We already knew about switchers as early as the 1960s. Using analog circuit technology, it took nearly 20 years to develop into a highly complex video synthesis engine. As the complexity increases, once a fault occurs, it takes an experienced engineer to spend a lot of effort to check the complex analog circuit to find and solve the fault. When damaged components are found and replaced, comprehensive system adjustments are required to restore all previous functions. By the mid-1980s, digital switchers began to appear. They were basically digital copies of analog switchers. When digital circuits were very expensive, using a large number of high-power TTL devices meant that only a few users could afford and use them. Today, after the sharp price reduction of digital components, they have only added a few new features compared to their analog ancestors.

DVE, on the contrary, has developed rapidly. It was first developed from a frame synchronizer and was a digital device from the beginning. According to the idea of ​​storing a video or a frame of video and flexibly storing the physical location of each pixel of the graphic, they created a new world of TV special effects. At first, they also experienced the problem of high power consumption in early switchers. If not, a single-channel DVE can easily consume 1KW of power.

It is precisely because of the difference in essential functions-the switcher synthesizes the image that DVE provides special effects-so they can develop independently. Although the switcher has been digitized naturally, there is still an artificial boundary between them. It has always been a dream for manufacturers to integrate the functions of switchers and special effects into one processor. PDS9000 is the first device to truly achieve this goal.

The problem of "integration"

Many manufacturers "integrate" DVE to the switcher by connecting a separate DVE system made by themselves or other OEM partners to the switcher's auxiliary bus video path, or the effect is returned to the system, etc. In some cases, the auxiliary bus is "hidden" in the menu system to increase the degree of "integration". In fact, the real integration that can be provided here is just to control the external DVE with the control panel on the switcher. The two devices still maintain complete physical independence. Because of this, many of the combined systems' capabilities are lost. In addition, due to the limitations of the switcher, this "box plus box" structure, such as the need to make some assignments in the switcher, limits the number of DVE channels. This means that when these assignments are occupied by other areas of the switcher and the operator wants to use effects, there may be no effect channels available. PDS9000 does not have this problem.

Advantage

PDS9000 is the first switcher that truly integrates DVE functionality into its video path. Dealing with M / E also deals with DVE. This is due to the incredible ASIC designed by Pinnacle. Using Pinnacle's unique video processing technology, the M / E function and DVE function are organically combined into a chip referred to as K2 in the company. After several years of research and development, K2 includes mixer, color corrector, keyers, filters, address generator and interpolators in one module. This module is the core of the PDS9000 structure, and at the same time provides a guarantee for the miniaturization of the system and the unbelievable low power consumption (when the main processor and all option boards are installed, the power consumption is less than 300W). Each level M / E is equipped with 3 full-featured DVEs-one for each keyer, and one in the main converter, for example to complete page scrolling. The user does not need to assign DVE to the keyer because the keyer already has a DVE.

The structure of the PDS 9000 system can be seen from the picture, the overall structure of the PDS 9000 is very traditional. Serial digital signal reception, deserialization and quantization are realized through input / output boards (8 in the system). Each input and output board can handle 5 inputs and 3 outputs. The input signal can be looped into the M / E processor through the matrix. There are 3 identical M / E processors in the system-1 for each M / E and 1 for PGM / PST / DSK. All processing procedures are completed by the M / E card's own independent M / E. Therefore, it can meet the simplified maintenance requirements-any failure in the M / E system can be updated by replacing the new board. The spare board is even used for complex system maintenance. Finally, the video output of the M / E board can be sent to the input / output board through the matrix. The following is a simple system diagram of PDS 9000.

A color corrector is looped through each of the four busbars of the M / E. "Processing amplifier" function for input. It is used for the color correction function of YUV and option RGB in the keyer channel. The A and B background signals (PGM and PST) thus pass through the final Mix / DVE module.

The key signal thus passes through the M / E chroma keyer / DVE. If DVE is not necessary, it is simply loop-through, with no delay. If DVE is required on an independent key bus, activating this item is the "DVE" key to enter the final Mix / DVE module. This DVE operation is a video with key signal and is operated in high-fidelity 4: 4: 4: 4 mode.

Two background letters with independent key sources can be synthesized in the final Mix / DVE module. This DVE is used for complete transition effects, which allows users to complete DVE transitions like a wipe. The output signal then passes through the matrix.

As you can see, this structure completely synthesizes DVE processing with traditional M / E. DVE can be used for both input and output of the system-as part of M / E.

in conclusion

Due to the use of advanced signal processing technology, PDS9000 does not need to deal with the image mixing, key and wipe separately. Based on the advanced technology of video processing, PDS9000 enables users to freely exert unlimited creativity. Really integrate the production switcher and DVE.

6D Hair

China Xuchang Wig Co., Ltd , https://www.hairxuchang.com

March 31, 2024