Communications Specialties Scan Do 1024 User manual

Page 1Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
CONTENTS
User & Certification Information _________________ 2
Introduction _________________________________ 3
Installation __________________________________ 4
Operation __________________________________ 6
What to Expect from Converted Computer Images _ 10
S-Video: The Improved Quality Video Standard ____ 12
Troubleshooting ____________________________ 13
Accessories ________________________________ 14
Rear Connector Pin-outs _____________________ 15
Statement of Warranty _______________________ 16
1 - Scan Do 1024 Computer to Video Scan Converter
1 - Universal input power supply
1 - AC power line cord
1 - 6 foot Computer input cable for VGA and Macintosh
1 - 12 foot composite video output cable
1 - 12 foot S-Video output cable
1 - User’s Manual
1 - Product Registration card
• 12 foot BNC adapter cable for Scan Do 1024’s RGB output
• 12 foot Sharp projector cable for Scan Do 1024’s RGB output
• 12 foot SCART cable for Scan Do 1024’s RGB output
• RF Modulator for North America channels 3 and 4
• AC line cords for North America, Japan, UK or Europe
• Rack mounting kits
Scan Do is a registered trademark of Communications Specialties, Inc.
Macintosh and Mac are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Available Optional
Accessories
Included With This
Product You Should Have

Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 2
USER & CERTIFICATION
INFORMATION
Scan Do 1024 Information
FCC STATEMENT
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio
communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the
user, at his own expense, will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
UL INFORMATION
This product carries the UL and CUL marks for ITE equipment,
Listing #: 8D47
CE INFORMATION
Standards to which conformity is declared:
EMC EN 55022: 1994, CISPR 22: 1993, Class B Limit
EN 50082-1: 1992
IEC 801-2: 1991
IEC 801-3: 1984
IEC 801-4: 1988
Power Supply Information
UL INFORMATION
This product carries the UL and CUL marks for ITE equipment,
Listing #: 2L85
CE INFORMATION
Standards to which conformity is declared:
EMC EN 55022: 1987, CISPR 22: 1993, Class B Limit
EN 50082-1: 1992
IEC 801-2: 1991
IEC 801-3: 1984
IEC 801-4: 1988
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Page 3Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual

+

Thank you for purchasing Scan Do 1024, the Computer to
Video Scan Converter. We are sure you will find it to be a
reliable and useful product. You will find a wide array of uses
for Scan Do 1024. You now have the ability to convert your
computer monitor signal into a form suitable for recording on
a VCR, displaying on a conventional TV or video monitor, or
integrating into a multimedia production system. There is no
software required to operate Scan Do 1024 or board to
install into your computer.
We advise you to read the section on What to Expect from
Converted Computer Images later in this manual. It explains
the quality of the image you can expect when your computer
images are recorded on a VCR or displayed on a conven-
tional video monitor or TV and tips on improving them. Also,
please read the section on S-Video: The Improved Quality
Video Standard which explains what the S-Video output is
and why it should be used whenever possible.
Like all the products from Communications Specialties, it
comes with our continuing commitment to support you, the
customer. We welcome your comments and suggestions for
Scan Do 1024 and thank you for the choice you made in our
product and the confidence you have shown in our company.
Please mail in your Product Registration card to us before
you forget. This will help us to keep in touch with you should
there be any new product announcements or information
concerning Communications Specialties products. Should
you have the need to contact us for support, now or in the
future, we can be reached, Monday through Friday, from
8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.
Communications Specialties, Inc.
89K Cabot Court
Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
INTERNET: http://www.commspecial.com
EMAIL: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION

Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 4
+
+
+
+
+
Available Outputs
Video Standard
Selection
Disconnect your monitor from the monitor port on your PC.
Connect the 6 foot input cable, provided with Scan Do 1024,
from the monitor port on your computer to the connector on
the rear panel of Scan Do 1024 for either VGA IN or MAC IN.
This input cable is used to connect to both Mac and VGA
computers.
Connect your monitor, if you have one, to the MONITOR
connector labeled VGA OUT or MAC OUT.
Connect the power supply provided with Scan Do 1024 to
the connector labeled POWER. Connect the AC line cord to
the wall outlet to provide power to Scan Do 1024.
Connect one of Scan Do 1024's video outputs to your video
equipment. Depending on what type of video equipment you
are connecting to, you may use one or more of the following
outputs.
COMPOSITE: This is a single composite video signal and is
compatible with the "video" input on VCR's and consumer
TV/monitors as well as all professional video equipment. It
cannot be connected to the "antenna" input.
S-VIDEO: This is an advanced form of video where the
brightness and color parts of the image are actually on two
separate signals. This signal is sometimes called S-VHS, S-
Video or Y/C. It is also compatible with Hi-8 and the Beta-ED
standards. Use of this output will yield a better quality picture
than the VIDEO output.
RED, GREEN, BLUE, SYNC: This output has separate
RED, GREEN, BLUE, and SYNC signals which can be used
by some video projectors and monitors.
NTSC/PAL: This switch selects the video timing standard to
be used for the VIDEO, S-VIDEO, and RGB outputs. NTSC
is the standard for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and
parts of South America. PAL is used throughout most of
Europe, the Middle East, Southern Asia, and the Pacific Rim.
INSTALLATION

Page 5Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
All outputs are available at the same time. Unused outputs
do not have to be terminated if they are not being used.
Complete the installation by powering ON your computer if it
is not already ON. The front panel green indicator labeled
INPUT should light after the computer is turned on to indicate
it is receiving a proper signal from the computer. Please refer
to the OPERATION section for an explanation of this indicator.
Be sure the front panel FREEZE light is OFF to see your
computer's image on Scan Do 1024's outputs.
+


Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 6
OPERATION
Scan Do 1024 is designed to be easy to use, reliable,
intelligent, and high performance. You will find the operation
to be intuitive. However, we suggest you read the following
pages to fully understand how Scan Do 1024 operates and
to take advantage of all its features. If after becoming familiar
with its operation and features you still have questions,
please let us know. If you have any suggestions to improve
its operation or find any features of particular value, we would
like to know that as well.
POWER: This indicator tells when power is present and
Scan Do 1024 is ON. If this light is glowing dim or not at all,
it is an indication that something might be wrong with the
external power supply.
INPUT: This indicator tells when a valid computer signal is
present at the VGA IN or MAC IN connector on the rear panel.
The following is a list of all the valid VGA and Mac display
resolutions and their vertical refresh rates that Scan Do 1024
will detect and convert. If Scan Do 1024 does not detect one
of these resolutions on its input, it will display a flat blue
screen on its output and the INPUT light will flash.
VGA: 320x200 @ 70Hz 640x480 @ 60, 72, 73
640x200 @ 70Hz & 75 Hz
640x350 @ 70, 84, 87Hz 800x600 @ 56, 60, 72
720x350 @ 70, 84, 87Hz 73, & 75 Hz
720x400 @ 70Hz 1024x768 @ 60, 70, 72
73, & 75 Hz
MAC: 640x480 @ 66Hz
832x624 @ 75 Hz 1024x768 @ 60 & 75 Hz
TEST: This button will force Scan Do 1024 to generate one
of two test signals on its COMPOSITE and S-VIDEO outputs
(not available on the RGB output). Press the switch once and
the indicator light will go ON to show the color bar signal.
Press it again, and the output will now be a gray scale ramp.
Press it a third time and the indicator light will go OFF and the
outputs will now show the computer input.
NOTE: If the TEST button is pressed in continuously for 5
seconds, Scan Do 1024 will automatically reset all functions.

VGA and Mac
Resolutions Supported
How to Activate
Test Signals

Page 7Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
UNDERSCAN: Because most TV monitors "overscan" their
image display, some desirable part of the image may be lost.
The UNDERSCAN button can be used to shrink the image,
both horizontally and vertically, approximately 10% in size.
Push the button to shrink the image and the green light will
illuminate. Push it again to restore the image to its original
size and the light will extinguish.
ANTI-FLICKER: This button will activate one of two levels of
flicker reduction. When the button is pressed the first time,
the green light will indicate it is in the level 1 stage of flicker
reduction.
This level 1 stage may still show some flicker but will preserve
a greater amount of detail compared to level 2. Level 1
should be used unless you still find the flicker annoying.
Pressing the button again will cause the green light to stay lit
and go into the level 2 stage of flicker reduction. This level
2 stage will eliminate the flicker but will also reduce the detail
in the image.
Pressing the button once again will extinguish the green light
and turn off the anti-flicker filter.
You should try the different settings for this button to see
which gives the best results for the application you are
viewing.
FREEZE: You may desire to freeze or stop the image on your
video screen without stopping your computer application. If
the button is pressed, the image is frozen on Scan Do 1024's
video outputs. The green light will also illuminate. Press the
button again to extinguish the light and resume normal
operation.
While in the freeze mode, all keypad functions are disabled
except the FREEZE key. If you attempt to press any other
key while in the freeze mode, the indicator light on the freeze
key will flash to indicate Scan Do 1024 is in the freeze mode.
Shrinking the Image
to Fit on the Screen

Reducing Flicker
in the Image


Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 8
IMAGE POSITIONING ARROWS: TV monitors and video
projectors may not always display the image in the center of
the screen even when it is underscanned. Scan Do 1024
has four buttons that allow you to position the displayed
image up, down, left, and right to properly position the image
in the center of the screen.
These positioning controls will move one increment for every
push of the button. If you leave the button pressed it will
move continuously, slow at first, then fast.
MAGNIFY: Pushing this button will magnify the image from
your computer by approximately 150%. When you first press
the button, the green indicator will light and the output of
Scan Do 1024 will show the center portion of the computer
image, full screen on its outputs. By using the four position-
ing buttons you can show any magnified portion of the
original computer image. If you press HOME on the UNDER-
SCAN button, the image will reposition first to the upper left
corner, then to the lower left when pressed again, then lower
right, then the upper right as the button is pressed in
succession.
To restore the image to its original size, press the MAGNIFY
button again.
BLUE SCREEN: From time to time you will notice the video
outputs will show a blue screen. Sometimes for a brief
instant, and sometimes continuously.
Scan Do 1024 automatically produces this blue screen
under any one of the following conditions:
• There is no input signal from the computer
• There is a signal from the computer, but it is not in a
resolution or mode supported by Scan Do 1024
• Your computer has temporarily changed resolutions
during a program and the output of Scan Do 1024 has
momentarily flashed a blue screen
If you think the blue screen should not occur, make sure one
of the above conditions is not occurring.

Positioning the
Image on the
Screen
Magnifying the
Image

Other Operational
Features

Page 9Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
COMPUTER DISPLAY RESOLUTION SUPPORT: The
design of Scan Do 1024 does its best to determine the pixel
resolution (i.e. 640 x 480) and the vertical refresh rate (i.e. 72
Hz) that is coming from your computer. While there are
published standards for most of the display modes, some
manufacturers of older cards may have chosen to vary
slightly from these standards.
If you encounter a display mode that matches one of the
modes listed on page 6, but Scan Do 1024 does not respond
to it, we want to know about it. Give us a call or drop us a note
and tell us the computer make and model, make and model
of the video display card, and the display resolution and
vertical refresh rate you're having a problem with. We'll do
our best to replicate the problem and let you know what we
can do to fix it.
THE COMPUTER INPUT CABLE: The cable supplied with
Scan Do 1024 for connecting to your computer is somewhat
different than what you might be used to seeing. It is
designed to be compatible with both VGA and Macintosh
computers. It is specially wired and DB-15 to HD-15 adapters
cannot be used as substitutes. When connecting Scan Do
1024 to your computer, start with your computer output to
match the right connector on the cable.

Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 10
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM
CONVERTED COMPUTER IMAGES
We have introduced this section to give you some insight into
what you can and should expect computer images to look like
once they are converted to standard video. Often we at CSI
find that our customers are sometimes surprised that computer
images converted to video do not look as sharp and vivid as
they do on the computer monitor. Although this may be
somewhat disappointing, it should come as no surprise.
Color TV and video monitors have been with us for 40 years.
VGA and Mac monitors have been with us for about 6 or 7
years. Although improvements have been made in TV
monitor designs, they must still be compatible with a TV
standard that is 40 years old. When high resolution computer
graphic standards were introduced, such as VGA and Mac II,
new display technologies were developed to achieve higher
detail and sharper colors than offered by conventional TV
and video standards. However, "real world" video equipment
(e.g. VCRs, TV/monitors) is still based on these conventional
video standards, such as NTSC and PAL.
Scan converters, like Scan Do 1024, were created to bridge
between the dissimilar standards of computer video and
conventional video equipment. The trade-off in the process
is that the computer image must now conform to 40 year old
TV standards and displayed on monitors, or recorded on
VCRs, that do not have the sophistication to display all the
detail and purity originally seen on the computer monitor. But
all is not lost. There are a few things you can do to get the best
image possible on your TV/monitor or recorded on video
tape. The tips that follow will all contribute to improved quality
of your display and/or VCR recording.
In the world of video, black, white, and all the shades of gray
are not considered "colors". TVs and VCRs process these
shades of grays with a minimum of distortion. When creating
an image on your computer, try to use different shades of
gray instead of color.
The "Christmas Effect" is a computer image created by an
artist who really likes the green and red color combination.
Nothing looks worse on a TV. Try to avoid saturated colors.
+
+

Page 11Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
+
+
+
So often we are impressed with the vivid colors and ultra-
sharp detail we see on the computer monitor. However, TVs
and video monitors are not this pure, especially if they are
displaying a video signal that was "beat up" by a VCR
recording. While creating the image on your computer,
preview it on a TV or video monitor connected to Scan Do
1024 to see what the end result will look like to avoid
surprises later.
When making a VCR recording, use a name brand "Pro" or
"Broadcast" grade tape. An S-VHS tape can also be used
even if you are only making a standard VHS recording. Also,
record using the fastest speed (shortest time mode). You will
have less noise and tape jitter in your recording.
Almost all TVs and video monitors overscan the image
resulting in some of the picture being "cropped" off the edges
of the picture tube. The UNDERSCAN mode of Scan Do
1024 will shrink the image to compensate for this overscan
which will vary in amount from one TV/monitor to another. In
order to insure that all the useful information is still displayed
on the TV/monitor, make sure all text is located at least 5%
in from the sides, top and bottom.
By far the most annoying effect that occurs when a computer
image is converted to video is "flicker". This rapid flashing of
the image's brightness can appear to be pervasive throughout
the screen or localized to one particular area. It is most
noticeable on thin horizontal lines, particularly, bright lines
against a dark background. It is not seen on computer
monitors because all the horizontal lines that make up the
image are drawn on the screen in one pass from top to bottom
60 or 70 times a second. When the same image is converted
to video a single line will only be drawn on the screen either
30 (NTSC) or 25 (PAL) times a second. The flicker you see
is the same line being drawn at this rapid rate, but not rapid
enough to blur together. The anti-flicker filter in Scan Do
1024 employs an advanced design technique to overcome
this annoying problem with only a very slight loss in vertical
detail.
+

Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 12
S-VIDEO, THE IMPROVED QUALITY
VIDEO STANDARD
Most of us are familiar with two forms of TV video. RF, which
is how cable TV and over the air TV comes into our homes,
and Composite Video or just plain Video. "Video" is
sometimes called "baseband" video. Composite video is, as
its name implies, a single electrical signal which is made up
of brightness, color, and synchronizing components. It is
simple to communicate and record on VCRs. If we take this
signal and place it, or modulate it, onto a TV channel we have
what is called an RF video signal. The problem comes in
when your TV/monitor or VCR has to break the signal apart
to show it on the screen or record it on tape. Much processing
is involved and distortions of the image will occur.
Several years ago, TV engineers devised a simple scheme
which was not only relatively inexpensive to implement but
very effective in reducing the distortions that occur in TV/
monitor/VCR processing. It is called S-VIDEO.
In this TV signal system, there are actually two signals. The
LUMINANCE or "Y" signal carries the sync and brightness
components while the CHROMA or "C" signal carries the
color component. By keeping these two signals separate
before they go into the TV/monitor, it eliminates the need for
the TV/monitor to do the work of separating them inside the
set. The result is a displayed image that has more detail and
less color distortion. If you were to compare any given image
on a TV/monitor between the VIDEO and S-VIDEO modes,
the difference in the quality of the images would be dramatic.
Almost all of the new larger screen TVs (25 inches and
above) that have audio/video jacks will also have an S-
VIDEO jack just like the one on the rear of Scan Do 1024. If
it is available: USE IT! You will see a difference.
+

Page 13Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THEN CHECK TO SEE IF:
• The green POWER indicator is lit. Is the power supply
connected and plugged into the AC wall outlet?
• The computer is properly sending out a VGA or MAC
signal. Plug the VGA or MAC monitor into the
computer's output to check.
• The VCR or video monitor is in the proper mode to accept
direct video input.
• The green INPUT indicator is lit. If not, the computer
may not be in the proper VGA or MAC mode (see
page 6) or not producing a VGA or MAC signal at
all.
• Press the TEST button to see if you get color bars or
grey scale on the COMPOSITE or S-VIDEO
outputs.
• When using a laptop, try turning off the laptop's LCD
screen and having the VGA signal output through
the external port only.
• This is normal if the UNDERSCAN button is off. Press the
UNDERSCAN button and use the positioning buttons
to move the image on the screen.
• Since the picture tube on your computer monitor is different
than the one on your TV or video monitor, color
differences will be common. Adjust the COLOR,
TINT, CONTRAST, and BRIGHTNESS controls on
your TV to help match the colors to the computer
monitor. The test patterns built into Scan Do 1024
can be used to help you.
Nothing works or
no video output
No video on outputs
(Just a blue screen)
Some of the image is being
lost off the sides, top, or
bottom
The color on the TV monitor
is different than the color
on the computer monitor

Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 14
ACCESSORIES
The following accessories are available for Scan Do 1024.
They may be ordered from your dealer or directly from
Communications Specialties, Inc. If you need an accessory
that you don't see here or have a specific application for
which you need assistance, please give us a call.
ITEM # DESCRIPTION
1240 Single rackmount kit. This kit allows one
Scan Do 1024 to be rackmounted.
1241 Double rackmount kit. This kit allows two
Scan Do 1024's to be rackmounted.
1150 RGBS cable for BNC connection. A 12 foot
cable that connects the RGBS output of
Scan Do 1024 to video equipment with BNC
connectors.
1151 RGBS cable for Sharp LCD projectors. A 12
foot cable that connects the RGBS output of
Scan Do 1024 to the DB-15 connector on
Sharp LCD projectors.
1154 RGBS cable for SCART connector on
European TV monitors. A 4 meter cable that
connects the RGBS output of Scan Do 1024 to
a SCART A/V connector.
1156 RGBS input cable. A 3 foot cable that connects
an RGBS signal to the input of Scan Do 1024.
1009 RF modulator. Modulates the COMPOSITE
video output of Scan Do 1024 to TV channel 3
or 4 for connection to the antenna input of your
TV.

Page 15Scan Do 1024 User’s Manual
REAR CONNECTOR
PIN-OUTS
VGA In/MAC Out
(DB-15 Connector)
POWER
VGA Out/MAC In
(HD-15 Connector)
Center +5 Vdc In
Outer Ground
VGA Out MAC In
1 Red Red
2 Green Green
3 Blue Blue
4 ID bit 2 ID bit-2
5 Ground Ground
6 Red Ground Red Ground
7 Green Ground Green Ground
8 Blue Ground Blue Ground
9 N/C N/C
10 Monitor Present Computer Present
11 Ground (ID bit 0) Ground (ID bit 0)
12 ID bit 1 ID bit 1
13 H-Sync Out H-Sync In
14 V-Sync Out V-Sync In
15 ID bit 3 Comp. Sync In
VGA In MAC Out
1 Ground Ground
2 Red Red
3 Reserved Comp. Sync Out
4 ID bit 0 ID bit 0
5 Green Green
6 Red Ground Red Ground
7 ID bit 1 ID bit 1
8 N/C N/C
9 Blue Blue
10 ID bit 2 ID bit 2
11 Ground Ground
12 V-Sync In V-Sync Out
13 Computer Present Monitor Present
14 Ground Ground
15 H-Sync In H-Sync Out
Center Video Out
Outer Video Ground
1 Ground 3 Luminance
2 Ground 4 Chrominance
1,2,6,9 Ground 5 Blue
3 Red 8 Comp. Sync
4 Green
COMPOSITE VIDEO
OUTPUT
S-VIDEO OUTPUT
RGB OUTPUT

Scan Do 1024 User’s ManualPage 16
Communications Specialties, Inc. (CSI) warrants that for a
period of three years after purchase by the Buyer, Scan Do
1024 will be free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use and service. A Return Material Authorization
(RMA) number must be obtained from CSI before any
equipment is returned by the Buyer. All material must be
shipped to CSI at the expense and risk of the Buyer.
CSI's obligation under this warranty will be limited, at its
option, to either the repair or replacement of defective units,
including free materials and labor. In no event shall CSI be
responsible for any incidental or consequential damages or
loss of profits or goodwill.
CSI shall not be obligated to replace or repair equipment that
has been damaged by fire, war, acts of God, or similar
causes, or equipment that has been serviced by unauthorized
personnel, altered, improperly installed, or abused.
RMA numbers and repairs can be obtained from:
Communications Specialties, Inc.
89K Cabot Court
Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Please have your serial number (located underneath Scan
Do 1024) available when contacting us.
STATEMENT OF
WARRANTY