ASTRO VG Series User manual

Programmable Video Signal Generator
VG-870B/871B/873/874
Instruction Manual
Ver.3.80

Programmable Video Signal Generator
VG-870B/871B/
873/874
Instruction Manual
2012.12
Ver.3.80
ASTRODESIGN,Inc

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C Co on nt te en nt ts s
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................xi
Safety precautions ...............................................................................................................................xi
What is packed with the generator.....................................................................................................xiv
CONCERNING THE VG-870B/871B/873/874............................................................................................................ 1
1.1 General description .................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Features ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Data configuration .................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Panel parts and their functions .................................................................................................3
1.4.1 VG-870B/873 front panel ......................................................................................... 3
1.4.2 VG-871B/874 front panel ......................................................................................... 3
1.4.3 RB-1870/RB-1871 panel.......................................................................................... 3
1.4.4 Names of the keys and their functions..................................................................... 5
1.4.5 VG-870B/871B/873/874 rear panel.......................................................................... 7
1.4.6 Names of connectors and their applications ............................................................ 7
1.4.7 VG-870B/871B/873/874 side panel ......................................................................... 8
1.4.8 Tools used to operate the VG-870B/871B/873/874 ................................................. 8
1.5 VG-870B/871B/873/874 video units ......................................................................................... 9
1.5.1 HDMI unit (VM-1817)............................................................................................... 9
1.5.2 TV encoder unit (VM-1812) ..................................................................................... 9
1.5.3 PC analog unit (VM-1811) ..................................................................................... 10
1.5.4 DVI unit (VM-1814)................................................................................................ 10
1.5.5 LVDS unit (VM-1815)............................................................................................. 10
1.5.6 Parallel unit (VM-1816)...........................................................................................11
1.5.7 DisplayPort unit (VM-1820 .. discontinued).............................................................11
1.5.8 4K2K iTMDS unit (VM-1824) ..................................................................................11
1.5.9 4K2K iTMDS Quad unit (VM-1824-A) .................................................................... 12
1.5.10 V-by-One HS unit (VM-1825)................................................................................. 12
1.5.11 SDI unit (VM-1821)................................................................................................ 12
1.5.12 HDMI (3D, ARC) unit (VM-1822) ........................................................................... 13
1.5.13 HDMI 300MHz Unit (VM-1823).................................................................................... 13
1.5.14 DisplayPort Unit (VM-1820A)....................................................................................... 13
1.5.15 DisplayPort, eDP Unit (VM-1826) ................................................................................ 14
OPERATION PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................................. 15
2.1 Flow of basic operations......................................................................................................... 15
2.1.1 Settings required for displays ................................................................................ 15
2.1.2 Selecting the timing data ....................................................................................... 16
2.1.3 Selecting the pattern data...................................................................................... 17
2.1.4 Selecting the actions.............................................................................................. 19
2.2 Saving the program data ........................................................................................................ 22

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2.3 Setting the names .................................................................................................................. 23
2.4 Groups.................................................................................................................................... 24
2.4.1 Executing groups................................................................................................... 24
2.4.2 Setting and saving groups ..................................................................................... 25
2.5 Automatic execution ............................................................................................................... 26
2.6 Displays appearing on the VG-871B / 874 fluorescent display tube....................................... 28
TIMING DATA SETTINGS........................................................................................................................................ 29
3.1 Horizontal timing data editing ................................................................................................. 29
3.1.1 Horizontal timing data............................................................................................ 29
3.1.2 Restrictions on the horizontal timing parameters................................................... 29
3.1.3 Horizontal timing data setting procedure ............................................................... 30
3.2 Vertical timing data editing...................................................................................................... 31
3.2.1 Vertical timing data ................................................................................................ 31
3.2.2 Restrictions on the vertical timing parameters....................................................... 31
3.2.3 Vertical timing data setting procedure.................................................................... 34
3.2.4 Concerning the scanning modes ........................................................................... 35
3.2.5 Concerning the TV modes..................................................................................... 35
3.2.6 Concerning Serration and EQP ............................................................................. 36
3.2.7 Concerning EQP-Fp and EQP-Bp ......................................................................... 37
INTERFACE SETTINGS .......................................................................................................................................... 41
4.1 Output settings ....................................................................................................................... 41
4.1.1 Setting the output interfaces to ON or OFF ........................................................... 41
4.1.2 Setting the sync signals to ON or OFF and setting the sync signal polarities........ 42
4.1.3 Setting the level mode ........................................................................................... 44
4.1.4 Setting the aspect ratio.......................................................................................... 45
4.1.5 Setting the bit length (gray scale) for pattern drawing ........................................... 47
4.1.6 Selecting RGB or YPbPr and setting the color difference coefficients ................... 49
4.1.7 Setting the analog level ......................................................................................... 51
4.1.8 Setting the digital level........................................................................................... 52
4.1.9 Audio sweep settings............................................................................................. 53
4.1.10 Setting the audio level (temporary settings) .......................................................... 54
4.1.11 Digital level setting of 3D pattern ................................................................................. 55
4.2 HDMI ...................................................................................................................................... 57
4.2.1 Connectors and pin assignments .......................................................................... 57
4.2.2 HDMI setting procedure......................................................................................... 59
4.2.3 InfoFrame/Packet .................................................................................................. 61
4.2.4 CEC function ......................................................................................................... 83
4.2.5 Embedded audio, high bit rate audio (option)........................................................ 86
4.2.6 EDID...................................................................................................................... 87
4.2.7 HDCP .................................................................................................................... 87
4.2.8 DDC/CI .................................................................................................................. 87
4.2.9 LipSync.................................................................................................................. 87

Contents
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4.2.10 VD-1673 (HDMI SWITCHER)................................................................................ 88
4.2.11 Audio Return Channel ........................................................................................... 89
4.2.12 HDMI Ethernet Channel............................................................................................... 93
4.3 DVI ....................................................................................................................................... 105
4.3.1 Connectors and pin assignments......................................................................... 105
4.3.2 DVI unit setting procedure ................................................................................... 106
4.3.3 PC analog unit (DVI) setting procedure ............................................................... 108
4.3.4 DVI data transfer systems ................................................................................... 109
4.3.5 Sync signal polarity setting ...................................................................................112
4.3.6 EDID.....................................................................................................................112
4.3.7 HDCP ...................................................................................................................112
4.3.8 DDC/CI .................................................................................................................112
4.4 4K2K (iTMDS, iTMDS Quad) (VM-1824, VM-1824-A)...........................................................113
4.4.1 Connectors and pin assignments..........................................................................113
4.4.2 4K2K (iTMDS) unit setting procedure ...................................................................114
4.4.3 iTMDS data transfer systems................................................................................118
4.4.4 Sync signal polarity settings ................................................................................ 144
4.5 LVDS .................................................................................................................................... 145
4.5.1 Connectors and pin assignments......................................................................... 145
4.5.2 LVDS setting procedure....................................................................................... 146
4.5.3 Data transfer system............................................................................................ 150
4.5.4 Bit arrays ............................................................................................................. 163
4.6 Parallel ................................................................................................................................. 166
4.6.1 Connectors and pin assignments......................................................................... 166
4.6.2 Parallel data setting procedure ............................................................................ 167
4.7 Analog component signals ................................................................................................... 170
4.7.1 Connectors and output signals ............................................................................ 170
4.7.2 Setting the analog output connectors .................................................................. 170
4.7.3 Setting the analog video level.............................................................................. 171
4.7.4 Sync signal settings............................................................................................. 171
4.8 Composite connector and Y/C connector (S connector) .................................... 172
4.8.1 Connectors and output signals ............................................................................ 172
4.8.2 Composite signal filter settings ............................................................................ 173
4.8.3 Setting the ID signals (Y/C) ................................................................................. 174
4.8.4 Functions available with TV standard signals ...................................................... 174
4.9 D5 (D connector) .................................................................................................................. 175
4.9.1 Connectors and pin assignments......................................................................... 175
4.9.2 ID signals............................................................................................................. 175
4.10 VGA (D-Sub)......................................................................................................................... 177
4.10.1 Connectors and pin assignments......................................................................... 177
4.10.2 Video level settings.............................................................................................. 177
4.10.3 Sync signal settings............................................................................................. 177
4.10.4 EDID.................................................................................................................... 177
4.10.5 DDC/CI ................................................................................................................ 177

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4.11 SCART ................................................................................................................................. 178
4.11.1 Connectors and pin assignments ........................................................................ 178
4.11.2 SCART setting procedure.................................................................................... 179
4.11.3 Functions available with TV standard signals ...................................................... 180
4.11.4 Filter settings ....................................................................................................... 180
4.11.5 Concerning the fast blanking signal..................................................................... 181
4.11.6 Audio settings...................................................................................................... 181
4.12 DisplayPort / eDP ................................................................................................................. 182
4.12.1 Connectors and pin assignments ........................................................................ 182
4.12.2 DisplayPort setting procedure.............................................................................. 185
4.12.3 Displaying the DisplayPort setting information..................................................... 194
4.12.4 DisplayPort Analysis ............................................................................................ 197
4.12.5 Embedded audio ................................................................................................. 201
4.12.6 EDID.................................................................................................................... 201
4.12.7 HDCP .................................................................................................................. 201
4.12.8 DDC/CI ................................................................................................................ 202
4.12.9 Info Frame ................................................................................................................. 203
4.12.10 Setting for eDP (for VM-1826)............................................................................... 212
4.13 V-by-One HS (VM-1825) ...................................................................................................... 216
4.13.1 Connectors and pin assignments ........................................................................ 216
4.13.2 V-by-One HS setting procedure........................................................................... 217
4.13.3 Data transfer systems.......................................................................................... 220
4.13.4 V-by-One HS Control........................................................................................... 253
4.14 SDI (VM-1821) ..................................................................................................................... 254
4.14.1 Concerning the SDI output .................................................................................. 254
4.14.2 SDI setting procedure.......................................................................................... 254
4.14.3 Embedded audio ................................................................................................. 257
4.15 Analog audio settings ........................................................................................................... 258
4.15.1 Connectors and output signals ............................................................................ 258
4.15.2 Analog audio signals ........................................................................................... 258
4.16 Digital audio.......................................................................................................................... 260
4.16.1 Digital audio......................................................................................................... 260
4.16.2 Audio sweep settings........................................................................................... 267
4.16.3 Flash data entry (option)...................................................................................... 267
4.17 Audio sweep setting ............................................................................................................. 267
FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE WITH............................................................................................................................. 269
TV STANDARD SIGNALS...................................................................................................................................... 269
5.1 Macrovision .......................................................................................................................... 270
5.1.1 Description and specifications ............................................................................. 270
5.1.2 Setting procedure ................................................................................................ 271
5.2 Closed captions/V-Chip ........................................................................................................ 272
5.2.1 Description and specifications ............................................................................. 272

Contents
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5.2.2 Closed caption settings........................................................................................ 273
5.2.3 V-Chip settings .................................................................................................... 278
5.2.4 Changing the data superimposing line................................................................. 283
5.3 Teletext ................................................................................................................................. 284
5.3.1 Description and specifications ............................................................................. 284
5.3.2 Setting procedure ................................................................................................ 285
5.4 WSS ..................................................................................................................................... 289
5.4.1 Description and specifications ............................................................................. 289
5.4.2 Setting procedure ................................................................................................ 290
5.5 CGMS -A/ID-1 ...................................................................................................................... 292
5.5.1 Description and specifications ............................................................................. 292
5.5.2 Setting procedure ................................................................................................ 293
PATTERN SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................................ 295
6.1 Color bar patterns................................................................................................................. 295
6.1.1 Types of color bar patterns .................................................................................. 295
6.1.2 Color bar pattern customizing.............................................................................. 296
6.2 Gray scale patterns .............................................................................................................. 299
6.2.1 Types of gray scale patterns................................................................................ 299
6.2.2 Gray scale pattern customizing............................................................................ 300
6.3 Ramp patterns...................................................................................................................... 303
6.3.1 Types of ramp patterns ........................................................................................ 303
6.3.2 Ramp pattern type settings and customizing ....................................................... 304
6.4 Sweep patterns..................................................................................................................... 307
6.4.1 Types of sweep patterns...................................................................................... 307
6.4.2 Sweep pattern selection ...................................................................................... 308
6.5 Monoscope patterns ............................................................................................................. 309
6.5.1 Types of monoscope patterns.............................................................................. 309
6.5.2 Monoscope pattern selection............................................................................... 309
6.6 Raster patterns ......................................................................................................................311
6.6.1 Types of raster patterns ........................................................................................311
6.6.2 Raster pattern type settings and customizing .......................................................311
6.7 Aspect ratio patterns............................................................................................................. 313
6.7.1 Types of aspect ratio patterns.............................................................................. 313
6.7.2 Aspect ratio pattern type settings and customizing.............................................. 314
6.8 Checkerboard patterns ......................................................................................................... 317
6.8.1 Types of checkerboard patterns........................................................................... 317
6.8.2 Checkerboard pattern customizing ...................................................................... 318
6.9 Image/OPT ........................................................................................................................... 321
6.9.1 Types of Image/OPT............................................................................................ 321
6.9.2 Option and image patterns setting....................................................................... 322
6.9.3 Moving images settings (option) .......................................................................... 323
6.9.4 9-marker (OPT No.76) settings............................................................................ 324
6.9.5 3D Image Pattern （OPT No.100）setting ................................................................... 326

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6.9.6 Setting the 3D pattern (OPT No.101)................................................................... 329
6.10 × ABC patterns ........................................................................................................... 336
6.10.1 Color settings....................................................................................................... 337
6.10.2 Character patterns............................................................................................... 338
6.10.3 Crosshatch patterns ............................................................................................ 339
6.10.4 Dot patterns......................................................................................................... 341
6.10.5 Circle patterns ..................................................................................................... 342
6.10.6 Burst patterns ...................................................................................................... 345
6.11 Window patterns................................................................................................................... 347
6.11.1 Types of window patterns .................................................................................... 347
6.11.2 Window pattern settings ...................................................................................... 348
6.12 Cursor patterns..................................................................................................................... 351
6.12.1 Cursor settings .................................................................................................... 351
6.12.2 Cursor operations ................................................................................................ 354
6.13 Name/List ............................................................................................................................. 356
6.13.1 Name/List display ................................................................................................ 356
6.13.2 Name................................................................................................................... 358
6.13.3 EDID.................................................................................................................... 360
6.13.4 DDC/CI ................................................................................................................ 363
6.13.5 HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)............................................. 365
6.13.6 HDMI list.............................................................................................................. 367
6.13.7 Timing data list..................................................................................................... 368
6.13.8 Image pattern list ................................................................................................. 369
6.13.9 OPT-USER pattern list......................................................................................... 369
6.13.10 Subtitle ................................................................................................................ 370
6.14 Video black/white reversal.................................................................................................... 372
6.15 Simple animation.................................................................................................................. 372
6.15.1 Creating and registering the images.................................................................... 372
6.15.2 Simple animation settings.................................................................................... 375
ACTION SETTINGS............................................................................................................................................... 377
7.1 Concerning the planes.......................................................................................................... 377
7.2 Window actions .................................................................................................................... 378
7.2.1 Scrolling............................................................................................................... 378
7.2.2 Flickering ............................................................................................................. 380
7.2.3 Level up/down actions ......................................................................................... 381
7.2.4 Level sequence action......................................................................................... 382
7.3 Graphic plane scrolling actions............................................................................................. 384
7.4 Character plane scrolling actions ......................................................................................... 386
7.5 Subtitle scrolling ................................................................................................................... 388
7.6 0.25- and 0.125-dot scrolling actions (option)....................................................................... 390
7.7 Motion blur............................................................................................................................ 393
7.8 Scroll Sequence ................................................................................................................... 396
7.9 LipSync................................................................................................................................. 398

Contents
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7.10 Black insertion action............................................................................................................ 400
HDCP SETTINGS AND EXECUTION .................................................................................................................... 401
8.1 HDCP settings ...................................................................................................................... 401
8.2 HDCP execution ................................................................................................................... 402
8.2.1 Execution procedure............................................................................................ 402
8.2.2 Screen displays during HDCP execution ............................................................. 404
8.2.3 HDCP/EDID/CEC collective display..................................................................... 406
VG-870B/871B/873/874 SYSTEM SETTINGS....................................................................................................... 409
9.1 System settings .................................................................................................................... 409
9.1.1 Beep setting......................................................................................................... 409
9.1.2 Key lock setting ................................................................................................... 410
9.1.3 RS-232C settings..................................................................................................411
9.1.4 LAN settings ........................................................................................................ 412
9.1.5 INC/DEC continuity setting .................................................................................. 413
9.1.6 INC/DEC interval setting...................................................................................... 413
9.1.7 Color depth setting............................................................................................... 414
9.1.8 SAMPLE RGB/YPbPr setting .............................................................................. 414
9.1.9 DDC clock setting ................................................................................................ 415
9.1.10 Trigger mode settings .......................................................................................... 416
9.1.11 Image - priority settings ....................................................................................... 422
9.1.12 Image Position Setting......................................................................................... 423
9.1.13 Cursor coordinate setting..................................................................................... 424
9.1.14 Mouse speed setting............................................................................................ 425
9.1.15 Digital Video Level Step setting ........................................................................... 426
9.1.16 High-speed drawing mode setting ....................................................................... 427
9.1.17 CUSTOM Key1, 2, RB-1871 CUSTOM Key 1, 2 ................................................. 428
9.1.18 Operation mode at power-on ............................................................................... 429
9.1.19 CF Prg FolderNo. setting..................................................................................... 430
9.1.20 AVMUTE operation mode settings....................................................................... 431
OTHER FUNCTIONS............................................................................................................................................. 433
10.1 Copying and erasing data..................................................................................................... 433
10.1.1 Copying programs ............................................................................................... 433
10.1.2 Copying user characters...................................................................................... 435
10.1.3 Copying user optional patterns ............................................................................ 436
10.1.4 Copying images................................................................................................... 437
10.1.5 Copying subtitle ................................................................................................... 438
10.1.6 Copying groups.................................................................................................... 439
10.1.7 Copying auto executions ..................................................................................... 440
10.1.8 Copying all data................................................................................................... 441
10.1.9 Erasing programs ................................................................................................ 442
10.1.10 Erasing user characters....................................................................................... 442

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10.1.11 Erasing user optional patterns............................................................................. 443
10.1.12 Erasing images.................................................................................................... 443
10.1.13 Erasing subtitle.................................................................................................... 444
10.1.14 Erasing groups .................................................................................................... 444
10.1.15 Erasing automatic executions.............................................................................. 445
10.1.16 Erasing all data.................................................................................................... 445
10.2 Short-cut keys ...................................................................................................................... 446
10.3 Information ........................................................................................................................... 448
10.4 Data initialization .................................................................................................................. 449
10.4.1 Initializing the system settings ............................................................................. 449
10.4.2 Initializing the short-cut data................................................................................ 450
10.5 Formatting ............................................................................................................................ 451
10.5.1 Formatting the CF card........................................................................................ 451
10.5.2 Formatting CF cards for exclusive use of moving images ................................... 452
10.5.3 Internal memory formatting and data installation ................................................. 453
10.6 Adjustments.......................................................................................................................... 456
10.6.1 Adjusting the RGB video levels of the PC analog unit ......................................... 456
10.6.2 Adjusting the YPbPr video levels of the TV encoder unit..................................... 457
10.6.3 Adjusting the COMPOSITE/SCART video levels of the TV encoder unit............. 458
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................................................. 459
11.1 Main specifications ............................................................................................................... 459
11.1.1 Common specifications ....................................................................................... 459
11.1.2 HDMI unit ............................................................................................................ 460
11.1.3 TV encoder unit (VM-1812) ................................................................................. 461
Note: VM-1812-B does not support PAL-N, PAL-60, SECAM. Option Pattern #77 (SMPTE
color bar CVBS) is not supported. ....................................................................... 461
11.1.4 PC analog unit (VM-1811) ................................................................................... 461
11.1.5 DVI unit (VM-1814).............................................................................................. 462
11.1.6 LVDS unit (VM-1815)........................................................................................... 462
11.1.7 PARALLEL unit (VM-1816) .................................................................................. 462
11.1.8 DP unit (VM-1820 / 1820A).................................................................................. 463
11.1.9 DP/eDP Unit （VM-1826）........................................................................................... 464
11.1.10 4K2K (iTMDS, iTMDS Quad) unit (VM-1824, VM-1824-A) .................................. 466
11.1.11 V-by-One HS unit................................................................................................. 467
11.1.12 SDI unit (VM-1821).............................................................................................. 468
11.1.13 Moving image module ......................................................................................... 469
11.1.14 External control.................................................................................................... 469
11.1.15 General specifications ......................................................................................... 469
11.2 Connector specifications ...................................................................................................... 470
11.2.1 RS232C-Connector ............................................................................................. 470
11.2.2 Trigger-Connector................................................................................................ 470
11.3 Internal data ......................................................................................................................... 471
11.3.1 Program data....................................................................................................... 471

Contents
ix
11.3.2 Optional pattern data ........................................................................................... 515
11.3.3 User character pattern data ................................................................................. 518
11.3.4 Character pattern data......................................................................................... 523
11.3.5 Tables of standard signals ................................................................................... 531
PRECAUTIONARY ITEMS..................................................................................................................................... 537
12.1 Differences between the generator models .......................................................................... 537
12.2 Relationships between pattern drawing bit length and dot clock frequency.......................... 537
12.2.1 HDMI Unit (VM-1817, 1822, 1823).......................................................................... 538
12.2.2 TV encoder unit (VM-1812) ................................................................................. 540
12.2.3 PC analog unit (VM-1811) ................................................................................... 541
12.2.4 DVI unit (VM-1814).............................................................................................. 542
12.2.5 LVDS unit (VM-1815)........................................................................................... 543
12.2.6 Parallel unit (VM-1816)........................................................................................ 544
12.2.7 DisplayPort unit (VM-1820, 1820A) ..................................................................... 545
12.2.8 DP/eDP Unit (VM-1826) ............................................................................................ 548
12.2.9 4K2K (iTMDS) unit (VM-1824, 1824-A) ............................................................... 550
12.2.10 V-by-One HS unit................................................................................................. 554
12.3 Concerning the maximum current consumption of the DDC (DP_PWR) power supply........ 556
LIST OF ERROR MESSAGES............................................................................................................................... 557
13.1 Media-related error............................................................................................................... 557
13.2 General error ........................................................................................................................ 557
13.3 HDCP-related error............................................................................................................... 560
13.4 User-generated optional pattern-related error ...................................................................... 560

x

xi
BEFORE OPERATING THE GENERATOR
Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing this model VG-870B/871B/873/874 video signal generator.
This manual contains details on the operation procedures to be followed when the VG-870B/871B/873/874 is used,
the checkpoints and precautions to be observed, and so on. Improper handling may result in malfunctioning so
before using the VG-870B/871B, please read through these instructions to ensure that you will operate the generator
correctly.
After reading through the manual, keep it in a safe place for future reference.
Safety precautions
WARNING
Concerning the generator
Do not subject the generator to impact or throw it. Doing so may cause the
generator to malfunction, explode or generate abnormally high levels of heat,
possibly resulting in a fire.
Do not use the generator where there is a danger of ignition or explosions.
Do not place the generator inside a microwave oven or other heating kitchen
appliance or inside a high pressure vessel. Doing so may heat up the generator to
abnormally high levels, cause smoking, running the risk of the generator’s catching
fire and/or damaging the circuit components.
This generator contains some high-voltage parts. If you touch them, you may
receive an electric shock and burn yourself so do not attempt to disassemble, repair
or remodel the generator.
If there is a thunderstorm while the generator is being used outdoors, immediately
turn off its power, disconnect the power cable from the main unit, and move the
generator to a safe place.
Concerning the power cord
Always take hold of the molded part of the plug when disconnecting the power cord.
Do not use force to bend the power cord or bunch it up for use. Doing so may cause
a fire.
Do not place heavy objects on top of the power cord. Doing so may damage the
cord, causing a fire or electrical shock.
Concerning foreign matter
Do not spill liquids inside the generator or drop inflammable objects or metal parts
into it. Operating the generator under these conditions may cause a fire, electric
shocks and/or malfunctioning.

xii
CAUTION
Concerning the generator
When connecting the generator to a display unit, use the FG cable provided to
connect the frame ground (FG) terminal on the generator to the frame ground
terminal on the display unit. If these terminals are not connected together, the
generator may fail. Take special care when connecting the generator to a display
unit which is under development.
When disconnecting the VG-870B/871B/873/874 from the display unit, first
disconnects the connecting cables, and then disconnects the FG cable.
When the generator’s power is to be turned ON or OFF, be absolutely sure to use the
POWER switch on the front panel. Turning the power on and off by plugging in and
unplugging the AC power cable may damage the PC card.
Do not start using the generator straight away: instead, turn on the power of the
VG-870B/871B/873/874 and allow it to warm up for about 10 to 15 minutes before use
so as to ensure that the VG-870B/871B will operate stably.
It is forbidden to remove the video units from the generator main unit.
A Compact Flash (CF) card slot is provided on the front panel. The LED at the side of
the slot flashes while the data on the CF card is being accessed. Under no
circumstances must the card be ejected while this LED is flashing. Otherwise,
malfunctioning may result.
Never unscrew and open the FC card slot (for the moving image module) cover on
the side panel of the main unit while the main unit power is turned on.
Malfunctioning may result if the cover or the screw should drop into the chassis of
the main unit.
Concerning impact
This is a precision instrument and, as such, subjecting it to impact may cause
malfunctioning. Take special care when moving the generator.
Do not drop the generator.
Concerning installation
Install the generator in a stable location. Do not stand it on either of its side panels.
Doing so may cause the generator’s temperature to rise due to heat generation,
possibly resulting in malfunctioning.

BEFORE OPERATING THE GENERATOR
xiii
When trouble or malfunctioning has occurred
In the unlikely event that trouble or malfunctioning should occur, disconnect the
generator’s power cable, and contact your dealer or an ASTRODESIGN sales
representative.

xiv
What is packed with the generator
The generator comes with the following items.
Be absolutely sure to use only the genuine accessories which are supplied with this generator since the use of any
non-designated items may cause malfunctioning.
Standard accessories
VG-870B/871B/873/874 main unit
CD with VG-870B/871B/873/874 instruction manual (what you are now reading): 1 disc
CompactFlash (CF) card: 1 pc
CompactFlash (CF) card case: 1 pc
SP-8870 software installation CD (for Windows): 1 pc
SP-8870 instruction manual: PDF version (packed with the SP-8870 software installation CD)
Power cable: 1 pc *1
FG cable (1.5 meters long): 1 pc *1
*1: These cables are designed to be used exclusively with the VG-870B/871B.
Optional accessories
RB-1870:
Remote control box used exclusively *2 with the VG-870B/871B/873/874
RB-1871:
Simplified remote control box used exclusively *2 with the VG-870B/871B/873/874
This remote control box is used exclusively for executing program data, timing data, pattern data and other
operations so it cannot be used for setting operations.
*2: These remote control boxes are not compatible with the existing VG series other than
VG-870/871/870A/871A.

1
1
1 CONCERNING THE
VG-870B/871B/873/874
1.1 General description
The VG-870B/871B/873/874 video signal generator supports applications in every field of display test
and measuring.
It features a high level of expandability which is achieved by the installing video output interface units.
1.2 Features
16-bit high-speed imaging engine
This generator features a maximum 16-bit × RGB high-gradation imaging engine. It even draws full
HD images in an instant.
Wide dot clock frequency range
The VG-870B/873 support dot clock frequencies up to 340 MHz. The VG-871B/874 support a
maximum dot clock frequency of 250 MHz for analog outputs and a maximum dot clock frequency
of 340 MHz for digital outputs.
Windows-compatible editing and registration software (SP-8870) provided
as standard accessory
This software can be used to edit and register the program data and exercise control over the
signals output from the PC connected to the RS-232C/LAN/USB connector.
Full variety of sample data incorporated inside
A total of a thousand types of timing data and a thousand types of pattern data are registered
inside the VG-870B/871B/873/874 as sample data. They are categorized by standard, application
and other factors, and it is possible for the data required to be selected easily.
Registration of program data on PC cards
A total of a thousand program data can be registered on a PC card. PC screens or natural images
can also be registered. On a PC equipped with a PC card slot, the data can be copied using
Explorer provided with Windows 98SE, Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
Creation of user option patterns
In addition to the existing basic patterns (including character, crosshatch, color bar and gray scale)
and optional patterns, a function that allows users to create their own optional patterns has been
added. This function makes it possible to create the optional patterns which are useful for
developing and evaluating the next-generation displays.
Selection and installation of up to three video units possible
In line with the operating environment, users can select up to three kinds of video units from the six
kinds of output units available. In addition, a multiple number of video units of the same kind can
be installed, and ASTRODESIGN also provides units which are customized to the needs of the
users.
Output of uncompressed movies
10-bit uncompressed movies can be output from the output unit which the user has selected.
* When output units are to be added or replaced, please contact
ASTRODESIGN.

2
1.3 Data configuration
The data output by the VG-870B/871B is managed by the program data.
The program data consists of the pattern data which is used to set the data relating to the output images
and the timing data which is used to set the data relating to all other output timing data and output
conditions.
The table below gives a breakdown of the data.
Block Description
Program Name Program name
Timing Timing
Output Output condition
Timing data
AUDIO Audio output
Pattern PatternPattern data
Action Pattern action
A number of types of program data, optional patterns and user character patterns are contained as
sample data inside the VG-870B/871B.
Number of data
Timing data 1000 (Timing # 1001 to 2000)
Pattern data 1000 (Pattern # 1001 to 2000)
Optional patterns 200 (1 to 200)
User character patterns 16 (F0H to FFH)
The various data can be registered in the internal memory (approx. 100 MB) of the
VG-870B/871B/873/874 or on CF cards.
Number of data
Program data 1000 (Program # 1 to 1000)
User option patterns 200 (1 to 200)
Images (image data) 200 (1 to 200)
* Number of data depends on the image data size,
memory capacity and card capacity.
User character patterns 16 (E0H to EFH)
Number of characters in program names 20 characters
Number of groups 99 (1 to 99)
Number of group data 98 (1 to 98)
Number of characters in group names 20 characters
* For further details on groups, refer to
“2.4 Groups.”
* For further details, refer to “9.1.11 Image - priority settings.”
When a CF card has been inserted, the data registered on that
card becomes valid, and the data registered in the internal
memory becomes invalid.
In the case of image data, both the data on a CF card and the
data in the internal memory can be made valid. *
CAUTION