Ross Synergy 2 SD Ordering Manual

ORDERING GUIDE

Ross Video Incorporated, P.O. Box 880, Ogdensburg, New York, USA 13669 0880 Tel. [phone]
Ross Video Limited, P.O. Box 220, 8 John St., Iroquois, ON., Canada K0E 1K0 Fax. [phone]

YSTEM CONTROL

S

UX

A

EY

K

KGD

B

ST

P

GM

P

ST

P

MLE 1

C

USTOM CONTROL

MLE 2

R

EMOTEINCLUDE

REVIEW OVERLAY

P

P

REVIEW BUS

LOBAL MEMORY SYSTEM

G

ECALL

R

KEY 1 KEY 2

RANSITION

MLE 2 T

FFECTS MEMORY

E

ADE TO BLACK

F

TORE

S

MLE 1 T

OWNSTREAM KEYERS

D

DSK 1

DSK 2

ATTES

M

RANSITION

ATTERN CONTROL

P

FFECTS CONTROL

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ASK

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OSITIONER

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Synergy 2 Control Panel

Product Overview

Thank you for considering the purchase of a Synergy 2 SD Digital Production Switcher.
Ross Video has designed and manufactured production switchers for over thirty years. We
hope that you join the many thousands of satisfied video professionals around the world that
are proud owners of Ross Production Switchers. Ross has been known for innovation in
production switcher technology and has had many industry firsts, including such patented
technology as Soft Edge Borders and Transition Preview, which have become industry
standard features. As you read through this Ordering Guide, you will discover that Ross has
again broken new ground with our Synergy SD Series …

Designed for Live!

Ross Video developed the Synergy series of digital production switchers for live news, live
sports, and live production. Because the switcher is the center of the action, it is important
that it be powerful and versatile yet maintain its ease of operation. This frees the operator to
concentrate on the programming instead of the equipment.

Designed for DTV!

Synergy is the only production switcher that can truly handle dual aspect ratio production.
In the transition period to DTV, there is a need for dual aspect ratio production. Synergy
now includes, as an option, multiple internal aspect ratio converters (Aspectizers). Since the
Aspectizers are internal and integrated with the Synergy control system, simultaneous dual
aspect production is enabled. Both 16:9 and 4:3 programs can be put together with your
existing crew at the same time!

Page 2 of 40 September 2005 Synergy 2 SD Ordering Guide, v16A

Designed to be HDTV Upgradeable!

Ross provides an HDTV upgrade path for our Synergy customers. It is possible to upgrade
all existing Synergy Series SD digital production switchers to HDTV simply by exchanging
the rack frame electronics. Ask your Ross sales representative for details on this unique
program.

Designed for You!

The Synergy Series, our fourth generation of switchers, was designed with the direct input of
video professionals experienced in news, sports, and mobile production. Key members of
the Synergy design team are part of an ongoing program where they provide switcher
demonstrations, assist with switcher installation, and train operators. As a result, the Synergy
line continues to advance Ross Video’s tradition of easy to use and logical panel layouts.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments you have related to this
Ordering Guide at Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone] or email:

[e-mail]

Page 3 of 40 September 2005 Synergy 2 SD Ordering Guide, v16A

Product Highlights

• Huge Input Matrix. The Synergy frame can accept up to 64 video inputs, purchased
in sets of 8.

• Aspectizer

converter that makes Synergy capable of handling simultaneous dual aspect ratio
production. It allows conversion from 4:3 to 16:9, 16:9 to 4:3, and now with version 2,
six of the Aspectizer looks can be moved horizontally or vertically to provide even more
real estate on the screen for added flexibility. Any number of switcher inputs and
outputs can have aspect ratio conversion and, because the Aspectizers are built in, they
are tightly controlled from the Synergy 2 control panel.

• OverDrive™ Compatible. The Synergy Series has evolved to control every single
piece of equipment in the control room. The next step in this evolution is the
revolutionary OverDrive Production Control System. With dual touch screens, the TD
can now automate a production when required. Thumbnail based, the TD can step
through the show’s run-down or instantly break away to unscripted events. When
connected to a newsroom automation system, a live MOS-based link keeps the two
systems in constant and instant synch, providing clear communication between the
producer and the TD.

®

. Ideal for DTV requirements, the Aspectizer is an internal aspect ratio

• Mnemonics. Mnemonics are now available for each of your MLEs and your Custom
Control buttons. Each individual display is completely modifiable – change the display
color, text size, and backlighting to customize your source names for different
applications. Perfect for mobiles and other applications that require different crosspoint
names from one production to another.

• Powerful Keyers. These full function keyers have dedicated pushbuttons, flying
borders for every key type, Squeeze & Tease

®

, chroma keying, key over transition, quick

key preview, transition generators, and bicolor on-air status.

®

• Squeeze & Tease

. A 2D DV E can be built into every keyer - up to two channels per

MLE. Every type of key can be repositioned, squeezed, and zoomed. In fact, it’s
possible to simultaneously crop, reposition, flip, squeeze or zoom, mask, border, and
add a glowing transparent color-washed drop shadow to a key inside a single keyer.
These options also make Squeeze & Tease wipes possible, where you can push, squeeze,
tumble and swoop in keys, over the shoulder boxes, and backgrounds.

• Squeeze & Tease

®

WARP. A 3D DVE with over 20 WARP effects can be built into

every keyer - up to two per MLE. Every type of key can be squeezed or zoomed,
cropped, repositioned, and rotated in 3D space. You can perform 3D key or
background transitions, or build your own sequences with complex timelines, keyframe
editing, and quick “shot box” sequence recall. In addition, the 3D WARP functionality
opens up a new world for the creative mind. You get 2 channels of 10-bit 3D modifiable
WARP effects including page turn, positionable light source, on-board still store,
preprocessor effects such as defocus, mosaic, posterization, colorization, strobe, picture
frame borders, object builder for slabs, timeline sequences, and lots more.

• Chroma Keying Standard. Synergy’s standard chroma keyers feature natural and
simulated shadows, spill suppression, and hue rejection.

• Ultimatte

∗

Insider Matting Device. Award winning Ultimatte Technology on a

∗

Ultimatte is a trademark of Ultimatte Corporation.

Page 4 of 40 September 2005 Synergy 2 SD Ordering Guide, v16A

card that plugs right into Synergy, for extra critical chroma keying requirements.

• Networked Still and Clip Server. Imagine hours of video storage, virtually unlimited
stills, and animations all playing out with their companion key channels. Next, combine
live video and key capture with Ethernet drag and drop capability, and you have the
perfect marriage of video and networkability. Even better, this solution comes bundled
with Synergy’s powerful Video Server Control.

• VTR Control. Select a VTR on the PST bus, display its current time code on the
preview monitor, roll it from the transition area, and take it to air. Fast forward, rewind,
and cue to time code are also available at the touch of a button on the control panel.

• Video Server Control. Select, play, and monitor server clips by name right from the
Synergy 2 control panel. The clip menu keeps track of clips and allows instant recall and
cue.

• Audio Server Control. Controls the DigiCart
and see the name and duration. Use a Custom Control macro button to link audio clips
to a switcher or DVE transition.

• Router Control. Synergy 2 can connect to several different routers, and even several
different brands of routers, simultaneously. Any number of the 64 inputs can be assigned
as a router input, and setup is fast and easy with our router control menu.



audio server. Dial up the desired clip

• Serial Tally Interface. This option enables Serial Tally Interface using industry
standard protocols to Under Monitor Display and Tally Systems.

• Peripheral Bus II Interface. This option provides support for Thompson GVG
Peripheral Bus II Protocol for external device integration. Coordinate the store and
recall of the settings of some still stores, CGs, and device controllers with the store and
recall of your Synergy 2 settings.

• Still Store (Aprisa

∗

) Interface. Access any still or clip on your Chyron Aprisa directly,

through any of Synergy 2’s serial ports.

• Audio Mixer Interface. There are two options available, depending on the number of
inputs on your audio mixer. Large or small mixers can be controlled serially from your
Synergy 2 panel, making an integrated A/V production possible.

• Robotic Camera System Interface. Pan, tilt, zoom, and more, directly from your
Synergy 2 control panel.

• Editable Custom Control Macros. 17 macro buttons (shiftable to 72) have been
positioned close to the operator for powerful single touch control. Recall any
combination of switcher memories, button pushes, and external device control. The
time saving Custom Control editing feature allows you to display the contents of the
macro directly on the switcher menu, and insert, delete, or modify events as desired.

• Two Pattern Generators per MLE - Standard. The Synergy series comes standard
with a primary pattern generator for wipes and PST PATT 1 and a secondary pattern
generator for PST PATT 2. The primary generator comes equipped with extensive
traditional, rotary, and matrix wipes.

• Fully Featured “Program/Preset”. We didn’t skimp when we designed this
switcher. The bottom MLE, normally referred to as the Program/Preset area, has full
effects capability including complete wipes and dual DSKs with chroma keys and preset

∗

Chyron Aprisa is a trademark of Chyron Corporation.

Page 5 of 40 September 2005 Synergy 2 SD Ordering Guide, v16A

patterns.

• Unique Preview Overlay. This powerful option presents VTR and video server time
code, a count up/down timer, source ID, configurable safe title, and more. They are
individually selectable and put on the preview monitor for quick reference.

• External DVE Integration. Advanced DV E effects from all popular DVEs are
seamlessly integrated as switcher transitions with unmatched ease and power. Not only
can a Synergy peel off backgrounds and keys, but it is unique in its ability to pre-key
backgrounds and one or two keys together and then peel off the result! The process
uses the MLE’s third keyer and special layering hardware to make this possible. Even
better, Aux Buses, tallies, and video path control are all handled automatically.

• Minimal Processing Delay. Synergy has only ¼ line processing delay through the
switcher. This is significant in reducing system timing issues.

• Compact Size. The 11 RU Synergy frame can hold 64 inputs, 4 fully optioned MLEs,
64 simultaneous channels of aspect ratio conversion, 8 channels of 2D or 3D DV E, 12
timed Aux Buses, an extender board, and full redundant power.

• Low Power. A fully loaded frame requires 600 watts – only 200 watts without
Aspectizers.

• Growth Path. The same video processing frame is used for our 2, 3 and 4 MLE
switchers. Buy a smaller system now and then add another MLE and a larger control
panel as your needs grow.

• HDTV Upgrade Path. The Synergy 2 SD can be upgraded to HDTV by exchanging
the SDI electronic chassis for a Synergy MD multi-definition chassis, capable of
production in either SD or HD. If an HDTV upgrade path is important to you, please
ask your Ross Video representative about our written guarantee.

• Upgrades from the Web. Software and even some hardware can be upgraded by
downloading files from our web site onto a standard floppy disk. It’s fast and it’s easy.

• Affordable. A powerful switcher at a great price!

• Built to Last. It’s no secret that Ross products are tough. They’re built to handle years

of demanding, continuous use. The Synergy series is backed by a comprehensive 3-year
transferable warranty. The design of our fourth generation fader bars is so good, that they
are guaranteed for life.

Your purchase decision must be based on a careful look at your present and future
programming requirements. To ensure your investment is an informed one, and that the
switcher is equipped for your programming needs, Ross Video has put together this
Ordering Guide for the Synergy 2. In this guide, we describe the Synergy 2 and its many
standard and optional features. As you go through the information, please feel free to call
us. We will be happy to address any of your questions.

Page 6 of 40 September 2005 Synergy 2 SD Ordering Guide, v16A

Standard Features

16 Serial Digital Inputs

The Synergy 2 switcher comes standard with 16 serial digital inputs (optionally expandable in
groups of 8 up to 64). Any input can be assigned to any control panel pushbutton ­simplifying installation. These inputs can be used for video, alpha channel, or switcher
reference. Any serial digital input can be assigned to be the switcher reference. If an analog
reference is desired, Ross Video will optionally provide external conversion to digital.

Two Full MLE Effects Systems

Standard equipment on the Synergy 2 includes two full MLE (Multi-Level Effect) systems.
Two wipe generators come standard with every MLE. Both keyers in an MLE can matte fill,
key invert, mask, self key, linear key, preset pattern key, and chroma key. Both keyers also
offer extensive optional bordering that works with every key type. Of special note is the
optional Squeeze & Tease
any key or full screen image. Each MLE also features five comprehensive matte generators,
two of which incorporate noise effects and complex mattes that far exceed traditional wash
generators. Full preview is always available to reduce on-air surprises. Don’t forget, all of
these capabilities are available on both MLEs - including MLE 2, an area often reduced to a
mix bus by other manufacturers.

Four Pattern Generators

There are two primary generators used for wipe transitions and PST PATT 1 and two
secondary generators for PST PATT 2. The primary generators come equipped with
extensive traditional, rotary, and matrix wipes. The secondary generators provide additional
traditional patterns.

Chroma Keying

Chroma keying is available to every keyer in the switcher - including the downstream keyers.
The Synergy 2 is capable of putting up to four different chroma keys on air at the same time.

The chroma keying is of a high quality and features internal 4:4:4 chroma channel
interpolation from any of the 4:2:2 inputs.

The chroma keyer provides clip, gain, hue, hue reject, and chroma suppress controls directly
on the control panel. Additional chroma suppression, natural shadow insertion, and shadow
transparency are available through the menu system.

A “chroma key memory” button is also available on the panel that instantly recalls a
previously stored chroma key setup into any keyer.

When the S2-032: Preview Overlay option is installed, auto chroma keying is as easy as
positioning the crosshairs over the backing and pressing a button!

Chroma key shadows can either be extracted from the source image or simulated using the
optional switcher border generators. (Refer to option S2-x41: Dual Border Generator).

®

feature allowing up to two simultaneous squeezes or zooms of

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12 Untimed Aux Buses

All twelve of the Aux Buses can be used to route video to monitors, DVEs, still stores, tape
machines, technical areas, etc. If any of the destinations require outputs with stable timing
regardless of the source, then the option S2-051: Timed Aux Bus is required.

The following signals are available on a Synergy 2 Aux Bus:

• Black,

• All primary inputs,

• DVE SEND (if purchased, used to integrate external DVE effects into switcher

transitions),

• Clean feed,

• MLE 1 and MLE 2 program outputs.

19 Standard Digital Outputs

In addition to the 12 untimed Aux Bus outputs that come standard with the Synergy 2, many
program and preview outputs also come standard:

Output Type Quantity

MLE 1 PGM 1

MLE 1 PV 1

MLE 2 PGM (main PGM) 2

MLE 2 PV 1

Main PV (no overlay) 1

Clean Feed 1

Aux Bus (one per bus) 12

Total Outputs 19

Two Downstream Keyers

Time, temperature, and bug logos are often added using one or both of the two internal
downstream keyers. The keyers have full access to the internal crosspoint matrix making
every source available as a downstream key.

Clean Feed

This feature provides a second “program” output that is derived from a different location
than the standard program output. It is used for bilingual and live-to-tape productions.
Another frequent application is the recording of shows for later airing without “call in”
phone numbers inserted.

The clean feed output can be generated from many different locations in the video path. It
can come from before or after the keyers in any MLE. Refer to the figure on the following
page.

Page 8 of 40 September 2005 Synergy 2 SD Ordering Guide, v16A

BKGD

PST

KEY

1

Clean Feed Modes

KEY

2

PGM

CLEAN
FEED

For bilingual applications a special “dual output mode” is also provided. This provides
DSK1 over the PGM/PST bus on the normal program output and DSK2 over the
PGM/PST bus on the clean feed output. The DSKs can be switched independently or
configured so that transitions performed on one keyer automatically follow on the other
keyer. This allows French/English, English/Spanish, etc. simultaneous broadcasts from a
single switcher. Refer to the figure below.

DSK

1

BKGD

PST

DSK

2

Clean Feed Dual Output Mode

PGM

CLEAN
FEED

Our enhanced clean feed capabilities also allow you to view the alpha feeding a selected
keyer on an MLE. The Clean Feed alpha output can be derived from any key type on Key 1
or Key 2 of a selected MLE, or it can be derived from the last selected Chroma key on any
keyer on the switcher.

Disk Drive and System Control Area

This feature makes it possible to store and recall complete switcher setups including memory
functions, switcher personalities, installation parameters and more, to a standard high density

3.5 inch floppy disk. The flexibility that this option offers can help save setup times and

allows operators to store their switcher setups to their own disks.

Also included in this feature is a large crisp display that is used to configure the switcher and
to provide advanced operational features.

Custom Control Macros

This feature brings the power of macros to the switcher operator. A series of button presses
can be easily recorded and attached to any of 17 dedicated buttons (shiftable to 72) close to
the operator. Step through complex show openings as easily as pressing Custom Control
buttons 1, 2, then 3. Confusing timeline programming is now a thing of the past.

Custom Control buttons can also be used to control remote devices or other optional
switcher features.

• Trigger a GPI to advance to the next page of your still store.

• Attach live DVE remote control commands such as go to start, run forward, and run

reverse to simplify your productions.

• Play, stop, or shuttle, up to eight VTRs or Video Servers.

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• Trigger a DigiCart audio server and tie sound effects to wipes and external DV E
effects.

• Any number of pauses can be added to any macro.

Custom Control macros can now be viewed and edited directly on the switcher menu.

When the S2-505: Mnemonics for Custom Control Macros option is installed, macro
names are presented directly above the buttons. This is especially useful when several banks
of macros are in use.

100 Event Memory System

The Synergy 2 comes standard with storage for 100 complete switcher snapshots. They’re
easily stored and recalled at the touch of a single button. If you don’t want to recall the
entire switcher at once (as this might have disastrous consequences on air) you can recall any
area of the switcher: MLE 1 or MLE 2 in any combination you want from a keypad
dedicated to that MLE.

All of these memories can be stored to disk providing custom tailored memories for every
operator and every show.

You can even give your memories names - such as “SPORTS”. An alphanumeric display in
each MLE will tell you what you’ve recalled - or what you’re about to recall.

10 Matte Generators

Each MLE has three simple color generators and two complex ones capable of multi-color
washes. Any one of the color generators can be assigned to COLOR BKGD1 or 2, key fill 1
or 2, key border 1 or 2, or wipe pattern edges. Note that each MLE has its own dedicated
COLOR BKG D video inputs to make memory recalls of individual MLEs simple and
predictable.

Lots of Displays and Indicators

The Synergy 2 always lets you know what’s going on. Bright red lights at the end of every
bus quickly show what’s on air. Yellow non-sync lights warn you that an input is untimed
and might cause problems. Lights under the key transition buttons and in the keyers glow
red when the key is on air or green when they are active but the MLE is not on air.

Every auto transition rate is constantly visible - including the main transition rates, the
dedicated keyer rates, and the fade to black rate. The last memory number recalled per MLE
is also displayed along with an associated eight-character memory name.

General Purpose Interface

The Synergy 2 is equipped with twelve dedicated GPI inputs and twelve dedicated GPI
outputs. The GPI inputs allow the switcher to interface with peripheral equipment such as
editors and DVEs. Each GPI input can be used to perform simple editing and switcher
functions such as fade to black or an auto transition on one of the switcher’s MLEs. For
more complex editing capabilities with the switcher, option S2-060: Editor Interface is
available. GPIs can also be used by DVEs to indicate Aux Bus on air status to the switcher.
For more complex DVE integration, refer to option S2-062: DVE Send and Remote
Control. GPI outputs are used to trigger remote events like “Still Store Next Page” and can
be tied to the switcher’s Custom Control buttons.

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36 Tally Outputs

The standard system includes 36 tally relays located in the control panel conveniently close
to your monitors. Any tally can be assigned to any video input (or MLE program output)
making 36 enough for most systems - even those fully loaded with 64 inputs. As each tally is
assignable, more than one tally can be assigned to the same source. This can simplify system
cabling in situations like camera tallies in which a tally must be supplied to both the camera
itself and the control room monitor wall.

An optional 36 additional tallies can be ordered for red/green preview tally systems and Aux
Bus tally systems that require twice as many tallies or for cases where more than 36 inputs
must be tallied. See option S2-070: Extended Tallies.

System Manuals

The Synergy 2 comes with a complete set of system documentation that includes an
Operation Guide, an Installation Guide, a Maintenance Guide, and a Squeeze & Tease
WARP Owner’s Guide.

10 Meter Control Cable

The Synergy 2 control panel and rack frame are connected by a single, standard 8-pin flat­shielded Telco cable that uses RS-422 communication. The maximum cable length between
the control panel and its rack frame is 1,000 feet or 305 meters.

Technical Support

At Ross, we take pride in the quality of our products, but if problems occur, help is as close
as the nearest telephone.
Our 24 Hour Hot Line service ensures you have access to technical expertise around the
clock. After-sales service and technical support is provided directly by Ross personnel.
During business hours (eastern standard time), technical support personnel are available by
telephone any time. After hours and on weekends, emergency technical support is available.
A telephone answering device will provide the names and phone numbers of technical
support and field service personnel who are on call. These people are available to react to
any problem and to do whatever is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.

Although Synergy was designed to be as easy as possible to install and operate, training is
highly recommended to ensure that the process of taking your Synergy to air is a smooth one.

Repair and Warranty Policy

The Synergy Series is backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty with the exception of
Synergy fader assemblies, which are guaranteed for the life of the product. Our warranty is
transferable to subsequent owners. For a more detailed description, please see our warranty
document.

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Standard System

Note

When ordering, please specify the Ross Part Number listed with the

option description.

Synergy 2 S2-001BC
Digital Production Switcher
(CLASSIC COLOR buttons)

Order your Synergy 2 with the distinctive Ross CLASSIC COLOR buttons on the MLEs
and keyers – white, yellow, orange, and red/white.

Synergy 2 S2-001BW
Digital Production Switcher
(ALL WHITE buttons)

Order your Synergy 2 with the new Ross ALL WHITE buttons on the MLEs and keyers.

Note

Synergy switchers use a digital reference. The default reference is

input 1 but the switcher can be programmed to lock to any installed
input.

Internal switcher black is regenerated from the chosen reference
input. Choose a stable digital source such as test signal generator
black or color bars that is locked to your house reference.

Please see the section titled Standard Features for a full description of the Synergy 2 and
its many included features.

Page 12 of 40 September 2005 Synergy 2 SD Ordering Guide, v16A