Studio Technologies 5152 V.3 - Manual (Page 7)

Model 5152 User Guide Issue 2, June 2013
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 7
Model 5152
Video Generator/Audio Embedder Module
The standard 1310 nanometer optical
transmit wavelength is available, as are
the more-esoteric CWDM wavelengths.
When a Model 5152 has been provided
with an optical SDI input from the factory
a configuration choice selects whether
it, or the coaxial (BNC) input, is active. A
module that includes an optical SDI output
will always have its optical output active,
transporting the same SDI data as that
present on the coaxial (BNC) output.
Video Generation Capability
During typical operation an HD- or 3G-SDI
signal is connected to the Model 5152’s
SDI input. It’s then “passed through” to the
module’s SDI output and on to the next
part of the signal chain. But what happens
when the external SDI signal is not pres-
ent? That’s when an important Model 5152
feature becomes active. When a signal is
not present on the SDI input the module
will generate a high-definition (HD or 3G)
image that will serve as a “slate,” ID, or
“SDI-active” signal. This SDI signal also
allows the audio embedding function to
remain active.
From the factory two bitmap (.bmp) image
files are stored in nonvolatile memory. One
file is used for generating the image for
1280 x 720 pixel formats and the other for
1920 x 1080 pixel formats. But alternate
bitmap image files can be created and
stored in the Model 5152. These alternate
images can supply site- or application-
specific information useful to “downstream”
users. Using a personal-computer graph-
ics program, such as Microsoft® Paint® or
Adobe® Photoshop®, generating custom
images and storing them in the appropriate
bitmap format is a simple matter.
A USB port, located on the Model 5152’s
front panel, allows direct connection of
a standard USB flash drive. If the Model
5152’s firmware (embedded software)
recognizes compatible FAT32 bitmap
(.bmp) files on the USB flash drive they
will be automatically loaded into nonvola-
tile memory. The USB flash drive can then
be removed with the custom images safely
stored within the Model 5152.
One subtle but important feature has
been included for user situations where
the Model 5152’s output is used in on-
air broadcast applications. When a sig-
nal is removed from the SDI input, the
Model 5152 will output a few seconds
of solid-gray color before the stored im-
age appears. This will help to ensure that
technicians or operators will be visually
“warned” that the module’s input signal
has been lost and that the custom image
will soon be taking its place. It’s hoped that
the gray video image will be innocuous
for on-air viewers yet different enough
to encourage operators to switch the
module’s output away from being “on air.”
A unique feature of the Model 5152 is its
ability to automatically adapt to the format
and rate of a connected SDI signal. This
allows the custom image to be output at
the same format and rate as that used by
the associated network, local facility, or
event. If, for example, a connected input
is “1080i/59.94” then the Model 5152 will
automatically detect and store that infor-
mation. From then on whenever an SDI
input signal is not present the internal
generator will output the custom image
at “1080i/59.94.” Changing the format and
rate of the generator only requires con-
nection of an SDI signal with the desired
characteristics. (A minimum required