video/audio switcher 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, with many
cross points, are of the active electronic type. 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. Frequently used in video, vertical interval switching 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. Switchers can be controlled by touch buttons on the front
panel or by a PC, via the switcher's built-in communication ports, which may be RS-232 or RS-
485/422. Each of these latter options is a way of remotely controlling a video/audio device (switcher,
SEG, etc.) using a PC with a serial port, or another device that uses a similar communication protocol.
Finally, the wide bandwidth of the video signal permits Kramer switchers to be used in the most
demanding of applications. Switchers can be interconnected and cascaded to multiply inputs or
connected in parallel to multiply outputs. Several machines may be operated simultaneously via PC
control or looped through.
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 (75ohms 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 and
video lines should be installed far from any mains power cables, electric motors, transmitters, etc.
even when the cables are shielded.
