Communications Specialties Scan Do 1024 User Manual

CONTENTS
User & Certification Information _________________ 2 Introduction _________________________________ 3 Installation __________________________________ 4 Operation __________________________________ 6 What to Expect from Converted Computer Images _ 10 S-Video: The Improved Quality Video Standard ____ 12 Troubleshooting ____________________________ 13 Accessories ________________________________ 14 Rear Connector Pin-outs _____________________ 15 Statement of Warranty _______________________ 16
Included With This Product You Should Have
Available Optional Accessories
1 - Scan Do 1024 Computer to Video Scan Converter 1 - Universal input power supply 1 - AC power line cord 1 - 6 foot Computer input cable for VGA and Macintosh 1 - 12 foot composite video output cable 1 - 12 foot S-Video output cable 1 - User’s Manual 1 - Product Registration card
• 12 foot BNC adapter cable for Scan Do 1024’s RGB output
• 12 foot Sharp projector cable for Scan Do 1024’s RGB output
• 12 foot SCART cable for Scan Do 1024’s RGB output
• RF Modulator for North America channels 3 and 4
• AC line cords for North America, Japan, UK or Europe
• Rack mounting kits
Scan Do is a registered trademark of Communications Specialties, Inc.
Macintosh and Mac are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Page 1Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
USER & CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
Scan Do 1024 Information
FCC STATEMENT
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user, at his own expense, will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
UL INFORMATION
This product carries the UL and CUL marks for ITE equipment, Listing #: 8D47
CE INFORMATION
Standards to which conformity is declared: EMC EN 55022: 1994, CISPR 22: 1993, Class B Limit
EN 50082-1: 1992
IEC 801-2: 1991 IEC 801-3: 1984 IEC 801-4: 1988
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Power Supply Information
UL INFORMATION
This product carries the UL and CUL marks for ITE equipment, Listing #: 2L85
CE INFORMATION
Standards to which conformity is declared: EMC EN 55022: 1987, CISPR 22: 1993, Class B Limit
EN 50082-1: 1992
IEC 801-2: 1991 IEC 801-3: 1984 IEC 801-4: 1988
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 2
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing Scan Do 1024, the Computer to Video Scan Converter. We are sure you will find it to be a reliable and useful product. You will find a wide array of uses for Scan Do 1024. You now have the ability to convert your computer monitor signal into a form suitable for recording on a VCR, displaying on a conventional TV or video monitor, or integrating into a multimedia production system. There is no software required to operate Scan Do 1024 or board to install into your computer.
We advise you to read the section on What to Expect from Converted Computer Images later in this manual. It explains the quality of the image you can expect when your computer images are recorded on a VCR or displayed on a conven­tional video monitor or TV and tips on improving them. Also, please read the section on S-Video: The Improved Quality Video Standard which explains what the S-Video output is and why it should be used whenever possible.
Like all the products from Communications Specialties, it comes with our continuing commitment to support you, the customer. We welcome your comments and suggestions for Scan Do 1024 and thank you for the choice you made in our product and the confidence you have shown in our company.
Please mail in your Product Registration card to us before you forget. This will help us to keep in touch with you should there be any new product announcements or information concerning Communications Specialties products. Should you have the need to contact us for support, now or in the future, we can be reached, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.
Communications Specialties, Inc. 89K Cabot Court Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA TEL: (516) 273-0404 FAX: (516) 273-1638 INTERNET: http://www.commspecial.com EMAIL: info@commspecial.com
Page 3Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
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INSTALLATION
Disconnect your monitor from the monitor port on your PC.
Connect the 6 foot input cable, provided with Scan Do 1024, from the monitor port on your computer to the connector on the rear panel of Scan Do 1024 for either VGA IN or MAC IN. This input cable is used to connect to both Mac and VGA computers.
Connect your monitor, if you have one, to the MONITOR connector labeled VGA OUT or MAC OUT.
Connect the power supply provided with Scan Do 1024 to the connector labeled POWER. Connect the AC line cord to the wall outlet to provide power to Scan Do 1024.
Connect one of Scan Do 1024's video outputs to your video equipment. Depending on what type of video equipment you are connecting to, you may use one or more of the following outputs.
Available Outputs
Video Standard Selection
COMPOSITE: This is a single composite video signal and is compatible with the "video" input on VCR's and consumer TV/monitors as well as all professional video equipment. It cannot be connected to the "antenna" input.
S-VIDEO: This is an advanced form of video where the brightness and color parts of the image are actually on two separate signals. This signal is sometimes called S-VHS, S­Video or Y/C. It is also compatible with Hi-8 and the Beta-ED standards. Use of this output will yield a better quality picture than the VIDEO output.
RED, GREEN, BLUE, SYNC: This output has separate RED, GREEN, BLUE, and SYNC signals which can be used by some video projectors and monitors.
NTSC/PAL: This switch selects the video timing standard to be used for the VIDEO, S-VIDEO, and RGB outputs. NTSC is the standard for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and parts of South America. PAL is used throughout most of Europe, the Middle East, Southern Asia, and the Pacific Rim.
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 4
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All outputs are available at the same time. Unused outputs do not have to be terminated if they are not being used.
Complete the installation by powering ON your computer if it is not already ON. The front panel green indicator labeled INPUT should light after the computer is turned on to indicate it is receiving a proper signal from the computer. Please refer to the OPERATION section for an explanation of this indicator.
Be sure the front panel FREEZE light is OFF to see your computer's image on Scan Do 1024's outputs.
Page 5Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
OPERATION
Scan Do 1024 is designed to be easy to use, reliable, intelligent, and high performance. You will find the operation to be intuitive. However, we suggest you read the following pages to fully understand how Scan Do 1024 operates and to take advantage of all its features. If after becoming familiar with its operation and features you still have questions, please let us know. If you have any suggestions to improve its operation or find any features of particular value, we would like to know that as well.
POWER: This indicator tells when power is present and Scan Do 1024 is ON. If this light is glowing dim or not at all, it is an indication that something might be wrong with the external power supply.
INPUT: This indicator tells when a valid computer signal is present at the VGA IN or MAC IN connector on the rear panel. The following is a list of all the valid VGA and Mac display resolutions and their vertical refresh rates that Scan Do 1024 will detect and convert. If Scan Do 1024 does not detect one of these resolutions on its input, it will display a flat blue screen on its output and the INPUT light will flash.
VGA and Mac Resolutions Supported
How to Activate Test Signals
VGA: 320x200 @ 70Hz 640x480 @ 60, 72, 73
640x200 @ 70Hz & 75 Hz 640x350 @ 70, 84, 87Hz 800x600 @ 56, 60, 72 720x350 @ 70, 84, 87Hz 73, & 75 Hz 720x400 @ 70Hz 1024x768 @ 60, 70, 72
73, & 75 Hz
MAC: 640x480 @ 66Hz
832x624 @ 75 Hz 1024x768 @ 60 & 75 Hz
TEST: This button will force Scan Do 1024 to generate one of two test signals on its COMPOSITE and S-VIDEO outputs (not available on the RGB output). Press the switch once and the indicator light will go ON to show the color bar signal. Press it again, and the output will now be a gray scale ramp. Press it a third time and the indicator light will go OFF and the outputs will now show the computer input.
NOTE: If the TEST button is pressed in continuously for 5 seconds, Scan Do 1024 will automatically reset all functions.
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 6
Shrinking the Image to Fit on the Screen
UNDERSCAN: Because most TV monitors "overscan" their image display, some desirable part of the image may be lost. The UNDERSCAN button can be used to shrink the image, both horizontally and vertically, approximately 10% in size. Push the button to shrink the image and the green light will illuminate. Push it again to restore the image to its original size and the light will extinguish.
Reducing Flicker in the Image
ANTI-FLICKER: This button will activate one of two levels of flicker reduction. When the button is pressed the first time, the green light will indicate it is in the level 1 stage of flicker reduction.
This level 1 stage may still show some flicker but will preserve a greater amount of detail compared to level 2. Level 1 should be used unless you still find the flicker annoying.
Pressing the button again will cause the green light to stay lit and go into the level 2 stage of flicker reduction. This level 2 stage will eliminate the flicker but will also reduce the detail in the image.
Pressing the button once again will extinguish the green light and turn off the anti-flicker filter.
You should try the different settings for this button to see which gives the best results for the application you are viewing.
FREEZE: You may desire to freeze or stop the image on your video screen without stopping your computer application. If the button is pressed, the image is frozen on Scan Do 1024's video outputs. The green light will also illuminate. Press the button again to extinguish the light and resume normal operation.
While in the freeze mode, all keypad functions are disabled except the FREEZE key. If you attempt to press any other key while in the freeze mode, the indicator light on the freeze key will flash to indicate Scan Do 1024 is in the freeze mode.
Page 7Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
Positioning the Image on the Screen
IMAGE POSITIONING ARROWS: TV monitors and video projectors may not always display the image in the center of the screen even when it is underscanned. Scan Do 1024 has four buttons that allow you to position the displayed image up, down, left, and right to properly position the image in the center of the screen.
These positioning controls will move one increment for every push of the button. If you leave the button pressed it will move continuously, slow at first, then fast.
Magnifying the Image
Other Operational Features
MAGNIFY: Pushing this button will magnify the image from your computer by approximately 150%. When you first press the button, the green indicator will light and the output of Scan Do 1024 will show the center portion of the computer image, full screen on its outputs. By using the four position­ing buttons you can show any magnified portion of the original computer image. If you press HOME on the UNDER­SCAN button, the image will reposition first to the upper left corner, then to the lower left when pressed again, then lower right, then the upper right as the button is pressed in succession.
To restore the image to its original size, press the MAGNIFY button again.
BLUE SCREEN: From time to time you will notice the video outputs will show a blue screen. Sometimes for a brief instant, and sometimes continuously.
Scan Do 1024 automatically produces this blue screen under any one of the following conditions:
There is no input signal from the computer
There is a signal from the computer, but it is not in a resolution or mode supported by Scan Do 1024
Your computer has temporarily changed resolutions during a program and the output of Scan Do 1024 has momentarily flashed a blue screen
If you think the blue screen should not occur, make sure one of the above conditions is not occurring.
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 8
COMPUTER DISPLAY RESOLUTION SUPPORT: The
design of Scan Do 1024 does its best to determine the pixel resolution (i.e. 640 x 480) and the vertical refresh rate (i.e. 72 Hz) that is coming from your computer. While there are published standards for most of the display modes, some manufacturers of older cards may have chosen to vary slightly from these standards.
If you encounter a display mode that matches one of the modes listed on page 6, but Scan Do 1024 does not respond to it, we want to know about it. Give us a call or drop us a note and tell us the computer make and model, make and model of the video display card, and the display resolution and vertical refresh rate you're having a problem with. We'll do our best to replicate the problem and let you know what we can do to fix it.
THE COMPUTER INPUT CABLE: The cable supplied with Scan Do 1024 for connecting to your computer is somewhat different than what you might be used to seeing. It is designed to be compatible with both VGA and Macintosh computers. It is specially wired and DB-15 to HD-15 adapters cannot be used as substitutes. When connecting Scan Do 1024 to your computer, start with your computer output to match the right connector on the cable.
Page 9Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CONVERTED COMPUTER IMAGES
We have introduced this section to give you some insight into what you can and should expect computer images to look like once they are converted to standard video. Often we at CSI find that our customers are sometimes surprised that computer images converted to video do not look as sharp and vivid as they do on the computer monitor. Although this may be somewhat disappointing, it should come as no surprise.
Color TV and video monitors have been with us for 40 years. VGA and Mac monitors have been with us for about 6 or 7 years. Although improvements have been made in TV monitor designs, they must still be compatible with a TV standard that is 40 years old. When high resolution computer graphic standards were introduced, such as VGA and Mac II, new display technologies were developed to achieve higher detail and sharper colors than offered by conventional TV and video standards. However, "real world" video equipment (e.g. VCRs, TV/monitors) is still based on these conventional video standards, such as NTSC and PAL.
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Scan converters, like Scan Do 1024, were created to bridge between the dissimilar standards of computer video and conventional video equipment. The trade-off in the process is that the computer image must now conform to 40 year old TV standards and displayed on monitors, or recorded on VCRs, that do not have the sophistication to display all the detail and purity originally seen on the computer monitor. But all is not lost. There are a few things you can do to get the best image possible on your TV/monitor or recorded on video tape. The tips that follow will all contribute to improved quality of your display and/or VCR recording.
In the world of video, black, white, and all the shades of gray are not considered "colors". TVs and VCRs process these shades of grays with a minimum of distortion. When creating an image on your computer, try to use different shades of gray instead of color.
The "Christmas Effect" is a computer image created by an artist who really likes the green and red color combination. Nothing looks worse on a TV. Try to avoid saturated colors.
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 10
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So often we are impressed with the vivid colors and ultra­sharp detail we see on the computer monitor. However, TVs and video monitors are not this pure, especially if they are displaying a video signal that was "beat up" by a VCR recording. While creating the image on your computer, preview it on a TV or video monitor connected to Scan Do 1024 to see what the end result will look like to avoid surprises later.
When making a VCR recording, use a name brand "Pro" or "Broadcast" grade tape. An S-VHS tape can also be used even if you are only making a standard VHS recording. Also, record using the fastest speed (shortest time mode). You will have less noise and tape jitter in your recording.
Almost all TVs and video monitors overscan the image resulting in some of the picture being "cropped" off the edges of the picture tube. The UNDERSCAN mode of Scan Do 1024 will shrink the image to compensate for this overscan which will vary in amount from one TV/monitor to another. In order to insure that all the useful information is still displayed on the TV/monitor, make sure all text is located at least 5% in from the sides, top and bottom.
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By far the most annoying effect that occurs when a computer image is converted to video is "flicker". This rapid flashing of the image's brightness can appear to be pervasive throughout the screen or localized to one particular area. It is most noticeable on thin horizontal lines, particularly, bright lines against a dark background. It is not seen on computer monitors because all the horizontal lines that make up the image are drawn on the screen in one pass from top to bottom 60 or 70 times a second. When the same image is converted to video a single line will only be drawn on the screen either 30 (NTSC) or 25 (PAL) times a second. The flicker you see is the same line being drawn at this rapid rate, but not rapid enough to blur together. The anti-flicker filter in Scan Do 1024 employs an advanced design technique to overcome this annoying problem with only a very slight loss in vertical detail.
Page 11Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
S-VIDEO, THE IMPROVED QUALITY VIDEO STANDARD
Most of us are familiar with two forms of TV video. RF, which is how cable TV and over the air TV comes into our homes, and Composite Video or just plain Video. "Video" is sometimes called "baseband" video. Composite video is, as its name implies, a single electrical signal which is made up of brightness, color, and synchronizing components. It is simple to communicate and record on VCRs. If we take this signal and place it, or modulate it, onto a TV channel we have what is called an RF video signal. The problem comes in when your TV/monitor or VCR has to break the signal apart to show it on the screen or record it on tape. Much processing is involved and distortions of the image will occur.
Several years ago, TV engineers devised a simple scheme which was not only relatively inexpensive to implement but very effective in reducing the distortions that occur in TV/ monitor/VCR processing. It is called S-VIDEO.
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In this TV signal system, there are actually LUMINANCE or "Y" signal carries the sync and brightness components while the CHROMA or "C" signal carries the color component. By keeping these two signals separate before they go into the TV/monitor, it eliminates the need for the TV/monitor to do the work of separating them inside the set. The result is a displayed image that has more detail and less color distortion. If you were to compare any given image on a TV/monitor between the VIDEO and S-VIDEO modes, the difference in the quality of the images would be dramatic.
Almost all of the new larger screen TVs (25 inches and above) that have audio/video jacks will also have an S­VIDEO jack just like the one on the rear of Scan Do 1024. If it is available: USE IT! You will see a difference.
two signals. The
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 12
TROUBLESHOOTING
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THEN CHECK TO SEE IF:
Nothing works or no video output
No video on outputs (Just a blue screen)
• The green POWER indicator is lit. Is the power supply connected and plugged into the AC wall outlet?
• The computer is properly sending out a VGA or MAC signal. Plug the VGA or MAC monitor into the computer's output to check.
• The VCR or video monitor is in the proper mode to accept direct video input.
• The green INPUT indicator is lit. If not, the computer may not be in the proper VGA or MAC mode (see page 6) or not producing a VGA or MAC signal at all.
• Press the TEST button to see if you get color bars or grey scale on the COMPOSITE or S-VIDEO outputs.
• When using a laptop, try turning off the laptop's LCD screen and having the VGA signal output through the external port only.
Some of the image is being lost off the sides, top, or bottom
The color on the TV monitor is different than the color on the computer monitor
• This is normal if the UNDERSCAN button is off. Press the UNDERSCAN button and use the positioning buttons to move the image on the screen.
• Since the picture tube on your computer monitor is different than the one on your TV or video monitor, color differences will be common. Adjust the COLOR, TINT, CONTRAST, and BRIGHTNESS controls on your TV to help match the colors to the computer monitor. The test patterns built into Scan Do 1024 can be used to help you.
Page 13Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
ACCESSORIES
The following accessories are available for Scan Do 1024. They may be ordered from your dealer or directly from Communications Specialties, Inc. If you need an accessory that you don't see here or have a specific application for which you need assistance, please give us a call.
ITEM # DESCRIPTION
1240 Single rackmount kit. This kit allows one
Scan Do 1024 to be rackmounted.
1241 Double rackmount kit. This kit allows two
Scan Do 1024's to be rackmounted.
1150 RGBS cable for BNC connection. A 12 foot
cable that connects the RGBS output of Scan Do 1024 to video equipment with BNC connectors.
1151 RGBS cable for Sharp LCD projectors. A 12
foot cable that connects the RGBS output of Scan Do 1024 to the DB-15 connector on Sharp LCD projectors.
1154 RGBS cable for SCART connector on
European TV monitors. A 4 meter cable that connects the RGBS output of Scan Do 1024 to a SCART A/V connector.
1156 RGBS input cable. A 3 foot cable that connects
an RGBS signal to the input of Scan Do 1024.
1009 RF modulator. Modulates the COMPOSITE
video output of Scan Do 1024 to TV channel 3 or 4 for connection to the antenna input of your TV.
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 14
REAR CONNECTOR PIN-OUTS
POWER
VGA Out/MAC In (HD-15 Connector)
VGA In/MAC Out (DB-15 Connector)
Center +5 Vdc In Outer Ground
VGA Out MAC In
1 Red Red 2 Green Green 3 Blue Blue 4 ID bit 2 ID bit-2 5 Ground Ground 6 Red Ground Red Ground 7 Green Ground Green Ground 8 Blue Ground Blue Ground 9 N/C N/C 10 Monitor Present Computer Present 11 Ground (ID bit 0) Ground (ID bit 0) 12 ID bit 1 ID bit 1 13 H-Sync Out H-Sync In 14 V-Sync Out V-Sync In 15 ID bit 3 Comp. Sync In
VGA In MAC Out
1 Ground Ground 2 Red Red 3 Reserved Comp. Sync Out 4 ID bit 0 ID bit 0 5 Green Green 6 Red Ground Red Ground 7 ID bit 1 ID bit 1 8 N/C N/C 9 Blue Blue 10 ID bit 2 ID bit 2 11 Ground Ground 12 V-Sync In V-Sync Out 13 Computer Present Monitor Present 14 Ground Ground 15 H-Sync In H-Sync Out
COMPOSITE VIDEO OUTPUT
S-VIDEO OUTPUT
RGB OUTPUT
Center Video Out Outer Video Ground
1 Ground 3 Luminance 2 Ground 4 Chrominance
1,2,6,9 Ground 5 Blue 3 Red 8 Comp. Sync 4 Green
Page 15Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
STATEMENT OF WARRANTY
Communications Specialties, Inc. (CSI) warrants that for a period of three years after purchase by the Buyer, Scan Do 1024 will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from CSI before any equipment is returned by the Buyer. All material must be shipped to CSI at the expense and risk of the Buyer.
CSI's obligation under this warranty will be limited, at its option, to either the repair or replacement of defective units, including free materials and labor. In no event shall CSI be responsible for any incidental or consequential damages or loss of profits or goodwill.
CSI shall not be obligated to replace or repair equipment that has been damaged by fire, war, acts of God, or similar causes, or equipment that has been serviced by unauthorized personnel, altered, improperly installed, or abused.
RMA numbers and repairs can be obtained from:
Communications Specialties, Inc. 89K Cabot Court Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA TEL: (516) 273-0404 FAX: (516) 273-1638
Please have your serial number (located underneath Scan Do 1024) available when contacting us.
Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 16
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