Correct any timing problems

You can use SYN HD-AFD to correct any timing problems - whether you need to synchronise your incoming video signals which are not locked to the local reference or to compensate for timing delays within your video system.

This video synchroniser is ideal for broadcast engineers who need to bring untimed HD or SD video into their system.

The multi-functional SYN HD-AFD can also be used to insert SMPTE 2016 AFD information to help downstream equipment automatically select the correct aspect ratio.

Using SYN HD-AFD with audio

Principally designed for applications without embedded audio, if the input and output frame rates are locked together then the SYN HD-AFD may be set to pass through embedded audio transparently.

A TTL level pulse allows an audio delay to track the video delay through the synchronisers, making it easy to use them with separate audio.

Synchronise external sources

There are two operational modes: synchroniser and delay line.

Synchroniser mode is ideal for external sources that are not timed to station references such as satellite or remote contribution feeds. The board takes its timing from the external analogue reference and will automatically synchronise sources, fixing any incorrect frame rates plus any delays.

Use any existing timing signals

Cross-locking means that an HD or SD input can be referenced to either HD tri-level syncs or SD Black and Burst - allowing the convenient use of any existing timing signals.

Compensate for mistimed sources elsewhere

You can easily compensate for mistimed sources elsewhere in your system by adjusting the output timing relative to the reference through an entire frame using horizontal and vertical settings.

Should the reference be removed or the board powered without a reference, the synchronisers will free run at the previously received line rate.

Add a fixed delay

With timing derived from the video input, delay mode is ideal for when the frame rate is correct but the source has been passed through equipment such as a chroma keyer, DVE or standards converter and therefore been delayed for a few lines.

Allowing full adjustment of vertical and horizontal timing, the fixed delay can be set between 2us and one frame plus approximately 2us.

Get the benefits of a frame synchroniser

The boards offer the double benefits of both a frame synchroniser and line synchroniser.

As a frame synchroniser they allow any timing difference, with storage for a whole frame ensuring that the output video is always valid with the sync information in the right place and also allowing you to output the video at a different rate to the input video, by being able to repeat the last frame if required.

Get the benefits of a line synchroniser

The line synchroniser advantages include a short minimum delay of 2us for a simpler system design and quick recovery of horizontal input timing which means that if you switch from one source to another in the active picture, the synchroniser will ensure that the picture below the switch is horizontally aligned even if it is shifted vertically, and will be correctly positioned in the next frame.

Avoid picture disturbances when switching

It’s easy to avoid picture disturbances when you switch in the vertical blanking between two sources with different timings.

To minimise loss of data and ensure the active picture is clean and in the right place, the synchronisers re-lock at three separate points: at the start of the nominal field or frame, after the switching point and before the start of the active field or frame.

Help downstream equipment select the correct aspect ratio

SYN HD-AFD can be used either as a synchroniser with SMPTE 2016 AFD functionality or purely as an AFD inserter to allow a following down converter to output the Standard Definition with an appropriate aspect ratio conversion.

HD programmes are often made of a mixture of true High Definition sources and SD sources that have been up converted and have black pillars at the sides. SYN HD-AFD can embed one of 16 AFD codes into the output video for the down converter to read, with the code describing which areas of the screen contain a picture and which areas are black ‘padding’.

GPI inputs allow an automation system to easily control the insertion of any AFD code by recalling one of 16 presets, which can inform SYN HD-AFD when to change the AFD code.

Use it as a still store

Manual freeze allows SYN HD-AFD to be used as a simple still store, with the type of freeze selected from frame, field 1 or field 2.

Choose what happens on input failure

Automatic freeze is available when input fails through loss of signal, with alternative responses selectable as blue screen, black screen, delay then blue or delay then black.

Indication is given if the delay between the input video and external reference is shorter than the blanking period of the input video, while EDH and CRC information is regenerated and inserted into the output video.

Save rack space

SYN HD-AFD is a 100mm x 266mm module which fits in the standard Crystal Vision frames, with the frames available in four sizes - 4U, 2U, 1U and desk top box.

It is used with the RM34 frame rear module to provide two HD or SD outputs and two reclocked input loop-throughs.

Choose your control

The flexible control options include board edge switches, an active front panel on the frame, a remote control panel, GPIs, SNMP and the Statesman PC control software.