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Kramer 2x1:2 3G HD-SDI Automatic Standby Switcher

BH #KRVS211HDXL • MFR #VS-211HDXL
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Kramer 2x1:2 3G HD-SDI Automatic Standby Switcher
Key Features
  • For SD/HD-SDI & 3G HD-SDI Video Signals
  • Maximum Data Rate - 2.97 Gbps
  • Auto Switching to Secondary Input
  • HDTV Compatible
The Kramer 2x1:2 3G HD-SDI Automatic Standby Switcher is designed for SD/HD-SDI and 3G HD-SDI video signals with a maximum data rate of 2.97 Gbps. When configured as a standby switcher, it automatically switches to the secondary input when the primary video signal is interrupted; the switcher also switches back to the primary input when the primary signal reappears. The HDTV compatible unit is applicable for backup switching for the broadcast and post production applications.

The standby switcher comes with a contact closure remote control for forced operation and flexible sync detection along with reconstruction circuitry. The input LED indicator lights glow when that input is active.

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Kramer VS-211HDXL Overview

The Kramer 2x1:2 3G HD-SDI Automatic Standby Switcher is designed for SD/HD-SDI and 3G HD-SDI video signals with a maximum data rate of 2.97 Gbps. When configured as a standby switcher, it automatically switches to the secondary input when the primary video signal is interrupted; the switcher also switches back to the primary input when the primary signal reappears. The HDTV compatible unit is applicable for backup switching for the broadcast and post production applications.

The standby switcher comes with a contact closure remote control for forced operation and flexible sync detection along with reconstruction circuitry. The input LED indicator lights glow when that input is active.

With multi-standard operation, the standby switcher supports SDI (SMPTE 259M/344M), HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M), and 3G HD-SDI (SMPTE 424M). The optional RK-3T rack adaptor allows you to mount 3 units side-by-side in a 1U rack space.

High-performance automatic switcher
For SD/HD-SDI and 3G HD-SDI video signals
Maximum data rate - 3 Gbps
Switches to the secondary input when the primary input is lost
HDTV compatible
Ideal for backup switching for broadcast and post production applications
Contact closure remote control for forced operation
Selectable primary inputs
Active input LED indicators
Multi-Standard Operation - SMPTE 259M, 292M and 424M compliance and support for data rates of 270Mbps, 1483.5Mbps, 1485Mbps and 2970Mbps
RK-3T rack adaptor for mounting 3 units side side-by-side in a 1U rack space
Inputs - 2 x 3G HD-SDI video on BNC connectors
Outputs - 2 x 3G HD-SDI video on BNC connectors

Kramer VS-211HDXL Specs

Input
2 x 3G HD-SDI video on BNC connectors
Output
2 x 3G HD-SDI video on BNC connectors
Output Level
Max. output level: 800mVpp/75Ω
Data Rate
Up to 2.97Gbps
Controls
Contact closure remote control, input default selection switch
Coupling
AC
Options
RK-3T 19" rack adapter
Power Requirements
5VDC, 400mA
Dimensions
4.7 x 2.8 x 1" (12 x 7.2 x 2.4cm)
Weight
0.7 lbs (3kg)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.45 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.1 x 4.8 x 3.5"

Kramer VS-211HDXL Reviews

Did Not Work As Expected

By Chris
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2025-09-25

We repeatedly tested the device and it would not properly redetect a failed primary signal returning. The failover seemed to work fine, but nothing other than a device restart allowed for the primary signal to be returned.

Perfect for remote circuits!

By Patrick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2014-09-12

We have an outdoor live location that is transmitted back to our newsroom via fiber circuit. This switcher allows me to keep an HD signal generator (Maxtron) running so the control room can check on the circuit before deploying a crew. When the camera is plugged in it switches to that source automatically and resumes the test signal as soon as the camera is powered off. The unit has been in a weatherproof outdoor enclosure running continuously for two years with no issues so far.

See any errors on this page?

Does the unit switch upon sync loss or image ...

Does the unit switch upon sync loss or image loss? Is there a sensitivity setting if the latter?
Asked by: Daniel
The device is digital - SDI. That means the sync information is digital as well. Thus, although black is technically no image, the sync information, type of raster and other ancillary data in the H-anc and V-anc regions (including audio) are still there. Regarding the audio question, yes you can send the usual 8 channels of embedded audio data, even when the video data is black.
Answered by: Peter
Date published: 2023-12-20

question

Hi, Please help me check the origin of it? Thanks
Asked by: L T.
The Kramer 2x1:2 3G HD-SDI Automatic Standby Switcher: Country of origin: ISRAEL.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-28

Can this switch also handle ASI signals?

Can this switch also handle ASI signals?
Asked by: CARLOS
The Kramer 2x1:2 3G HD-SDI Automatic Standby Switcher (B&H# KRVS211HDXL) is not designed to work with ASI signals.
Answered by: Yoni S
Date published: 2026-01-14

Is the contact closure remote overide the ...

Is the contact closure remote overide the automatic? Thanks
Asked by: Eric
The Kramer 2x1:2 3G HD-SDI Automatic Standby Switcher has Contact closure or automatic switching.
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2023-11-28

In our scenario we would want to have 2 input ...

In our scenario we would want to have 2 input signals and input one would be feeding both outputs and under fault scenario input 2 would go to both outputs. - Also do you have a computer input card to put second signal back into another computer? Thanks Brent
Asked by: brent
This unit should work for you. It has 2 inputs, with one input going to both outputs and the other input on stand-by. If the first input drops, the 2nd input will take over and be sent to both outputs. We have SDI Capture Cards from Magewell as well. SDI Internal Capture Card - https://bhpho.to/2yU3GvD SDI USB Capture Card - https://bhpho.to/2AMiM5Y
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2019-07-03

question

Does this unit handle audio at all?
Asked by: Ann T.
We used it in a Video + Audio mode. We have not tried Audio alone. In our case, it works as expected.
Answered by: Wing L.
Date published: 2018-08-28
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