Modular units from Thomson Broadcast and Multimedia Solutions

By Arseny Voroshilov

Review contents:

Routing and Distribution Equipment Auxiliary routing units of “Profitt” Company Multipurpose modules of Synapse system New line of distribution amplifiers from Extron Electronics Auxiliary routing and distribution equipment Kramer Electronics Leitch distribution amplifiers Devices of Marshall Electronics Company Routing and distributive equipment of Netrwork Electronics Company New HDTV Patch panels from Oxygen DCT IQ series modules from Snell & Wilcox Redbox series audio distribution equipment of from Sonifex Company Modular units from Thomson Broadcast and Multimedia Solutions The distribution equipment of Vistek Company

Thomson Broadcast and Multimedia Solutions is one of the companies which assortment of products includes practically everything that is necessary for TV production and broadcasting. Thomson, perhaps, does not make only the equipment for transmission. All rest is in sight, including signal routing and distribution equipment. In particular, these functions are carried out by modular systems Gecko and Kameleon. These systems include various modules for conversion, processing and distribution of video and audio signals. Besides there are also small switchboards of Acappella series which can be successfully used as auxiliary routing and distribution units.

Gecko 8900

8931 module block diagram

The distribution amplifier of digital video signal 8931 operates with the majority of serial digital videoformats. It is better approaches for distribution of reclocking signal on short lines that is in case of when jitter is practically absent. The module has eight outputs and carries out the automatic correction of losses in cable by length up to 300 m. It supports the following values of stream speed: 143, 177, 270 and 360 Mbit/s. On the front panel the light-emitting diode notifying about correction problems is located. There is also an opportunity of remote monitoring of module status.

Gecko chassis

The module 8937 is distribution amplifier SDI/ASI with reclocking and cable correction. It well operates with cable lines of medium and large length. The unit completely meets the requirements of standard DVB-ASI, therefore can be used in structure of any systems of signal distribution SDI and ASI. The standard reclocking circuit allows lowering the jitter essentially, either collecting in cable, or arising because of instability of signal sources with standard stream speeds. At occurrence of necessity of operation with signals SMPTE 310M or others for which stream speed is not standardized, the reclocking circuit may be switched off. Function of detecting of input signal switched on by user allows generating the report according to report SNMP which sends to control system NetCentral or other SNMP-system. There are the following supported types of signals: SMPTE 310M, SMPTE 259M, DVB-ASI, SDI 270 Mbit/s, and also the majority of signals with level 800 mV and stream speed 4…360 Mbit/s. The dual distribution amplifier with identical characteristics is produced also. It is designated as 8937D.

8937 distribution amplifier block diagram

The module 8941 is intended for distribution and monitoring of digital video signal. It supports up to four outputs of composite NTSC or PAL signal to which it is possible analog monitors to connect, and is provided by four component digital serial outputs on which reclocked digital signal is delivered. 8941 is provided on stream speed 270 Mbit/s (525 and 625 lines). Also the unit front panel is provided by light-emitting diode indicator which notifies about presence of embedded audio or additional data in input signal.

The analog distribution amplifier of video signal 8504 with function of delay. The 8504 provides distribution and synchronization of signals. Controls on the front panel in combination with connected submodules provide the choice of delay within the limits of 70 nanoseconds to 1.1 mcs. Besides module provides restoration of the signal constant component. It is provided with six outputs.

8504 module block diagram

The system Gecko also includes the module 8503 of distribution amplifier of analog audio signal. It also provides the cable losses correction. For this purpose the 10-step switch and smooth turning regulator allowing reaching value of accuracy of correction depending on cable length ±1 m are provided. This module well works at longer cable lines (up to 300 m). The module is provided with six outputs.

In end of the review of Gecko units it is necessary to note, that practically all of them are provided by passive circuit of the bypass, allowing to not lose a signal even at power supply failure.

Cabinets for Kameleon system

Kameleon

The system of signal processing Kameleon carries out set of functions which generally are concentrated in one central processor module. Additional modules which are placed in the cabinet expand the system functionality even more. Kameleon is intended for use at broadcasting centers, studios of videoproduction, equipment rooms of reception/transmission of satellite signal, OBV, etc. Therefore the structure of system includes various distribution amplifiers.

The basic characteristics of system Kameleon are as follows:

• Total processing of video and audio;
• Processing up to four program streams in the cabinet 1 RU and up to 12 streams — in 3 RUCKSACK cabinet;
• The built-in multiplexers and demultiplexers of video and audio;
• DAC/ADC over video and audio;
• Delay, synchronization and processing with amplification of video and audio signals;
• The built-in generators of test video and audio signals;
• 8-channel processing of audio, including conversion of frequency of digitization and reassignment of channels for AES;
• Processing of the information in an interval of blanking frame pulse;
• Remote configuration and monitoring.

Connectors panel and block diagram of 2030RDA

The distribution amplifier 2030RDA with reclocking function is operated with all digital video signals of standard resolution. All outputs are synphased with inputs that allows distribution of compressed signals (for example, SMPTE 310 M and DVB-ASI) at stream speeds up to minimal 4 Mbit/s in the bypass mode. There is also the interface with system of network monitoring and control named Newton.

The unit is provided with nine outputs, on input is carried out the automatic definition of stream speed, the reclocking for streams with the speed 143, 177, 270 or 360 Mbit/s, can operate in bypass mode. Total compatibility with DVB-ASI and an opportunity of modernization up to HDTV are provided. The module automatically corrects losses in cable up to 300 m.

The distribution amplifier 2031RDA-MM is carried out the functions of amplification, distribution and reclocking of digital signals of the standard resolution. It is also provided with blocks for conversion of electric signal in optical, transmission of this signal in multimode operation (index MM — Multi-Mode), its reception and conversion back in electric signal. There is modification 2031RDA-SM for single-mode operation that the index SM (Single-Mode) is indicated.

The broadband distribution amplifier 2041RDA with reclocking function is executed in the form of the module of the reduced size that complicates its installation in the cabinet and extraction from it, but allows reducing the price of the product. The module is provided with eight outputs; it automatically detects signal type and stream speed, carries out reclocking for streams with speed 143, 177, 270, 360 Mbit/s and 1.5 Gbit/s and is provided by bypass curcuit. The module completely meets the requirements of DVB-ASI. Automatic correction of cables up to 100 m is carried out in mode HD and up to 300 m in mode SD.

Modification 2041EDA differs from previous that operates with high resolution signals only with the stream speed 4 Mbit/s…1.5 Gbit/s and does not carry out a reclocking. The unit well approaches for monitoring or distribution already reclocked signals. All eight outputs are synphased with input that allows operating with compressed signals SMPTE 310M and DVB-ASI. Correction is carried out for cables up to 100 m long.

The model line of Kameleon distribution amplifiers is concluded by 2042EDA module. It represents dual (two amplifiers on four outputs) the broadband unit with function of cable losses correction, intended for systems with limited requirements to quality of HD signal. There is opportunity of installation in single 3 RU cabinet up to 24 distribution amplifiers 1×4 (12 modules). 2042EDA supports all formats 259M (A, B, C, D) of standard resolution, 292M HD, 310M, DVB-ASI. All outputs are synphasing with inputs. Cable correction is carried out for lines up to 100 m.

Acappella

Acappella router: without control panel, with control panel and view from the connectors side

Matrix switchboards of Acappella series allow to solve various problems of routing and distribution of signal inside TV systems. They are executed in cabinet 1 RU. The switchboards 8×4 are the best fit for the solving of auxiliary problems. These devices are produced both with control panel, and without it, and are provided with backup power block. Acappella switchboards can operate as independently, and to be integrated with control system Grass Valley.

The basic characteristics are as follows:

• Single- and multiformat operating modes;
• Up to four independent levels of control;
• Supported formats: broadband HDTVs, standard resolution, audio AES;
• Support of control systems Series 7000, Jupiter, Prelude and Encore;
• Port RS-422;
• Interface Ethernet.

The material is provided by Proline Company