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Video Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. PATENTS ISSUED and PENDING.
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Patents
Patent numbers 4,205,346; 5,115,314; 5,280,346; 5,561,404; 7,034,886; 7,508,455; 7,602,446; 7,834,886; 7,914,332;
8,499,019 B2; 2039277; 1237518; 1127289 and other patents pending.
2 • Document Information — Vision 3G Configuration Guide (v17.0)
Vision Control Panel......................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Octane 3RU 3G Live Production Engine.......................................................................................................................................................................11
Vision Standard Features........................................................................................................................13
Standard Systems....................................................................................................................................20
Control Panel Hardware Options............................................................................................................21
Auxiliary Control Panel Options..............................................................................................................25
Physical Characteristics — Vision Control Panel..........................................................................................................................................................41
Physical Characteristics — QMD Live Production Engine............................................................................................................................................41
Power Rating — Tallies..................................................................................................................................................................................................42
Power Consumption — Vision Control Panel................................................................................................................................................................42
Power Consumption — QMD Live Production Engine..................................................................................................................................................42
Video Characteristics.....................................................................................................................................................................................................43
Control Panel Option Summary.....................................................................................................................................................................................45
With Vision, we continue to build our reputation for designing switchers, automation control systems, video servers,
character generators, and terminal equipment for live news, live sports, and live production. At the center of the action, it
is important that all the equipment in your production suite integrate seamlessly to put their full power and versatility at
your control. This frees the operator to concentrate on the programming instead of the equipment, delivering a cleaner,
more professional production.
Designed for Linear!
The Vision family of switchers continues to build on Ross Video's reputation for setting the standard for multi-denition
linear editing suites. The traditional layout and familiar controls of the Vision control panel provide the power and ease of
use you expect from a Ross switcher.
Vision cleanly connects to virtually any editor using the industry standard GVG100/110, GVG200, and GVG4000 protocols.
Designed for You!
With Ross Video products installed in well over 125 countries world-wide, our sales, demonstration, and training people
get a lot of ongoing feedback from customers. This feedback is carefully tracked and considered in the design and feature-set
development of our products. Key members of the design teams are part of an ongoing program in which they provide
product demonstrations, assist with product installation, and train operators. As a result, the complete line of Ross Video
products continues to offer our legendary combination of power and ease of use.
Join our Growing Customer Base!
Deciding to purchase a Vision switcher will put you in good company, with many thousands of Ross switchers installed
worldwide. Vision continues to build on a family of multi-denition switchers that have been delivering the goods every
day in live sports, stadium scoreboards, and drama productions, mobile productions, as well as local and network newscasts.
Experience Great Support!
Ross Video has designed and manufactured production switchers for over 37 years, with signicant year over year growth
for the past 20 years. We believe that an important factor of our success is our focus on providing a superior customer
experience. We continually benchmark our warranty and technical support to ensure that they are the best in the industry.
We hope that you join the many thousands of satised video professionals around the world that are proud owners of Ross
production switchers. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments you have related to this
Conguration Guide at Tel: +1-613-652-4886, Fax: +1-613-652-4425 or email us at solutions@rossvideo.com.
Vision 3G Configuration Guide (v17.0) — Vision Family of Switchers • 5
Product Overview
3G NOW!
Vision is ready for 3G video formats right out of the box, supporting both 1080p 50 Level A and 1080p 59.94 Level A.
Multi-Definition
Future-proof right out of the box, Vision allows you to work in either SD or HD, supporting 480i (SD 525), 576i (SD
625), 720p, 1080i, 1080pSF 24, 1080pSF 23.98, and 1080p 24.
Incredibly Powerful Vision Octane 3RU 3G
The Octane 3RU 3G Live Production Engine sets a new standard for small compact chassis capability. It has support
for up to 4 MLEs, 48 multi-denition inputs, 16 multi-denition outputs, 40 DVE channels, 24 internal keyers, 20
internal Ethernet-connected media stores, and 18 classes of external interfaces. Add Proc Amps, RGB Color Correctors,
Utility Buses, FlexiClean™, Preview Overlay, Linux®OS, and a whole lot more, and the result is nothing short of
revolutionary. Amazingly, it ts into a rack-saving 3 RU.
OverDrive®Compatible
Ross Video switchers have 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 Technical Director
can now automate a production when required. Thumbnail based, the TD can step through the run-down for the show
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. OverDrive requires at least 2 MLEs to operate.
Flexible Control Panel Layout
The Vision control panel allows unprecedented exibility in the placement of MLE crosspoints, and the number of
dedicated sources you can access for each MLE. Each MLE on the switcher can be assigned to a different crosspoint
group, or row, on the Vision control panel. Place MLE 1 on the bottom crosspoint row and MLE 4 on the top, or assign
two crosspoint groups to the same MLE. Along with MLE assignment, you can also adjust the size of the crosspoint
groups that the MLEs are assigned to. Want one crosspoint group with 64 source buttons? You can assign crosspoint
modules to crosspoint groups across different rows allowing for an MLE with source buttons that span multiple rows
on the control panel.
MultiPanel
Connect multiple Vision control panels to a single Octane 3RU or Octane 8RU Live Production Engine. Have each
Vision panel control some, or all, of the MLEs from the frame seamlessly. Perfect for multiple-production environments
where space and ease of maintenance are key! Each MultiPanel system consists of a Master Panel, and up to eight (8)
Satellite Panels.
Mnemonics
Mnemonics are perfect for mobiles and other applications that require different source names from one production to
another. Mnemonics are available for every MLE, as well as the Custom Control button row. Every display can have
individual settings for color, text size, and backlighting to provide clear naming and source group separation.
Preview Overlay
This unique option allows the Technical Director to keep his/her eyes on the action by presenting key information
overlaying the preview monitor output. Included are a VTR and video server time code display, a count up/down timer,
source ID, safe title, and more - each element individually selectable via handy control panel buttons.
Great for sophisticated looking boxes, it allows preset pattern keys to have effects applied to them such as size, crop,
post mask, single color border, DVE freeze, and repositioned in 2D space for picture in picture or over the shoulder
shots. You can use one of the useful pre-built 2D effects to perform 2D background transitions.
UltraChrome™Advanced Chroma Keying
Our new UltraChrome chroma keyer uses new Ross technology to perform detailed keying in the most demanding
applications. Each full MLE includes two UltraChrome chroma keyers as a standard feature.
4 Channel Global-Store™with MediaCache
™
Four independent channels of stills are available switcher-wide. Thousands of stills and logos, as well as animated logos,
moving graphics, and short uncompressed clips, can be stored on the hard drive and are transferable to other control-room
devices via Ethernet using WebDAV™. To access the fourth Global-Store channel, you must disable the preview overlay
feature.
MLE-Store™with MediaCache
™
Every full MLE can have four channels of dedicated still store. These channels can be paired for video + key operation.
MLE-Store has rapid access to all of the stills animated logos, moving graphics, and short uncompressed clips stored
on the system hard drive.
MultiViewer
Our broadcast-quality, dual-headed, integrated MultiViewer allows you to view up to ten (10) video sources per
MultiViewer, including program and preview. The two MultiViewer outputs (A and B) per Video Processor Board share
the same video sources, but can use different grids. All sources include mnemonic names and red and green tallies.
Ethernet Connectivity
Vision Octane/QMD/X connects the control panel and frame using a standard Ethernet connection. No need to run a
dedicated cable, simply connect the frame and control panel to the same subnet and you are done. The Ethernet connection
also allows for a painless upgrade process. Upgrades can be done from any computer connected to the same subnet.
Images and animations can be copied from a computer to the switcher's internal hard drive for use by the still stores and
MediaCache™throughout the system. The Ethernet port can also be used to transfer images and animations from the
hard drive on the switcher to a computer. This allows images captured on the switcher to be used elsewhere in the studio.
Multi-Definition 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 Video Server Control.
AuxKeys
™
Brand or add titles to Auxiliary Bus outputs or mix between Aux Buses. Feed the result to external monitors or send
them back into the switcher to further increase the switcher's production power. This revolutionary option adds mixing
and keying capability to Aux Bus outputs. Mix and key sources are fed from adjacent Aux Buses that have access to
every signal in the switcher. Of particular interest in this application are Global-Store outputs that can provide animated
logo capability.
MultiDSK
™
Time, temperature, and bug logos are often added downstream. This option adds two or four downstream keyers to the
switcher. The keyers have full access to the internal crosspoint matrix, making every source available as a downstream
key.
Internal Proc Amps
Vision makes your sources look great even when they have been maladjusted. Fixes are easy, as every video input can
have luma gain, chroma gain, and chroma phase adjustments applied. RGB Color Correction — Creative color adjustments
are available with the optional RGB Color Correction option. Every video bus can have RGB Color Correction applied.
MLE Memory Attributes
Vision gives you more exibility than ever before. With MLE Memory Attributes, you can specify what sources, or
still-store images, are recalled with each memory, as well as have a transition or custom control performed after each
memory recall. For each MLE you can include or omit the source selections on the Program, Preset, Keyers, and Aux
Buses, or the images. Need to recall a memory, but do not want to change the selection on the Program bus, or the image
loaded into Global-Store channel one? Simply deselect those items for the desired MLE and perform your recall.
Powerful MLEs
Vision packs major effects and keying power into each full MLE. Each MLE can be dynamically assigned to any row
on the Vision control panel. Each full MLE has standard access to four fully featured keyers with luma, linear, and preset
patterns, plus two advanced UltraChrome chroma keyers. Each full MLE has an assignable pair of utility buses for
video-in-border and garbage mask applications, as well as a positionable clean feed output. Two advanced pattern
generators include rotary wipes, matrix wipes, heart, star, spade, modulation, and pattern rotation. Two additional pattern
generators are dedicated to color wash generators.
FlexDevice
™
Need the latest and greatest device support on your switcher, but don't want to upgrade the switcher software yet?
FlexDevices separate device control from the version of switcher software by using device specic drivers that are
installed into the Vision switcher. Simply download the latest FlexDevice driver for your device, install it onto the
switcher, and assign it to a communications port.
VTR Control
Select a VTR on the PST bus, display its current timecode on the preview monitor, roll it from the transition area, and
take it to air. Fast forward, rewind, and cue to timecode are also available at the touch of a button on the Vision control
panel.
Video Server Control
Select, play, and monitor server clips by name right from the Vision control panel. The clip menu keeps track of clips
and allows instant recall and cue.
Audio Server Control
Dial up the desired clip and see the name and duration. Use a Custom Control macro button to link audio clips to a
switcher or DVE transition.
Router Control
This option makes your router sources easily selectable directly from the switcher. Any number of the switcher inputs
can be fed from a router output. Router mnemonics are supported, with the router 8-character source name being displayed
on the system control area and Preview Overlay source ID text. Also supported is the ability to use switcher Remote
Aux panels that take advantage of the switcher routing matrix with audio-follow coming from the router. The switcher
automatically matches the appropriate audio sources on the router with the video selected on the Aux panels.
Serial Tally Interface
Interfacing to Under Monitor Displays and Tally Systems is easy with this option. The Serial Tally Interface uses industry
standard tally protocols to communicate tally information on an RS-422 serial port to other devices. The Serial Tally
Interface can also support TSL UMD input. This provides mnemonic names to the switcher for assigned sources. These
names are displayed on the crosspoint mnemonics and menus for these assigned sources.
Peripheral Bus Interface (Pbus)
This option provides support for GVG™P-bus 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 switcher settings.
Audio Mixer Interface
Large or small mixers can be controlled serially from your Vision control panel, making an integrated A/V production
possible.
Robotic Camera System Interface
Pan, tilt, zoom, focus, shot recall and more, are directly controllable from your control panel with this option.
Custom Control Macro Buttons
Dedicated, shiftable macro buttons have been positioned close to the operator for powerful single touch control. Recall
any combination of switcher memories, button pushes, and external device control with our editable macro system.
Growth Path
The same video-processing frame is used for our 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 MLE switchers. Buy a smaller system now,
then add another MLE or a larger control panel as your needs grow.
Compatible Boards
Most boards used in the Octane 8RU rack frame also plug into the Octane 3RU compact rack frame. This allows for
consistent operation, maintenance, and spare parts across the entire product line.
Hot Swappable Boards
All the boards and cards in the frame can be safely removed with the power on. If any board is plugged into the wrong
slot, the board and system hardware will not be damaged. In addition, the frame is designed to support emergency
swapping of some circuit boards even during live operation.
Upgrades from the Web
Software and even some rmware can be upgraded by downloading les from our web site. It's fast, easy, and it's FREE!
Affordable
A powerful switcher at a great price!
Built to Last
Ross warranties save thousands in operational costs over competitive products. It's no secret that Ross products are
tough. They're built to handle years of demanding, continuous use. The Vision Octane series is backed by a comprehensive
1-year transferable warranty that can be extended. 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 Conguration Guide for the Vision Octane 3RU switchers. In this guide, we describe the Vision Octane 3RU
switchers and their 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.
The Octane 3RU 3G Multi-Denition Live Production Engine come standard with 16 inputs (optionally expandable in
groups of 16 up to 48). Any input can be assigned to any control panel button - simplifying installation. These inputs
can be used for video, alpha channel, or mask.
Analog Reference Input
Vision provides you with maximum exibility and cost effectiveness when choosing the reference signal for your facility.
Although tri-level sync is recommended as your reference source for all applications, analog black burst can be used
when operating the switcher in SD mode only.
A looping reference connector is provided for your convenience.
See the table in the Specications section, at the rear of the Conguration Guide, for detailed reference information.
16 Multi-Definition Serial Digital Outputs
The Octane 3RU 3G Multi-Denition Live Production Engine come standard with 16 output (optionally expandable in
groups of 16 up to 32). All digital outputs are fully congurable to be program, preview, clean feed, or Aux Bus outputs.
4 Channel Global-Store™with MediaCache
Four independent channels of stills are available switcher-wide. Thousands of full screen stills and logos can be stored
in the on-board hard drive and are transferable to other control-room devices via Ethernet using the WebDAV™protocol.
To access the fourth Global-Store channel, you must disable the preview overlay feature.
Global-Store comes standard with 4 Gigabyte of RAM CACHE. Thousands of additional images can be loaded quickly
from the system hard drive. Each output is capable of playing full bandwidth clips independently and simultaneously.
The duration of the clips depends upon the size of the clips being used. Full screen 1080i images will take 5 times the
storage of a 480i clip. However, a small, animated logo in 1080i will take much less storage than a full screen 480i clip.
XFX Extra Effects per MLE
MLE-Store — The MLE-Store adds four channels of Still Store. Still store channels can be paired for video + key
operation.
MLE-Store comes standard with 8GB of RAM CACHE. The number of images stored increases considerably when
smaller, non-full screen images like logos are stored. Thousands of additional images can be loaded quickly from the
system hard drive. When the optional MediaCache is enabled, the playout capabilities and storage capacity of the
MLE-Store is increased considerably. All images stored in this memory are available simultaneously to all MLE-Store
outputs in the MLE.
MLE-Store has a production advantage over the Global-Store because stills are automatically recalled with MLE memory
recalls. The Global-Store feeds sources switcher-wide and are therefore not part of memory recalls.
MLE-Stores are accessed as Program, Preset, and Key Bus source buttons on the Vision control panel for the MLEs
that the option is installed on.
Dual Border Generator — The Dual Border option provides border, shadow, and outline effects to both keyers in the
MLE with either hard or glowing edges. You can then move the border to any position on the screen - even above the
key. Borders are own in real time with the joystick in the same manner as wipe patterns and DVE effects. This border
generator was designed as a creative tool and it can add an impressive visual impact to your keys.
™
Vision 3G Configuration Guide (v17.0) — Vision Standard Features • 13
All border edge effects can be modied through the parameters of x and y position, border size, border color (including
color washes), density, and glow (giving a soft defocused look).
The border generator can enhance any kind of switcher key including self keys, linear keys, chroma keys, and preset
pattern keys. In Vision, borders are particularly effective for enhancing DVE over-the-shoulder boxes making them
appear to oat over their backgrounds.
MediaCache for MLE-Store — MediaCache for MLE-Store works the same as MediaCache for Global-Store. Each
MLE-Store output is capable of playing full bandwidth clips independently and simultaneously.
Trails — The Trails feature comes standard with the Dual Borders, and allows you to add trail effects to any key type
on the switcher. Trail effects include Soft, Hard, Key, and Key Smear trails. Soft and Hard trails apply to the video in
the key, and Key and Key Smear trails apply to the key itself. In the case of a shaped key, the trails are only visible
within the key itself if a Soft or Hard Trail is used. Select a Key or Key Smear Trail if you need the trails to appear
outside of the key.
2D DVE
The 2D DVE options available to you depends on the conguration of your frame and the number of MLEs you have.
Each Keyer in the switcher has two channels of 2D DVE dedicated to it, for a total of 8 channels per MLE, with an
additional pair of channels per MLE for DVE transitions.
Fly ANY kind of key — Pressing the FLY KEY button easily activates the DVE, allowing you to transform self keys,
linear keys, and chroma keys. A comprehensive and intuitive menu is available where you can set up your desired effects.
If you prefer, the 3-axis joystick can also be used to adjust the parameters of your key.
Planar transforms include size, crop, reposition, and aspect. These effects can be applied to images and keys.
Advanced Picture Frame Border Generator — a picture frame border can be added to border over-the-shoulder
boxes. This variable width border perfectly tracks all image resizing and special effects. The picture frame generator
instantly adds a polished, professional look to your DVE keys.
Pre-Built Effects, User-Built Timelines, and Key Sequences — your switcher ships with dozens of pre-built effects
that are ready to take to air. All of these effects can be easily user modied to meet your needs. You can also build
entirely new effects of your own from scratch.
Effects can be built to start when a macro button is pressed, when an auto transition is pressed, or can be run under
manual fader control. Effects can be used as a transition, or as a sequence of keyframes running inside one or more
keyers.
Multi-Definition MLE Effects System
The MLE®(Multi-Level Effect) systems are standard. The number of MLEs depends on the chosen switcher model.
Each MLE provides four keyers supporting matte ll, key invert, pattern mask, box mask, garbage mask, self-key, linear
key, and preset pattern key. Two UltraChrome advanced chroma keyers are standard for each MLE and are available
to each keyer. Key bordering may be added as an option.
Every MLE has a dedicated utility bus for video-in-border applications. The switcher has powerful internal DVE
send/return paths.
Two wash generators that incorporate extensive wash patterns, matte video effects, and noise effects while a full preview
is always available to reduce on-air surprises.
MLEs can be assigned to one, or multiple, rows on the control panel. This allows you to assign MLEs where you want
them, or to control multiple MLEs on a smaller control panel. Each crosspoint group on the Vision control panel can
be quickly assigned to any MLE on the y. Assigning MLEs to different crosspoint groups does not affect the on-air
status, or settings of the MLE.
14 • Vision Standard Features — Vision 3G Configuration Guide (v17.0)
Pattern Generators
Each MLE has four (4) pattern generators consisting of two (2) complex pattern generators that oat between the
transition area and keyers and two (2) simple pattern generators for washes.
The complex pattern generators come equipped with classic, matrix, rotary, modulation, heart, and star wipes. All wipe
types can be rotated, bordered, and repositioned.
Matte Generators
Each MLE has access to color generators that can be assigned to COLOR BKGD1 and 2, key ll 1 through 4, key border
1 and 2, wipe pattern edges 1 and 2, and wash matte generators 1 and 2. Note that each full MLE has its own dedicated
COLOR BKGD video inputs to make memory recalls of individual MLEs simple and predictable.
UltraChrome Advanced Chroma Keying
The Ross UltraChrome™(patent pending) uses advanced video processing technology to provide exceptional blue spill
reduction and clean edges, even with difcult source material. Glass, smoke, translucent materials, and natural shadows
are handled superbly.
Chroma key shadows can either be extracted from the source image or simulated using the optional border generators.
Vision switchers come standard with two UltraChrome chroma keys per full MLE, easily assignable to any Keyer.
FlexiClean Clean Feed Output
Each MLE can have two fully programmable clean feed outputs. This feature is used for multi-language and live-to-tape
productions. It provides a second Program output that is derived from a different location than the standard program
output. A frequent application is the recording of shows for later airing without call-in phone numbers inserted.
The clean feed outputs can come from before or between the keyers in the MLE. Each MLE has its own, independently
congured clean feed output separate from all other clean feed outputs. The diagram below illustrates the possible clean
feed congurations.
The diagram below illustrates the clean feed output congurations available on the bottom Program/Preset MLE with
the MultiDSK (Key 5 and Key 6) option installed.
Half MLE — The upper full MLEs of the switcher operate as described above. The bottom, half MLE, has a dedicated
clean feed output for before and between the keyers. The diagrams below illustrate the possible clean feed congurations
for the half MLE.
Figure 1: Clean Feed Modes
Figure 2: Clean Feed Modes for MultiDSK
Figure 3: Clean Feed Modes for Half MLEs
Vision 3G Configuration Guide (v17.0) — Vision Standard Features • 15
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