Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 SDI User's Guide

ForceWare Graphics Drivers

NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI User’s Guide

Version 1.0

NVIDIA Corporation January 27, 2006

NVIDIA ForceWare Graphics Drivers NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI User’s Guide v1.0

Published by NVIDIA Corporation 2701 San Tomas Expressway Santa Clara, CA 95050

Notice

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Information furnished is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, NVIDIA Corporation assumes no responsibility for the consequences of use of such information or for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of NVIDIA Corporation. Specifications mentioned in this publication are subject to change without notice. This publication supersedes and replaces all information previously supplied. NVIDIA Corporation products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems without express written approval of NVIDIA Corporation.

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NVIDIA Corporation

Driver Utilities Quadro FX 4500 SDI User’s Guide Version

Table of Contents

1.About NVIDIA Graphics to SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2.NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Feature Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installing and Preparing the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

About Your NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installing the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operating NVIDIA SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Understanding the Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

About the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Recommended Operating Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

3.Windows–Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

How to Set Up the SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Basic SDI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Advanced Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Genlock Versus Frame Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Supported Synchronization Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Synchronization Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Viewing System Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Using SDI Under Dualview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

About Dualview Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

How to Enable Dualview Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Changing SDI Settings Under Dualview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

4.Linux—Using the Graphics to Video Out Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

How to Set Up the SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Basic SDI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Advanced Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Genlock Versus Frame Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Supported Synchronization Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Synchronization Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

5.API Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

SDI Application Programming Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Windows XP NvGvo API Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Viewing the SDI Hardware Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

NvGvo Function Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

NvGvo Structures, Enumerations, and Defines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Linux CONTROL X Extension API . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Using the NV-CTRL X APIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

NV_CTRL_GVO Attributes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

NV-Control X Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Appendix A:OnBoard DIP Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

NVIDIA Corporation i

NVIDIA Drivers Quadro FX 4500 SDI User’s Guide Version 1.0

NVIDIA Corporation

HAPTER 1

About NVIDIA Graphics to SDI

C HAPTER

BOUT

Serial Digital Interface (SDI) is a digital, uncompressed high quality video format used for film and video post production and broadcast applications. The NVIDIA Quadro uncompressed 8-bit, 10-bit, or 12-bit SDI output.

FX 4500 SDI graphics card converts composited video and graphics to

NVIDIA G

RAPHICS TO

SDI

About This Document

This manual explains the graphics-to-SDI functionality of the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI graphics card and software, described in the following sections:

• “NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI” on page 3 lists the supported SDI features and explains the basic operation in a broadcast environment.

• “Windows–Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel” on page 15 describes how to use the Display Properties control panel to set up and start the SDI output under Windows.

• “Linux—Using the Graphics to Video Out Control Panel” on page 31 describes how to use the Display Properties control panel to set up and start the SDI output under Linux.

• “API Control” on page 43 gives an overview of API control of the SDI functions.

For instructions on installing the graphics card and drivers, refer to the documentation that accompanies your NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI graphics card.

NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI

C HAPTER

NVIDIA G

This chapter provides an overview of the NVIDIA graphics-to-SDI functionality, described in the following sections:

• “Feature Overview” on page 4 lists the hardware connections, supported SDI formats, and additional SDI support features of the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI graphics card.

• “Installing and Preparing the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI” on page 6 describes how to install the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI card and prepare it for use.

• “Operating NVIDIA SDI” on page 10 provides an overview of SDI operation.

RAPHICS-TO

-SDI

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Feature Overview

Output Connections

• Two BNC connections that can be configured for fill + key dual-link SDI outputs, or for single-link SDI outputs

• One DVI video monitoring output

• BNC connections for external sync signals

Supported SDI Signal Formats

• Standard Definition (SD) Modes

• 487i @ 59.95 Hz (SMPTE259) NTSC

• 576i @ 50.00 Hz (SMPTE259) PAL

• High Definition (HD) Modes

• 720p @ 23.97 Hz, 24.00 Hz, 25.00 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30.00 Hz, and 50.00 Hz

• 720p @ 59.94Hz, 60.00 Hz (SMPTE296)

• 1035i @ 59.94 Hz, 60.00 Hz (SMPTE260)

• 1080i @ 50.00 Hz (SMPTE295)

• 1080i @ 50.00 Hz, 59.94 Hz, 60.00 Hz (SMPTE274)

• 1080PsF @ 24.00 Hz, 23.976 Hz

• 1080PsF @ 25.00 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30 Hz (SMPTE274)

• 1080p @ 23.976 Hz, 24.00 Hz, 25.00 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30.00 Hz (SMPTE274)

• 2048x1080p @ 23.976 Hz, 24.00 Hz, 25.00 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30.00 Hz, 47.96Hz, 48Hz,

60Hz (SMPTE272)

Supported SDI Color Formats

• RGB 4:4:4

• YCrCb 4:2:2 or 4:4:4

• RGBA 4:4:4:4

• YCrCbA 4:2:2:4

1. The 720p modes in this bullet entry are available with firmware revision 6 or later.

2. The 1080PsF modes in this bullet entry are available with firmware revision 6 or later.

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Supported Output Modes

• Transparent Clone Mode

See “Windows–Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel” on page 15.

• Transparent Dualview Mode

See “Dualview Mode” on page 53.

• Extended Mode using NVIDIA SDI APIs

See “API Control” on page 43.

Desktop Region Adjustment Capability

Lets you define a portion of the desktop to convert to SDI output.

Genlock and Frame Lock Capability

Lets you synchronize the SDI output to an external digital or analog sync source.

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NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI

Note: The NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI card does not support SLI mode at this time.

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Installing and Preparing the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI

About Your NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI

The following describes the components included in your NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI product package:

Cards

The NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI consists of the following two cards:

• NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 Graphics Card

• NVIDIA SDI Output Card

Cables

In addition, you need the following cables, which should be provided with your NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI package:

• (Qty 1 ea.) 14-Pin Ribbon Cable

This cable connects the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 card to the SDI Output card for genlock and frame-lock functionality.

• (Qty 1 ea.) DVI-to-DVI Cable

This cable connects the video output from the graphics card to the SDI output card.

• (Qty 4 ea.) SMA-to-BNC Cable

These cables convert the SMA connectors on the SDI card to standard BNC connectors.

Cable Bands Kit

A package of cable bands of various colors is provided to distinguish the individual SMA-

-to-BNC cables after installation.

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Installing the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI

Step 1: Install the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI

1 Power down the system and open the chassis cover.

2 Install the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 card

a Insert the graphics card into the x16 PCI-express slot and use a screw to secure the

card’s bracket to the system chassis.

b Connect the auxiliary power connector.

3 Install the NVIDIA SDI Output card.

Insert the NVIDIA SDI Output card into any available expansion slot within six inches of the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 G-Sync connector, and use a screw to secure the card’s bracket to the system chassis.

Power to the auxiliary power connection is not needed at this time. NVIDIA recommends not connecting power to this connection.

HAPTER 2

NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI

4 Connect one end of the 14-pin ribbon cable to the G-Sync connector on the NVIDIA

Quadro FX 4500 card, and the other end to the NVIDIA SDI Output card.

14-pin ribbon cable connecting the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 to the NVIDIA SDI Output card.

5 Close the chassis cover.

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Step 2: Connect the Auxiliary Cabling and Monitor

1 (Optional) Install the identification color bands.

Use the provided color bands to assist in properly identifying the function associated with each SMA-to-BNC cable.

a Using a different color for each SMA-to-BNC cable, place the band over the SMA-

connector end (the smaller end) and push up to the BNC-connector end.

b Position the band snugly over the wide portion of the insulation next to the BNC

connector.

2 Connect the SMA-to-BNC Cables.

Screw the male SMA connector onto the female SMA connector on the SDI output card.

Note: Use care when connecting, disconnecting, or handling the cables that you do not

3 Record which color corresponds to the individual connector:

break the center conductor on the SMA connector.

C Sync

V1 OutV2 OutS Sync

4 Connect the DVI Connectors.

Connect one end of the DVI cable to the DVI connector on the SDI Output card, and the other end to the “north” DVI connector on the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 card.

The cable must be connected to the “north” DVI connector. The NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI will not work properly if the cable is connected to the “south” DVI connector.

North DVI Connector

SDI-Output Card DVI Connector

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5 Connect your display to the “south” DVI connector on the graphics card.

South DVI Connector

Step 3: Install the NVIDIA ForceWare Graphics Drivers

If you will be installing new graphics drivers for the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI card, it is highly recommended that you uninstall any previous version of the NVIDIA ForceWare graphics driver software before installing updated graphics drivers.

1 Follow the instructions on the NVIDIA.com Web site driver download page to locate

the appropriate driver to download, based on your hardware and operating system.

2 Click the driver download link.

The license agreement dialog box appears.

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NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI

3 Click Accept if you accept the terms of the agreement, then either open the file or save

the file to your PC and open it later.

Opening the EXE file launches the NVIDIA InstallShield Wizard.

4 Follow the instructions in the NVIDIA InstallShield Wizard to complete the

installation.

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Operating NVIDIA SDI

The following sections provide an overview of SDI operation:

• “Understanding the Connections” on page 10

• “About the Software” on page 12

• “Recommended Operating Practices” on page 13

Understanding the Connections

Figure 2.1 shows the available SDI and external sync connectors on the NVIDIA Quadro

FX 4500 SDI.

Composite Genlock Sync Signal

SDI Genlock Sync Signal

Key portion of a dual link SDI output

Single link SDI output

Fill portion of a dual link SDI output

- or -

Single link SDI output

V1 OUTV2 OUTS SYNCC SYNC

Figure 2.1

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NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI Connectors

NVIDIA Corporation

Connecting the SDI Video Output

Refer to Figure 2.1.

• 4:4:4/4:2:2:4/4:4:4:4 dual-link signals are sent to the V1 Out and V2 Out connectors (corresponding to the fill + key signals respectively).

• 4:2:2 single-link signals are sent to the V1 Out connector only.

In application control mode, using the APIs, an additional 4:2:2 signal can be sent to the V2 Out connector.

Connecting to an External Sync Source

• You can genlock the output to an external digital or analog sync source.

NVIDIA Genlock supports the following two external synchronization signal types:

• SDI

• Composite, which can be one of the following:

Composite Bi-level (NTSC or PAL sources use bi-level composite signals.)

HAPTER 2

NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI

Composite Tri-level (HDTV sources commonly use tri-level composite signals.)

• To use an external sync source, connect the sync signal to the appropriate BNC connector as indicated in Figure 2.1.

You can connect to both types of sync sources at the same time. The software gives precedence to the SDI signal, but you can use the control panel to choose which signal to use (see “Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source” on page 22.)

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About the Software

The NVIDIA SDI software lets you specify the

•SDI signal format

• Color formats

• Synchronization method

• Gamma correction

Graphics-to-SDI functionality can be set up and controlled in two basic ways—using the NVIDIA control panel or using the NVIDIA SDI API.

Using the SDI APIs

The SDI application programming interface allows OpenGL applications to have full and exclusive control of the SDI output. This is also known as extended mode.

When the SDI output is under application control, you can use the NVIDIA Graphics to SDI property page to view the SDI hardware status.

• See the chapter “API Control” on page 43 for a description of the graphics-to-video-out API calls.

• Also, refer to the document instructions on using the APIs.

Using the Control Panel

When the SDI output is not being controlled by an application, you can use the NVIDIA graphical user interface to

• Specify the SDI signal format, output format, and then enable the SDI output.

• Configure the external synchronization signal if needed.

This is also known as transparent mode. In this mode, the SDI software works on top of existing applications, and the active workstation desktop or full screen application display is automatically forwarded to the SDI video outputs.

• For detailed intructions under Windows, see the chapter “Windows–Using the

Graphics to SDI Control Panel” on page 15.

• For detailed instruction under Linux, see the chapter “Linux—Using the Graphics to

Video Out Control Panel” on page 31.

Programming the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4000/4500 SDI for

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Recommended Operating Practices

This section provides some basic operating practices to follow in order to obtain the best SDI performance for your application.

Initial On-Air Broadcast

When starting a live broadcast of SDI video, follow the sequence below to ensure proper allocation of system resources and to prevent visual disturbances in the on air broadcast.

1 Set up the SDI format settings and start the SDI output

2 Start the application to be broadcast

3 Verify the video quality

4 Close the Graphics to SDI control panel

5 Go on air

To avoid visual disturbances while broadcasting live, DO NOT

• Start or stop the graphics or video application

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NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI

• Turn on or off the SDI output

• Make changes to the SDI signal format

Changing Applications

To avoid visual disturbances while switching applications, observe the following sequence:

1 Stop the live broadcast (go off air)

2 Stop the application

3 Start the new application

4 Verify video quality

5 Resume the live broadcast

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Changing Video Formats

When changing any of the SDI settings, visual disturbances might occur as the video resets to the new settings. To prevent such disturbances from being visible to the public or from being recorded, observe the following sequence when making changes to any SDI setting:

1 Stop the live broadcast (go off air)

2 Change video format or SDI settings

3 Verify video quality

4 Resume the live broadcast

When Using the Control Panel

NVIDIA recommends the following

• Set the desktop to the same or higher resolution than the SDI output for better image quality.

• Close all background applications—such as virus scan, backup, and archiving applications—before starting the SDI output and going on air.

• Close the Display Properties panel before going on air.

• When running multiple OpenGL applications, tearing may occur if the applications are not synchronized.

In general, NVIDIA does not recommend running multiple OpenGL applications when starting the SDI output or when going live.

Running Multiple OpenGL Applications

To maximize the system resources and bandwidth available for converting graphics to SDI output, NVIDIA recommends broadcasting only one OpenGL application at a time.

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HAPTER 3

Windows–Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel

C HAPTER

INDOWS

This chapter explains how to set up the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 SDI graphics card under Windows using the NVIDIA Graphics to SDI properties page—also known as transparent mode. It contains the following sections:

–U

SING THE

RAPHICS TO

ONTROL

SDI

ANEL

• “How to Set Up the SDI Output” on page 16 provides step-by-step instructions for using the control panel to set up the SDI output.

• “Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source” on page 22 explains in more detail the genlock and frame lock features.

• “Viewing System Information” on page 26

• “Using SDI Under Dualview” on page 27

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How to Set Up the SDI Output

Basic SDI Setup

To ensure proper operation, NVIDIA recommends the following -

• Set the desktop resolution to be the same or larger than the SDI output for better image quality

• Stop background applications—such as virus scan, backup and archiving applications—prior to starting SDI output and going on air.

• Close the control panel before going on air.

• When running multiple OpenGL applications, synchronize them, otherwise tearing may occur.

Step 1: Enable the Graphics to SDI Property Page

1 Open the NVIDIA Graphics to SDI property page.

a Right click the desktop, then from the pop-up menu, click NVIDIA Display->[your

monitor].

b Click the Graphics to SDI tree item from the slide-out tray.

Figure 3.1

2 In the Output Options group box, click On for Send Output to SDI.

If you have enabled Dualview mode, this option is grayed out and the panel says “Send SDI output to: NVIDIA SDIʺ. See “Dualview Mode” on page 53 for instructions on enabling Dualview mode.

Graphics to SDI Page

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Windows–Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel

Step 2: Choose a Synchronization Method

Click the Sync Option arrow and then click the method you want to use to synchronize the SDI output:

• Internal: The SDI output will be synchronized with the timing chosen from the SDI

signal format list.

• Genlock: The SDI output will be synchronized with the external sync signal.

• Frame Lock: The SDI output will be synchronized with the timing chosen from the SDI

signal format list.

This list is limited to timings that can be synchronized with the detected external sync signal.

For more information regarding genlock and frame lock, see the section “Synchronizing

the SDI Output to an External Source” on page 22.

Step 3: Specify the SDI Signal Format

HAPTER 3

The SDI signal format controls the video resolution, field rate, and SMPTE signalling standard for the outgoing video stream.

Click the SDI signal format arrow and then click the signal format you want to use.

Note: Your options for this setting depend on which Sync option you chose in the

previous step.

• If you chose

The list box will be grayed out, preventing you from choosing another format.

• If you chose

the detected sync signal will appear in the SDI signal format list.

genlock synchronization, the sync source controls the SDI signal format.

frame lock synchronization, only those modes that are compatible with

Step 4: Specify the SDI Output Format

The SDI output format controls the color model, data packing, and alpha or z components in the outgoing video stream.

Click the SDI output format arrow and then click the color format you want to use.

Step 5: Apply and Verify the Changes

Click OK or Apply to put the new settings into effect.

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The Graphics to SDI property page banner indicates the status of the SDI output as well as the external synchronization signals. Figure 3.2 shows the correlation between the indicators on the banner and the actual connectors..

Graphics to SDI Property Page Banner

Quadro FX 4500 SDI Connectors

Figure 3.2

Connection Status Indicators

The activity of the LED graphics indicates the signal status as follows:

• Vid. 1 Out or Vid. 2 Out

Status Meaning

Off (gray)

Blinking Green

Blinking Yellow

SDI output is not in use

SDI output is active and is in HD mode.

SDI output is active and is in SD mode.

• SDI Sync

Status Meaning

Off (gray)

Blinking Green

Blinking Yellow

Steady Yellow

SDI synchronization signal is not present or not detected.

SDI synchronization signal is detected in HD mode.

SDI synchronization signal is detected in SD mode.

SDI synchronization error has occurred.

• COMP Sync

Status Meaning

Off (gray)

Blinking Green

Composite synchronization signal is not present or not detected.

Composite synchronization signal is detected.

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Advanced Adjustments

This section describes the following additional settings that you can control using the Graphics to SDI page:

• “Adjusting the Desktop Area” on page 19

• “Applying Gamma Correction” on page 21

Adjusting the Desktop Area

By default, the entire desktop is converted to SDI output. If the desktop is smaller than the size of the SDI output, it will be scaled to fit. If the desktop is larger than the SDI output, it will be cropped to fit.

Instead of using the entire desktop, you can specify a region of the desktop to convert to SDI output as follows:

1 In the Desktop group box, click Change Desktop region.

The display property page minimizes and the SDI Output dialog box appears. Superimposed over the desktop is a rectangular outline that shows the region that will be used for SDI output.

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Figure 3.3

NVIDIA Corporation Quadro FX 4500 SDI User’s Guide – Version 1.0 19

Desktop Region Adjustment

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2 Click the Select Region to use option.

3 Adjust the region size.

• Click and drag within the rectangular outline to adjust the position on the desktop.

• Click and drag the appropriate corner or side grab handles to resize.

• You can also adjust the region by specifying the X, Y, Width, and Height values in

the SDI Output dialog box. Either enter pixel values directly into the corresponding text boxes or click the up and down arrows by the appropriate box.

Note: The X and Y values indicate the pixel distance of the upper left corner of the

output box from the upper left corner of the desktop.

4 Click OK when finished.

The desktop graphic image shows a thumbnail preview of the desktop region that you have set up for SDI output.

5 Click OK or Apply to put the settings into effect.

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Applying Gamma Correction

To specify the gamma correction to use for the source stream:

1 In the Desktop group box, click Adjust Gamma Correction.

The SDI Color Settings dialog box appears.

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2 Specify the RGB Gamma values using one or more of the following methods:.

• Click and drag the slider for the appropriate R, G, or B setting

• Specify the R, G, or B gamma value by entering a value in the text box or using the

up and down arrows.

• Click and drag the handle in the graphic.

• To keep all gamma channels at the same value while you adjust them

simultaneously, click the Lock all channels option.

3 Click OK when finished.

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Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source

You can synchronize the SDI output with other equipment in a broadcast or post production environment.

Genlock Versus Frame Lock

The Graphics to SDI page provides two methods for synchronizing the SDI output to a common sync source—Genlock and Frame lock.

Using Genlock

Genlock synchronizes the pixel scanning of the SDI output to an external synchronization source.

When using genlock, the SDI refresh rate is determined by the sync source, so any refresh rates that you may have chosen in the SDI signal format list do not apply.

Using Frame Lock

Frame lock synchronizes the frame rate of the SDI output to an external synchronization source.

When using frame lock, only modes that are valid for the frame rate of the sync source can be used for the SDI output. The valid modes will appear in the SDI signal format list.

Supported Synchronization Signals

NVIDIA Genlock supports the following external synchronization signal types:

•SDI

• Composite Bi-level (NTSC or PAL sources use bi-level composite signals.)

• Composite Tri-level (HDTV sources commonly use tri-level composite signals.)

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Synchronization Instructions

Basic Setup Summary

The following are the basic steps to synchronize the SDI output.

1 Connect the external sync source to the appropriate BNC connector on the graphics

card.

See “Understanding the Connections” on page 10 for instructions on connecting the external sync signal to the graphics card.

2 Configure the sync source.

Use the NVIDIA Graphics to SDI property page to configure the SDI output synchronization.

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Figure 3.4

a Click the Sync Options list arrow and then click either External genlock or External

framelock synchronizing modes.

b If you chose external frame lock synchronization, click the SDI signal format arrow

and then click the signal format you want to use.

Only those modes that are compatible with the detected sync signal will appear in the SDI signal format list.

c Click Apply.

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Graphics to SDI Page—Configuring an External Sync Source

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