Ensemble Designs 7900 User Manual

This data pack provides detailed installation, configuration and operation information for
the 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter module as part of the Avenue Signal
Integration System.

The module information in this data pack is organized into the following sections:

• Module Overview

• Applications

• Installation

• Cabling

• Module Configuration and Control
°

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

°

Avenue PC Remote Control

°

Avenue Touch Screen Remote Control

• Troubleshooting

• Software Updating

• Warranty and Factory Service

• Specifications

7900-1

Model 7900

HD Up/Down/Cross

Converter

Data Pack

Revision 2.3 SW v2.3.3

ENSEMBLE

DESIGNS

MODULE OVERVIEW

The 7900 module is a flexible, configurable up and downconverter for use in broadcast and
post-production. It can process SD (Standard Definition) signals into HD, downconvert HD
signals into SD, and perform format and aspect ratio conversion on both SD and HD
signals. Refer to the functional block diagram for the module on the next page.

The 7900 can be configured to continually output a facility’s preferred HD format. Any HD
signal connected to the input will be converted to the correct format for the output. And if
the 8415 audio option is installed, the audio will be automatically processed as well.

Upconversion – When configured as an upconverter, the 7900 has an SD SDI input and
four HD SDI outputs. Excellent for on-air use, the module is equally at home in an HD
island, a signal ingest installation, or in a production application.

The 7900 uses sophisticated edge and motion adaptive noise reduction, ensuring delivery
of a pristine output that is excellent for use in broadcast. All processing is performed on
progressive signals at full bandwidth 4:4:4 for optimum signal quality. Signals are
interlaced and de-interlaced as required with motion adaption and edge interpolation.
Aspect ratio conversion choices include: Anamorphic, Pillarbox, Crop, and Manual.

Input standard and frame rate are auto-detected. The 7900 automatically performs 16-bit
SD to HD color space conversion. The built-in Proc Amp provides adjustment of signal
parameters with controls for Video Gain, Chroma, Pedestal, and Hue. Vertical interval
data is faithfully preserved and is passed from SD to HD with several choices for handling
the embedded timecode. The upconverted output is timeable with respect to the reference
input.

Downconversion – When used as a downconverter, the 7900 has an HD SDI input and
four SD SDI outputs. Two of the SD output BNCs can be configured as SD SDI or compos­ite by setting jumpers on the module circuit board.

The downconversion process includes picture detail enhancement and anti-alias filtering
which makes for a pristine SD output. The aspect ratio conversion process offers resizing
and repositioning with choices for Anamorphic, Letterbox, Crop and Manual. The 7900
automatically adjusts between HD and SD color space and gamma. Proc amp controls are
provided in the form of video, chroma, setup, and hue. Both the digital and analog outputs
are timeable with respect to the reference input. Composite outputs can be timed into
house with proper subcarrier and phase.

Cross conversion – The 7900 provides cross conversion between HD 1.5 Gb/s formats,
processing all popular variations of 1080 and 720, making it simple for every facility to
ingest any type of HD signal.

All popular variations of 720p, 1080i, 1080sF, and 1080p are supported. The 7900 converts
between any HD signals within the 59.94/23.98/29.97 family, within the 50/25 fps family,
or within the 60/30 fps family. 3:2 pulldown is used when converting between 59.94 and

23.98. Film mode is automatically detected.

Meta Data – Closed captioning in standard definition is carried in the traditional
line 21 (NTSC)/line 23 (PAL) manner, while HD closed captioning is carried in data
packets in the vertical ancillary data space. The 7900 properly translates between these
two methods so that closed captioning content is converted transparently between video
standards and formats.

7900-2

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900-3

7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter Functional Block Diagram, Landscape View

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900-4

7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter Functional Block Diagram, Portrait View

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

Automatic Aspect Ratio Conversion – The 7900 supports WSS (Wide Screen
Signaling), AFD (Active Format Description) to mark or identify the aspect ratio of the
video content. These flags are generated at the output of the module and read at the
module input. This allows the up and down conversion process to adapt automatically to
material that is already in letterbox or pillarbox form in order to produce the most appro­priate conversion.

Audio Submodule Options – Audio is automatically delayed as needed to compensate
for the video processing in the 7900 when an audio submodule is installed. For complete
audio processing, choose from three different audio submodules that plug onto the main
circuit board.

The 8415 is an 8-channel audio submodule with AES I/O that provides management of
embedded audio in the processing path, or supports audio embedding /disembedding
alongside the video processing elements. Embedded audio is safely bypassed around the
video frame store with the lip sync preserved. Level adjustments and channel shuffling
are accessed through the built-in audio mixer. All audio processing is performed at full
24-bit resolution by a digital signal processor (DSP).

The 7610 audio submodule provides carriage of up to eight channels of embedded audio
through the format conversion process. Embedded audio in the input signal is delayed to
match the video delay and preserve lip sync. The delayed content is reinserted in the
video output. No level adjustment or channel swapping is provided.

The 7615 audio submodule also provides processing for signals with eight channels of
embedded audio. It offers the same processing and AES I/O as the 8415, plus the ability to
decode Dolby-E signals.

Configuration And Control

The on-board CPU can monitor and report module ID information (slot location, software
version and board revision), power status, and ancillary data status to the optional frame
System Control module. This information can be accessed by the user or set to register an
alarm if desired using the remote control options available.

Power is derived from the ± 12 volt frame power. It is regulated to the required +5 volts
for the module by on-board regulator. The module is fused with a resettable fuse device.
If the fuse opens due to an overcurrent condition, the module will lose power. After pulling
the module, the fuse will reset automatically requiring no replacement fuse.

The 7900 can be configured locally or controlled and configured remotely with Avenue
Touch Screens, Express Panels, or Avenue PC Software. Alarm generators, configurable
user levels, module lock out, and customizable Virtual Modules are just some of the tools
included in the Avenue Control system.

Modules at software version 2.2.0 or later support SNMP (Simple Network Management
Protocol) monitoring. For each applicable signal processing module, module, signal, and
reference status are reported. For complete details on using SNMP monitoring, refer to
the Avenue System Overview in the manual that accompanies each frame.

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900-5

APPLICATIONS

SD Upconversion

The 7900 module can be utilized to upconvert SD video from many different source types.
As shown in the example below, the SD ingest signal from a satellite is fed to a 7900
module where it is upconverted to feed an HD Master Control Switcher. The other three
outputs can be sent to other HD destinations.

In both up and downconversion, the module provides sophisticated adaptive noise reduc­tion for noisy input signals for use in broadcast applications. Timing to a house reference
is available on the module, along with many other controls features for ensuring a clean,
stable signal.

HD Downconversion

The 7900 module can be utilized to down convert HD video to suit many applications. As
shown in the example below, the HD ingest signal from a satellite is fed to a 7900 module
where it is down converted to feed an SD Master Control Switcher. The other three
outputs can be sent to other SD destinations.

HD Master

Control

Switcher

Other HD

Destinations

SD

Signal In

House Reference

7900

Upconversion

7900 SD Upconverter Application

7900-6

7900

Down

Conversion

SD Master

Control

Switcher

Other SD

Destinations

HD

Signal In

House Reference

7900 HD Downconverter Application

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

SD Aspect Ratio Conversion

The 7900 module can perform standard definition aspect ratio conversion to convert the
aspect ratio of the SD input signal to a different aspect ratio needed on the output.

In the example shown below, the input from an SD camera with 16:9 lenses can be fed a
an anamorphic signal to the 7900 where the aspect ratio can be corrected for feeding an
SD switcher requiring an aspect ratio of Letterbox 16:9.

HD Cross Conversion

The 7900 module can perform cross conversion when an HD input signal must be convert­ed for an output application similar to the example shown below. As shown here, the
1080i input from an HD network feed is fed to the 7900 where the format is converted to
720p as required for input to an HD router.

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900

Aspect

Ratio

Conversion

16:9 Lenses

Letterbox 16:9

SD

Camera

SD

Switcher

7900 SD ARC Application

7900

Cross

Conversion

Network

Feed

HD

Router

1080i 720p

7900 HD Cross Application

7900-7

INSTALLATION

Submodule Installation

An optional audio submodule installs on the component side of the 7900 module circuit
board. If the option is ordered with the 7900 module, it will come already installed.

To install an audio submodule, locate the three connectors on the left side of the circuit
board as shown below and line the connectors up, checking the alignment. Press carefully
into place to seat the submodule.

SD or Composite Out BNC Configuration

Two of the four SD Out BNCs can be configured as either serial or composite outputs by
setting switches S3 (HD/SD Out 3 Cspt Out BNC) or S4 (HD/SD Out 4 Cpst Out
BNC). Refer to the illustration below for the locations of the switches on the rear of the
circuit board. Set each switch independently to the up position for CPST and the down
position for SER.

7900 Video Processing Module

Plug the 7900 module into any one of the slots in the 1 RU or 3 RU Avenue frame and
install the plastic overlay provided onto the corresponding group of rear BNC connectors
associated with the module location.

Note that the plastic overlay has an optional adhesive backing for securing it to the
frame. Use of the adhesive backing is only necessary if you would like the location to be
permanent and is not recommended if you need to change module locations. This module
may be hot-swapped (inserted or removed) without powering down or disturbing perfor­mance of the other modules in the system.

CABLING

Refer to the 3 RU and 1 RU backplane diagrams of the module below for cabling
instructions. Note that unless stated otherwise, the 1 RU cabling explanations are identi­cal to those given in the 3 RU diagram.

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900-8

8415 Audio Processor

CPST

SER

CPST

SER

Set toggle switches to configure BNCs on the rear module.

S3 CPST or SER on BNC labeled HD/SD Out 3 Cpst Out
S4 CPST or SER on BNC labeled HD/SD Out 4 Cpst Out

S3

S4

Audio Submodule Installation and BNC Configuration

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

Connect an HD or SD
serial digital signal to the
HD/SD In BNC.

Connect HD or SD output
destinations to BNCs HD/SD Out 1
and HD/SD Out 2.
BNCs HD/SD Out 3 Cpst Out
and HD/SD Out 4 Cpst Out can
also be configured as either
serial or composite when the
module is outputting an SD
signal. Switches S3 and S4 on
the rear of the circuit board must
be set as CPST or SER.

3RU Backplane

1RU Backplane

7900-9

Connect AES audio input
signals to BNCs AES 1/2,

AES 3/4, AES 5/6, and
AES 7/8.

Connect an external ref­erence signal to the Ref
In BNC.

Connect LTC (Longitudinal Time
Code) input if required to the 15-pin
connector as shown below.

1

6

+-

11

LTC Input

MODULE CONFIGURATION AND CONTROL

The configuration parameters for each Avenue module must be selected after installation.
This can be done remotely using one of the Avenue remote control options or locally using
the module front panel controls. Each module has a Remote/Local switch on the front
edge of the circuit board which must first be set to the desired control mode.

The configuration parameter choices for the module will differ between Remote and
Local modes. In Remote mode, the choices are made through software and allow more
selections. The 7900 Parameter Table later in this section summarizes and compares
the various configuration parameters that can be set remotely or locally and the
default/factory settings. It also provides the default User Levels for each control. These
levels can be changed using the Avenue PC application

If you are not using a remote control option, the module parameters must be configured
from the front panel switches. Parameters that have no front panel control will be set to a
default value. The Local switches are illustrated in the Front Panel Controls and
Indicators section following the 7900 Parameter Table. The Local switches are inac­tive when the Remote/Local switch is in the Remote position.

In the Remote mode, Avenue module parameters can be configured and controlled from
one of the remote control options, the Avenue Touch Screen, Avenue Express Control
Panel, or the Avenue PC Application. Once the module parameters have been set remotely,
the information is stored on the module CPU. This allows the module to be moved to a dif­ferent slot in the frame at your discretion without losing the stored information.

For setting the parameters remotely using the Avenue PC option, refer to the Avenue PC
Remote Configuration section of this document.

For setting the parameters remotely using the Avenue Touch Screen option, refer to the
Avenue Touch Screen Remote Configuration section of this document following
Avenue PC.

Express Panel operation is described in the data pack that accompanies the control panel
option.

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900-10

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900 Parameter Table

CONTROL LOCAL REMOTE

FACTORY

DEFAULT

DEFAULT

USER LEVEL

Reference Source Ext Ref

Ext Ref
Master Ref
Video In Ref

Ext Ref Level 1

Mode

Mode Switch1:
Ana or Proc
Mode Switch 2:
Box or Crop

Anamorphic
Pillar Box
Crop Sides
Manual

Anamorphic Level 1

Up Anamorphic

Anamorphic
Pillar Box
Crop
Manual

Anamorphic Level 1

Down Anamorphic

Anamorphic
Letterbox 16:9
Letterbox 14:9
Crop
Manual

Anamorphic Level 1

HD Cross Anamorphic

Anamorphic
Manual

Anamorphic Level 1

SD ARC Anamorphic

Anamorphic
Letter 16:9
Letter 14:9
Letter 13:9
Pillar
Crop Sides 75%
Crop Sides 84%
Crop Top/Bot
WSS/AFD Auto 16x9
WSS/AFD Auto 14x9
WSS/AFD Auto 4x3
Manual

Anamorphic Level 1

Output Standard

Format Switch1:
HD or SD
Format Switch 2:
1080i or 720p
If 1080i:
Format Switch 3:
1080i or sF

720p/50
720p/59.94
1080i/50
1080i/59.94
1080i/60
1080i/25
1080i/23.98
1080sF/25
1080sF/23.98
1080sF/24

1080i/59.94 Level 1

7900-11

7900 Parameter Table

CONTROL LOCAL REMOTE

FACTORY

DEFAULT

DEFAULT

USER LEVEL

Width (Manual) 100% +/ – 100% 100% Admin

Height (Manual) 100% +/ – 100% 100% Admin

Hor Position
(Manual)

0% +/ – 100% 0% Admin

Ver Position
(Manual)

0% +/ – 100% 0% Admin

Noise Reduce Off

Off
Low
Medium
High

Off Admin

Detail Off

Off
Low
Medium
High

Off Admin

3:2 Detect Off

Off
On

Off Level 2

Gain 100% 0 – 150% 100% Admin

Chroma 100% 0 – 150% 100% Admin

Pedestal 0 mV +/ – 30 mV 0 mV Admin

Hue 0 IRE +/ – 180 degrees 0 degrees Admin

Vert Blanking Wide

Wide
Narrow

Wide Level 1

Test Pattern Off

Off
Bars
Black

Off Level 1

Hor Timing 0 clocks +/ – 2000 clocks 0 clocks Admin

Ver Timing 0 lines +/ – 1000 lines 0 lines Admin

7900-12

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

CONTROL LOCAL REMOTE

FACTORY
DEFAULT

DEFAULT

USER LEVEL

Cpst Out Setup Off

Off
On

Off Level 2

Ch 1-8 In (level) 0 dB –70 to +12 dB 0 dB Level 1

Ch 1-8 Output Bus

Ch 1 – Output 1
Ch 2 – Output 2
Ch 3 – Output 3
Ch 4 – Output 4
Ch 5 – Output 5
Ch 6 – Output 6
Ch 7 – Output 7
Ch 8 – Output 8

Output Bus 1 – 8
Tie
Invert
Default

Ch 1 – Output 1
Ch 2 – Output 2
Ch 3 – Output 3
Ch 4 – Output 4
Ch 5 – Output 5
Ch 6 – Output 6
Ch 7 – Output 7
Ch 8 – Output 8

Level 1

Auto Track On

Off
On

On Level 1

Bulk Delay 0 msec 0 – 1000 msec 0 msec Level 1

1/2 Input
3/4 Input
5/6 Input
7/8 Input

Audio Switch 1:
AES or Embed

AES 1/2
AES 3/4
AES 5/6
AES 7/8
SD 1/2
SD 3/4
SD 5/6
SD 7/8

AES 1/2
AES 3/4
AES 5/6
AES 7/8

Level 1

1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8
Demux Group

Group 1 Group 1

Group 2
Group 3
Group 4

Group 1 Level 1

1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8
Mode

Auto Audio

Data
Auto

Auto Level 1

Audio Embed
A and B

A Replace All
B Replace All

Off
Replace
Cascade
Replace All

A Replace All
B Replace All

Level 1

7900 Parameter Table (Continued)

7900-13

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

7900-14

CONTROL LOCAL REMOTE

FACTORY

DEFAULT

DEFAULT

USER LEVEL

Mux Group
A and B

Group 1

Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4

Group 1 Level 1

Dig Ref Level –20 dBFS

–20 dBFS
–18 dBFS

–20 dBFS Level 1

CC Input Line Line 21 Lines 19 – 23 Line 21 Admin

Captions Out Off

Off
On

Off Level 1

Timecode Source LTC

LTC
VITC Line 14
VITC Line 15
VITC Line 16
VITC Line 17
VITC Line 18
VITC Line 19
VITC Line 20

LTC Level 1

Timecode Output Off

Off
LTC
VITC
LTC & VITC

Off Level 1

AFD Out AFD Auto

AFD 0001
AFD 0010
AFD 0011
AFD 0100
AFD 0101
AFD 0110
AFD 0111
AFD 1000
AFD 1001
AFD 1010
AFD 1011
AFD 1100
AFD 1101
AFD 1110
AFD 1111

AFD Auto Level 1

7900 Parameter Table (Continued)

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

The front edge indicators and switch settings are shown in the diagram below:

7900-15

V

ideo In

green LED

:

ON indicates signal is present
and equalized.
OFF indicates no SD input or the
signal may not be present or
cable equalization exceeds
maximum length allowed.

Pwr green LED:
Indicates the presence (ON) or

absence (OFF) of power (+5V).

Run green LED

:

OFF:
A power fault of halted CPU
ON:
A halted CPU
FAST BLINK:
CPU Run error
SLOW BLINK:

System OK. (If SPI control is
active from the main frame
System Control Module, all
Run indicators will be
synchronized.)

AES 1/2, AES 3/4, AES 5/8,
AES 7/8 green LEDs:
ON when AES audio is detected

on the corresponding audio
input.
OFF when no AES audio is
detected on the corresponding
audio input.

Ref In green LED:
ON indicates external reference

signal is present and valid.
OFF indicates no external refer­ence is detected or is invalid.

Embed

green LED:

On when an audio ancillary packet
is detected in the serial stream.
OFF when no audio ancillary
packet is detected.

Remote/Local switch:
Set to the mode you
will be using.

Format:
HD/SD switch:
Select the input format as HD or SD.
1080/720p switch:

Select the video up conversion
format to 1080 or 720p.

1080i/sF

switch: When a 1080 video

format is selected above, select
either 1080i or 1080sF.

Mode:
Ana/Proc switch:

Set the output mode to Ana
(Anamorphic) or Proc (Process).

Box/Crop

switch:

When Proc is selected above, set
the output to either Box or Crop.

Aud(io):
AES/Embed switch:

Select AES or Embed to identify
what audio source is being input to
the module.

Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter