MICROTRONIX DX-2200, DX-2200-TI-14 User Manual
4056 Meadowbrook Drive, Unit 126
London, ON Canada N6L 1E3
www.microtronix.com
MICROTRONIX
DX-2200
SD/HD-SDI TEXT & GRAPHIC INSERTER
USER MANUAL – VERSION 1.75
DX-2200 SD/HD-SDI
Text & Graphics Inserter
User Manual
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Document Revision History
This User Manual provides operating instructions and information on the following Microtronix products:
• DX-2200 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphic Inserter with Loop Output, (Model PN: DX-2200-TI-14) and
• DX-2200 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphic Inserter with PIP & Loop Output, (Model PN: DX-2200-TI-24.
The following table shows the document revision history.
Date
Rev.
Description
Jan 30, 2014
1.00
Initial release
Mar 10, 2014
1.10
Changed the Text Overlay to support both text and graphics
Added two additional overlay layers
Added L commands for enhanced layer control
Added G commands to control graphics layers
Added capability to update device firmware through RS232 port.
Remove S0, S1, ST commands. Use L1D, L1E, L1V commands instead.
Added more S commands to support same functions as the G commands
Jun 10, 2014
1.20
Added the capability to receive an RGB image with transparency uploaded over
RS232, store images in flash memory, and display them on the overlay.
Fix a problem that caused graphics to be skewed for some overlay sizes.
July 21, 2014
1.21
Add wingdings font table
Oct 16, 2014
1.23
Add 13 extended UTF8 characters to the Tahoma fonts
Nov14, 2014
1.31
Fonts and images are loaded on first use to make the DX-2200 start faster
Added graphic field type 6 – rectangle specified by top/left and width/height
Enhanced the Layer commands to specify more than one layer
Increase number of graphic/text fields per layer to 48
Add commands MA0, MA1 to control ancillary data pass through
Add commands to restrict rectangle fill width to a set width around the interior
Add L1A and L1H commands to disable unused layers
Enhance GnnX, GnnY to accept one or two parameters
Add MB command to change baud rate
Add support for Rev E PCB.
Dec 15, 2014
1.32
Add information on the image transparency and background color/transparency
Fix an image background color problem.
Fix a range check problem with the L commands
Add illegal code remapping
Jun 03, 2015
1.40
Add additional Tahoma fonts
Add capability for G and S commands to operate on a range of fields
Add S/GnnNm and S/GnnJmm commands.
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Update drawing showing new enclosure with SD/HD-SDI Loop Output port
Jun 15, 2015
1.42
Add Tahoma 48 pixel font and Bitstream Vera Sans Mono
Oct 20, 2015
1.50
Add Mode 2 that uses the second input connector as a dedicated PiP input
Dec. 14, 2015
1.51
Update pictures of enclosure.
Feb. 26, 2016
1.60
Add mode 3, text inserter with scaling and associated ZS and B commands.
Add ZP commands for text inserter with PiP (mode 2).
Mar 07, 2016
1.61
Add font 44, Vera Sans Mono Bold, 256 pixel height.
Nov 17, 2016
1.62
Add Commands RI1, RI2, RS1, RS2 for reporting input video resolution
Jan 17, 2016
1.65
Change factory default settings for the DIP switch.
Add PiP position presets P5, P6, P7, P8
Add U2 command
Fix a problem with SD video support
Correct a problem with the TD command
July 19, 2017
1.67
Add an additional arrow character to the Wingding fonts at code 005F
Aug 23, 2017
1.68
Added configuration bypass function
Nov 13, 2017
1.70
Modified the configuration bypass function to also bypass loading of images from
flash memory.
Improve handling of corrupted images in the flash memory.
Fix a bug in the frame counter when using 1000/1001 frame rates
Add a time clock mode to the frame counter display
Add support for capture of NMEA 0183 GPS data from the DB9 serial port and
insertion of selected parameters into text fields for display on the overlay.
Feb. 6, 2018
1.71
Added section outlining Serial Port Communication
Added section numbering to document layout
Mar. 21, 2018
1.75
Updated Tahoma 18 regular font to correct a character spacing issue
NOTE: The graphics overlay feature requires the use of the DX-2200 Software Uploader utility which is
used to upload graphic images into the unit. Contact support@microtronix.com for the latest release of the
DX-2200 firmware and the Software Uploader utility.
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How to Contact Microtronix
E-mail:
Sales Information: sales@microtronix.com
Support Information: support@microtronix.com
Website:
General Website: http://www.microtronix.com
FTP Upload Site: http://microtronix.leapfile.com
Phone Numbers:
General: (01) 519-690-0091
Fax: (01) 519-690-0092
Product Design Customizations
Microtronix can customize the functionality of the SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphic Inserter software to customer
requirements. Contact Microtronix sales (sales@microtronix.com) with your requirements.
Safety Critical & Life System Applications – Notice to User
The Microtronix DX-2200 SDI Video Products are not designed or approved by Microtronix for use in safetycritical or life-critical system or application in which a failure or malfunction may result in one (or more) of
the following outcomes: (a) death or serious injury to people, (b) loss or severe damage to
equipment/property, or (c) environmental harm.
Microtronix assumes no liability for any consequential damages – whether direct or indirect – if the product
is used in this type of application.
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Table of Contents
1 Key Product Features ............................................................................................................................. 10
1.1 Supported Functionality ................................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Product Package Contents .............................................................................................................. 11
2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 12
2.1 Text and Graphics Overlay OSD Features ...................................................................................... 12
3 Hardware ................................................................................................................................................ 13
3.1 Power Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.1 AC Power Adapter .................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.2 Example of 14.4VDC Lithium Battery ....................................................................................... 14
3.2 Operating Limits............................................................................................................................... 15
4 Operation ................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.1 Default Startup Configuration .......................................................................................................... 16
4.2 LED Status Indicators ...................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Video Format ................................................................................................................................... 18
4.4 Picture-in-Picture (PiP) .................................................................................................................... 18
4.5 Video Buffering and Frame Delay ................................................................................................... 18
4.6 Audio and Ancillary Data ................................................................................................................. 18
4.7 OSD Layers ..................................................................................................................................... 18
4.8 SERIAL & MANUAL Control ............................................................................................................ 19
4.8.1 SERIAL Mode of Operation ...................................................................................................... 19
4.8.1.1 USB 2.0 to RS-232 Serial Port Adapter ............................................................................ 19
4.8.1.2 DX-2200 Serial Port Control Commands .......................................................................... 20
4.8.1.3 Input Video Transparency SERIAL Command ................................................................. 20
4.8.1.4 Mode Control SERIAL Command ..................................................................................... 21
4.8.1.5 Ancillary Data SERIAL Commands ................................................................................... 21
4.8.1.6 Baud Rate SERIAL Command .......................................................................................... 21
4.8.1.7 Picture-in-Picture Position, Size, and Zoom SERIAL Commands .................................... 22
4.8.1.8 Main Input Scaling and Position SERIAL Commands ...................................................... 25
4.8.1.9 Graphic Overlay SERIAL Commands ............................................................................... 27
4.8.1.9.1 Active Layer ................................................................................................................... 27
4.8.1.9.2 Graphic Fields ............................................................................................................... 27
4.8.1.9.3 Reset Graphic Field ....................................................................................................... 28
4.8.1.9.4 Graphic Field Visibility ................................................................................................... 28
4.8.1.9.5 Update Graphic Overlay ................................................................................................ 29
4.8.1.9.6 Coordinate System and Field Position .......................................................................... 29
4.8.1.9.7 Line Color and Transparency ........................................................................................ 30
4.8.1.9.8 Background Color And Transparency ........................................................................... 30
4.8.1.9.9 Text Font........................................................................................................................ 31
4.8.1.9.10 Graphic Field Type ...................................................................................................... 33
4.8.1.9.10.1 Text Fields – Field Type 1 ...................................................................................... 33
4.8.1.9.10.2 Text Field Display Example: ................................................................................... 34
4.8.1.9.10.3 Rectangle Fields – Field Type 2 ............................................................................. 34
4.8.1.9.10.4 Rectangle Field Display Example: .......................................................................... 35
4.8.1.9.10.5 Corner Marker Fields – Field Type 3 ...................................................................... 35
4.8.1.9.10.6 Target Marker Fields – Field Type 4 ....................................................................... 36
4.8.1.9.10.7 Image Fields – Field Type 5 ................................................................................... 36
4.8.1.9.10.8 Rectangle XYWH – Field Type 6 ............................................................................ 37
4.8.1.9.11 Low Level Graphic Commands ................................................................................... 43
4.8.1.9.11.1 Application Example 1 ............................................................................................ 44
4.8.1.9.11.2 Application Example 2 ............................................................................................ 44
4.8.1.10 Graphic Layer 1 Overlay SERIAL Commands .................................................................. 45
4.8.1.10.1 Sample Graphic Layer 1 Overlay Commands ............................................................. 45
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4.8.1.10.1.1 Graphic Layer 1 Overlay Commands Example 1: .................................................. 45
4.8.1.10.1.2 Graphic Layer 1 Overlay Commands Example 2: .................................................. 46
4.8.1.11 Frame Counter Overlay SERIAL Commands ................................................................... 52
4.8.1.11.1 Frame Counter Display Mode ..................................................................................... 52
4.8.1.11.1.1 Frame Counter Mode 0 ........................................................................................... 52
4.8.1.11.1.2 Frame Counter More 1............................................................................................ 52
4.8.1.11.1.3 Frame Counter Modes 2 – 4 ................................................................................... 53
4.8.1.11.1.4 Frame Counter Modes 5 – 8 ................................................................................... 53
4.8.1.11.2 Frame Count Value ..................................................................................................... 53
4.8.1.11.3 Frame Counter Appearance ........................................................................................ 53
4.8.1.11.4 Manual Mode ............................................................................................................... 54
4.8.1.11.5 Sample Frame Counter Commands ............................................................................ 54
4.8.1.11.5.1 Frame Counter Example 1: ..................................................................................... 54
4.8.1.11.5.2 Frame Counter Example 2: ..................................................................................... 54
4.8.1.11.5.3 Frame Counter Example 3: ..................................................................................... 55
4.8.1.12 Layer Control SERIAL Commands ................................................................................... 58
4.8.1.12.1 Low Level Buffer Control ............................................................................................. 58
4.8.1.12.2 Visibility of Layers ........................................................................................................ 58
4.8.1.12.3 Enabling and Disabling Layers .................................................................................... 59
4.8.1.12.4 Re-Sizing Overlays ...................................................................................................... 59
4.8.1.12.5 Moving An Overlay ...................................................................................................... 59
4.8.1.13 User Interface Commands ................................................................................................ 61
4.8.1.13.1 DIP Switch Assignments ............................................................................................. 61
4.8.1.13.2 Toggle Switch Assignments ........................................................................................ 61
4.8.1.13.3 User Interface Function Configuration ......................................................................... 61
4.8.1.13.3.1 User Interface Commands ...................................................................................... 62
4.8.1.13.4 Resetting to Factory Default Configuration ................................................................. 62
4.8.1.13.5 Recommendations for Configuration ........................................................................... 62
4.8.1.13.6 Example Configuration Command File ........................................................................ 63
4.8.1.14 GPS Receiver Support ...................................................................................................... 64
4.8.1.14.1 Connection of the GPS Receiver ................................................................................ 64
4.8.1.14.2 GPS Data Capture ....................................................................................................... 66
4.8.1.14.3 Selection of Data Fields – the ‘CC’ command ............................................................. 70
4.8.1.14.4 GPS Interface Setup Commands ................................................................................ 72
4.8.1.14.4.1 GPS Data Display Example: ................................................................................... 74
4.8.1.14.4.2 Example with the Frame Counter Time Clock set by the GPS: .............................. 76
4.8.1.15 Configuration Flash Serial Commands ............................................................................. 77
4.8.1.16 Other Serial Command Codes .......................................................................................... 78
4.8.1.16.1 Serial Port Reset Serial Command ............................................................................. 78
4.8.2 MANUAL Mode of Operation .................................................................................................... 79
4.8.2.1 Toggle Switch .................................................................................................................... 79
4.8.2.2 Bypass Saved Configuration Using Toggle Switch ........................................................... 79
4.8.2.3 DIP Switch Settings ........................................................................................................... 79
5 DX2200 Software Upload Utility ............................................................................................................. 81
5.1 Firmware Update Procedure ........................................................................................................... 81
5.2 Uploading Images ............................................................................................................................ 81
6 Text Writing Performance Measurements .............................................................................................. 82
6.1 Standard Text String Update Benchmark Measurements ............................................................... 82
6.2 Low Level Text String Update Benchmark Measurements ............................................................. 83
7 Extended Fonts Tables ........................................................................................................................... 84
7.1 Wingdings Fonts .............................................................................................................................. 84
7.2 Extended ASCII Fonts ..................................................................................................................... 85
8 Product Warranty .................................................................................................................................... 86
8.1 Hardware Warranty.......................................................................................................................... 86
8.2 Firmware Warranty .......................................................................................................................... 86
8.2.1 Limited Liability ......................................................................................................................... 86
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Appendix A: Internal Circuit Board Description ......................................................................................... 88
A.1 SDI Video Interfaces ........................................................................................................................ 88
A.2 RS-232 Serial Control Port .............................................................................................................. 88
A.2.1 RS-232 3-Pin Header, J2 ......................................................................................................... 89
A.3 Power Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 89
A.3.1 Power Connectors .................................................................................................................... 89
A.4 JTAG Header ................................................................................................................................... 89
A.4.1 JTAG Firmware Upload Procedure .......................................................................................... 90
A.5 Reset Pushbutton SW1 ................................................................................................................... 90
A.6 Board Mechanical Dimensions ........................................................................................................ 90
Appendix B: USB to RS-232 Serial Port Adapter ...................................................................................... 93
B.1 ICUSB232V2 Software Drivers ........................................................................................................ 93
B.1.1 Installation of ICUSB232V2 Serial Driver and Terminal Emulator Program ............................ 93
B.2 Establishing Serial Communications ............................................................................................... 94
Appendix C: Regulatory Compliance Information ..................................................................................... 98
C.1 Industry Canada (IC) ....................................................................................................................... 98
C.2 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity ....................................... 98
C.3 CE Declaration of Conformity .......................................................................................................... 99
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Listing of Tables
Table 1: Default DIP Switch Settings 16
Table 2: Description of LED Status Indicators 17
Table 3: Serial Port Command Acknowledgement Codes 20
Table 4: Transparency SERIAL Command Codes 20
Table 5: Mode Control SERIAL Command Codes 21
Table 6: PiP Control Serial Command Codes 23
Table 7: Output Window Size and Position SERIAL Command Codes 26
Table 8: Text Inserter with Scaling Zoom SERIAL Command Codes 26
Table 9: Text and Symbol Fonts 31
Table 10: Graphic Overlay SERIAL Commands 38
Table 11: Low Level Graphic Overlay Commands 43
Table 12: Graphic Layer 1 Overlay SERIAL Commands 47
Table 13: Graphic Layer 1 Low Level Overlay Commands 52
Table 14: Frame Counter Overlay SERIAL Command Codes 56
Table 15: Layer Control SERIAL Command Codes 59
Table 16: User Interface Command Codes 62
Table 17: DB9 Serial Y Splitter Cable Pin Connections 65
Table 18: GPS Data Fields 66
Table 19: Data Formatting for the ‘CC’ Command 70
Table 20: GPS Interface Setup Command 72
Table 21: Flash Serial Command Codes 77
Table 22: Other Serial Command Codes 78
Table 23: Operation of 2-Position Momentary Toggle Switch 79
Table 24: Operation of the 4-Position DIP Switch 79
Table 25: Update Rate for Standard Text String Commands 82
Table 26: Update Rate for Low Level String Commands 83
Table 27: Windings Character Table 84
Table 28: Extended ASCII Character Table 85
Table 29: RS-232 Serial Port DB9 Pin Assignments 89
Table 30: RS-232 3-Pin Header, J2 89
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List of Figures
Figure 1: DX-2200-TI-14 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter with SDI Loop Output 13
Figure 2: DX-2200-TI-24 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter with PIP and SDI Loop Output 13
Figure 3: 12Vdc 1.33A 100-240VAC Power Adapter 14
Figure 4: Pin Assignments of 2-pin Power Plug 14
Figure 5: 14.4VDC Lithium Batter and D-TAP Cable 15
Figure 6: SDI Outputs & Status LEDs 16
Figure 7: SDI Input & Status LEDs 17
Figure 8: SDI Inputs & Status LEDs (PIP product model) 17
Figure 9: DX-2200-TI Layer Order 19
Figure 10: Sample of PiP, text and graphic logo OSD 24
Figure 11: Sample of active text and graphic logo 29
Figure 12: Sample of transparent text and background 30
Figure 13: Sample of the available Tahoma font sizes 32
Figure 14: Character set - codes 20-7F and A0-FF 33
Figure 15: Sample of Rectangle, Target Marker and Text 37
Figure 16: Sample of Corner Markers, Target and Text 38
Figure 17: Example 1 – red text OSD with white background 46
Figure 18: Example 2 – sample of default text 47
Figure 19: Frame Counter text display – Example 2 55
Figure 20: Frame Counter text display – Example 3 55
Figure 21: DB9 Serial Y Splitter Cable (Part # W6001) 65
Figure 22: Connection of Garmin GPS18xLVC 66
Figure 23: Example of GPS Data Display 76
Figure 24: Example of Frame Counter Time Clock Set by the GPS 77
Figure 25: DX-2200-TI – HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter Board 88
Figure 26: JTAG Cable Connection 90
Figure 27: DX-2200 Board (PN: P4115-TI-24) Mechanical Drawing 91
Figure 28: USB to DB9 RS-232 Serial Port Adapter Kit 93
Figure 29: PuTTY Session User Settings 95
Figure 30: PuTTY Terminal Settings 95
Figure 31: PuTTY Serial Port Settings 96
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1 Key Product Features
The key hardware features of the base DX-2200 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter with Loop Output
(Model PN: DX-2200-TI-14) product includes:
• One 75Ω SD/HD-SDI input port
• Two 75Ω SD/HD-SDI output ports
• One for overlay output
• One for loop-though output
• One DB9 RS-232 Serial Control Port
The DX-2200 – Text & Graphic Inserter with PIP & Loop Output, (Model PN: DX-2200-TI-24) product
variant has an additional 75Ω SD/HD-SDI input port.
1.1 Supported Functionality
• Video Input formats:
o NTSC @ 29.97 fps (frames per second)
o PAL @ 25 fps
o 720p @ 25 / 29.97 / 30 / 50 / 59.94 / 60 fps
o 1080i @ 25 / 29.97 / 30 fps
o 1080p @ 23.98 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 30 fps
o 1080psf @ 23.98 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 30 fps
• Video Output automatically adjusts to match the input video format
• Ancillary data from the video input is preserved to provide pass-through of audio, closed captions and
other metadata on the main SDI input
• Text and Graphics Overlay OSD:
• Three overlay layers
• Up to 48 independent text or graphic Fields per layer
• Fields support text, rectangle, corner markers, target marker, and graphic images.
• Filled or open rectangles
• Size, color, transparency and position control
• Configurable background color for text
• Alpha blended text and background
• Alpha blending of graphic components
• Frame Counter text overlay display
• Three modes of operation:
o Mode 1 = Text Inserter,
o Mode 2 = Text Inserter with PiP using SDI Input 2 as PiP source*,
o Mode 3 = Text Inserter with Scaling
• Output video clock frequency locked to input
• Low video frame delay
• User defined operation of DIP & Toggle switches
• Flash storage of user configuration and text fields for auto system recovery after power-off
• 2MB of flash for storage of graphic images
• Firmware update over RS232 Serial Port
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1.2 Product Package Contents
The SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter product package includes the following items:
• SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter with Loop Output, Model PN: DX-2200-TI-14, or
• SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter with PIP and Loop Output, Model PN: DX-2200-TI-24,
• 100-240VAC – 12VDC, 1.3A Power Adapter, PN: 589-PS-1213AP,
• USB 2.0 to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter Kit, PN: 8121-USB-RS232-KIT,
• User Manual on CD
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2 Introduction
The Microtronix DX-2200 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter is a high performance single input video
text and graphics inserter supporting alpha blended text and graphics overlay / on screen display (OSD) on
progressive, psf and interlaced SD and HD video formats. With support for embedded audio, VBI content
and metadata, it is designed for use in broadcast, professional video recording studios, high-end
surveillance applications and Point-of-Sale security systems requiring live insertion of high quality text
streams onto a SDI video signal.
The unit auto detects the format of the input video and outputs in the same format. Custom user
configurations and parameters can be stored in on-board flash for auto restoration during power ON/OFF
cycles. A fail-safe buffered SD/HD-SDI Loop Output is available for passing through the input signal
unmodified as may be required for broadcast applications.
2.1 Text and Graphics Overlay OSD Features
Features of the overlay OSD include:
1) Three layers for text and graphics fields
2) Display of 48 independent fields per layer
3) Fields support Text, Rectangles, Corner Markers, Target Marker and Image modes
4) Text Field of up to 195 characters
5) Alpha blending of the text for smooth edges
6) Frame Counter on the top overlay layer
7) Independent color selection of fields
8) Configurable background color of text fields
9) Transparency control
10) Independent ON/OFF control of fields
11) X-Y position control
12) Permanent retention of text fields in flash memory
13) PIP of auxiliary SD/HD-SDI input (product variant option)
The text and graphics are supplied to the DX-2200-TI through the RS-232 serial port. The user can
optionally store the text fields in the on-board flash in which case they will be retained power ON/OFF power
cycles.
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3 Hardware
The SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter is available as a stand-alone product supplied in an enclosure as
show in Figure 1 and Figure 2 below, or optionally as an open-frame board (for building into embedded
video system) as shown in Figure 25 shown in Appendix A.
Figure 1: DX-2200-TI-14 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter with SDI Loop Output
Figure 2: DX-2200-TI-24 – SD/HD-SDI Text & Graphics Inserter with PIP and SDI Loop Output
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3.1 Power Requirements
The DX-2200-TI product is powered from either a 5 – 12Vdc 10W (100-240VAC 50/60Hz) regulated
switching power adapter with a 2-pin circular plug (female) connector (Switchcraft PN: 16282-2SG-311), or
optionally from a 14.4V Lithium ion brick battery.
3.1.1 AC Power Adapter
The DX-2200-TI unit has a current draw of 650mA when operating from at 12VDC regulated power source.
A picture of the AC power adapter is shown in the figure below.
Figure 3: 12Vdc 1.33A 100-240VAC Power Adapter
Figure 4: Pin Assignments of 2-pin Power Plug
3.1.2 Example of 14.4VDC Lithium Battery
A picture of a 14.4VDC the AC power adapter is shown in the figure below.
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Figure 5: 14.4VDC Lithium Batter and D-TAP Cable
Microtronix does not sell Lithium Ion batteries. The 14.4VDC D-TAP adapter cable (shown in the figure
above) can be ordered using Microtronix part number D-TAP-2P-C.
3.2 Environmental Operating Limits
The DX-2200 unit uses passive convection cooling based on unrestricted airflow around the unit. The
environmental operating limits are as follows:
Ambient Temperature Range: 0C to 40C
Relative Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing.
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4 Operation
4.1 Default Startup Configuration
The factory default configuration for the DX-2200-TI has no saved configuration in flash and the following
DIP switch settings:
Table 1: Default DIP Switch Settings
DIP Switch
Setting
1
Off 2 Off 3 Off 4 Off
When powered up in the factory default configuration, the unit will pass the input video through to the output
with no text overlay items added. The DX-2200-TI will automatically output in the same video format as is
detected at the input.
If there is no input signal (or if it cannot be properly detected), the SDI output will display black and the video
format will be 720p @ 60 fps.
A user specific setup can be stored in flash to enable the DX-2200-TI to start in a different configuration, for
example with a text overlay displayed.
4.2 LED Status Indicators
The location of the 5 LEDs is show in the following figures.
Figure 6: SDI Outputs & Status LEDs
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Figure 7: SDI Input & Status LEDs
Figure 8: SDI Inputs & Status LEDs (PIP product model)
The operation of the status LEDs is summarized in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Description of LED Status Indicators
LED
Color
Use
Mode of Operation
Input-Top
(Board D4)
Red
Interlaced /
PsF Video
Detected
OFF: The SDI input video is a progressive video format.
ON: The SDI input video is either an interlaced or PsF video
format.
Input-
Bottom
(Board D4)
Red
Valid
Video
OFF: The SDI input has either no video, or an unsupported video
format.
ON: A signal is detected on the input.
Output
(Board D4)
Green
Power
ON: Power OK
Output-Top
(Board D5)
Red
Output On
OFF: SDI output is not enabled.
ON: The SDI output is enabled.
OutputBottom
(Board D5)
Red
Clock
Frequency
Lock
OFF: The output video clock is free running.
ON: The output video clock is frequency locked to the input video
clock.
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4.3 Video Format
The default video format is 720p @ 60 fps. If no input signal is connected at power-up (when operating in the
factory default configuration) the DX-2200-TI will output a black screen. The Text Overlay can be used
without input video connected.
When an SDI input with one of the supported video formats is connected, the unit will detect the video format
and switch the output to the match the detected video and attempt to lock to the clock frequency of the video
input. The video output will momentarily switch off as the video output is adjusted to match the format and
clock frequency of the input. When the clock frequency is locked, the video path is enabled and the input
video and ancillary data will appear at the output.
If the SDI input is disconnected, the unit continues to output in the last video format that was detected.
The default output video format can be changed by saving the configuration when the unit is operating with
the desired output format.
4.4 Picture-in-Picture (PiP)
Units equipped with the optional second SDI input connector (Input 2) are capable of PiP display using the
second SDI Input as the PiP source. The PiP video source can be asynchronous to the main video input or
can be a different resolution / frame rate. If the main input is an interlaced format, the PiP input must be
interlaced, and if the main input is a progressive format, the PiP input must be progressive. The size and
position of the PiP is programmable by software commands.
The PiP input will only function after the background video has been connected to Input 1. The PiP input
does not support audio or other ancillary data types. For interlaced formats, connection of a signal to the PiP
input may create an output video glitch as the unit synchronizes to the input.
4.5 Video Buffering and Frame Delay
For Text Inserter Mode (Mode 1) and Text Inserter with PiP (Mode 2), the DX-2200-TI includes a frame
buffer with a delay of 1 frame. The main video path has an additional delay of approximately 2000 clocks
(about 1 line in 1920x1080 video resolutions). The optional PiP video path has an additional delay that may
vary from 0 to 1 frame due to its support for asynchronous video inputs.
For Text Inserter with Scaling Mode (Mode 3), the DX-2200-TI has 2 frames of delay plus an additional delay
of approximately 4 lines.
4.6 Audio and Ancillary Data
The DX-2200-TI preserves ancillary data in the main SDI Input (Input 1) and passes it through to the output
to provide pass-through of audio, closed captions, and other ancillary data types embedded in the SDI video.
The optional PiP SDI Input (Input 2) does not support audio or other ancillary data types.
4.7 OSD Layers
The DX-2200-TI supports three video layers that are mixed on top of the SDI video input(s).
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Figure 9: DX-2200-TI Layer Order
The top layer in the mix is referred to as Graphics Text Layer 1. This layer displays up to 48 Fields that
support text and graphics. The optional Frame Counter displays on this layer. Text Fields on this layer are
configured using either the Text Overlay Serial Commands or the Graphics Overlay Serial Commands. The
Frame Counter is configured by the Frame Counter Serial Commands.
The next two layers are Graphics Layer 2 and Graphics Layer 3. These layers each display up to 48 display
Graphic Fields that are controlled by the Graphic Overlay Serial Commands.
The 4th layer is the SDI video, and the 5th layer is the Black Background.
Within any one layer, no mixing of fields takes place. If two fields have pixels that occupy the same
coordinates, one will overwrite the other. When an update is performed to render the fields on a layer, the
fields are rendered in order of their field number. For example, Field 4 will always be rendered after Field 3
and will overwrite any pixels of Field 3 if they are in the same location in the frame.
When graphic fields on different layers are placed at the same coordinates, they mix according to their
transparencies and the layer order. When a field is fully visible, no content that is on the layers below it will
be visible. When the field is partly or fully transparent, it mixes with the layers below according to their
transparencies.
4.8 SERIAL & MANUAL Control
The SD/HD-SDI Video Text Inserter has two methods of control: SERIAL Control using the RS232 port, and
MANUAL Control using the DIP switch and Toggle switch. SERIAL Control allows control full of the
capabilities of the DX-2200-TI, and MANUAL Control provides a subset of functions.
SERIAL Control is always active. In the factory default configuration the Toggle Switch and DIP switch are
active.
The functions of the DIP switch and Toggle switch can be reconfigured by SERIAL Control commands to
customize the Switcher so that the controls provide the set of functions required for a specific user
application. The modified configuration can be saved on board in the flash configuration memory.
4.8.1 SERIAL Mode of Operation
When SERIAL control is used, the DX-2200-TI is controlled via commands sent to the DB9 Serial Control
Port.
The serial COM port of the computer connected to the DX-2200-TI should be configured for: 115,200 baud,
1 stop bit, and no flow control.
4.8.1.1 USB 2.0 to RS-232 Serial Port Adapter
The DX-2200 product is supplied with a USB 2.0 to DB9 RS-232 Serial Port Adapter Kit (PN: 811-USBRS232 Kit) to connect the DB9F Serial Port to a USB 2.0 port of a PC or laptop. The Kit consists of a USB
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2.0 to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable (StarTech PN: ICUSB232V2) and a 6 foot male to female DB9
RS232 serial cable. Refer to Appendix B for more information.
4.8.1.2 DX-2200 Serial Port Control Commands
In the SERIAL mode, commands sent to the Serial Control Port control the operation of the DX-2200-TI.
Commands consist of ASCII alpha-numeric codes and are not case sensitive. All Serial Commands are
terminated with a carriage return (CR), a line feed (LF), or a semicolon. The use of a semicolon terminator
allows more than 1 command per line to improve readability of script files.
Commands may be sent directly to the DX-2200-TI one character at a time using a terminal program running
on a connected computer, or they may be developed in a text editor such as Notepad and then uploaded to
the DX-2200-TI by the terminal program. The second method has the advantage of allowing the commands
to be saved, viewed, edited and resent. The text editor used must save the configuration files as 8 bit ASCII
data.
Space or tab characters before a command or trailing a command are ignored, as are spaces or tabs
following a comma that separates parameters within a command. Any characters on a line following a tick (')
character are treated as comments. A comment may begin after a delimiter, or may follow a command with
or without spaces or tabs between the command and the comment.
ASCII string parameters are delimited with quotation marks. If a quotation mark or backslash character is
required within a string (for example to display as part of a text overlay), then it must be preceded by a
backslash character.
Valid and invalid Serial Commands are acknowledged with a ‘+’ and ‘-’ response respectively. Carriage
return, line feed, or semicolon characters without a preceding command are acknowledged with a ‘*’.
The command codes are extensible, additional commands and functionality can be added as required.
Contact Microtronix sales or technical support with your requirements.
Table 3: Serial Port Command Acknowledgement Codes
Response Code
Mode of Operation
+
Valid command received
-
Invalid command received
*
Valid CR, LF, semicolon, or comment line received
4.8.1.3 Input Video Transparency SERIAL Command
The Input Video Transparency Commands set the transparency of the input 1 SDI video. By default the, the
SDI input video has no transparency. By using these commands, the input video can be made partially
transparent so that the black background layer becomes visible.
Table 4: Transparency SERIAL Command Codes
Command Code
Mode of Operation
An – Set transparency of the SDI input 1 video
A0
0% transparency
A1
12.5% transparency
A2
25% transparency
A3
37.5% transparency
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A4
50% transparency
A5
62.5% transparency
A6
75% transparency
A7
87.5% transparency
A8
100% transparency
Annn
Set the transparency with higher resolution where nnn – is a three digit
number between 000 and 255 where 000 is 0% transparent and 255 is
100% transparent
4.8.1.4 Mode Control SERIAL Command
The Mode Control SERIAL Command selects an operating mode for the product and are listed in Table 5
below.
Table 5: Mode Control SERIAL Command Codes
Command Code
Mode of Operation
M1
Text Inserter
M2
Text Inserter with PiP using Input 2 as the PiP source. PiP will only
activate if a valid video input is present at Input 2.
M3
Text Inserter with Scaling. Note that the video output is momentarily
interrupted when switching into or out of Mode 3.
4.8.1.5 Ancillary Data SERIAL Commands
By default, the DX-2200-TI preserves all ancillary data in the video signal. It is possible to control this
function if the ancillary data is not required. Disabling the ancillary data may slightly increase graphic update
speed in some situations.
Table 6: Ancillary Data Control SERIAL Command Codes
Command Code
Mode of Operation
MA0
Disable ancillary data pass through
MA1
Enable ancillary data pass through
4.8.1.6 Baud Rate SERIAL Command
The DX-2200-TI always powers up at 115200 baud. After power up, the baud rate can be changed using the
MBnnnnnnn command, where nnnnnnn is the new baud rate between 9600 and 1000000 baud.
The response to the baud rate command is transmitted before the baud rate is changed. It is recommended
to wait 100 ms after receiving the response before sending commands at the new baud rate to ensure the
DX-2200-TI is ready to receive commands at the new rate.
NOTE: The DX-2200-TI always starts at 115200 baud. Changes to the baud rate cannot be saved to flash.
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Table 7: Baud Rate SERIAL Command Codes
Command Code
Mode of Operation
MBnnnnnnn
Set the baud rate to nnnnnnnn where nnnnnnnn is a number
between 9600 and 1000000 baud.
4.8.1.7 Picture-in-Picture Position, Size, and Zoom SERIAL Commands
These commands apply only to the Text Inserter with PiP mode of operation (Mode 2, see the Mode Control
Serial Commands).
The position and size of the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) display is selected through character commands sent
via the RS-232 port per Table 6 below.
There are two different methods of controlling the PiP size and position. The first method selects one of four
predefined positions and one of 16 predefined sizes using the commands PSnn, PAxxxx, PByyyy, followed
by P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, or P8 to set the positions and apply the settings.
For example: PiP in the bottom right corner using control method 1:
PS04 ' Set PiP size to be 4/16ths of the video width
PA20 ' Offset PiP 20 pixels horizontally from edge of the video
PB20 ' Offset PiP 20 pixels vertically from the edge of the video
P2 ' Apply settings and place PiP in bottom right corner
If the PS, PA, or PB commands are omitted in the above example, the previous setting, or the default will
apply. The default size for the PiP window is 6/16th of the video width (equivalent to the command PS06).
The default horizontal and vertical offset is 1 pixel + 1% of the screen width. If the P2 command is omitted
there will be no visible change to the PiP because it is this command that applies the parameters set the
other commands in the example.
The second method of setting PiP size and position does not use predefined sizes or positions, instead the
width, height, and the x and y position of the top left corner are set in terms of number of pixels by using the
commands PWxxxx, PHyyyy, PXxxxx, PYyyyy, followed by either PU or PR to apply the settings.
For example: PiP configured using method 2:
PX100 ' Set Top Left corner of PiP to x=100 pixels from the left
PY400 ' Set Top Left corner of PiP to y=400 pixels from the top
PW711 ' PiP window width = 711 pixels
PH400 ' PiP window height = 400 pixels
PU ' Apply the PiP Settings
This control method allows the aspect ratio of the PiP window to be changed, possibly resulting in stretched
or compressed video in the PiP window. If the PR command is used instead of the PU command, the height
parameter set for the PiP window by the PH command is ignored, and a value is calculated from the width to
provide a 16:9 aspect ratio for the PiP window.
In all cases, the PiP window must fit within the video. It is not possible to place the PiP window partly or fully
off screen. The DX-2200 will automatically adjust the gap, position and size parameters as needed to force
the PiP window to fit on screen. The minimum PiP width and height is 32 pixels. The DX-2200 will
automatically adjust the size to prevent the PiP windows being smaller than this size.
The PiP supports a limited zoom / cropping function that allows a selected region of the PiP video source to
be overlaid on the main channel instead of the entire frame. Two modes for selecting a region of the frame
are provided. The first method is controlled by a zoom factor specified in percent and a center location for
the zoom. The second method selects the top and left edge of the region, and the width and height. These
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functions do not upscale the PiP input source. At most, each input pixel can generate 1 output pixel. The
DX-2200 automatically limits the values of the command parameters if the requested settings exceed the
valid ranges, for example by calling for magnification of the source.
Table 6: PiP Control Serial Command Codes
Command Code
Mode of Operation
P1
PiP upper right with preset size
P2
PiP lower right with preset size
P3
PiP upper left with preset size
P4
PiP lower left with preset size
P5
PiP top center with preset size
P6
PiP bottom center with preset size
P7
PiP center left with preset size
P8
Pip center right with preset size
PSnn
Set the PiP size used with the predefined PiP positions. The width is set in units of
16ths of the output video width. For example PS05 set the width to 5/16ths of the video
width.
PAxxxx
Set the horizontal gap in pixels between the reference corner and the Pip window when
using the predefined PiP positions. Enter the value 9999 to use the default.
PByyyy
Set the vertical gap in pixels between the reference corner and the Pip window when
using the predefined PiP positions. Enter the value 9999 to use the default.
PU
PiP update – sets PiP size and position to values selected with W, H, X and Y
commands
PR
PiP update, fixed aspect ratio – sets PiP size and position to values selected with PW,
PX and PY commands, and caluclates a height to mnake the PiP window have 16:9
aspect ratio
PWxxxx
PiP width where xxxx is the number of horizontal pixels
PHyyyy
PiP height where yyyy is the number of vertical pixels
PXxxxx
PiP horizontal position where xxxx is the number of pixels from the left side of the
screen.
PYyyyy
PiP vertical position where yyyy is the number of pixels from the top of the screen
AFn
Set the PiP transparency where n is a single digit in the range 0 to 8.
n = 0 - 0 % Transparent
n = 1 - 12.5 % Transparent
n = 2 - 25 % Transparent
n = 3 - 37.5 % Transparent
n = 4 - 50 % Transparent
n = 5 - 67.5 % Transparent
n = 6 - 75 % Transparent
n = 7 - 87.5 % Transparent
n = 8 - 100% Transparent
AFnnn
Set the PiP transparency where nnn is a three digit value in the range 000 (fully visible)
to 255 (fully transparent).
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ZPF
Set PiP zoom function to be controlled in percentages by specifying center position and
zoom factor. This is the default control mode. After setting this mode, use the ZPCX,
ZPCY and ZPnnn commands to control the zoom function.
ZPW
Set PiP zoom to be controlled in pixels by specifying left edge and top edge position,
and the width and height. After setting this mode, use the ZPLX, ZPLY, ZPLW, and
ZPLH commands to setup the PiP window.
ZPCXnnn.d
ZPCYnnn.d
Set the center of the PiP Zoom, where nnn.d is a number from 0 to 100 with up to 1
optional decimal place. This number represents a position in the PiP source to use as
the zoom center point, specified in percent of the video width (ZPCX) or height (ZPCY).
The resulting zoom window can never extend beyond the edge of the PiP video source.
The DX-2200 automatically restricts the values to a valid range.
The default setting is 50% for both horizontal and vertical, meaning the PiP is zoomed
in toward its center.
These commands only has an effect in center / zoom control mode. See the ZPF
command.
ZPnnn.d
Set the zoom factor as a percentage from 100.0% to 800.0% with up to one optional
decimal place. The default is 100% (no zoom).
This command only has an effect in the center / zoom control mode. See the ZPF
command.
ZPLXnnnn
ZPLYnnnn
ZPLWnnnn
ZPLHnnnn
Set the PiP zoom window left edge (ZPLX), top edge (ZPLY), width (ZPLW) or height
(ZPLH). Note: This command selects a region of the PiP input source to display, it does
not set the position of the PiP window in the output video.
For each command, nnnn represents the number of pixels.
The DX-2200 automatically restricts the values to a valid range. The PiP zoom window
cannot be less than 32x32 pixels, or extend beyond the edge of the PiP source.
These commands only have an effect when specifying PiP window coordinates in
pixels. See the ZPW command.
ZPR
Reset the PiP zoom / crop settings to the defaults
Figure 10: Sample of PiP, text and graphic logo OSD
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4.8.1.8 Main Input Scaling and Position SERIAL Commands
These commands apply only to the Text Inserter With Scaling mode of operation (Mode 3, see the Mode
Control Serial Commands).
The Text Inserter With Scaling Mode (Mode 3) provides the graphic overlay functions and two additional
capabilities:
1) The option to zoom in on a selected region of the video source to allow cropping or display of a
selected rectangular region of the source.
2) The video source can be mixed into the output as a reduced size window instead of filling the output
video frame. This function is controlled by the Output Window Size and Position SERIAL Command
Codes ("B" commands) shown in the table below
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Table 7: Output Window Size and Position SERIAL Command Codes
Command
Code
Mode of Operation
Mode Control Commands
BXnnnn
Set the left edge location of the output video window in either pixels, or in percentage of
the frame width by appending the '%' symbol.
The window must always fit within the video frame. The DX-2200 will limit the value
entered with this command to keep the window within the frame.
BYnnnn
Set the top edge location of the output video window window in either pixels, or in
percentage of the frame height by appending the '%' symbol.
The window must always fit within the video frame. The DX-2200 will limit the value
entered with this command to keep the window within the frame.
BWnnnn
Set the width of the video output window in either pixels, or percentage of the video
frame width by appending the '%' symbol. The value 9999 has a special meaning and
causes the width to be calculated automatically from the height to maintain the aspect
ratio.
The DX-2200 will always limit the window size to prevent it being larger than the video
frame.
BHnnnn
Set the height of the video output window in either pixels, or in percentage of the video
frame height by appending the '%' symbol. The value 9999 has a special meaning and
causes the height to be calculated automatically from the width to maintain the aspect
ratio.
The DX-2200 will always limit the window size to prevent it being larger than the video
frame.
BR
Reset size and position to defaults
Where ‘nnnn’ can be a number of pixels between one and four digits in length, or be followed by a ‘%’
sign to specify a percentage of the output frame size, eg ‘50%’. When specified in %, the value can be
an integer between 0 to 100.
Table 8: Text Inserter with Scaling Zoom SERIAL Command Codes
Command
Code
Mode of Operation
Mode Control Commands
ZSF
Set the zoom function to be controlled in percentages by specifying center position and
zoom factor. This is the default control mode. After setting this mode, use the ZSCX,
ZSCY and ZPnnn commands to control the zoom function.
ZSW
Set the zoom to be controlled in pixels by specifying left edge and top edge position,
and the width and height. After setting this mode, use the ZSLX, ZSLY, ZSLW, and
ZSLH commands to setup the PiP window.
ZSCXnnn.d
ZSCYnnn.d
Set the center location of the Zoom, where nnn.d is a number from 0 to 100 with up to 1
optional decimal place. This number represents a position in the video source to use as
the zoom center point, specified in percent of the video width (ZSCX) or height (ZSCY).
The resulting zoom window can never extend beyond the edge of the video source. The
DX-2200 automatically restricts the values to a valid range.
The default setting is 50% for both horizontal and vertical, meaning the video is zoomed
in toward its center.
These commands only has an effect in center / zoom control mode. See the ZSF
command.
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ZSnnn.d
Set the zoom factor as a percentage from 100.0% to 800.0% with up to one optional
decimal place. The default is 100% (no zoom).
This command only has an effect in the center / zoom control mode. See the ZSF
command.
ZSLXnnnn
ZSLYnnnn
ZSLWnnnn
ZSLHnnnn
Set the zoom window left edge (ZSLX), top edge (ZSLY), width (ZSLW) or height
(ZSLH). Note: This command selects a region of the input source to display, it does not
set the position of the window in the output video.
For each command, nnnn represents the number of pixels.
The DX-2200 automatically restricts the values to a valid range. The zoom window
cannot be less than 32x32 pixels, or extend beyond the edge of the source.
These commands only have an effect when specifying the zoom window coordinates in
pixels. See the ZSW command.
ZSR
Reset the zoom settings to the defaults
4.8.1.9 Graphic Overlay SERIAL Commands
The Graphic Overlay Serial Commands support three layers that can each display up to 48 user-defined
Graphic Fields. Each Graphic Field can be configured to be Text, Rectangle, Corner Marker, or Target
Marker. The fields can be configured and positioned using the Graphic Overlay Serial Commands below.
Each Layer of the Graphic Overlay utilizes two frame buffers located in memory. One is these frame buffers
(the active buffer) generates a video output that is mixed on top of the input video, while the other buffer (the
spare buffer) is prepared for use.
The video output of the layer is updated by rendering all Graphic Fields into the spare buffer using the
parameters that have been set for each Field. The amount of time required to render the text to the spare
buffer depends on the number of pixels that must be drawn. Typically, the rendering process takes more
than one frame to complete. During this time, the active buffer continues to provide the Graphic Overlay
video output. After rendering is complete, the DX-2200-TI switches the active and spare buffers. The buffer
that was active before the update becomes the new spare buffer and is cleared by the unit to so that it is
ready for text to be rendered again when the next update occurs. Buffer switching is always performed at the
end of frame.
Many of the Graphic Field commands update the parameters of a Field (for example the visibility, color or
transparency), but do not update the video output. This allows the user to change as many parameters as
required before sending a command to show the updated output.
4.8.1.9.1 ACTIVE LAYER
The Graphics Overlay of the DX-2200-TI-03 has three layers named Graphics Layer 1, Graphics Layer 2
and Graphics Layer 3. The Graphic Overlay Commands do not include the layer number in the command
syntax. Instead, the commands always operate on the Active Layer. To select the Active Layer, the GLn
command is used where n is the layer number from 1 to 3. The default Active Layer is Graphics Layer 2.
Additionally, Graphics Layer 1 can also be accessed by the 'S' commands (See Graphic Layer 1 Overlay
SERIAL Commands). These commands always refer to Graphic Layer 1 regardless of the Active Layer.
4.8.1.9.2 GRAPHIC FIELDS
Graphic Fields are numbered 1 through 48. The Graphic Overlay Commands that apply to a single field
include the field number in the command, for example, the GnnS command enables display of field
number nn.
For any command that uses a field number, the field can be specified as either a 1 or 2 digit number in the
range 1 through 48.
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Instead of specifying a single field, the commands can be applied to all fields on the layer by specifying a
field number of 0. For example G0S enables the display all fields on the layer and is equivalent to the
commands G1S, G2S, G3S… G48S.
Commands can be applied to a range of sequential fields using the syntax "f1-f2" for the field number where
f1 is the first field and f2 is the last field the command applies to. For example the command G7-10S enables
display of fields 7, 8, 9, and 10.
By default, all Graphic Fields are turned off and have default parameters. To display a field, the following
steps are required:
1) the field must be configured with the required field type
2) the parameters must be set appropriately
3) display of the field must be enabled
4) the layer must be updated
Some commands combine the last two operations in the above list, for example the G2S command enables
the display of Graphic Field 2 (on the active layer) and also updates the layer.
The following commands are a simple example that displays a rectangle. These commands are intended for
use with the DX-2200-TI in the factory default configuration:
G1M2 ‘ Set Field 1 to be a Rectangle Field
G1PA100,100 ‘ Coordinate A = (100,100)
G1PB300,300 ‘ Coordinate B = (300,300)
G1S ‘ Enable display of Field 1 and update the layer
4.8.1.9.3 RESET GRAPHIC FIELD
A Graphic Field can be reset to its default values with the GnnZ command where nn is the Graphic Field
number to reset. The GZ command will reset all Graphic Fields on the Active Layer, and the G0Z command
resets the fields on all layers to default.
Resetting a Graphic Field will clear the Text string, set the line color to white with full visibility, set the
position to the top left corner, set the fill color to blue but fully transparent (not visible), and set the font to the
default for the current video resolution. The overall visibility of the Field is set to off.
Resetting fields does not automatically update the video output of the overlay. Any fields that are visible in
the video are not cleared until a command is received that causes the overlay to be updated.
4.8.1.9.4 GRAPHIC FIELD VISIBILITY
Each Graphic Field can be turned on or off independently. By default, fields are off. The GnnV, GnnS, and
GnnH commands control the visibility of field number nn. GnnS and GnnH turn visibility on and off
respectively, and GnnV toggles visibility between on and off. Using any one of these commands will also
cause the video output to be updated by rendering the fields to the spare buffer and performing a buffer
swap. For this reason, it may be undesirable to use these commands when several text fields need to be
turned on or off because the video output will be updated as each command is executed. This will result in
the fields turning on or off one at a time.
The commands GnnVN, GnnSN, and GnnHN also control the visibility of Graphic Field nn, but without
updating the output and are recommended when the visibility of more than one field is to be changed at the
same time. The GU command can be sent to update the output after all visibility changes have been made.
The GnnHdddd command will turn off the visibility of text field nn after approximately dddd frames of video
have been output. When the GnnH is used with a delay, the overlay is automatically updated after the delay.
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4.8.1.9.5 UPDATE GRAPHIC OVERLAY
The GU command updates the video output of the Overlay by rendering all fields to the spare buffer and
exchanging the active and spare buffers.
After sending a sequence of commands that change the parameters of fields, send the GU command to
make the changes visible.
4.8.1.9.6 COORDINATE SYSTEM AND FIELD POSITION
Each Graphic Field has two position coordinates referred to as Coordinate A and Coordinate B. One or both
of these coordinates may be used depending on the Graphic Field Type.
The coordinate system designates x=0000 and y=0000 as the top-left corner of the overlay for all video
formats. This is the default position for all fields.
The maximum value for the x and y coordinates is located at the bottom-right corner of the frame. For
1080p, 1080i, and 1080PsF formats the bottom-right corner is at coordinates x=1919, y=1079. For 720p
formats the bottom-right corner is located at x=1279, y=719. For NTSC format the coordinates are x=719,
y=485, and for PAL format x=719 and y=575.
NOTE: Some monitors will not display the entire video frame, particularly when operating in NTSC or PAL
modes. Graphic Fields placed close to the edges of the overlay may not be visible on some monitors.
NOTE: If the Overlay has been re-sized, the coordinate range may be smaller than the defaults for each
video mode listed above.
Any Field or portion of a Field that extends beyond the edges of the Overlay will not be visible.
The command set provides different options for setting the coordinates of a Graphic Field. The commands
GnnXxxxx, and GnnYyyyy set the x and y position for Coordinate A individually. The commands
GnnPAXxxxx and GnnPAYyyyy perform the same functions, but this form of the command can also set
Coordinate B, for example GnnPBXxxxx or GnnPBYyyyy.
If it also possible to set both x and y in a single command for Coordinate A or Coordinate B with the
commands GnnPAxxxx,yyyy and GnnPBxxxx,yyyy respectively. For all Graphic Field position commands,
the parameters xxxx and yyyy can be from 1 to 4 digits in length and may optionally be prefixed with zeros.
For example, sending G4X0200 and G4Y0400 sets the field position to (200, 400).
Changing the text position does not automatically update the video output.
Figure 11: Sample of active text and graphic logo
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4.8.1.9.7 LINE COLOR AND TRANSPARENCY
Each Graphic Field has a Line Color specified by Red, Green, and Blue Components in the range from 0 to
255. The Line Color is used for solid rectangles, for the outline of open rectangles, for corner markers, target
markers, and the foreground of text.
The colors are entered as three Serial Commands by sending a Red, Green and Blue Serial Command. For
example: sending G1R220, G1G025 and G1B250 sets Text Field 1 to purple.
The default color is white (R255, G255, and B255). Changing the text color does not automatically update
the video output.
The Line Color has a transparency property that can be controlled using the G1Aaaa command to set the
alpha value for mixing with underlying layers. Setting the alpha value to 0 sets the Line Color to be fully
visible and no content on lower video layers will be visible through the Line Color. An alpha of 255 sets the
Line Color fully transparent. At this setting the color will be completely invisible.
For example: sending G1A192 makes Field 1 approximately 75% transparent. Changing the text
transparency does not automatically update the video output.
4.8.1.9.8 BACKGROUND COLOR AND TRANSPARENCY
Each Field has a Background Color that is used for the background of Text Fields and the fill color of
rectangles. Background Color is set in the same way as Line Color, except the commands used as
GnnBRrrr, GnnBGggg, GnnBBbbb, and GnnBAaaa.
The following example commands set the Background Color of Graphic Field 1 to yellow with partial (50%)
visibility: G1BR255, G1BG255, G1BB0, and G1BA128.
The Background Color will only affect those field types that make use of the Background Color.
Figure 12: Sample of transparent text and background
NOTES: When the text is partially transparent, its apparent color will be determined by the text color,
the background color and the visibilities of the text and background.
When a text background is displayed, the total number of color / transparency combinations is limited. Small
changes in the color or transparency parameters of the text or background may not change the appearance
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