Studio Technologies 5154 - Manual (Page 5)

Model 5154 User Guide Issue 3, September 2013
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 5
Model 5154
Video Generator/Audio De-Embedder Module
Introduction
The Model 5154 Video Generator/Audio
De-Embedder Module is a unique device
suited for a variety of custom broadcast,
post-production, industrial, and corporate
multimedia installations. As a member of
the 5100-Series of modules, the Model
5154’s compact size belies its powerful
video and audio feature set. At its most
basic, the Model 5154 provides the ability
to de-embed up to eight audio channels
(four AES3 digital audio “pairs”) from a
SMPTE®-compliant HD- or 3G-SDI video
“stream.” The SDI source, connected either
by way of a coaxial (BNC) or optional fiber
optical input, will always be routed to the
coaxial (BNC) and optional fiber optic
outputs. Should a source not be connected
to the SDI input, advanced circuitry within
the Model 5154 will automatically generate
a broadcast-standard high-definition SDI
signal. This ensures that devices “down-
stream” from the Model 5154 will always
be presented with an active SDI signal.
Rather than reproducing a fixed test pat-
tern, the Model 5154 has the capability to
store and output two custom video im-
ages. The images, one for “720” and one
for “1080,” are based on bitmap (.bmp)
files that can be created using a personal
computer’s graphics program.
For convenience, the .bmp files are stored
in the module’s nonvolatile memory via a
standard USB flash drive. The appropriate
“720” or “1080” image is automatically con-
nected to the SDI output whenever an SDI
input signal is not present. This ensures
that an SDI output signal is always sent to
equipment further along the signal chain.
The Model 5154’s video signal generation
capability can be extremely useful, serv-
ing as both a “keep-alive” signal as well as
allowing a detailed graphics image to be
displayed for identification purposes. When
a valid HD- or 3G-SDI signal is connected to
the module’s input it will have eight of its au-
dio channels (four AES3 digital audio pairs)
de-embedded, as well as passing through,
unchanged, to the module’s SDI output. Only
when an input is not present will the stored
image be generated. (Note, however, that no
audio signals will be generated.) The format
and rate of the stored image will match that
of the previously-connected SDI input sig-
nal. This “learning” capability allows a Model
5154 to automatically adapt to the SDI for-
mat and rate utilized by a specific facility or
application.
An alternate operating mode can be se-
lected, allowing the Model 5154 to serve as
a dedicated video signal generator. In this
mode an SDI signal connected to the module
will serve as an external timing reference.
Figure 1. Model 5154 Video Generator/Audio De-Embedder Module front and rear views