Link Electronics LEI-590 SD/HD-SDI Open Caption Generator and Closed Caption Decoder

A cutting-edge solution for video captioning, the LEI-590 SD/HD-SDI Open Caption Generator and Closed Caption Decoder by Link Electronics is an essential tool for professional video production environments. This high-quality device is designed to seamlessly insert open captions into live events, such as sports games or live video conferences, enhancing accessibility for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The LEI-590 stands out for its advanced capability to accept standard 608 caption data or text data through an IP interface. It adeptly generates open captions from this data and outputs the video with the captions integrated, ensuring clear communication during any live broadcast. As a versatile HD/SD/SDI closed caption decoder, the LEI-590 is a more cost-effective alternative when only open captions are required, bypassing the need for a separate closed caption encoder/decoder.

This innovative unit preserves all ancillary data (ANC) without alteration, ensuring the integrity of the original video stream. For data recovery, the LEI-590 decodes embedded closed captions from either Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI) lines 21/22 or Vertical Ancillary Data Space (VANC) following the SMPTE 334 Caption Data Packet (CDP) standards. The decoded captions are then "burned" into the outgoing HD/SD-SDI stream as open captions. Additionally, the Ethernet port allows for the export of caption data for monitoring purposes, caption file creation, or encoding into another stream.

The LEI-590 features a user-friendly caption deletion function, enabling the removal of VBI and 708 VANC closed captions from the output video to prevent double decoding. It supports decoding of CC1-CC4 or S1-S6, with minimal latency between open and closed captions. The device's signal processing begins with input SDI video equalization and deserialization to 20-bit parallel data streams. The closed caption data is then used to select characters from a custom on-board character ROM, which are digitally mixed into the video, maintaining the appearance of captions on a standard receiver. The new data stream, complete with visible captions, is re-serialized, re-clocked, and output in the same format as the input transport stream, with no scaling or format conversions.

Furthermore, the LEI-590 can insert V-chip icons onto the active video, reading from Extended Data Services (XDS) for various rating systems and inserting the appropriate icon, with options for constant display, timed display, or GPI control.

Backed by Link Electronics' reputation for durable and reliable audio and video equipment, the LEI-590 is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and user-friendly design. With exceptional technical support, including a standard 10-year warranty and 24/7 customer assistance, the LEI-590 meets the high-performance, flexibility, and reliability requirements synonymous with Link Electronics products. This device is an invaluable asset for video production companies, television stations, and any organization seeking to produce video content that is both professional and accessible to a wider audience.