Kramer Electronics 401DXL User Manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.

USER MANUAL

Composite to Y/C Decoder/Switcher

xl

IMPORTANT

Model: 401D

: Before proceeding, please read paragraph entitled

"Unpacking and Contents"

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.

PN: 2900-009004

Table Of Contents

Section Name Page

1 INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 A Word on Format Interfaces 3

1.2 Factors Affecting Quality of Results 4
2 SPECIFICATIONS 4
3 HOW DO I GET STARTED? 5
4 UNPACKING AND CONTENTS 5

4.1 Optional Accessories 5
5 COMPOSITE TO Y/C DECODER / SWITCHER 6

5.1 Getting to Know your 401Dxl 6
6 INSTALLATION 7

6.1 Rack Munting 7

7. CONNECTING TO VIDEO DEVICES 7

8. USING THE MACHINE 7

8.1 Turning On the Machine 7

8.2 Composite / YC Video Selection 7

9. TYPICAL APPLICATIONS 7

9.1 Interfacing and Switching Between Two Video Formats 7
10 TAKING CARE OF YOUR MACHINE 8
11 TROUBLESHOOTING 9

11.1 Power and Indicators 9

11.2 Video Signal 9
Limited Warranty

10

List Of Illustrations

Figure Page

1 401Dxl Front Panel Features 5
2 Interfacing and Switching Between Two Video Formats 7

List Of Tables

Table Page

1 Factors Affecting Quality of Results 3
2 401Dxl Front Panel Features 5

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

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1

1.1

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics format interface. Since 1981, Kramer has been
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 th e most versatile and complete available, and is a true leader in
terms of quality, workmanship, price/performance 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 401Dxl.

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, where 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 requires 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 involves adding or separating the color information to or from the luminance information. To
convert from Composite and Y/C to Component video, a color encoder or color decoder is needed, with very
complicated circuitry. 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 modulating this information
using the color subcarrier signal. The color decoder does the opposite: it removes the color subcarrier and
extracts the color difference signals to create the video “components”.
The following format interfaces exist in Kramer’s line:

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

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

 Video Encoders - used to create a chrominance signal from video components, e.g., to convert RGBS

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

 Video Transcoders - bi-directional converters operating simultaneously in different directions, such 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 Transcoders - used in audio and video production studios for converting from unbalanced low-

level audio to balanced high-level audio, bi-directionally.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

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1.2

Factors Affecting Quality of Results

There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from a source to an acceptor
as described in Table 1:

Table 1: Factors Affecting Quality of Results

FACTOR

EFFECT

Connection cables

Sockets and connectors
of the sources and
acceptors

Amplifying circuitry

Distance between
sources and acceptors

Interference from
neighboring electrical
appliances

Low quality cables are 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 must also
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 addin g line
amplifiers.

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

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SPECIFICATIONS

401Dxl

Configuration
Inputs

Outputs

Controls
Video Bandwidth
Nonlinearity
Crosstalk
Coupling
Differential Gain
Differential Phase
K-Factor
Luma S/N Ratio
Maximal Input
Dimensions (W, D, H)

Weight
Power Source

Kramer Electronics Ltd.

Decoder / Switcher
1 Composite Video, 1Vpp/75 ohm on a BNC,
1 s-Video on a 4P connector, Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,
C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.
1 s-Video on a 4P connector, Y: 1Vpp/75ohm,

C: 0.3Vpp/75ohm.

Input selector Switch.

3.7 MHz -3dB (CV in - YC out); >800 MHz -3dB (YC in - YC out).

0.5%.

-56 dB @ 5 MHz.
AC (CV to YC); DC (YC to YC)

0.9 %.

0.5 Deg.

2.1 % (Y/C to CV).
69 dB.

1.4 Vpp / 75 ohm, Composite; >4Vpp / 75 ohm YC.
12 x 7.5 x 2.5 (cm)

4.7" x 2.95" x 0.98" (W, D, H.)

0.3kg. (0.56 lbs.) Approx.
12VDC, 90 mA.

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