Kramer FC-10, FC-19, FC-10D, FC-4041C, FC-4042 User Manual

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Format Interfaces

Models:

IMPORTANT

FC-10

FC-10D

FC-19

FC-4041C

FC-4042

FC-4043

FC-4044

FC-4208

: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. PN: 2900-004001

"Unpacking and Contents"

Table Of Contents

Section Name Page

1 INTRODUCTION 2

1.1 A Word on Format Interfaces 2

1.2

Factors Affecting Quality of Results

2 SPECIFICATIONS 4
3 HOW DO I GET STARTED? 6
4 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 6

4.1 Optional Accessories 6

5 FORMAT INTERFACES 7

5.1 Getting to Know Your FC-10 7

5.2

Getting to Know Your FC-10D

5.3

Getting to Know Your FC-19

5.4

Getting to Know Your FC-4041C

5.5 Getting to Know Your FC-4042 11

5.6

Getting to Know Your FC-4043

5.7

Getting to Know Your FC-4044

5.8 Getting to Know Your FC-4208 14

6 INSTALLATION 15

6.1 Rack Mounting 15

7 CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES 15
8 CONNECTING TO AUDIO DEVIC ES (FC- 4208 ON LY) 15
9 USING THE MACHINES 15

9.1

Powering on the Machine

9.2 Composite/YC Video Selection (FC-19, FC-4043, FC-4044 only) 15

9.3

Adjusting the HUE (FC-4043, FC-4044 only)

9.4

Looping (FC-4041C only)

9.5

Audio Level Control (FC-4208 only)

10 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 16

10.1

Interfacing Between Two Video Formats

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5 Audio Format Conversion 19

11 TAKING CARE OF YOUR MACHINE 20
12 TROUBLESHOOTING 21

12.1

12.2 Video Signal 22

12.3

Using PC Graphics in YC Production 16

Typical Composite/YC to Component/RGB Conversion
Integrating a Composite/RGB source Into a Composite/YC Switcher

Power and Indicators

Audio Signal (FC-4208 only)

15

15

21

3

8

9

10

12
13

15

16

16

17

18

23

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. PN: 2900-004001

List Of Illust ra tions

Figure Page

1 FC-10 Front/Rear Panel Features 7
2 FC-10D Front/Rear Panel Features 8
3 FC-19 Front/Rear Panel Features 9
4 FC-4041C Front/Rear Panel Features 10
5 FC-4042 Front/Rear Panel Features 11
6 FC-4043 Front/Rear Panel Features 12
7 FC-4044 Front/Rear Panel Features 13
8 FC-4208 Front/Rear Panel Features 14
9 Interfacing Between Two Video Formats 16
10 Using P C Graphics in Y C Production 17
11 Typical PC/Presentation Product Connections 18
12 Integrating a Component/RGB source Into a Composite/YC Switcher 19
13 Audio Format Conversion 20
14 F C-10 and FC- 1 0D Fu s e Loca t ion 22

List Of Tables

Table Page

1 Factors Affecting Qualit y of Results 3
2 FC-10 Front/Rear Panel Features 7
3 FC-10D Front/Rear Panel Features 8
4 FC-19 Front/Rear Panel Features 9
5 FC-4041C Front/Rear Panel Features 10
6 FC-4042 - Front/Rear Panel Features 11
7 FC-4043 - Front/Rear Panel Features 12
8 FC-4044- Front/Rear Panel Features 13
9 FC-4208 - Front/Rear Panel Features 14

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD. PN: 2900-004001

1 INTRODUCTION

Congrat ulations o n your purch ase of this Kr amer Electr onics format interface. Since 1981, Kr amer has bee n
dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio equipment. The Kramer line has
become an integral part of many of the best production and presentation facilities around the world. In recent
years, Kramer has redesigned and upgraded most of the line, making the best even better. Kramer’s line of
professional video/audio electronics is one of the most versatile an d complete available, and is a true leader in
terms of quality, workmanship, price/per formance ratio and innovation. In addition to the Kramer line of high
quality format interfaces, such as the one you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality
distribution amplifiers, switchers, processors, controllers and computer-related products.
This manual includes configuration, operation and option information for the following products from the
Kramer line of format interfaces. All these interf aces are similar in operation and features.

FC-10 - Composite-YC Transcoder FC-4042 - RGB Component Transcoder
FC-10D - Composite-YC Comb Filter/Transcoder FC-4043 - CV/YC Component Transcoder
FC-19 - RGB Decoder FC-4044 - Multistandard Decoder
FC-4041C - Genlock Component Encoder FC-4208 - Balanced Audio Transcoder

1.1 A Word on Format Interfaces

There are several video signal formats: Composite, Y/C, YUV (Y, R-Y, B-Y), RGB (S) analog and digital.
Component analog video formats (YUV and RGB) are unmodulated signals, w here the signal level represents
the signal intensity, (e.g., 1 Volt of “Y” signal represents a maximum white level). Converting from YUV to
RGB and vice versa does not involve modulation, and needs mainly an accurate matrix system. Composite
video and Y/C (Super Video) contains chrominance (color) information, which is a modulated signal using the
color subcarrier (3.58MHz in NTSC, 4.43MHz in PAL) as the carrier signal. Converting between Composite
video and Y/C (and vice versa) involves adding or separating the color information from the luminance
information. To convert from Composite and Y/C to Component video, a color encoder or color decoder is
needed, with very c omplicated circuitr y. The color encoder receives the component signal, and must create a
chrominance signal by extracting the blue and red information from the component video signal and by
modulating this information using the color subcarrier signal. The color decoder performs the opposite: it
removes the color subcarrier and extracts the color difference signals to create the video “components”.
The following format interfaces are described in this manual:

Video Decoders



or Y/C signal to RGBS and/or Y, R- Y, B-Y.

Video Encoders



and/or Y, R-Y, and B- Y signal s to composite video and Y/C .

Video Transcoders



as converting from RGBS to Y, R-Y, and B-Y in both directions in the same machine, going from
composite to Y/C, bi-directionally or performing color decoding and encoding in the same machine at
the same time.

Audio T ranscod ers



level audio t o balanced high-level a udio, bi -direc tional ly.

- used to decode (convert) a composite video signal to Y/C and to decode a composite

- use d to cre ate a chromi nance s ignal from video c ompon ents, e.g., to conv ert RG BS

- are bi-directional converters operating simultaneously in different directions, suc h

- used in audio and video pr oduction studios for converting f rom unbalanced low-

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

2

1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results

There are many factors affecting the quality of result s when signals are transmitted from a source to an acceptor
as descr ibed in Table 1:

Table 1: Factors Af fecti n g Quality of Results

FACTOR

EFFECT

Connection cables

Sockets and connectors
of the sources and
acceptors

Amplifying circuitry

Distance between
sources and accep tors

Interference from
neighboring electrical
appliances

Low quality cables ar e susceptible to interference; they degrade signal
quality due to poor matching and cause elevated noise levels. They should
therefore be of the best quality.

So often ignored, they should be of highest quality, since "Zero Ohm"
connection resistance is the objective. Sockets and connectors also must
match the required impedance (75ohm in video). Cheap, low quality
connectors tend to rust, thus causing breaks in the signal path

Must have quality performance when the desired end result is high
linearity, low distortion and low noise operation

Plays a major role in the final result. For long distances between sources
and acceptors, special measures should be taken in order to avoid cable
losses. These include using higher quality cables or adding line
amplifiers.

These can have an adverse effect on signal quality. Balanced audio lines
are less prone to interference, but unbalanced audio should be instal led far
from any mains power cables, electric motors, transmitter s, etc. even
when the cables are shielded

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

3

on a 4P connector,

Video on a 4P connector,

Video on a 4P c onnector,

Video on a 4P connector,

Video on a 4P connector,

3dB (Y/C to CV),

2 SPECIFICATIONS

FC-10 FC-10D FC-19 FC-4041C

Configuration Transcoder Comb Filter/Transcoder RGB Decoder Encoder
Inputs 1 Composite Video,

Outputs 1 s-

Controls

Video
Bandwidth

Nonlinearity < 3% Less than 0.5dB
Residual SC. -38dB -34dB

DC Clamp 0 VDC Black L evel.
Differential
Gain
Differential
Phase
K-Factor <0.05% (Y/C to CV). <0.1% (Y/C to CV), <0.5%

Luma S/N
Ratio
RGB Balance
Error
Dimensions
(W, D, H)
Weight 0.6kg. (1.3lbs.) App rox. 0.64 kg. (1.4 lbs.) Approx. 2.5kg (5.5 lbs.) Approx. 2.6kg. (5.8lbs.) Approx.
Power Source 12VDC, 110mA 12VDC, 200mA

1Vpp/75 ohm on a BNC,
1 s-Video
Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,
C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.

Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,
C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.
1 Composite Video,
1Vpp/75 ohm on a BNC.

Two electronic touch

10MHz -1dB 100 MHz -

0.36% 0.7% (Y/C to CV, NTSC). 0.24%

0.3Deg. 0.15Deg. (Y/C to CV,

79dB >72dB in both directions,

Less than 0.5dB

16.5 x 12 x 4.5 (cm)

6.5" x 4.7" x 1.8"

1 Composite Video,
1Vpp/75 ohm on a BNC,
1 s­Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,
C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.
1 s­Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,
C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.
1 Composite Video,
1Vpp/75 ohm on a BNC.

switches to select PAL or
NTSC operation.

>5.8 MHz (CV to Y/C,
PAL)

NTSC).

(CV to Y/C, NTSC).

(PAL).

16.5 x 12 x 4.5 (cm)

6.5" x 4.7" x 1.8

1 Composite Video,
1Vpp/75 ohm on a BNC,
1 s­Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,
C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.
RED, GREEN, BLUE,
SYNC, 0.7Vpp/75 ohms, on
BNCs, RGB (Analo g), HS,
VS TTL level on HD15
connector

Rear input selector sw itch
between Composite Video
and s-Video
Luma: 10MHz -3dB Exceeding 12MHz (Y)

0.26Deg.

64dB

48 x 17.8 x 1U (cm)
19" x 7" x 1U.

230 VA C, 50/60 Hz,
(115VAC, U.S.A.) 12VA

R (or R-Y), G (or Y), B
(or B-Y) – 0.7Vpp/75
ohm, Sync looping –

0.3Vpp/75ohm on BNCs

1 Composite Video,
1Vpp/75 ohm on a BNC,
1 s-Vid eo on a 4P
connecto r,
Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,
C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.
Sync/Sync on Green,
input selector - R GBS or
Y, R-Y, B-Y.

48 x 17.8 x 1U (cm)
19" x 7" x 1U

230 VAC, 50/60 Hz,
(115VAC, U.S.A.) 6 VA.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

4

Y), 1V, 0.7V, 0.7 Vpp

/50kohm on female XLRs

0.7Vpp /75ohm, BNCs

SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

FC-4042 FC-4043 FC-4044 FC-4208

Configuration Transcoder Transcoder Decoder Audio Transcoder
Inputs 1 component (Y, R-Y,

Outputs 1 RGB 0.7Vpp / 75ohm,

Diff. Gain 0.21%
Diff. Phase 0.19Deg.
K-Factor 0.4% 1.2 %
Non Lin e a r ity Less than 0.2% Less than 0.2%
DC Clamp
Error
Residual SC Composite to Y=30 mV, Y/C

Y S/N Ratio Better than 71dB
Audio
Bandwidth
Audio THD NA NA NA Less than 0.02%
Audio S/N
Ratio
Dimensions
(W, D, H)
Weight 2.6k g. (5.8lbs.) Approx. 2.6kg. (5.8lbs.) Approx. 2.6kg. (5.8lbs.) App rox. 2.4kg. (5.3lbs.) Approx.
Power Source 230VAC, 50/60Hz

B­/75ohm,
1 RGBS 0.7Vpp /
75ohm, for 100%
saturation on BNCs

Sync 2Vpp/75 ohms,
TTL level unloaded, for
100% saturation on
BNCs, 1 component (Y,
R-Y, B-Y), 1V, 0.7V,

0.7 Vp p /75ohm , BNCs

±20 mV ±20 mV

NA NA NA 20-30000Hz

NA NA NA Better than 89dB

48 x 17.8 x 1U (cm) 19"
x 7" x 1U

(115VAC, U.S.A.)

7.6VA

Decoder: 1 Composite video,
1Vpp/75 ohms on a BNC,
1 s-Video: 1Vpp/75ohm (Y),

0.3Vpp/75ohm (C) on a 4P
connector
Encoder: 1 (Y, R-Y, B-Y) 1V,

0.7V, 0.7 Vpp /75ohm on
BNCs
Decoder: 1V, 0.7V, 0.7 Vpp
/75ohm (Y, R-Y, B-Y), BNCs
Encoder: 1Vpp/75ohm
(Composite, BNC)
Y/C: 1Vpp/75ohm (Y),

0.3Vpp/75ohm (C), 4P
connector

to Y = 15 mV

48 x 17.8 x 1U (cm) 19" x 7"
x 1U

230VA C, 50/ 60Hz,
(115VAC, U.S.A.) 19.5VA

1 Composite video, 1Vpp/75
ohms on a BNC,
1 s-Video: 1Vpp/75ohm (Y),

0.3Vpp/75ohm (C) on a 4P
connector

Component: 1V, 0.7V,

RGB: 0.7Vpp/75ohm, for
100% saturation, C omposite
sync: 2Vpp/75ohm, BNCs

Composite to Y=30mV
Y/C to Y = 15mV

48 x 17.8 x 1U (cm) 19" x 7"
x 1U

230VAC, 50/60Hz,
(115VAC, U.S.A.) 6.9VA

4 balanced, +4dBm

4 unbalanced, 1Vpp /
50kohm on RCAs.

4 unbalanced, 1Vpp/50
ohms, RCAs
4 balanced, +4dBm/50
ohms, 18Vpp max., male
XLRs

48 x 17.8 x 1U (cm) 19" x
7" x 1U

230VAC, 50/60Hz
(115VAC, U.S.A.) 3.7VA

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

5

3 HOW DO I GET STARTED?

The fastest way to get started is to take your time and do everything right the first time. Taking 15 minutes to
read the manual ma y save you a f ew hours la ter. You d on’t even have to read the whole manual. If a section
doesn’ t apply to you, you don’ t have to spend your time reading it.

4 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS

The items contained in your Kramer For mat interface package are listed below. Please save the original box and
packaging materials for possible future transportation and shipment.

Format Interface

AC Power Cable (where applicable) Kramer Concise Product Catalog
DC Power Supply (where applicable) 4 Rubber Feet

User Manual

4.1 Optional Accessories

The following accessories, which are available from Kramer, can enhance implemen tation of your machine. For
information regarding cables and additional accessories, contact your Kramer dealer.

Rack Mechanical Adapter -



machines may be installed on each adapter.

103AV -



and the acceptor for video distribution. The 103AV splits a single video and audio-stereo input source into
three identical outputs. The 103AV uses an external 12VDC power source, and therefore is suitable for
field work as well. The 103AV uses state of the art technology and microchip design, boasting a signal
bandwidth of over 320MHz, thus making it suitable for the most demanding applications.

SP-11



interface for video and audio control/correction. The machine provides camera control and
luminance/white balance correction. It is also capable of performing composite to Y/C conversion and bi­directional transcoding. The machine allows full control over the video signal: video gain down to full
fade, log or linear definition control, log or linear contrast control, color saturation c ontrol, black level
control, red, green and blue controls and a screen splitter control for “before-after” comparison. The Input
switch control is "audio-follow-video".

VS-2042 -



interface for component video switching. The VS-2042 switches during the vertical interval for live studio
operation. The VS-2042 has a built-in RS-232 interface for computer controlled operation, (software
included) and several machines may be operated simultaneously via PC control. Its signal bandwidth
exceeds 75MHz and it has DC coupled inputs and outputs for highest signal quality. Y, R-Y, B-Y or R,
Gs, B signals are seamlessly routed.

(Video Audio Distribution Amplifier) ca n be serially connected between the Format interface

- (Video/Audio Processor) can be serially connected between the video/audio source and the format

(4x2 Video Component Matrix) can be serially connected between the sources and the format

Used to adapt smaller machines to a standard 1U rack. One or more

VIDEO TESTER



Tester is used to test a vide o path leading to/from an amplifier. By pressing only one touch switch it can
trace missing signals, distinguish between good and jittery (VCR sourced) signals, and identify the
presen c e of go od s i gn a ls . Wh e ne ve r a vi deo signa l i s missing, b ec a us e of bad con nec tions, ca b le br e a ks or
faulty sources, the Video Tester is all you need.

- A new, unique, patented, indispensable tool for the video professional, the Video

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

6

5 FORMAT INTERF ACES

This section describes all the controls and connections of your machine. Understanding the controls and
connections helps you realize the full power of your machine.

Getting to Know Your FC-10

5.1

The KRAMER
formats: Composite Video and YC (S uper-Video). Hardly an y VCR or camcorder transcodes from Composite
Video t o Super-Vide o, although it is necessar y when material shot in Composite is to be edited into a Y/C
production. The Kramer
fieldwork. Front/Rear panel features of the

FC-10

Composite-YC Transcoder is designed to interface between the two popular video

FC-10

is very small, and is fed from an external 12V DC supply, excellent for

FC-10

are described in Figure 1 and Table 2.

NOTE

For operation instructions refer to section 9.

No.

Feature Function

1. Power Switch Illuminated switch supplies power to the unit.

2. CV IN

3. YC OUT

4. YC IN

5. CV OUT

6. 12VDC

BNC connector Composit e video input.

4P connector

4P connector

BNC connector Composite video output.

feed connector A DC connector that allows power to be supplied to the unit.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

Figure 1: FC-10 Front/Rear Panel Features

Table 2: FC-10 Front/Rear P anel Featu res

s-Video output.
s-Video input.

7