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Review Summary
Accidents happen where life happens. Protect your favorite Adorama products and purchase a protection plan to stay covered from accidental damage, mechanical or electrical failure, and more.
If we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it at no additional cost.
Protect your product from drops, spills, and more.
Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!
When regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.
We will never charge you a deductible after the purchase of a plan.
Our claims process is simple & easy and our customer service team is happy to help.
Adorama Protect powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for purchase Internationally or in U.S. Territories.
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480 x 272 pixels auto scaling
16:9 24 bit color TFT
95 x 54 mm
All digital
3G-SDI, HD-SDI SD-SDI
1 x 75 Ohm BNC
1 x 75 Ohm BNC
Bi/Tri/SDI with cross lock
0 to 1 Frame
Yes with font, color and point size
Yes
Yes (SD-SDI)
10 bits
32+ including full frame
Yes
DPX,YUV,TGA,BMP
A full list of supported SMPTE formats for 3G, HD and SD can be supplied on request
0.5 watts
24 bit stereo
3.5 mm with auto line out
48 kHz 20-bit (SD-SDI) 24-bit (HD-SDI)
Yes
1 x 75 Ohm BNC
1 x 75 Ohm BNC
17
1 Hz-24 KHz in 1Hz steps
Yes
Yes
0 to -100dB in 1dB steps
Yes
5 menu keys 8 custom select/program
Yes
1GB (upgradable)
Web browser interface
Yes
Included
Included
Kensington lock fitting
92 x 225 x 42mm (3.62 x 8.86 x 1.65")
0.7kg (1.54 lbs)
The PHABRIX SxA was introduced in 2008 as the world's first hand held multi-standard video test signal generator, analyzer and monitor including AES audio testing and monitoring. With testing for 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI supported as standard, the PHABRIX SxA has been continually advanced through the provision of regular product updates and feature rich options. It has become a firm favorite with engineers worldwide who require a small, portable, easy to use precision instrument for broadcast infrastructure test and measurement.
Combined generator, analyzer and monitor
Full support 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI
Truly a hand held instrument for an engineer who needs mobility
Full generator, 32 patterns, moving zone plate and custom
Analysis includes waveform, vectorscope, data toolsets
16 channels embedded audio, level meters
Full AES audio, 16 independent tones
Dolby E generation and analysis (option)
Small profile, rugged aluminum case
Low power consumption (9W)
Lithium polymer rechargeable battery 2-3 hours tether free operation
Ethernet upgrade, connect and download for firmware and software
Cool operation
UK designed and manufactured
Simplicity in Use
The PHABRIX SxA's intuitive interface and logical workflow allows the professional engineer to quickly select from generator, analyzer and monitor toolsets. Feedback is smooth and interactive clearly displaying a full range of test and measurement toolsets on its large 4.3" 16:9 color TFT screen.
The generator offers a full range of SMPTE standard test patterns both static and animated with analysis provided by waveform, vectorscope and data specific screens. Using simple button press control and a color coded menu system, each of the different instruments can be selected within three presses.
Specific set-up preferences can be saved into the memory making the PHABRIX SxA personal to the specific user if required ready to be used on repeat tasks where commissioning of equipment is important.
The PHABRIX SxA also offers auto Bi-level, Tri-level and SDI genlock with cross lock capability which is so important for a range of broadcast applications. CRC error detection, video aspect ratio detection and SMPTE 351 display are some of the many sophisticated tools as standard. The PHABRIX SxA can be further enhanced with a range of options.
State-of-the-Art Technology
PHABRIX has employed the very best state of the art technologies within its product line up. With all products, upgrades are available via password protected codes which can be downloaded and entered into the PHABRIX SxA on-the-fly. Firmware upgrades use the in-built Ethernet connection to enter software as it becomes available or via the website under Support.
Extensive audio support
The combined audio features of the PHABRIX SxA include support for 16 channels of embedded audio to complete the suite of functions. The AES functionality of the PHABRIX SxA allows the user to embed a single external 48kHz synchronous AES stream into the generated video stream.
Audio de-embed using the PHABRIX SxA's analyzer function allows the user to receive a video stream with embedded audio on one of the AES pairs, stripping the audio to be exported onto the AES output. In 2012 a new Dolby E analysis and generation option became available for testing Dolby, the first of its type on a portable platform.
SxA flexibility
In addition the Sx range of instruments can be further enhanced with a range of software options available on the platform. A simple software code will unlock these at any time.
SDI analysis and anciallary packet analyzer
Command scripts and print report
Advanced formats
Programmable moving zone plate
Dolby E bitstream analyzer
Dolby E bitstream generator
Ancillary status
Enhanced remote control
Remote control
Toolset makes it suitable for all industries
The PHABRIX SxA is ideal for studio, OB and lab environments operating from either the internal battery or via the included mains adaptor. Compared to the expense of heavy bench bound products several PHABRIX SxA's can be obtained allowing an engineer to have his own personal extensive on the go solution for the most sophisticated broadcast T&M requirement.
Remote operation
The PHABRIX SxA has a built-in Ethernet connectivity for remote operation allowing an engineer to interrogate the PHABRIX SxA from anywhere with an Ethernet connection. A simple two second press of the control thumb dial takes a snapshot of the PHABRIX SxA screen for download later. Sophisticated data logging is also provided for 24/7 monitoring of over 10,000 entries.
Take a tour using their downloadable simulation available from the menu under downloads to see why focused technology and creative application from PHABRIX continues to impress a world-wide audience.
Typical SxA Applications
Applications for the SxA include, but are not limited to:
Checking what is on the end of the cable. In the equipment bay, studio or outside broadcast environment, knowing what is actually on the end of the cable is probably one of the most important applications. In a world where over 450 video formats are possible, known exactly what is actually on the humble BNC is essential.
Checking video quality, levels, saturation and cast. Any where there is broadcast equipment, there is a need to be able to check the that the video is correct. The Sx range of handhelds allow closed loop testing of equipment to ensure that video is processed transparently.
Checking the presence and integrity of metadata. Metadata is used world-wide as a way of transmitting additional program information and can include format information, studio information, closed caption information as well as custom information. Being able to detect whether metadata packets are present and correct can ensure that vital information is passed from one system to another
Checking video / reference timing. In any environment where a studio reference is being used, the timing or alignment of all video signals needs to be checked. The Sx range allows the video input(s) to be measured against the studio reference to ensure that all equipment and feeds are correctly timed.
Checking Audio levels, channel assignment and integrity. With the introduction of SDI, audio became an integral part of the signal transmitted via BNC. Being able to check the channel assignment, levels and content anywhere can provide a significant level of confidence in any environment.
Deliberate Error Generation to check the susceptibility of equipment. As a manufacturer you will want to ensure that your equipment can function correctly when presented with common errors. The Sx test pattern generator can be used to introduce known errors into the data stream as well as outputting pathological test patterns.
Automation and Remote control. Within a manufacturing environment, the Sx hand units can run automatic test routines locally using Scripts and remotely using the PHABRIX Remote Control Protocol. In the broadcast environment where equipment bays can be sited remotely, the ability to connect to a device via structured networking and control it at your desk has significant advantages.
Format compliance testing. Many manufacturers and installers use the Sx hand held range to ensure that their products and installations are format compliant. With support for over 450 transmission and production formats and automated testing (via scripts or remote control) the Sx makes the laborious time consuming task