802BT/802R Video Test Generator, User Guide, Revision A.5 (12/22/04)
Copyright 2004 Quantum Data. All rights reserved.
The information in this document is provided for use by our customers and may not be incorporated into other products or publications without the
expressed written consent of Quantum Data. Quantum Data reserves the right to make changes to its products to improve performance, reliability,
producibility, and (or) marketability. Information furnished by Quantum Data is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed
by Quantum Data for its use.
Updates to this manual are available at http://www.quantumdata.com/support/downloads/.
The generator enables you to test a broad range of video displays including composite or
component television video signals as well as computer video display terminals. The
generator enables you to quickly set the format appropriate for each display simply by
twisting a knob. The generator’s functions can be customized to support video display
testing in a variety of environments such as development, repair center, or production line.
Standard features
There are over 250 built-in video formats with the generator including VESA, ATSC,
EIA-770, SMPTE, NTSC, and PAL. The generator contains a library of over 250 test
images which enables comprehensive testing of color, size, linearity, convergence, focus,
persistence, and more. You can create custom formats and images, and create test
sequences to automatically progress through a list of formats and images for production
line environments. You can also configure the generator to continuously loop through the
test images.
The generator provides a hot sync feature through the VGA, DVI, or HDMI interface. This
feature simplifies format selection by filtering formats in accordance with the Extended
Display Identification Data (EDID) it receives and processes from the display.
A probe pulse feature is available on the Special Sync BNC connector. This enables you to
trigger an oscilloscope or to synchronize an inspection camera. You can position the
leading edge of the probe pulse anywhere within the video frame. This feature facilitates
troubleshooting by enabling you to focus on very specific video signal problems occurring
anywhere in the video signal. The probe BNC connector can also be configured to output
frame sync, line sync, composite sync, or a special probe pulse.
You can control the generator using the front panel knobs and keys, a command line
interface, or a Windows-based graphical application called Video Generator Manager
(VGM).
The generator supports custom data backup, automatic or on-demand calibration, and
downloadable firmware upgrades.
Optional features
Your generator may include one or more of the following options:
•Digital Visual Interface (Single Link and Dual Link). The generator can be equipped
with a single link or dual link Digital Visual Interface (DVI) transmitter. The DVI
transmitter enables testing of DVI compliant video displays. The DVI option includes
EDID parsing and a hot-plug, EDID-driven format list.
2Chapter 1 Getting Started
•High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). Generates HDCP encrypted
content for testing DDCP-compliant displays.
•DVI or HDMI Analyzer. Optional receiver, which measures pixel errors at different
frequencies, measures timing of external sources, and displays EDID from external
sources. Can also be used to test cables or distribution systems.
•High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). The HDMI feature helps manufacturers
increase the likelihood that their products will not only meet compliance standards, but
also flawlessly interoperate with other HDMI devices.
•General Purpose Interface Bus (IEEE-488). Use to operate the generator in an
automated environment.
•Component video BNC connectors. The generator can be equipped with R, G, B,
VS, and HS/CS BNC connectors.
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide3
Operating the generator
This section describes basic operating procedures. There are four operational interfaces
for controlling the generator.
•Physical control s. Most of the generator’s features and functions are supported using
the front panel using the knobs and keys. Functions which are not supported using the
front panel include upgrading the firmware, creating and editing formats, creating and
editing images and reconfiguring the format and image knob lists.
•Command line. An ASCII command line interface, available through the RS-232 port,
allows you to send commands either interactively or as command files. All functions are
supported by the command line interface except upgrading firmware.
•Video Generator Manager (V GM). VGM is a Windows-based application that supports
most generator functions using a graphical user interface. When upgrading the
generator firmware, VGM must be used.
•GPIB Programmatic interface (optional). An IEEE-488 GPIB interface supports the
use of the 802 as a programmable video signal source in an automated test
evironment. All generator commands are supported through this interface.
Physical controls
The physical controls on the generator consists of the Format knob, Image knob, and eight
keys, arranged into four function groups: Image, Video Gate, Sync Gate, and Outputs. All
of the keys have built-in indicator lights. When illuminated, a key’s function is considered
on, or enabled.
Power switch
This rocker switch turns the power on and off. The power supply is auto switching and can
handle 110 or 220v.
Format knob
The Format knob is used to select a video signal format from a list of stored formats. A
format is a set of parameters that specifies the video and sync signal requirements of a
particular timing. Format parameters include timing, sync type, video type, display size,
and others. By turning the knob, you can scroll through a list of formats stored in
non-volatile memory. The list includes the factory default formats. The knob list can be
edited to add custom formats. If a format containing erroneous information is selected, the
generator turns off the outputs, and displays an error message.
4Chapter 1 Getting Started
Image knob
The Image knob is used to select a test image from a list of stored images. The exact
behavior of the knob depends upon the status of the Image key. Turning the knob when
the light on the Image key is extinguished scrolls through the main list of test images.
Not all images are supported by all signal formats. Some images in the main image list
may be skipped while certain formats are selected. For example, the ColorBar image will
be skipped whenever a monochrome format is selected.If the currently selected image
cannot be drawn given a newly selected format, the Outline image is automatically drawn
after the new format has finished loading.
Some of the image names in the main list may refer to a sub-set of two or more different
images. The images in the sub-sets are selected by first selecting the name of the desired
sub-set from the main image list. If the sub-set consists of just two images, pressing the
Image key will toggle between the two images. The key is illuminated when the second
image is showing.
Image Step key
The Image Step key determines the behavior of the Image knob in normal operating mode
where it is used to select alternate versions of a given test image. The Step key will
illuminate only when you have selected an image with multiple versions. The following
procedure describes how to select image versions.
To select image versions:
1. Using the Image knob, select an image that has multiple versions.
2. Press the Step key. The key illuminates.
3. Turn the Image knob to step through the image versions. As you turn the knob, the
image name on the LCD will not change.
4. Press the Step key again. The light on the key extinguishes, and the Image knob
returns to normal operation.
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide5
R, G, B Video Gate keys
The Video Gate keys activate (turn on) or deactivate (turn off) individual color elements
when the generator is in normal operating mode. They also control the addition of primary
color information to the NTSC / PAL video outputs on the generator. The following table
shows the function of the Video Gate keys, and commands for controlling the key function.
KeyFunctionCommand
R
G
Turns all of the red video outputs on and off.
Turns all of the green video outputs on and off.
REDG
GRNG
When a 2-bit digital monochrome (MDA) signal is
being generated, the G key turns the I (intensity)
signal of the video pair on and off.
B
Turns all of the blue video outputs on and off.
BLUG
When a 1 or 2- bit digital monochrome signal is
being generated, the B key turns the V (video) signal on and off.
The master Outputs key overrides the settings of these keys when turned off.
ACS, DCS, and DSS Sync Gate keys
The Sync Gate keys are used to activate (turn on) or deactivate (turn off) sync signals
when the generator is in normal operating mode. With some formats, more than one type
of sync can be selected by pressing two keys together.
KeyFunctionCommand
ACS
Outputs analog composite sync on one or more of
the analog video outputs.
SSST 3; ALLU
DCS
DSS
The generator selects a default sync type whenever you select a new format. Not all sync
types are available with all formats. For example, digital video formats will not allow analog
composite sync to be selected. If a key will not illuminate when pressed, then the
corresponding sync type is unavailable. Repeatedly pressing a sync gate key causes the
selected sync to be toggled on and off. When toggled off, no sync will be sent to the
display.
The master Outputs key overrides the settings of these keys when turned off.
6Chapter 1 Getting Started
Outputs digital composite sync signal.
Outputs separate digital horizontal and vertical
sync signals.
SSST 2; ALLU
SSST 1; ALLU
Outputs Key
The Outputs key turns all signal outputs on or off when the generator is in normal
operating mode. This is the master output signal control. When the master output control
is turned off, all of the signal outputs (video and sync) of the generator are disabled.
KeyFunctionCommand
ON
Toggles on and off all video and sync.
OUTG
LCD
The generator displays format and image information on the LCD in either of these modes:
•Default display mode: This mode displays an index sequence number left of the
current format and current image. The image version number, which appears on the
display,represents a version of a image that has multiple versions associated with it.
Horizontal rate
Vertical rate
Format indexFormat name
H32 150=DMT0660
V60 250=SMPTE133
Image index
Image name
•Status Display mode: This mode replaces the index numbers with codes, which
provide additional information about the active format. This mode is useful when
working with multiple video signal outputs and color encoding methods.
Color space
Color depth
Video typeFormat name
H31 D8C=DMT0659
V60 0=SMPTE133
Image version
Image name
Video types:
•A for analog video
•D for DVI video
•H for HDMI video
Color depths:
•4 for 4-bits per pixel depth
•8 for 8-bits per pixel depth
Color space:
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide7
•M for monochrome video
•C for RGB color video
•Y for YPrPb (analog) or YCrCb (digital) with 4:4:4 color sampling
•y for YCrCb (digital) with 4:2:2 color sampling
To use Status Display mode:
1. Turn off the generator.
2. Hold down the Step, G, and B keys while starting the generator, until status display
displays.
Special: keys
Status display
Alternatively, you can set the status display mode by entering the following command:
SROP 8; ALLU
Determining if the active format has been modified
If the active format has not been modified from the factory setting, then the index number
and format name are separated by an equal (=) character. If the active format has been
modified, then the index number and format name are separated by a blank space. The
blank space indicates that the active format has been modified from the default format
definition.
8Chapter 1 Getting Started
Video interfaces
This section describes the video interfaces available on the generator.
V G A interface
Use to output analog video for testing analog video displays. The following table describes
the VGA connector pinouts.
Pi SignalPin SignalPinSignal
1Analog Red Video6Analog Red Video Ground11No Connection
2Analog Green Video 7Analog Green Video Ground 12DDC/EDID Serial Data
3Analog Blue Video8Analog Blue Video Ground13Horizontal Sync
5Digital Ground10Digital Ground15DDC/EDID Data Clock
DVI-I interface
Use to output digital video for testing DVI-compliant video displays. Note that the DVI-I
connector also provides an analog output which can be used to test analog formats with a
VGA to DVI adapter when the generator is in analog friendly mode.
The DVI connector pinouts are shown in the following table.
Pin SignalPin SignalPin SignalPin Signal
1TMDS D2-9TMDS D1-17TMDS D0-C1Analog Red
2TMDS D2+10TMDS D1+18TMDS D0+C2Analog Green
3D2/4 Shield11D1/3 Shield19D0/5 ShieldC3Analog Blue
4TMDS D4-12TMDS D3-20TMDS D5-C4Horizontal Sync
5TMDS D4+13TMDS D3+21TMDS D5+C5Analog Ground
6DDC Clock14+5 Vdc22Clock Shield
7DDC Data15Ground23TMDS Clock+
8No Connection16Hot Plug Detect24TMDS Clock-
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide9
LVDS interface
The LVDS connector is located on the front of the generator and is labeled “Digital.” It
emulates a digital host video source and is used for testing LVDS-compliant video
displays. The LVDS connector pinouts are shown in the following table.
Pin SignalPin SignalPin SignalPin Signal
1A0M10DDC Clock19A0P28DDC Data
2A1M11DDC +5 Vdc20A1P29USB Ground
3A2M12USB+21A2P30USB-
4Clock 1M13USB +5 Vdc22Clock 1P31Shield Ground
5A3M14A4M23A3P32A4P
6Shield15A5M24No Connection33A5P
7No Connection16A6M25No Connection34A6P
8No Connection17A7M26No Connection35A7P
9No Connection18Clock 2M27DDC Ground36Clock 2P
HDMI interface
The HDMI connector is located on the front of the generator and is labeled “HDMI.” It
emulates an HDMI-compliant video display. The HDMI connector pinouts are shown in the
following table.
Use the S/S connector to output frame sync, line sync, composite sync, or a special probe
pulse. For more information, see Chapter 12, “Using Special Sync Output.”
S-Video interface
If you have chosen the TV option your generator will have an S-Video connector on the
right side labeled “SVIDEO.” This is a miniDIN connector that emulates an S-Video
compliant source for outputting composite TV signal.
10Chapter 1 Getting Started
Composite video BNC
If your generator is equipped with the TV option, it will have a composite TV BNC
connector on the right side, labeled “TV.” This interface emulates an analog composite TV
source.
Component video BNC interface
Your generator can be optionally equipped with separate R. G, B, HS/CS, and VS BNC
connectors on the right side. These interfaces emulate component a analog video source.
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide11
Computer interfaces
This section describes the RS-232, GPIB, and USB interfaces.
RS-232 interface
Each generator has a standard RS-232 serial connector, labeled “Serial.” This is a 9-pin
D-Sub male connector which enables you to connect the generator with a computer. A null
modem cable is provided to support this interface. You can communicate with the
generator either through the command line interface from a telnet session or from the
Video Generator Manager (VGM) application. The pinouts for the RS-232 connector are
shown in the following table.
PinSignalPinSignalPinSignal
1Data Carrier Detect4Data Terminal Ready7Request to Send
2Received Data5Signal Ground8Clear to Send
3Transmitted Data6Data Set Ready9Ring Indicator
GPIB interface (optional)
The GBIP interface allows you to use the generator as a programmable video signal
source in a larger automated test system. Generators that have the GPIB interface option
have two rotary switches for setting the GPIB address. These switches are accessible
through the ventilation slots. The GPIB connector pinouts are listed in the following table.
Pin SignalPin SignalPinSignalPinSignal
1DIO17NRFD13DIO519Shield
2DIO28NDAC14DIO620Shield
3DIO39IFC15DIO721Shield
4DIO410SRQ16DIO822Shield
5EOI11ATN17REN23Shield
6DAV12Shield18Shield24Signal Ground
USB interface
Use the USB interface for downloading bitmap images from a computer. With VGM 4.0 or
later, the USB interface can be used in place of the serial interface.
12Chapter 1 Getting Started
PCMCIA interface
Use the PCMCIA card slot to back up your custom configurations, transfer configurations
and settings from one generator to another, and store bitmap images.
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide13
Command interfaces
The common test applications can be accomplished through the physical controls or
through the command line interface. The generator supports an ASCII command and
query language that allows you to control the generator interactively or through batch
processing of command files. All generator functions are supported through this interface.
The command interface is available through two physical interfaces: the RS-232 interface
and the optional IEEE-488 GPIB interface.
The GPIB interface supports programmatic control in an automated test environment,
which is discussed in more detail in Chapter 7, “Using GPIB Interface.” This interface also
supports user interactive command sessions.
The procedures for using the RS-232 interface are explained in this section.
Setting up a terminal connection with the generator
The following procedures describe how to setup a terminal session with the generator
using the RS-232 interface.
To setup a terminal connection with the generator:
Whenever the generator is powered on, the baud rate returns to 2400 bps, no parity, 8
data bits, 1 stop bit, and no handshake.
1. Connect the RS-232 cable between your computer or terminal and the serial connector
on the generator.
2. Using a terminal emulator, such as HyperTerminal, establish a terminal connection with
the generator. Configure the terminal emulator to use the following parameters:
•2400 baud rate
•8 data bits
•1 stop bit
•no parity
•no handshaking
•full duplex
3. Press the Enter key until the R:> prompt appears.
14Chapter 1 Getting Started
Changing the baud rate
The RS-232 interface can be configured from the physical controls to support faster baud
rates and to supprort a remote keypad (optional accessory). The default configuration is
2400 baud. When the generator is powered on, the baud rate returns to the default
configuration.
To support file transfers, you can change the baud rate of the port to 38400 bps using the
command line interface or 9600 bps using the physical controls.
To increase the baud rate using the command line interface:
1. At the R:> prompt, enter the following command:
MODE 38400 n, 8, 1, h, n
After you press Enter, the terminal emulator will lose its connection with the generator,
which is now set at a different baud rate.
2. Close the terminal emulator session, change the baud rate to 38400, and then re-open
the session, specifying the baud rate as 38400.
To change the baud rate to 9600 using the front panel:
1. Turn off the generator.
2. Hold down the R and DCS keys while starting the generator. The serial port is now set
to 9600 bps. Restarting the generator again, without pressing any keys, will
Sending commands interactively
This procedure describes how to send commands through an interactive user session.
The generator parses command lines one at a time. Command lines must be terminated
with a carriage return (<cr>). The generator immediately echoes each character as it is
received and places it in a command line buffer. When sending multiple commands at
once, separate each command with a semi-colon. Commands are not case sensitive.
To send single commands to the generator:
1. Establish a terminal session with the generator (see page 14).
2. At the R:> prompt, enter commands or queries and terminate with a carriage return.
Command examples
•To display the name of the format currently in the format buffer, enter:
FMTL?
•To load a format, enter:
FMTLformat_name
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide15
•To apply the format to the generator hardware, enter:
FMTU
•To load an image, enter:
IMGLimage_name
•To apply the image to the generator hardware, enter:
IMGU
To send multiple queries and commands to the generator:
1. Establish a terminal session with the generator (see page 14).
2. At the R:> prompt, enter the queries or commands, separating each with a semi-colon
and terminating the command line with a carriage return.
Command examples:
•To query the current format and then load a new format enter the following:
FMTL?; FMTL new_format; FMTL? FMTU
The generator will return the following in response to this command and query string:
current_format; new_format
•To change the format and image active in the generator enter:
FMTL 480p59; IMGL SMPTEbar; ALLU
This tells the generator to load the 480p59 format named “” into the format data buffer,
the image named “SMPTEbar” into the image data buffer, and then to “use” the
contents of both (“all”) buffers to drive the generator's output.
Sending commands from text files
When developing more complex, custom test sequences or formats, it is easiest to enter
commands in a text file, and then send the file to the generator. This approach allows you
to modify the file without entering the entire command script.
To send a text file to the generator:
1. Using a text editor, enter the commands that define a test sequence or format into a
text file, and save the text file using a *.txt extension.
2. Establish a terminal session with the generator (see page 14).
16Chapter 1 Getting Started
3. At the R:> prompt, transfer the text file to the generator. For example, to transfer a file
using HyperTerminal, do the following:
a.On the Transfer menu, click Send Text File. The Send Text File dialog box
appears.
b.Select the text file you want to send, and then click Open. HyperTerminal displays
the commands as they are sent.
c.Press Enter once to ensure that the last command is sent.
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide17
Special operating modes
You can set the generator to operate in various modes to accomplish specific functions.
When any special operational mode is set, it persists (until overridden) throughout
subsequent power cycles, which may be performed to set other modes.
You can view the operational settings and special functions of the generator on a video
display by viewing the GenOps image. This image provides key sequences and the status
of special operating modes in the generator.
To determine the status of operating modes:
1. Connect the appropriate interface cable to the video display.
2. Using the Format knob, select a format suitable for the display.
3. Turn the Image knob to select the GenOps image.
18Chapter 1 Getting Started
Summary of special modes
The following table describes the special operating modes, and how to configure the
modes using the physical controls or the command line interface.
Special modeFunctionPhysical control Command
Initialize with factory
defaults
CalibrateCalibrates the generator.R, G, B
Re-initializes generator to factory defaults. Removes all special modes, deletes all custom
objects.
ACS, DSS
INIT
SCAL
SROP 32
CloneCopies configuration settings
from one generator to other
generators using a PCMCIA
card.
Old format libraryDisplays old format names on
LCD.
Remove all modesRemoves all special modes.ACS, DCS, DSSSet: SROP 0
Set GPIB addressSets the GPIB address.DCSSet: GPIB
Set baud rate to 9600Sets baud rate of RS-232 port
to 9600 bps.
Enable programmable
keypad
Enable numeric keypad
Enables remote operation
through remote keypad.
Step, OutputsSet: SROP 64
Rst: SROP 0 64
GSet: SROP 1
Rst: SROP 0 1
addr
Rst: INIT
R, DCSSet: SROP 256
Rst: SROP 0 256
R, OUTPUTSet: SROP 512
Rst: SROP 0 512
RSet: SROP 128
Rst: SROP 0 128
Analog friendly modeCauses all digital formats to
output analog video signal.
Enable status displayProvides additional information
on LCD (analog/digital and
color depth).
DCS priority schemeChanges priority scheme for
putting CS on separate VS and
HS sync outputs when any digital composite sync (DCS) type
is selected
Digital friendly modeCauses all analog formats out-
put digital signal
Color difference
friendly
Reset HDCP Rx gating
clock
802BT/802R Video Test Generator User Guide19
Outputs digital YCbCr for television formats.
Resets the receiver, and gates
off transmitter clock and data.