Common Video Equipment

 

 

There are many, many variations of video setups for AV presentations but there are some very common pieces of equipment and all technicians should be aware of their applications.

 

Computer interfaces: Interfaces reduce a 15 pin computer video signal into its main parts of color and sync and condition it for travel down RGBHV coaxial lines. Interfaces either makes combined composite “4 wire” or component sync “5 wire”. Some interfaces are able to switch from 4 to 5-wire mode with the setting of dipswitches on the unit. Interfaces are not always necessary for smaller setups where direct interfacing of a laptop to a projector with a long 15 pin computer cable is all you need to do to get a picture on the screen.  But if you have a desktop with a local monitor, you will need to split the monitors signal with an interface. Using an interface also gives you some control of the picture elements of chroma, brightness and the picture position. The Extron 202 is a very common interface and its manual is a good review of an interface and its controls. Most other interfaces made by Extron or other manufacturers like Covid or Inline will have similar features and functions.

 

 

 

Extron RGB 202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extron 118

The Extron 118 outputs only 4 wire RGB S and has limited signal and picture controls.

 

 

 

 

 

Extron MBC

Extron interfaces require the use of a MBC (monitor breakout cable) to split the computer cable to a local monitor and a remote display like a projector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video or Computer switchers: Well this may seem like a no brainer but remember there are several different kinds of video formats and computer video as well 15 pin or BNC options. Make sure that you have the right box to deal with the type of signal you are switching.

All video switchers take several inputs and have only one output.  Be aware that some video switchers have loop through features that can require termination if not used. 

 

 

 

 

 

Extrons RGBHV switcher SW4 AR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Panasonic Composite video switcher. Notice the terminators placed on the unused loop trough outputs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video DA: The DA stands for distribution amplifier. These are used for replicating the video or computer signal and sending it to multiple locations.  Just like the switchers, you need to check what kind of video format you want to distribute. Some DA’s have loop through and termination options that may need some

attention.

 

Extron ADA 6 300MX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video Router or Matrix: A video router takes several computer or video signals inputs and outputs to several discreet destinations. There are several types of routers and they come in very handy if your goal is to feed several screens with many different signals.

 

 

Extrons Matrix 200

This Matrix combines 8 video or computer 5 wire inputs to 8 video or computer 5 wire outputs.

 

 

 

 

Video Scan Converters: Video scan converters usually are dedicated devices that convert computer resolution video refresh rates to one fixed rate. Usually the convert computer signals to NTSC video resolution. They will have either a 15 pin video input or a RGBHV BNC input for a computer signal and a composite or component video output.

 

Video Scalers:  Now we get a bit complicated, Scalers are ingenious device that use a variety of techniques to change the pixel resolution of the refresh rate of the incoming video to a desired resolution or rate. There are several kinds of scalers that have come out recently that convert formats and listing all of them would be pointless. The most popular and versatile scaler is the Sony DSC1024. This unit combines a switcher with a scaler and scan converter in one unit. I have included a manual for a DSC1024 in this review and I strongly recommend looking over the instructions on its use.

 

 

Sony DSC1024

 

The sony DSC-1024 features one composite or S-video input, two component video or computer inputs, loop through options and will output the selected input to scan rates of NTSC 15.75, PAL,  31.5k,  37k, 48k , 64k, and 1080i (a version of  HDTV) There are also picture position controls that enable the manipulation of the aspect ratio and size of the image.

 

 

 

 

 

Projectors

 

There are many different types of projectors on the market and it seems that a new one comes out every year that is brighter and cheaper. For sanity sake we will just concentrate on the most common video projector that almost all of the video companies use for its ease of use and picture quality. The Sanyo PLC series of projectors are by far the most common units and the design and functions of the projectors are virtually copied by Proxima, another projector manufacturer.

 

       

 

Sanyo PLC-XF 10                                       Proxima AV 9410

 

 

This is a basic checklist for setting up a video/data projector but it is by no means complete.

 

  1. Unpack the projector, locate the various parts, power cable, remote control, connection cable.
  2. Determine the size of the screen you are projecting on. Check the aspect ratio of the screen and the image to make sure they match. Video signals and most computer signals are at a 4:3 ratio.

Some new very high resolutions of 1280 x 1024 are at 5:4. A 9 x 12 screen is also at a 4:3 ratio. A 7.5 x 10 screen is at 5:3.75 ratio. If the screen is masked by the set you may need to stretch the image to fit the new aspect ratio.

  1. What kind of Lens does the projector have installed. Is it a short throw, wide angle or is the lens a long throw, narrow angle lens? Is the lens a zoom or a fixed lens?
  2. Is the setup a front screen or rear screen?
  3. Do you have the proper screen parts including the proper screen type, rear vs. front fabric?
  4. Based on the lens and screen size, how much distance to the screen do I need to have to make a proper image?
  5. What sort of stand is provided for the projector? If set for rear screen, can the projector be placed near the middle of the screen in relation to the top and bottom to minimize keystoning?
  6. Is the projector placed at the center of the screen in relation to the sides? Check by measuring the sides of the triangle created by the projector and the left and right side of the screen. The sides from the screen to projector should be the same.

      See diagram.

 

Screen

 

 

 

 

 


Equal distances

From screen to projector

 

 


Projector

 

 

 

  1. What type of signal format do you have coming to the projector?
  2.  Do you have enough power in amps on the circuit you are using to safely operate the projector. A 440 watt lamp will need 4.4 paper amps to operate safely.

 

I have included a copy of the Sanyo PLC-XF10N manual in this guide and I suggest you review it for basic setup instructions. The features and menu controls of the Sanyo PLC, the Proxima AV 9410 and the EIKI Powerhouse series are so similar that I think they must come from the same factory.