Maxtor VCR Application Note

Application Note:

Interfacing VCRs to Matrox Pulsar

VCR-General May 2, 1996

VCR
Interface
Overview

VCR
Interface
Details

• 640 x 480 x 8-bit @ 30fps (NTSC) or 768 x 574 x 8-bit @ 25fps (PAL)

• analog (composite) video output

• interlaced

1. NTSC VCRs

• 640 x 480 x 8-bit @ 30fps

• analog (composite) video output

• interlaced

• DCF used: VCR_NTSC.DCF

VCR

Video

Matrox Pulsar

2. PAL VCRs

• 768 x 574 x 8-bit @ 25fps

• analog (composite) video output

• interlaced

• DCF used: VCR_PAL.DCF

Required
modifications to
Pulsar

Cabling
Requirements

NTSC and PAL VCRs

• Matrox Pulsar board 586-01 rev. A must be ordered with or must be returned to Matrox

for modification APE#314 (this modification number must be clearly indicated)

NTSC and PAL VCRs

• IMG-7W2-TO-1BNC cable required

• video input BNC of IMG-7W2-TO-1BNC cable should be connected to VIDEO OUT

BNC connector of VCR

Application Note:

Interfacing VCRs to Matrox Pulsar

VCR-General May 2, 1996

Special
Considerations

NTSC and PAL VCRs

• pulsar.res version 3.53 dated 04/16/96 or newer is required; if this version is not on your

release of the MIL driver for Pulsar, the newest version can be found on the BBS or at the
FTP site

• NTSC VCR tested at Matrox using VCR_NTSC.DCF: Panasonic AG-1960 Proline

(SVHS)

• PAL VCR tested at Matrox using VCR_PAL.DCF: Panasonic AG-7650-B (SVHS).

Note: the AG-7650-B has time base corrector (TBC) control but was tested without it;
the grab from the VCR using VCR_PAL.DCF functioned properly even when the VCR
was without time base corrector (TBC) control

• the grab from a VCR is not perfect, especially during slow motion and pause modes; for

example, occasionally a horizontal tear will appear in the display. However, these DCFs
enable the best possible grab from a VCR and must not be altered in any way

The DCF(s) mentioned in this application note can be found on the MIL and MIL-Lite CD, or our FTP site (ftp.matrox.com). The information furnished by
Matrox Electronics System, Ltd. is believed to be accurate and reliable. Please verify all interface connections with camera documentation or manual.
Contact your local sales representative or Matrox Sales office or Matrox Imaging Applications at 514-822-6061 for assistance.

CorporateCorporate
Headquarters:Headquarters:
Canada and U.S.A.Canada and U.S.A.
Matrox ElectronicMatrox Electronic
Systems Ltd.Systems Ltd.

1055 St.Regis Blvd.
Dorval, Quebec, Canada
H9P 2T4
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Sales Offices:Sales Offices:
U.K.U.K.

Matrox (UK) Ltd.Matrox (UK) Ltd.

Sefton Park, Stoke Poges
Buckinghamshire
U.K. SL2 4JS
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
665599

FranceFrance
Matrox France SARLMatrox France SARL

2, rue de la Couture,
Silic 225
94528 Rungis Cedex
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

GermanyGermany
Matrox GmbHMatrox GmbH

Inselkammerstr.8
D-82008
Unterhaching
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Asia PacificAsia Pacific
Matrox Asia LiaisonMatrox Asia Liaison
OfficeOffice

Rm. 1901, 19/F, Workington
Tower,
78 Bonham Strand E.,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

PUL-CID-018 2