Datavideo VS150 Users Manual

Waveform Monitor / Vectorscope

VS-150

Instruction Manual

www.datavideo-tek.com

1

Warnings and Precautions

1. Read all of these warnings and save them for later reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on this unit.

3. Unplug this unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for

cleaning.

4. Do not use this unit in or near water.

5. Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious damage.

6. Slots and openings on the cabinet top, back, and bottom are provided for ventilation. To ensure safe and reliable

operation of this unit, and to protect it from overheating, do not block or cover these openings. Do not place this

unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface, as the ventilation openings on the bottom of the cabinet will be

blocked. This unit should never be placed near or over a heat register or radiator. This unit should not be placed

in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

7. This product should only be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label of the AC

adapter. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your Datavideo dealer or your local power

company.

8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this unit where the power cord will be walked on,

rolled over, or otherwise stressed.

9. If an extension cord must be used with this unit, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the products

plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord’s rating.

10. Make sure that the total amperes of all the units that are plugged into a single wall outlet do not exceed 15

amperes.

11. Never push objects of any kind into this unit through the cabinet ventilation slots, as they may touch dangerous

voltage points or short out parts that could result in risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto

or into this unit.

12. Except as specifically explained elsewhere in this manual, do not attempt to service this product yourself.

Opening or removing covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you to dangerous voltage points or

other risks, and will void your warranty. Refer all service issues to qualified service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power cord is damaged or frayed;

b. When liquid has spilled into the unit;

c. When the product has been exposed to rain or water;

d. When the product does not operate normally under normal operating conditions. Adjust only those controls

that are covered by the operating instructions in this manual; improper adjustment of other controls may

result in damage to the unit and may often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the

unit to normal operation;

e. When the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged;

f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.

14. Due to the general consumer usage behavior, efficient power distribution on the field, corporate environment

responsibility by eliminating harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, etc, and other

unexpected risks, this product does not provide standby power option

2

Warranty

Standard Warranty

 Datavideo equipment is guaranteed against any manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase.
 The original purchase invoice or other documentary evidence should be supplied at the time of any request for

repair under warranty.

 Damage caused by accident, misuse, unauthorized repairs, sand, grit or water is not covered by this warranty.
 All mail or transportation costs including insurance are at the expense of the owner.
 All other claims of any nature are not covered.
 Cables & batteries are not covered under warranty.
 Warranty only valid within the country or region of purchase.
 Your statutory rights are not affected.

Two Year Warranty

 All Datavideo products purchased after 01-Oct.-2008 qualify for a free one year extension to the standard Warranty,

providing the product is registered with Datavideo within 30 days of purchase. For information on how to register

please visit www.datavideo-tek.com or contact your local Datavideo office or authorized Distributors

 Certain parts with limited lifetime expectancy such as LCD Panels, DVD Drives, Hard Drives are only covered for

the first 10,000 hours, or 1 year (whichever comes first).

Any second year warranty claims must be made to your local Datavideo office or one of its authorized Distributors

before the extended warranty expires.

Disposal

For EU Customers only - WEEE Marking

This symbol on the product indicates that it will not be treated as household
waste. It must be handed over to the applicable take back scheme for the
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For more detailed
information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local
Datavideo office.

3

Index

Warnings and Precautions .............................................................................................................. 1

Warranty ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Disposal .......................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Features .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Supported SDI / HD-SDI Input Video Formats ................................................................................ 5

Packing List ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Connections & Controls .................................................................................................................. 6

Front & Rear Panels ................................................................................................................ 6

VS-150 Output Display ................................................................................................................... 9

Menu Control and Options ............................................................................................................ 10

VS-150 Quick Start Guide ............................................................................................................. 13

Application Diagram ...................................................................................................................... 21

Dimensions ................................................................................................................................... 22

Specifications ................................................................................................................................ 23

Service & Support ......................................................................................................................... 24

4

Introduction

Video image quality is often determined by a combination of multiple factors such as camera
alignment and calibration. The location of the production and the brands of connected video
devices especially under Electronic Field Production (EFP) conditions can cause variable image
quality in terms of brightness, colour saturation, and white balance between different video sources.
Traditionally, experienced camera operators would align equipment before a production in order to
avoid too much time and resources being spent on adjusting images in post production.

In order to make this alignment process easier and more efficient, Datavideo presents the VS-150,
a cost-effective waveform monitor & vectorscope. This unit provides quick, accurate and standardized ways
to calibrate and align signals from cameras and other video equipment.

The VS-150 can be used to test and compare the accuracy of incoming video signals from
cameras and/or connected equipment. The VS-150 can accept either SDI or HD-SDI input for
signal analysis. The VS-150 can be set up to provide a clean video loop through on SDI/HD-SDI
whilst still allowing video analysis views on its HDMI outp ut. Alternatively the scope view can also be
displayed as a 1280 x 720 HD-SDI output.

Features

• Rugged and compact single unit that requires only an HD-SDI or HDMI monitor

• Menu choice of Vectorscope, Histogram, Waveform and Parade displays as well as clean

Video Display output (SDI to HDMI conversion)

• SDI / HD-SDI input

• SDI / HD-SDI loop through – can provide clean pictures or video analysis view

• Automatically detects and locks to NTSC, PAL or HD signals

• Embedded SDI audio peak meter with selectable monitoring for four stereo pairs

• Switchable 4:3 / 16:9 video thumbnail when input signal is SD-SDI

• Headphone jack audio monitoring socket with menu based volume control

• Save

• Parade Display can be toggled between RGB and YCbCr

and Recall trace menu options for quick and easy overlay comparison of video traces

• Vectorscope can be toggled between 75% and 100% graticules/bars

• Waveform detail can be zoomed 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% - various parts of the waveform

can then viewed by changing the X Delay value

• Capture sampling can be by Field1, Field 2 or Frame

• DC 12V operation makes the unit ideal for field or studio operation

5

Supported SDI / HD-SDI Input Video Formats

- 720 x 576i / 50 Hz (PAL)

- 720 x 480i / 60 Hz (NTSC)

- 1280 x 720P / 29.97Hz

- 1280 x 720p / 50 Hz

- 1280 x 720p / 60 Hz

- 1920 x 1080i / 50 Hz

- 1920 x 1080i / 59.94 Hz

- 1920 x 1080i / 60 Hz

- 1920 x 1080P / 30Hz

Packing List

1 x AD Switch 12V 500mA

1 x VS-150 QSG

6

POWER SWITCH

Switches the power On / Off.

HISTOGRAM

HISTOGRAM is used to detect the overall brightness of a location. Through VS-150 to detect

light sources from all directions reading by the camera, one can individually adjust each

camera to the desired state.

WAVEFORM MONITOR

Waveform monitor is used as a reference to adjust the brightness of a camera. One can

accompany grayscale chart to better distinguish the color level of the adjusting camera.

VIDEO DISPLAY

Display the SDI Input video source.

VECTOR
Applied a 75% or 100% color bar signal.

PARADE CALIBRATION

Parade calibration on RGB or YCbCr mode.

Aim the camera to take the entire test chart as a sample image. This step is necessary to

make sure that the color saturation of an image reproduced from the camera is consistent and

does not tint to any particular color that can cause color cast.

X ZOOM

To adjust the brightness of an area in detail, one can monitor a selected spot by choosing

Connections & Controls

Front & Rear Panels

7

display graph from 20%~100%.

CONFIGURATION
576i THUMBNAIL

Set the display monitor at the lower left hand corner to 16:9 or 4:3 when the signal is 576i.

SDI LOOPTHROUGH

Set loop through on / off mode

CAPTURE

Set sampling mode FRAME: Capture the entire frame as a sample.

FIELD1: Capture FIELD 1 as a sample only.

FIELD2: Capture FIELD 2 as a sample only.

FIRMWARE REVISION

Display current software version

X DELA

This is used by adjusting the position of the matrix.

Set delay time from 0 ~ 17.0235uS

TRACE MEMORY

This mode is allowed you save trace, recall trace or clear trace.

To recall the saved camera signals, the camera signals are consistent when camera signals

(displaying in various colors) are overlapping with the one another.

MENU

Menu dial and push to select button

Turn the knob to select the options or adjust the parameter.

Push the knob to select the options.

AUDIO CHANNEL

Setting & display the audio channels 1,2 / 3,4 / 5,6 or 7,8 CH.

Push the button, and then turn the MENU knob to select audio channels.

STEREO MINI JACK PLUG

3.5mm jack socket for audio monitoring

8

REMOTE:

Switch to REMOTE for control VS-150 mode.

LOCAL:

For firmware update mode; if you want upgrade VS-150 firmware please switch to LOCAL

and via USB cable connect to PC for firmware update

Mini USB

USB interface for firmware update

HD/SD-SDI INPUT

BNC connector for SDI input.

HD/SD-SDI OUTPUT

BNC connector for SDI output.

HDMI OUTPUT

HDMI digital signal output connecter.

DC in socket

Connect the supplied 12V PSU to this socket. The connection can be secured by screwing the

outer fastening ring of the DC In plug to the socket.

Grounding Terminal

When connecting this unit to any other component, make sure that it is properly grounded by

connecting this terminal to an appropriate point. When connecting, use the socket and be

sure to use wire with a cross-sectional area of at least 1.0 mm2.

9

VS-150 Output Display

10

Menu Control and Options

The VS-150 is a menu driven unit. The menu is viewed as part of the output display when it has been connected to a
HDMI / SDI monitor.

The menu options are scrolled by turning the Menu Dial to the left or right (See item 1 on page 8). A pointer ( >) to the
left of the menu options indicates which item is currently selected. To change / select a value gently press the Menu
Dial in towards the VS-150 case, like a button.

If there are more options in the curr
To g

o back to an earlier menu select EXIT from the current options list.

The Main Menu options are:

TOOLS
NEXT MODE
VIDEO DISPLAY
AUDIO VOLUME
AUDIO CHANNEL
CONFIGURATION

NEXT MODE

When first switched on the VS-150 will display in the Vectorscope mode. Selecting NEXT MODE and pressing in the
Menu Dial will cause the unit to display the next mode in the following order.

VECT

ORSCOPE

PA

RADE
WAVEFORM MONITOR
HISTOGRAM

NOTE: All scope views are displayed at 1280 x 720 regardless of input video format.

VIDEO DISPLAY
When this option is selected the VS-150 will display only the incoming video. All audio and scope views will be
hidden when this option is active. This option affects both the SDI loop through and the HDMI output. To return to a
scope view once more press in or rotate the Menu Dial on the VS-150.

ent menu then an arrow up or down may be displayed to the right of the Menu Area.

11

TOOLS

The TOOLS option is only available with certain VS-150 output displays. These are VECTORSCOPE, PARADE and

WAVEFORM MONITOR.

VECTORSCOPE related TOOLS: TRACE MEMORY

SET BANDWIDTH
SET UP BARS

PARADE related TOOLS: TRACE MEMORY

SET RGB / YCbCr

WAVEFORM related TOOLS: TRACE MEMORY

X ZOOM
X DELAY

TRACE MEMORY

This option allows the current VS-150 scope trace to be saved, recalled or cleared within the unit’s memory. A saved or

recalled trace will be displayed in green sample points and the live or current signals will be displayed in white sample

points. Where the saved and current traces match sample points are displayed in blue. In this way two sources can be

compared or a single source can be checked to see if its output drifts during extended use.

SET BANDWIDTH (VECTORSCOPE TOOLS)

This option can be changed between LOW or FULL bandwidth. The LOW bandwidth option results in fewer sample

points being displayed but still allows a good read of the incoming signals. The FULL bandwidth option results in all

sample points being displayed.

SET UP BARS (VECTORSCOPE TOOLS)

This option allows the Vectorscope Graticule targets for each colour to be switched between the 75% and 100% colour

bar positions. For most TV broadcast situations the Graticule targets should be set for 75% bars.

SET RGB / YCbCr (PARADE TOOLS)

This setting allows the parade displayed to be switched between RGB and component YCbCr values.

X ZOOM (WAVEFORM TOOLS)

This option allows the waveform display to be zoomed on the X Axis so a specific area can be examined in more detail.

X ZOOM options are:

100% = The whole width of the waveform is displayed (normal view).

60% = Only 60% of the whole waveform is shown on the display. In this setting X DELAY can be used to scroll left and

right across the waveform.

In this way the rest of the waveform can be viewed at the same level of detail.

40% = Only 40% of the whole waveform is shown on the display. In this setting X DELAY can be used to scroll left and

right across the waveform. In this way the rest of the waveform can be viewed at the same level of detail.

20% = Only 20% of the whole waveform is shown on the display. In this setting X DELAY can be used to scroll left and

right across the waveform. In this way the rest of the waveform can be viewed at the same level of detail.

12

X DELAY (WAVEFORM TOOLS)

This feature allows the waveform display to be panned right or left at the chosen level of X ZOOM detail. A low delay

value relates to the left hand side of the vision raster and a high delay value relates to the right hand side of the vision

raster.

AUDIO VOLUME

Audio embedded into the SDI / HD-SDI signal can be monitored by plugging headphones into the 3.5mm jack socket

on the VS-150 front panel. Using the AUDIO VOLUME option, the Menu Dial can be used to increase or reduce the

volume at the connected headphones, so it is monitored at a comfortable level.

AUDIO CHANNEL

The first 8 audio channels embedded into an SDI / HD-SDI signal can be monitored by the VS-150. Using the AUDIO

CHANNEL option allows selected stereo pairs to be chosen for monitoring with the headset socket. The chosen pair is

underlined on the VS-150 output display also.

CONFIGURATION

This option in the VS-150 Main Menu allows set up of Video Thumbnail, SDI loopthrough, Capture setting and

confirmation of the VS-150 firmware revision.

VIDEO THUMBNAIL

Allows the option to switch the video thumbnail on the scope display between 4x3 (4:3) or 16x9 (16:9) aspect ratio

when working with Standard Definition inputs. A HD input should be viewed in its native 16x9 aspect ratio.

SDI LOOPTHROUGH

Allows the SDI output of the VS-150 to be used as:

ON = A clean video loop through – SD or HD
OFF = A secondary scope output – HD-SDI 1280x720
OFF is the default option at power on

NOTE: This setting can be over-ridden by the VIDEO DISPLAY setting in the VS-150 main menu.

CAPTURE

The VS-150 scope displays can be set to sample FIELD1, FIELD2 or FRAME depending on the users requirement.

This choice is confirmed in the top right hand corner of the current scope display.

DSC labs camera alignment tools
Camera alignment tools such as DSC labs’ Cam Align Books and Chroma Du Monde can help speed up the camera

alignment process by introducing known calibrated constants into the sampled video that should produce a standard

VS-150 Waveform, Parade or Vectorscope pattern. The live lighting and camera settings can then be adjusted to

produce a VS-150 pattern that matches a calibrated pattern.

For more information on these tools visit http://www.dsclabs.com/

13

VS-150 Quick Start Guide

Correctly centered samples

Incorrect points towards blue

Black and White Balance Adjustment (VECTORSCOPE)

1. Aim the camera at a solid white background or white reference card.

2. Turn on any set lights and ensure any coloured filters are removed. We want an evenly lit white reference card or

background with only true white light.

3. Select VECTORSCOPE mode on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option.

4. Use the camera’s auto white balance feature to white balance against the solid white background or reference white

card.

5. If necessary adjust R (Red) or B (Blue) GAIN of the camera to move the shown sample points for white video into the

center graticule box of the VS-150 Vectorscope.

6. Once white balancing is complete cap the camera lens to produce black video. The sample points should only

appear in the same center graticule box of the VS-150 Vectorscope.

7. If necessary adjust R (Red) or B (Blue) GAIN of the camera to move the shown sample points for black video into the

center graticule box of the VS-150 Vectorscope.

8. Remove the lens cap and continue to Luminance Adjustment.

14

Luminance Adjustment (HISTOGRAM)

1. Under the same on set lighting conditions aim the camera back to the white background or ideally a grayscale

reference chart which includes 100% white and absolute black.

2. Select HISTOGRAM mode on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option.

3. Adjust the camera’s IRIS and Neutral Density Filter to reach the desired maximum white level state. If the camera

has a Zebra function you can use this to identify areas of under or over exposure too.

4. If aiming at a precise grayscale chart, the VS-150 histogram output may resemble evenly spaced vertical sample

bars in line with the grayscale chart. However, if the pattern is distributed towards the right (100), it can mean the

camera is over exposed. If the pattern is distributed towards the left (0), it can mean the camera is under exposed.

5. If there are readings below zero the black levels will be crushed or too black. Use the master pedestal setting on the

camera to set the lowest black level at or slightly above 0.

6. Once the first camera is correctly calibrated select TOOLS> TRACE MEMORY> SAVE TRACE to save the

calibrated matrix levels from the first camera.

7. Now connect VS-150 to the second camera on the set. Adjust the white and black balance on the next camera as

described earlier.

8. Now adjust the grayscale reading from second camera output so that it matches the saved output from first camera

to align the cameras. The same procedure can be repeated for any remaining cameras.

15

Luminance Adjustment (WAVEFORM MONITOR)

The grayscale matrix image above is not evenly stepped and shows there are four over-exposed white areas

1. Under the same on set lighting conditions aim the camera back to the white background or ideally a grayscale

reference chart.

2. Select WAVEFORM mode on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option.

3. Adjust the camera’s IRIS and matrix to reach the desired maximum white level state. There may be a pre-selected

level, such as 600mv as a standard for consistency in brightness.

4. If aiming at a precise grayscale chart, the VS-150 waveform output may resemble an X shaped matrix. The steps in

this matrix should be evenly distributed in line with the grayscale chart. However, if the matrix is not evenly

distributed, it means that the Gamma is not correctly set, and will lead to further adjustment of the camera.

5. Once the first camera is correctly calibrated select TOOLS> TRACE MEMORY> SAVE TRACE to save the

calibrated matrix levels from the first camera.

6. Now connect VS-150 to the second camera on the set. Adjust the white and black balance on the next camera as

described earlier.

7. Now adjust the grayscale matrix reading from second camera output so that it matches the saved matrix from first

camera to align the cameras. The same procedure can be repeated for any remaining cameras.

16

Colour /Hue Adjustment (PARADE RGB / YCbCr)

1. Under the same on set lighting conditions aim the camera at a colour reference chart (such as DSC labs’ Chroma Du

Monde).

2. Adjust the colour level of the camera to give its image the required warmer or colder look according to your

preference.

3. Select PARADE mode (RGB or YCbCr) on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option.

4. PARADE displays the characteristic colour levels on a scale. If the camera is pointed at the Chroma Du Monde

reference chart, the operator can now set the camera to standardised colour levels such as R:650mv G:600mv

B:600mv. These adopted set reference points can then ensure image consistency in future production runs and any

post production grading.

5. Once the first camera is correctly set for colour select TOOLS> TRACE MEMORY> SAVE TRACE to save the

current parade trace from the first camera.

6. Now connect VS-150 to the second camera on the set. Adjust the white, black balance and luminance on the next

camera as described earlier.

7. Now adjust the colour on the second camera output so that it matches the saved Parade from the first camera. The

same procedure can be repeated for any remaining cameras.

Set your own standard (The colour of the image above is leaning toward red)

17

Camera output after adjustments (VECTORSCOPE)

1. Under the same on set lighting conditions aim the camera at a colour reference chart (such as DSC labs’ Chroma Du

Monde).

2. Select VECTORSCOPE mode on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option.

3. Now, the VECTORSCOPE displays the analyzed colour components. If the white balance of one camera had been

altered, the VECTORSCOPE matrix can be used as a check point to ensure all cameras have been correctly

aligned.

4. Feeding camera output of 75% colour bars into a Video Switcher confirms if the colour image is correct after the

switcher too.

18

VS-150 Advanced Application

RGB PARADE and White Balance Adjustment

i. Select PARADE mode on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option. Then point the camera at the white background

or white reference card.

ii. When the white balance is correctly adjusted, The RGB traces should be flat, balanced, and parallel to one another

in a straight line.

iii. When White balance is not correctly adjusted, the PARADE will show unbalanced trace.

iv. When the lighting is not evenly spread-out, the PARADE will show traces which deviate from the straight line.

v. If one of the RGB trace has one end higher than another, it means that the colour has lost its fidelity.

This undesired situation will occur if the camera is not adjusted correctly or you have an uneven colour temperature/

lighting on the background during white balancing.

19

Camera Noise

i. Adjust the IRIS of the camera to minimum or cap the lens.

ii. Select PARADE mode on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option.

iii. The noise value will be displayed on the chart. The thicker the value on the line chart, the greater the noise level.

The thinner the trace on the chart, the less the noisy it is

20

Comparing colour saturation among cameras

i. Aiming the camera at Chroma Du Monde (Set camera to AUTO).

ii. Select VECTORSCOPE mode on the VS-150 using the NEXT MODE option.

iii. The VECTORSCOPE matrix displaying on VS-150 represents the colour components from the camera.

iv. Use the SAVE TRACE feature under TOOLS to compare the colour components between cameras.

v. The matrix indicates the current colour components of the camera by showing the positioning of the dots. When two

cameras have aligned luminance, the larger the VECTORSCOPE matrix, the more colour saturation it represents.

21

Application Diagram

22

Dimensions

23

Specifications

Interface

1x SDI/HD-SDI input

(HD-SDI SMPTE 292M 1.5Gbps, SD-SDI SMPTE 259M-C 270Mbps with Embedded

Audio)

1x SDI/HD-SDI Loop through output

1x HDMI Output

HD/SD-SDI Spec

SMPTE 259M-C (270Mbps - 525/625 Component Video)

and SMPTE 292M (1.485/1.001 Gbps) Connector BNC (IEC 169-8) Impedance 75 Ω

Return Loss HD > 10 dB (1.5 GHz)

SD > 15 dB (270 MHz)

Equalization 200 m Belden 8281 cable at 270 Mbps;

100 m (typical) of Belden 1694A at 1.485 Gbps

HDMI

Supports HDMI v1.1

Operating Temperature

0°C to 50°C (32°F to 102°F)

Humidity

10% to 90% (non condensing)

Dimensions

220mm (W) x 47mm (H) x 221.3mm (D)

Weight

Gross, packed = 2.2 Kg

Power

DC 12V / 0.5A (3.6W)

24

Service & Support

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It is our goal to make your products ownership a satisfying experience. Our supporting staff is available to assist you in

setting up and operating your system. Please refer to our web site www.datavideo-tek.com for answers to common

questions, support requests or contact your local office below.

Datavideo Global Website: www.datavideo-tek.com

Datavideo Corporation

Datavideo Technologies Europe BV

Datavideo UK Limited

Datavideo Technologies Co., Ltd

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Datavideo HK Limited.

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All the trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Datavideo Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2018

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