TV-to-VGA Converter & Switcher
With Audio Switching, Volume Control, and Serial Input
Model TVB200-Plus
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
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Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax 714-641-6698
Mail order: Hall Research Technologies, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com • E-mail: info@ hallresearch.com
UMA1068, Rev. A
TV-to-VGA Converter
1
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Hall Research, HRT, and (logo) are trademarks of Hall
Research Technologies, Inc.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems,
Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.
Model TVB200-Plus
2
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio
communication. It has been designed to comply with the limits for a
Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are intended to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
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 their expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio
noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe
A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié
par le ministère des Communications du Canada
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This product has been tested and shown to comply with the
requirements of the European EMC directive 89/336/EEC
TV-to-VGA Converter
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Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................4
1.1 General......................................................................................... 4
1.2 Features........................................................................................ 6
2. Installation ......................................................................................... 7
3. Operation ......................................................................................... 10
4. Configuration...................................................................................12
4.1 RS-232 Control and configuration............................................. 12
4.2 Control Panel Software for Windows........................................12
4.3 Serial Command Set .................................................................. 13
5. Troubleshooting...............................................................................14
If your monitor goes blank periodically ..........................................14
If you want to substitute power supplies .........................................14
Calling Hall Research ...................................................................... 14
Shipping and Packaging ..................................................................14
6. Specifications................................................................................... 15
Model TVB200-Plus
4
1. Introduction
1.1 General
The Model TVB200-Plus converts an NTSC or PAL video signal to
VGA for display on PC monitors, projectors, or HDTV (in 480p or
600p modes). The converter de-interlaces and doubles the frame rate
by turning the interlaced TV signal into a "progressive scan" signal
suitable for high resolution display devices.
The TVB200-Plus provides multiple TV video inputs: two (2) RCA
composite video and one (1) S-Video - all with their own
corresponding stereo audio inputs.
Additionally, the TVB200-Plus provides a separate VGA and audio
input from a PC that can be switched to the output. This makes the
TVB200-Plus a 4 multi-standard input to 1 VGA output device.
The user can select any of the inputs using individual push-button
switches on the front panel. An RS232 serial port is available for
external control and/or changing the internal configuration of the unit.
The unit can also switch between the PC and TV inputs automatically.
When the device is in “Auto” mode, if no TV video signal is present, it
selects the PC input and as soon as a TV input is detected, it switches
to the TV input by itself. This feature makes the unit perfect for
educational facilities where the presenter does not even have to worry
about making selections on the TVB200-Plus.
The TVB200-Plus also provides 4 Stereo audio inputs, one for each
corresponding video input. The audio switching follows the selected
video input channel. In addition, each audio input has its own
adjustable volume setting making it perfect for balancing the output
volume level regardless of the input selection.
The TVB200-Plus's VGA output can drive VGA extension cables to
200 feet. It is recommended that when video extension cables are used,
only high quality multi-coaxial VGA or RGBHV (such as Hall
Research Standard or Ultra-Thin VGA cables) be used.
TV-to-VGA Converter
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When enabled, OSD (On Screen Display) shows the selected TV input
for a few seconds, or if the selected input does not have video, it
continuously indicates the selected input. Screen Saver feature moves
the OSD around the screen when no video input is detected. The OSD
can be permanently disabled via the serial port.
The front panel can be locked out. This is a handy feature in many
installations. For example if the system is in “Auto” mode, the installer
may which to also lock the front panel so that accidental hitting of the
front panel switches does not take the system out of Auto mode.
The unit features a front panel switch for enhancing the TV video input
prior to display on a VGA monitor. The enhancement is based on nonlinear Gamma correction. If the TV video input has dim areas as well
as bright areas (such as in endoscopes used in medical procedures),
simply increasing the brightness would not be desirable since it washes
the entire image out and causes the already bright areas to “bloom”.
The enhancement feature of the TVB200-Plus brings out the details in
the dark areas without over driving the already bright regions of the
image.
The Serial input give the user or installer full control over all aspects of
the device including: Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, Hue, OSD,
Front Panel Lock, Volume settings, Auto mode, TV format
(NTSC/PAL), Enhancement factor, and more. Hall Research offers a
free download of PC compatible Windows™ control software that
allows you to select inputs and set all operating parameters of the unit.
The unit features non-volatile memory to store all of the settings
including the selected channel and performance characteristics.
The Model TVB200-Plus is housed in a compact shielded enclosure
and includes a small power adapter and 6 ft video and audio cables for
connection to the PC’s VGA and sound outputs.
Model TVB200-Plus
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1.2 Features
• 3 NTSC/PAL and 1 PC input to one VGA output
• Full screen 24-bit true color broadcast-quality video
• Eliminates interlace flicker from video presentations
• Includes a line-doubler with motion compensations
• Video enhancement via Gamma factor correction
• VGA input for full screen TV or PC Video display
• RS-232 control input port
• Free Serial Control Software available for download
• 4 Stereo audio inputs
• User programmable brightness and contrast for TV input
• Low cost, high reliability
• Packaged in portable EMI shielded enclosure
• VGA input resolutions to 1600 x 1200
• Individual volume controls for each audio input
• “Auto” mode for switching to active video
• Front panel and OSD enable/disable control
Figure 1.1
TV-to-VGA Converter
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2. Installation
1. Connect one or more of the video and audio input signals to the
input connectors on the TVB200-PLUS. Figure 2.1 shows a
typical setup.
Fi
g
ure 2.1
Model TVB200-Plus
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Figure 2.2
2. The following table summarizes the available inputs:
Connector
Name
Connector
Type
Signal Type Comments
VGA IN HD15, Female VGA, SVGA,
XGA
From any PC, MAC, or
Notebook. A 6 ft highresolution VGA cable is
supplied with unit
AUDIO IN 3.5mm (1/8”)
Mini-Stereo
Line-level
stereo Audio
One 6 ft m/m input cable is
provided for connection to
a PC sound output
CV IN 1 RCA, Female Composite
NTSC or PAL
From any video source
AUDIO IN 3.5mm (1/8”)
Mini-Stereo
Line-level
stereo Audio
CV IN 2 RCA, Female Composite
NTSC or PAL
From any video source
AUDIO IN 3.5mm (1/8”)
Mini-Stereo
Line-level
stereo Audio
S-VID IN MiniDin 4,
Female
Y/C (S-Video,
S-VHS)
AUDIO IN 3.5mm (1/8”)
Mini-Stereo
Line-level
stereo Audio
The output connectors are a HD15-F (VGA), and a 3.5mm (
1/8”) Mini-
Stereo audio. Plug your VGA monitor and speakers (must be powered)
to these connectors.
TV-to-VGA Converter
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Table 2.1
3. Plug the supplied AC adapter to the Power input connector. Use
the supplied adapter or a 100% equivalent only.
NOTE
Do not connect a supply with an output voltage of greater
than 7.5 V DC to the unit. The power connector is centerpositive.
NOTE
The VGA input and out connectors have standard pin-outs as
shown below
High-Density 15-pin VGA Output Connector
PIN Function
1 Red
2 Green
3 Blue
4 Not Used
5 Gnd
6 Red Return (Gnd)
7 Green Return (Gnd)
8 Blue Return (Gnd)
9 Key (Not Used)
10 Gnd
11 Gnd
12 SDA (plug-n-play)
13 Horizontal Sync
14 Vertical Sync
15 SCL (plug-n-play)
Model TVB200-Plus
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3. Operation
Upon plugging in the power, the unit performs a self-test and selects
the video input that was previously selected. If the unit was in “Auto”
mode prior to shut down, then it will come up in auto mode. To select
an input, simply press the push-button on the front of the unit
corresponding to that input. Corresponding LED indicates the selected
input.
Alternatively, the TVB200-Plus can be controlled by the serial RS232
port from any computer or RS-232 device (see details in following
section).
If the VGA input is selected, then the unit buffers the signal and passes
it to the output without modification. If the input is from one of the 3
NTSC or PAL channels, the unit automatically converts the signal to
VGA. The conversion is performed by line doubling and image
processing via digital filtering. The output signal preserves the entire
information contained in the TV input signal, and also improves the
way it appears on the screen by line doubling (de-interlaced). The
output resolution during conversion is 640x480 for NTSC Systems and
768x576 for PAL. Almost all VGA monitors and LCD's today should
automatically size the image to perfectly fit the screen.
Some VCR's (particularly lower cost ones with no time-base
correction), may not output accurate and clean video signal timing
Figure 2.2
TV-to-VGA Converter
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(especially in FF, REV, or PAUSE modes); however, the TVB200-Plus
performs the conversion to VGA regardless. Some VGA monitors or
LCD's may not be able to handle the instability in refresh rate and may
lose the image lock periodically. If this occurs, the solution is to use a
different VCR with time base correction (TBC), change the monitor to
a different brand/model, or use a Video Scaler with time-base
correction (such as Hall Research Model TVB-350). DVD players and
video cameras do not exhibit this characteristic, as their signal timing is
always very accurate.
The Enhancement switch on the front panel applies the level of gamma
correction previously defined via the Serial control. Default level is 1.
The audio selection follows the video input signal. If the “line-level”
volume of the input is different between your sources, for example if
the DVD player has louder output than the VCR, you can balance
(equalize) the volume settings using the serial input control so that
when you switch from one input to another the output volume level
stays the same.
Special Front Panel Operations
To enter the “Auto” mode from the front panel press the left
two switches (VGA and CV1) simultaneously for 1 second. In
auto mode if there are no TV inputs, the unit selects the PC
input. As soon as it detects a valid TV input on any of the
video inputs, the TVB200-Plus switches to the TV input. (The
TV inputs have priority over the VGA input from the PC;
there is no priority structure among TV inputs as soon as a
valid TV signal is found on CV1, CV2, or S-Video, the unit
selects it and stays on it as long as the video signal is present.
To reset the system to factory default settings, press the left
and right switches (VGA and S-Video) simultaneously for 3
seconds. The system will reset to factory settings. This
capability is available even if the front panel has been locked.
Model TVB200-Plus
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4. Configuration
4.1 RS-232 Control and configuration
The TVB200-Plus is ready and fully operational right out of the box
and no customer configuration is normally needed.
However, the RS-232 port provided on the box can be used not only to
make input channel selection, but to adjust a number of the internal
settings of the TVB200-Plus such as default contrast, brightness, and
audio volume parameters.
You can use any ASCII terminal emulation software (such as Windows
Hyper Terminal), or contact Hall Research to obtain a Windows-based
control and setup program for the TVB200-PLUS. You would need a
straight through DB9 Male-to-Female cable for connection to a PC.
For example, when using Windows Hyper-Terminal, do the following:
Use Comm. port 1 or 2 of the PC. Configure for 4800 baud, 8 bits, no
parity, and one stop bit. Set for ANSI emulation, ASCII with no Local
Echo.
4.2 Control Panel Software for Windows
Optional Windows-based
"Control Panel" software is
available for the TVB200Plus. The software includes
options for changing the
default brightness, contrast,
audio setup, selecting input
channels, and restoring
factory default settings. If
you are interested, please
contact the Hall Research
ftp site or Tech Support to
obtain a copy. You would need a straight-through DB9 Male-toFemale cable for connection to a PC.
TV-to-VGA Converter
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4.3 Serial Command Set
Configure port for: 4800 Baud, 8-bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Command Description
D1[enter] Restore Defaults
I0[enter] Auto Scan
Ix[enter] Select Input ( x=1:CV1, 2: CV2, 3:S-Vid, 4:VGA)
Bx[enter] Brightness set & Save ( 0 < x < 255)
^Bx[enter] Brightness set ( 0 < x < 255)
Cx[enter] Contrast set & Save ( 0 < x < 127)
^Cx[enter] Contrast set ( 0 < x < 127)
Vx[enter] Volume set & Save for current input selection ( 0 < x < 255)
^Vx[enter] Volume set ( 0 < x < 255)
Sx[enter] Saturation set & Save( 0 < x < 127)
^Sx[enter] Saturation set ( 0 < x < 127)
Hx[enter] Hue set ( 0 < x < 255)
^Hx[enter] Hue set ( 0 < x < 255)
Ox[enter] OSD Control (x=0:Off, 1:On)
Fx[enter] Front Panel Control (x=0:Off or Disabled, 1:On or active)
Gx[enter] Gamma Enhancement Level ( x=1:1.3, 2:1.5, 3:1.8)
Nx[enter] NTSC ( x=1:Configure Specifically for NTSC, 0:Other or Auto)
Rx [enter]
Read Bus (follow instructions)
** FOR ADVANCED USE ONLY **
Wx [enter]
Write Bus (follow instructions)
** FOR ADVANCED USE ONLY **
Model TVB200-Plus
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5. Troubleshooting
If your monitor goes blank periodically …
Some VCR's (particularly lower cost ones with no time-base
correction), output jittery and unstable video signal timing (especially
in FF or PAUSE modes); however, the TVB200-Plus performs the
conversion to VGA regardless. Some VGA monitors or LCD's may not
be able to handle the instability in refresh rate and may lose the image
lock periodically. If this occurs, the solution is to: use a different VCR
with time base correction (TBC), change the monitor to a different
brand/model, or use a scaler with time-base correction instead of the
TVB200-Plus (such as Hall Research Technologies’ Model TVB-350).
If you want to substitute power supplies …
The converter relies on the AC power adapter that is supplied with it.
The adapter generates a 6v DC at 800 mA. You can substitute your
own power supply as long as it does not exceed 7.5 volts. The power
jack on the unit is center positive 2.5mm coaxial power connector.
Calling Hall Research
If you determine that your converter is malfunctioning, do not attempt
to repair the unit. Contact HRT Support at 714-641-6607.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will
be able to provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you
have a complete description.
Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your converter:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original
container.
• Before you ship the unit back to Hall Research for repair or return,
contact us to get a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number.
TV-to-VGA Converter
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6. Specifications
Compliance CE; FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, IC Class
Standards VGA, SVGA, or XGA video. RGBHV
Interfaces
Supported Video: VGA, Composite, and S-Video,
Audio: Stereo line-level analog
Serial: RS-232, pinned according to TIA-574, DCE
Video Types VGA Input: to 1600 x 1200 up to 100 Hz
TV Inputs: NTSC or PAL (auto detect)
VGA Output: Same as VGA input, or 640x480 /
800x600 for conversion (NTSC / PAL respectively)
Bandwidth Video: DC to 250 MHz
Video Level 0.7 volts peak-to-peak, on RGB, TTL on H & V
Connectors HD15 for VGA, RCA for CV, MD4 for S-VHS
Temperature
Tolerance Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);
Storage: –40 to +185°F (–40 to +85°C)
Enclosure Steel
MTBF 200,000 hours (calculated estimate)
Power From a utility-power (mains) outlet through the
included external power adapter. Output Voltage: 6v
DC to 7.5 v DC Center-Positive 800 ma, minimum
Size 6.9" W x 3.3" D x 1.8" H
Weight 1.2.lb box only; 2.7 lb shipping
Model TVB200-Plus
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© Copyright 2007. Hall Research Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
1163 Warner Ave Tustin, CA 92780, Ph: (714)641-6607, Fax (714)641-6698
Products Designed and Made in the USA
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