TANDEM HD-21 is the ideal product for all High Definition embedding and de-embedding applications – whether you need a straightforward embedder/de-embedder or whether you’re seeking a feature-packed product with two group handling, audio processing and sophisticated routing.

Flexibility is at the heart of TANDEM HD-21, with its ability to be configured in many different ways.

It can be used as an embedder for one or two groups of AES or analogue audio. Alternatively it can be used as a de-embedder for one or two groups of analogue or digital audio. Should you need it, TANDEM HD-21 can even embed one group and de-embed the other.

The functionality is defined by input and output piggyback modules which fix on to the 100mm x 266mm motherboard. Fit one piggyback for one audio group and two piggybacks for two groups.

There is a choice of six piggybacks to suit every application.

Need something different? Just fit alternative piggybacks to completely transform the product.

The ability to work with SD as well as all common HD formats brings further flexibility to this versatile board.

No other product offers such powerful audio routing. Full channel shuffling is provided by a 16 x 8 mono router which will allow you to rearrange the audio tracks between the two groups.

With audio replace an input piggyback can be used to overwrite some of the original audio channels from the HD or SD feed.

An optional audio delay of up to 64ms will compensate for any video processing, with each audio channel routed either directly or via the delay.

The audio level can be increased or decreased to match the rest of your system: each mono audio channel offers individual gain control, adjustable between +18dB and -18dB in 0.1dB steps.

Audio channels can be muted, while stereo to mono conversion helps those broadcasting a multi-language service.

TANDEM HD-21 can be used without piggybacks for applications with a requirement simply to change the gain or shuffle the audio channels.

TANDEM HD-21 also gives you the option to delay the video by a frame to compensate for the delay created by converting to or from Dolby E.

Dolby E allows multi-channel audio to be compressed into a single AES digital audio stream - however this compression process delays the audio by one video frame. By incorporating the option of a one frame video delay within TANDEM HD-21 the video and audio timing can be brought back into alignment at points where it matters (such as when switching signals or approaching a mixer) and therefore avoid lip-sync errors.

TANDEM HD-21 therefore makes it no harder to time a Dolby system than a non-Dolby system, with this one board solution saving Dolby E users both rack space and money.

The additional Dolby E handling includes the ability to embed and de-embed Dolby E, mix AES and Dolby E in a single group and overwrite the Dolby E of a single group.

Forward error correction ensures audio quality is maintained, while a headphone socket on the front of the board can be used to preview the audio sources.

Ideal for any environment that uses High Definition with embedded audio, TANDEM HD-21 is extremely straightforward to operate. It includes Crystal Vision's intuitive board edge interface which, using two select buttons, a shaft encoder and a display, allows you to instinctively and quickly locate any option from menus structured in the most logical way possible.

Control can additionally be from an active front panel on the frame, a remote panel, SNMP or the Statesman PC software.

TANDEM HD-21 fits in the standard frames (available in 4U, 2U, 1U and desk top box) and can be used with two frame rear modules to access all the inputs and outputs: select the RM33 if you’re using analogue audio or 110 ohm AES and the RM39 if you’re using 75 ohm AES.