Link Electronics PDR-870 RS-232 Closed Caption and Data Recovery Decoder

What sets the PDR-870 RS-232 Closed Caption and Data Recovery Decoder apart is its high-performance capabilities for both NTSC and PAL systems. This advanced decoder processes and displays all standard closed caption format transmissions, including the EIA-608 Extended Character Set, replicating the functionality of a typical closed caption decoder.

The PDR-870 supports nine standard data channels: Caption channels 1 through 4 (CC1-CC4), Text channels 1 through 4 (T1-T4), and Extended Data Services (XDS). The decoding channels can be easily selected using four front-panel toggle switches.

This versatile device offers additional features such as NTSC/PAL video standard selection, drop-shadow or box character keying, and internal/external video. The internal video function enables the PDR-870 to generate its own video, making it an ideal tool for producing open captions.

The PDR-870 also functions as a character generator decoder, accepting an RS-232 data stream to directly produce open captions. It doubles as an accurate "V-Chip" ratings monitor, displaying all rating information described by EIA-744 on-screen. Both TV Parental Guidelines and Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) ratings are supported.

The PDR-870 is capable of recovering incoming Line 21 data and transmitting it to a computer terminal via the RS-232 port. This data can be recovered with or without the embedded closed caption control codes. A unique data conversion feature reveals the "non-printing" characters that form part of the closed caption control codes.

Designed with the professional user in mind, the PDR-870 processes baseband video in either composite or S-Video formats. The selected video mode is displayed at the front panel by a pair of green LEDs. The composite video format uses a single high impedance, looping input with two outputs. The S-Video format can use standard 4-pin mini-DIN connectors or BNCs for its input/output.

The PDR-870's video performance is exceptional, with differential phase and gain errors limited to less than 0.1E and 0.1% respectively. The un-weighted signal-to-noise ratio approaches 70dB. AC-Coupled, complementary differential input amplifiers assure high common mode noise rejection while discrete phase-linear keyers provide clean insertion of the decoded characters into the video image.

Housed in Link's 1RU 800-Series chassis, the PDR-870 is both rugged and reliable. It represents a perfect blend of high performance, flexibility, and economy in the realm of CG, Data Recovery Decoders.