Equinox - 24 Line Test Patterns and Ident Generator
Available to Buy
Almost all Outside Broadcasts and Studios send several video signals/paths/lines, call them what you will, to the relevant MCR or Control Room. The question is, how do you identify each one?
Traditionally this is done over the phone, with the person at the OB or Studio end manuall switching signals to allow the MCR staff to identify each line, which works, but takes a while.
Wouldn't it be much better, from a time, resource and reliabilty point of view to be able to add a unique ID to each signal or line of transmission?
Well, now you can:
Equinox is a 2U rack mounted test pattern generator that can generate up to 24 different unique video signals, allowing multiple outgoing lines to have their own ID.
It releases a lot of time for OB/Studio staff to work on other things, while MCR staff are able to observe, test and route the relevant signals as required, and without a live telehpne conversation. It also means the IDs can be left in place for hours if necessary, without disturbing OB/Studio staff.
This has been proven in the field over a number of years, and has found favour with major broadcasters such as ITV Sport:
“From initial line up, and throughout the duration of the live broadcast, Equinox has proven to successfully identify transmission circuits instantly and easily, with 2 lines of text, a moving cursor and embedded audio. For that reason I would recommend Equinox for live broadcast productions going forward.” Roger Pearce, Technical Director, ITV Sport
AVAILABLE FORMATS
1080/60p, 1080/59.94p, 1080/50p
1080/30p, 1080/29.97p, 1080/25p, 1080/24p, 1080/23.98p,
1080/60i, 1080/59.95i, 1080/50i, 1080/30psF, 1080/29.97psF, 1080/25psF, 1080/24psF, 1080/23.98psF,
720/60p, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 720/30p, 720/29.97p, 720/25p, 720/24p, 720/23.98p, 625I, 525I, CVBS
Signals and Idents
The cards can be configured with a variety of different patterns and idents
•Test Patterns - As standard the Cards have 3 test patterns. SMPTE Bars, PLUGE and Pathological.. On request additional test patterns may be installed.
•Line Text – There are two lines of texts that can be used to help identify the lines.
•Cursor – There is also a moving cursor for live-signal confidence.
•Embedded Audio – Unique across 8 channels, with frequency options and interrupted tone on the second leg of each pair of channels. This can be disabled by the user if required.
•Company or Client Logos – can be installed at an extra cost.
Interface
Equinox has a small screen to allow the user to configure and/or identify the IP and other network details.
All other control is done via an Ethernet Browser which allows the user to configure the cards quickly and easily via a PC, Mac or handheld device.
Hardware Configurations
The unit is capable of holding up to 12 cards with two outputs per card.
Each card can output 2 SDI signals.
•The unit can take a single timing reference signal (black & burst or tri-level) which is common for all cards. It also has an adjustable offset which can be enabled if needed.
•Power is via a single IEC into a 110-230V AC power supply.
Card Options
•Dual SDI Cards – Each card has a dual SDI Output (A & B), which are independently and uniquely configureable. This allows Equinox to output up to 24 different signals, depending on how many cards are installed of course.
Profiles
For simplicity, the video signal can be configured quickly across all the outputs in one go, using the Master Profile option, where anything common to all outputs can be flashed to each card in one single step.
Then using the Individual Card Profiles, the user can make changes individually to each card.
Power and Case
The unit is powered by 110-230VAC via a single standard IEC connector
Equinox is housed in a standard 19inch, 2U high rackmount enclosure
Click the link for the Tech File: EQUINOX TECHNICAL FILE
