The Studio Technologies Model 5152 Video Generator/Audio 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 5152's compact size belies its powerful video and audio feature set. At its most basic, the Model 5152 provides the ability to embed up to eight audio channels (four AES3 digital audio "pairs") into an SMPTE®-compliant HD- or 3G-SDI video "stream." Unlike most stand-alone embedder products, Model 5152 embedding operation does not require an external source of SDI to be connected. Advanced circuitry within the Model 5152 supports the generation of a broadcast-standard high-definition SDI signal. And rather than reproducing a fixed test pattern, the Model 5152 has the capability to store and output two custom video images. 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 loaded into the module's non-volatile memory via a standard USB flash drive. The appropriate "720" or "1080" image is automatically connected 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 5152's video signal generation capability can be extremely useful, serving 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 pass through, unchanged, to the module's SDI output. Only when an input is not present will the custom image be generated. The format and rate of the custom image will match that of the previously-connected SDI input signal. This "learning" capability allows a Model 5152 to automatically adapt to the SDI format and rate utilized by a specific facility or application.
An alternate operating mode can be selected, allowing the Model 5152 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.
General Highlights
Applications for the Model 5152 include sports broadcasting booth packages, "POV" (point-of-view) remote-controlled camera systems, stadium audio/video interface (I/O) locations, and government/corporate facilities. The module's performance is completely "pro" with video and audio quality, reliability, and installation flexibility matching that of much larger-scale equipment.
For operation the Model 5152 only requires connection of a few signals. These consist of SDI inputs and outputs, up to four unbalanced digital audio sources, an external source of nominal 12 Vdc and, optionally, two wires associated with a local RS-485 data bus. Some applications may also utilize the general-purpose input (GPI) and general-purpose output (GPO) functions (available only on modules with serial numbers 00251 and later). Coaxial SDI input and output support is standard. Optical input and output support is optional. The acceptable DC input voltage range is 10 to 18, allowing a variety of power sources to be utilized.