Tektronix release new sync pulse generators “Synchronization throughout the facility is critical for guaranteed system performance.”
Tektronix, Inc. a worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, have announced the SPG600 and SPG300 Sync Signal Generators using Stay GenLock technology that provides accurate signal synchronization. Stay GenLock technology provides stable synchronization signals that are critical to maintaining system timing required by digital and traditional broadcast facilities.
Synchronization is one of the most fundamental and critical procedures in a video facility. Every device in a system (cameras, video tape recorders, editors, switchers, etc.), must be synchronized in order to successfully create, transmit, and recover video pictures and audio information. Synchronization is obtained by locking all video reference signals for an analogue and digital facility to a common reference signal generated by a master sync generator. When various video sources are combined, their signals must be synchronized or the picture will roll, jump, tear or have incorrect colours. The new SPG600 and SPG300 sync pulse generators ensure signal synchronization through Stay GenLock.
“Synchronization throughout the facility is critical for guaranteed system performance,” said Todd Biddle, Vice President, Video Product Line, Tektronix. “Adjusting system timing to achieve and maintain synchronization has become even more important and challenging in facilities that operate in multiple formats. Designed to meet the mixed-mode transitional needs of the serial component digital post production and operational environments, the SPG600 and SPG300 Sync Pulse Generators virtually eliminate concerns about reference signal loss by providing the most stable signal synchronization available.”
Signal Synchronization Ensured
The SPG600 and SPG300 Sync Pulse Generators provide synchronization and test signals for both traditional analogue and mixed digital and analogue facilities, in both NTSC/525 and PAL/625 environments. These products are ideal as a stable master sync signal, which is critical in digital broadcast environments. The genlock source can be NTSC/PAL Black Burst, NTSC/PAL Sync or CW (Continuous Wave). It is important to ensure synchronization of digital audio signals to prevent pops and clicks from occurring within the audio content. The SPG600 and SPG300 provide digital (AES/EBU) audio outputs and word clock which can be referenced to the video signal to ensure audio to video synchronization within the facility.
Remote Control
Network capable devices within the facility have become a more common requirement to achieve integrated system design and control. The SPG600 and SPG300 have an Ethernet connection which allows control of many of the functions of the device through a web browser. This facilitates customers to maintain synchronization within their plant and make quick adjustments when the need arises.
About Stay GenLock
When the SPG600 or SPG300 are configured for Stay GenLock mode, a momentary loss of synchronization at the genlock reference input will not cause a disturbance in the units’ test signal and black outputs. Reference values are stored in a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to keep the SPG600 and SPG300 output locked and ensures stable downstream synchronization. When the genlock signal is re-applied, the SPG system will gradually re-acquire lock causing little disruption in the outputs of the device which will not be noticeable in most cases. Tektronix’ Web address is www.tektronix.com.
