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The SPG8000 is a precision multiformat video signal generator, suitable for master synchronization and reference applications. It provides multiple video reference signals, such as black burst, HD tri-level sync and serial digital and composite analog test patterns and it provides time reference signals such as time code and NTP (Network Time Protocol).
• Multiple independent black burst and HD tri-level sync outputs provide all the video reference signals required in a video broadcast or production facility
• Four LTC outputs, VITC on black burst outputs and NTP server provide time reference signals in a variety of formats
• GPS/GLONASS-based synchronization gives an accurate time-of-day reference and deterministic video phase reference and locks remote SPG8000 systems to each other
• Stay GenLock and GPS Holdover Recovery prevent synchronization shock when the external reference input or GPS/GLONASS signal is temporarily lost
• Wide selection of video test patterns in serial digital formats (SD, HD and 3G-SDI) and composite analog formats (NTSC and PAL)
• Dual hot-swappable power supplies ensure continuous availability of reference signals
• Easy to manage with Web-based interface for remote configuration and SNMP for status and alert information
Applications
• Sync pulse generator and time reference generator for broadcast, studio, mobile and post-production facilities
• Master or slave (genlock) operation for distributed system architectures
• Video equipment verification, facility link testing and display calibration
Master Video Synchronization and Time Reference Generator
The base configuration includes three sync outputs that can be configured with independent output formats (NTSC/PAL black burst and/or HD tri-level sync) and independently adjustable timing offsets. With the BG option, four more analog outputs can be added. A high-accuracy, oven-controlled crystal oscillator provides a stable frequency reference for the system or the pass-through genlock input can be used to lock to an external video reference or 10MHz continuous wave signal.
The SPG8000's Stay GenLock feature avoids "synchronization shock" if the external reference suffers a temporary disturbance, by maintaining the frequency and phase of each output signal. When the external reference is restored, Stay GenLock ensures that any accumulated clock drift is removed by slowly adjusting the system clock within standard limits instead of "jamming" back to the correct phase.
Time reference outputs are available in multiple formats. Three independent linear time code (LTC) outputs are available and a fourth LTC connection can be used as input or output. Each LTC output has independent frame rate selection, time source (time-of-day or program time) and time zone offset. Vertical interval time code (VITC) is available on each NTSC or PAL black output, also with independent time sources and offsets. The SPG8000 can also serve as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server, providing the time-of-day reference to network-attached devices.
Audio Reference Signals
Several audio reference signals are available on the SPG8000. The base configuration includes a 48kHz word clock output and option AG adds five AES/EBU output pairs. One pair is dedicated to a Digital Audio Reference Signal (DARS) output and the other four pairs are used for test tone generation, with independent tone frequency and amplitude settings for each of the 8 channels.
Audio tone generation is also included with the SDI option, as embedded audio on each of the SDI outputs. Option DBT extends the audio functionality by generating these test tones in Dolby E format. Various Dolby E audio frame start locations can be set to test the error handling ability of the signal processing equipment in the signal path. Embedded Dolby E metadata are also included in the Dolby E test stream. Supported Dolby E program configurations include mono, stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound audio.
Remote Access
The SPG8000 includes a 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet interface for remote access to the instrument. A web-based user interface can be used for all configuration settings and for monitoring system status. Alarm and key status information is also available using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) messaging, enabling easy integration with network management systems. Remote control and alarm reporting is also available using a general purpose interface (GPI). The SPG8000 has a front-panel USB port that can be used to backup and restore presets and other user data and to perform system firmware upgrades.