AccuScene VF1280S Mk II User manual

©2005 AccuScene Corporation Ltd. August 2005
VF1280S Mk II
High Resolution Colour Viewfinder System
USER MANUAL
AccuScene Corporation Limited
Unit 4
Dunferm line Business Centre
Izatt Avenue
DUNFERMLINE KY11 3BZ
Scotland
U.K.

2
CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION 5
2OPERATING GUIDELINES 5
3QUICK SETUP, REC 709 OPERATION 6
4VIEWFINDER SPECIFICATION 7
5VIEWFINDER CONTROLS 8
5.1 Viewfinder Image Controls 8
5.1.1 On-Screen Menu 8
5.1.2 User-defined setups 8
5.1.3 Peaking 9
5.1.4 Contrast 9
5.1.5 Bright 10
5.1.6 Magnify 10
5.1.7 A – B User Setup 11
5.1.8 Display Aspect (Sony only) 11
5.1.9 Zebra (Sony only) 11
5.1.10 Tally 12
5.2 Eyepiece Controls 12
5.2.1 Focus Adjustment 12
5.2.2 Demist heater 12
6ON-SCREEN MENU 13
6.1 Main Menu 13
6.2 User Setup Menu 14
6.3 LED Setup Menu 15
6.4 VF! IND Menu 16
6.4.1 Matrix [Normal] state 16
6.4.2 Gamma [Normal] state 17
6.5 Matrix Menu 17
6.6 Gamma Menu 19
6.7 Diagnostics Menu 20
6.7.1 Test Signals 20
6.7.2 Analogue Ys’ Pb’, Pr’: Video Input Offset Adjustment21
6.7.3 Factory Reset 23
6.8 Configuration Menu 23

3
6.8.1 Y Monitor Mode – Exposure Meter 23
6.8.2 Mono Mode 27
6.8.3 Progressive and Interlaced Modes 28
6.8.4 Image Inversion (Rotate) 28
7ON-SCREEN INDICATORS 29
8SOFTWARE UPGRADE 31
9HANDLING AND STORAGE 31
10 ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIRS 32
11 SUPPORT AND WARRANTY 32
11.1 Support 32
11.2 Warranty 32
12 DISCLAIMER 33
13 APPENDIX 34
13.1 Controlling colour using the Colour Matrix 34
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1 Viewfinder and eyepiece controls 8
Figure 2 User Setup Recall – On-Screen Display 9
Figure 3 Brightness and contrast controls 10
Figure 4 On-Screen Menu (Main Menu) 13
Figure 5 User Setup Menu 14
Figure 6 Confirmation Box - No 14
Figure 7 Confirmation Box - Yes 15
Figure 8 LED Setup Menu 15
Figure 9 “VF!” IND Menu 16
Figure 10 Matrix Menu 17
Figure 11 Gamma Menu 19
Figure 12 Diagnostics Menu 20
Figure 13 SMTE HD Colour Bars 22
Figure 14 Configuration Menu 23
Figure 15 Exposure Meter Colours 25

4
Figure 16 Video image (a) Colour Mode, (b) Y Monitor Mode 26
Figure 17 On-Screen Indicators 29
Figure 18 CIE Colour Chart 36
Figure 19 Colour Matrix 36
TABLES
Table 1 On-Screen Indicators 30

5
1 INTRODUCTION
The AccuScene VF1280S Viewfinder System is designed for
use with Sony 700-series and 900-series High Definition digital
video cameras. With a suitable converter this Viewfinder may
also be used with other cameras. Certain camera control
interface functions are compatible only with Sony cameras.
Please refer to AccuScene for further information.
AccuScene recommends users to read and understand this
entire manual before attempting to use the Viewfinder.
In this manual, critical information or an important warning
is preceded by and must be followed.
In this manual, comment preceded by LVnot critical and
is included for information or clarification only.
2 OPERATING GUIDELINES
The VF1280S Mk II Viewfinder is designed only to be used as
described in this manual. Do not use for any other purpose.
•Protect the Viewfinder from dust, rain, spray and direct
sunlight
•Do not immerse in water
•Do not lift or move the Viewfinder by its cable: this does
not support its weight
•Do not lift or move the camera by way of the Viewfinder.
Only use the carrying handle on the camera or other
facilities provided for the purpose
•Use only at ambient temperature between 0C (32°F) and
+40C (104°F) and protect the viewfinder from direct
sunlight, rain and snow
•Before each use allow the Viewfinder to stabilise within the
operating environment

6
3 QUICK SETUP, REC 709 OPERATION
•Mount the Viewfinder on the camera using brackets suitable to
carry its weight
•Connect the Viewfinder cable to the camera Viewfinder socket
•Power up the camera
•Check that a video image appears in the Viewfinder – typically in
less than 10 seconds – with an on-screen display showing
‘AccuScene VF1280S’
•Press the MENU control knob to continue – the on-screen
display disappears
•Press MENU switch down to show the Main Menu
•Adjust eyepiece to sharpen focus (Section 5.2.1)
•Press MENU switch up or down to cancel Main Menu
Either start shooting or get a coffee. Continue critical
adjustments after the camera and the Viewfinder have
stabilised in their operating environment
•Allow both the camera and the Viewfinder to stabilise – typically
in about 20 minutes to half an hour
•Stop down the camera lens to exclude light
•Perform auto-black calibration on the camera
•Either set the camera to show colour bars or leave the lens
stopped down
•Enter the Matrix Menu (Section 6.5) to ensure that default (or
your special) colour space is selected
•Enter the Viewfinder Gamma Menu (Section 6.6) to ensure that
Rec709 Gamma is selected
•Enter the Viewfinder Diagnostics Menu (Section 6.7) to perform
adjustment of Y, Pb and Pr Analogue Video Input offsets
Y offset adjustment is essential for correct operation of the
exposure meter
•Adjust Peaking (Section 5.1.3) to 0 to see a natural image or to
approximately 8 to check camera focus / back focus
•Adjust Contrast (Section 5.1.4) to suit ambient lighting
(Nominal setting -1.0 indoors, less at night, more in sun)
•Check Brightness (Section 5.1.5) is set to 0 (default)
Put the coffee aside and start shooting seriously

7
4 VIEWFINDER SPECIFICATION
Video input interface HD 1080 or 720, analogue Ys Pb Pr
Nominal white level 700mV (100 IRE)
Maximum Ys input 760mV (108 IRE)
Video input format Accepts SMPTE 274M formats:
1920 x 1080/60/I
1920 x 1080/59.94/I
1920 x 1080/50/I
1920 x 1080/30/PsF
1920 x 1080/29.97/PsF
1920 x 1080/25/PsF
1920 x 1080/24/PsF
1920 x 1080/23.98/PsF
Native input video 1280 x 720/60/P
Colour conversion SMPTE Rec. 709
Display resolution 1280(h) x 848 (v) total active pixels
16:9 aspect video 1280(h) x 720 (v) active pixels
Contrast ratio 200:1 typical
Viewfinder Latency <50mSec (‘Action’ mode, 23.98/PsF)
Exposure Meter Custom function, using pseudo-colours
Weight 2kg (4.5lb) nominal
Dimensions 295(l) x 90(h) x 91(d) mm
Input Voltage 9.5(min) 12V (nom) 17 (max) Vdc
Power <10W at nominal input voltage
Environment Min air temperature 0C (32°F)
Max air temperature +40C (104°F)
Shade unit from direct sunlight
Protect unit from rain or snow
The Viewfinder continues to operate outside the specified
temperature range, but may show an on-screen
Temperature warning. Performance outside the specified
temperature range may be degraded.
Continued operation with a Temperature warning
invalidates Warranty.

8
5 VIEWFINDER CONTROLS
Figure 1 Viewfinder and eyepiece controls
5.1 Viewfinder Image Controls
See Figure 1. A pop-up slider indicates the current setting
when Peaking, Contrast or Brightness is adjusted, unless the
On Screen Menu is active, in which case the current setting for
each is shown in the On-Screen Menu (Section 6.1).
5.1.1 On-Screen Menu
The On-Screen Menu shows selectable Viewfinder options
and settings (Section 6.1) using the MENU control and switch.
The Viewfinder on-screen menu does not provide access to
the camera on-screen menu system, which may be accessed
using the camera controls.
5.1.2 User-defined setups
User-defined setups can be loaded from non-volatile memory
by rotating the Menu control knob, when no other on-screen
menu is currently displayed (Section 6). An on-screen display
appears (Figure 2) allowing the user to select one of the five
stored setups: A, B, C, D or E. Once the desired setup has
Viewfinder Image Controls
Eyepiece
Focus
(Rotate)
Demist
Heater
(12Vdc)

9
been selected, push the Menu control to load that setup. Exit
the on-screen display by rotating the Menu control to select
‘Top’ and push it to complete the process.
Figure 2 User Setup Recall – On-Screen Display
Loading a User Setup permanently overrides the current
Viewfinder options and settings.
5.1.3 Peaking
Rotate the PEAKING control to highlight fine detail within the
video image (‘peaking’), to assist focus adjustment.
5.1.4 Contrast
Rotate the CONTRAST control to increase or decrease the
intensity of the video image to suit ambient light conditions
(Figure 3). Intensity steps are approximately one-tenth stop.
The Contrast range is deliberately wide to allow operation in
direct sunlight. At maximum intensity (Contrast = +1.0) the
video image is excessively bright for indoors use.
Excessive image intensity may lead to eye fatigue and
temporary loss of colour sensitivity.
Prolonged exposure to excessive image intensity may be
harmful. AccuScene Corporation Ltd. accepts no liability
for damage or loss resulting from inappropriate use.

10
5.1.5 Bright
Rotate the BRIGHT control to increase or decrease the
brightness of darker areas of the video image, to verify black
level or assess detail within shadow (Figure 3).
Figure 3 Brightness and contrast controls
5.1.6 Magnify
Normally the Viewfinder scales an input video image of
1920(h) by 1080(v) pixels to suit the native 1280(h) by 720(v)
resolution of its display (Section 4). 720/60/P input video
images are displayed at native resolution. In Magnify mode,
the Viewfinder shows the central 1280(h) by 720(v) pixels
within the input video image at 1:1 pixel resolution for 1080 (v)
images, corresponding to a magnification factor of 2.25 times
the active video image. Correspondingly for 720/60/P images
a central area is magnified by a factor of 2. This may, for
instance, assist critical assessment of the central part of the
input video image.
•Push the switch down to MOMENT to enable Magnify
mode momentarily while the switch is held down
•Push the switch up to ON to enable Magnify mode
0 Input
linear grayscale
Output
Max contrast (100%),
Min Brightness (0%)
Decreasing
contrast
Increasing
brightness
100%
100%
0 Input
Linear
grayscale
Output
Linear
grayscale
Max contrast (+1.0),
Min Brightness (0%)
Decreasing
contrast
Increasing
brightness
Max
Max

11
•Return the switch to the centre OFF position to disable
Magnify mode
An on-screen indicator (Section 7) shows while the
Viewfinder is in Magnify mode.
5.1.7 A – B User Setup
A – B User Setups provide the user a convenient way of
recalling either of the first two of the five stored user-defined
setups. These contain a pre-set combination of the viewfinder
options and settings.
A – B User Setups are set up and saved by using the On-
Screen Menu (Section 6.2).
•Push the A – B switch up to A or down to B and release it
to load the corresponding User Setup
Loading a User Setup permanently overrides the current
Viewfinder options and settings.
5.1.8 Display Aspect (Sony only)
Display borders and aspect boxes are controlled via camera
controls on the Viewfinder.
•Push the switch up to turn the Safe Area Boundary display
On or Off
•Push the switch down to turn the Aspect display On or Off
5.1.9 Zebra (Sony only)
Zebra threshold is controlled via camera controls and can only
be activated or de-activated via the Viewfinder.
•Push the switch down to Moment to display Zebra
momentarily and release to return to normal video image
•Push the switch up to ON to display Zebra continuously
•Return the switch back to the centre OFF position to return
to normal video image

12
5.1.10 Tally
The Viewfinder has a red tally indicator light on the Control
Panel mirroring the state of the red tally light on the camera.
•Push the switch down to MOMENT to enable the Control
Panel Red Tally light to mirror the state of the camera red
tally momentarily while the switch is held down
Push the switch up to ON to enable the Control Panel Red
Tally light to mirror the state of the camera REC indicator
•Return the switch to the centre OFF position to disable the
Control Panel Red Tally light
The TALLY switch does not control the On-Screen REC
indicator which operates regardless of switch position
(Section 7).
5.2 Eyepiece Controls
See Figure 1. Rotate the lens barrel to adjust focus. Mark
personal focus adjustment on the white band against the white
reference mark using a chinagraph or similar pencil.
5.2.1 Focus Adjustment
The eyepiece can accommodate a dioptre range of
approximately +1.5 to -4.5 to compensate for the user’s
eyesight. Since there is no compensation for astigmatism the
user may wish to continue to wear prescription lenses, which
the eyecup can accommodate.
•Rotate the body of the eyepiece to adjust focus
•Mark personal settings using a soft pencil on the white
band opposite the fixed reference line on the lens
5.2.2 Demist heater
To avoid the eyepiece misting up in a cold or damp
environment, connect a 12Vdc supply (nominal load 1.5W at
12Vdc) to the demist heater (Figure 1). The socket type is
LEMO Model ERA.0S. Suitable mating plugs include LEMO
Model FFA.0S.302.CLAC17 (not supplied by AccuScene).

13
6 ON-SCREEN MENU
6.1 Main Menu
The Viewfinder On-Screen Menu system opens showing the
Main Menu, giving the user a list of sub-menus (Figure 4). An
arrow at the left side of the main menu points to the sub-menu
selected.
The lowest line of the main menu and sub-menus shows
factors summarizing the current settings of Peaking (P),
Contrast (C) and Brightness (B) controls.
Figure 4 On-Screen Menu (Main Menu)
•Push the MENU switch down (On/Off) to access the On-
Screen Menu and to switch it off
•Rotate the MENU control to scroll through On Screen
Menu options, and to adjust settings
•Press the MENU control to select options or settings
•Push the MENU switch up (Cancel) to undo changes
Menu options and settings are saved permanently when
the On-Screen Menu is switched off. To avoid losing
settings, switch off the On-Screen Menu at least 2 seconds
before removing power from the unit.

14
To return to the main menu from any of the sub-menus,
rotate the MENU control to select Top. Press the MENU
control to confirm.
6.2 User Setup Menu
Currently selected options and settings of the Viewfinder may
be saved as one of A, B, C, D or E User Setups (Figure 5)
within the User Setup Menu.
Figure 5 User Setup Menu
•Rotate then press the MENU control to select Save User
Setup A, B, C, D or E within the User Setup Menu
A dialogue box ‘Are you sure?’ (Figure 6) appears,
because saving a User Setup permanently erases the
previously stored setup.
Figure 6 Confirmation Box - No
•Press the MENU control to cancel the action and return to
the User Setup Menu
OR
•Rotate then press the MENU control to select YES (Figure
7) to save the setup

15
Figure 7 Confirmation Box - Yes
Previously saved User Setups may be loaded within the User
Setup Menu.
•Rotate then press the MENU control to select Load User
Setup A or B within the User Setup Menu
The Load indicator changes momentarily to inverse text to
indicate that the setup is complete.
Loading User Setup A or B within the User Setup menu
has the same effect as selecting User Setup A or B within
the five choices A, B, C, D, E available within the User-
Defined Setups (Section 5.1.2) or using the A/B switch
(Section 5.1.7).
6.3 LED Setup Menu
On-screen indicators (Section 7) may be activated or hidden
within the LED Setup Menu (Figure 8).
Figure 8 LED Setup Menu
•Rotate the MENU control to select individual on-screen
indicators within the LED Menu

16
•Press the MENU control to activate or hide the selected
indicator
The Temperature Indicator cannot be hidden.
6.4 VF! IND Menu
The Viewfinder setup warning indicator ‘VF’ (Section 7) is
configured within the VF! IND Menu (Figure 9). On activating
or de-activating certain conditions, the ‘VF’ indicator warns of
non-standard setup.
Figure 9 “VF!” IND Menu
•Rotate the MENU control to select individual on-screen
indicators within the VF! Menu
•Press the MENU control to activate or de-activate the
selected condition
6.4.1 Matrix [Normal] state
The Matrix indicator [Normal] state can be defined as one of
five user-defined stored colour matrix settings (Section 6.5). If
any other Matrix setting is in use, this results in the ‘VF’
indicator being shown if this condition is activated.
•Rotate and press the MENU control to select the [Normal]
Matrix parameter within the “VF!” Menu

17
•Rotate and press the MENU control to select the required
[Normal] Matrix store, 1 – 5
6.4.2 Gamma [Normal] state
The Gamma setup indicator can be configured to define any of
the available options within the Gamma Menu as [Normal]
(Section 6.6).
•Rotate and press the MENU control to select the [Normal]
Gamma parameter within the “VF!” Menu
•Rotate and press the MENU control to select the required
[Normal] Gamma function
6.5 Matrix Menu
Colour Gamut and Intensity of the Viewfinder video image may
be altered using the Matrix Menu. Values of the weighting
factors within the Colour Matrix (Figure 10) may be set
between 0 (Off) and 100 (Maximum). See Appendix Section
13.1 for a detailed description of the operation of the Colour
Matrix.
The default weighting factors shown in Figure 10 leave
input video data unaltered. Adjustment of the colour matrix
is recommended only for users trained in colorimetry and
with access to suitable colour references. See Appendix
(section 13.1) for further information.
<Matrix> Top
R G B
R 100 0 0
G 0 100 0
B 0 0 100
I 100 100 100
Load 1 2 3 4 5
Save 1 2 3 4 5
P: 0 C: -1.0 B: 0
Figure 10 Matrix Menu

18
•Rotate then press the MENU control to select individual
weighting factors within the Matrix Menu
•Rotate the MENU control to adjust the selected weighting
factor then press it to confirm the required value
The sum of colour factors (the first three rows) in each
column of the matrix must not exceed 100; otherwise video
image distortion may occur.
Once the desired colour space has been achieved the settings
currently held in the Matrix may be saved in one of 5 stores for
later recall.
•Rotate the MENU control to select the desired store Save
(1–5) within the Matrix Menu then press it to save the
current Matrix in the store selected
A dialogue box ‘Are you sure?’ (Figures 6 and 7) appears,
because saving a Matrix permanently overrides the current
contents of that store.
•Rotate then press the MENU control to select YES to save
the Matrix, or to select NO to return to the Matrix Menu
Previously saved Matrices may be loaded from the 5 stores.
•Rotate the MENU control to select the desired store Load
(1–5) within the Matrix Menu then press it to load the
current Matrix from the store selected
The Load indicator changes momentarily to inverse text to
indicate that the Matrix is complete
Loading a Matrix permanently overrides the current
contents of the Matrix.

19
6.6 Gamma Menu
Default Gamma function of the video image complies with
SMPTE Rec. 709. Other Gamma functions may be applied to
provide an alternative video image look or for video image
diagnostic purposes via the Gamma Menu (Figure 11).
It is possible to load and select alternative pre-computed
arbitrary Gamma functions in the form of 10-bit look-up tables,
by special arrangement with AccuScene.
Figure 11 Gamma Menu
•Rotate the MENU control to select one of the Gamma
functions within the Gamma Menu then press it to select
the desired Gamma function
The current Gamma function is indicated in inverse text.

20
6.7 Diagnostics Menu
The Diagnostics Menu displays the current software version
code, the serial number of the specific unit in use and the
current internal temperature of the Viewfinder (Figure 12). The
Menu also allows the user to select test images, set video
black levels and restore a default setup.
Figure 12 Diagnostics Menu
6.7.1 Test Signals
Test Signals, internally generated within the Viewfinder, are
accessed within the Diagnostics Menu. These may be useful
for Brightness and Contrast adjustment in given ambient light
conditions.
•Rotate then press the MENU control to select Test Signals
within the Diagnostics Menu
•Rotate then press the MENU control to select individual
Test Signals including OFF, the normal video selection