Communications specialties Scan do pro ii User manual

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

High Resolution Computer-to-Video Scan Converter

with Genlock and Optional SDI Output (Scan Do Pro II/D)

USER’S MANUAL

WORLD HEADQUARTERS

55 Cabot Court

Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA

TEL: (631) 273-0404 FAX:(631) 273-1638

WWW: http://www.commspecial.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

Communications Specialties Pte Ltd

100 Beach Road

#22-09 Shaw Tower

Singapore 189702

TEL: +65 6391 8790 FAX: +65 6396 0138

EMAIL: [email protected]

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

Page 16 Page 1

CONTENTS

Introduction ......................................................................................... 3

Installation ........................................................................................... 4

Operation ............................................................................................ 6

Tips for Improving Your Converted Computer Images ...................... 9

Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 11

Accessories ...................................................................................... 12

Rear Connector Pin-outs .................................................................. 13

Statement of Warranty ..................................................................... 14

Certification Information ................................................................... 15

Scan Do is a registered trademark of Communications Specialties, Inc.

Macintosh and Macare registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT

YOU SHOULD HAVE: 1 - Scan Do®Pro II Computer-to-Video Scan Converter

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

AVAILABLE OPTIONAL

ACCESSORIES • RF Modulator for North America channels 3 and 4

• AC line cords for North America, Japan, UK, Europe or Australia

• Rack mounting kits

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

Page 3

Thank you for purchasing Scan Do Pro II, the amazingly affordable,

high-performance, computer-to-video scan converter. With

Scan Do Pro II, you now have the ability to convert your high-

resolution computer video signal into a form suitable for recording on

a VCR, displaying on a conventional TV or video monitor, or integrating

into a professional video production system.Scan Do Pro II does not

require any special software and operates completely externally from

your computer.

We advise that you read the section entitled Tips for Improving Your

Converted Computer Imageslater in this manual. It provides some useful

suggestions for obtaining the best possible image from your Scan Do Pro

II. It also explains what you should expect, in terms of image quality, when

your computer images are recorded on a VCR or displayed on a

conventional video monitor or TV.

Like all the products from Communications Specialties,

Scan Do Pro II comes with our continuing commitment to provide

support. In order to assist us in this process, please be sure to mail in your

product registration card. This will make it easier for us to notify you

with any new product announcements or other information concerning

our product line. Should you need to contact us for support, our office

is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

We also offer a comprehensive web site for your added convenience.

Thank you for choosing Scan Do Pro II. As always, we welcome your

comments and suggestions.

INTRODUCTION

Communications Specialties, Inc.

55 Cabot Court

Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA

TEL: (631) 273-0404

FAX: (631) 273-1638

WWW: http://www.commspecial.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

Communications Specialties Pte Ltd

100 Beach Road

#22-09 Shaw Tower

Singapore 189702

TEL: +65 6391 8790

FAX: +65 6396 0138

WWW: http://www.commspecial.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

Page 14

Communications Specialties, Inc. (CSI) warrants that for a period

of three years after purchase by the Buyer, Scan Do Pro II 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.

55 Cabot Court

Hauppauge, NY 11788 USA

TEL: (631) 273-0404

FAX: (631) 273-1638

or, in the Asia Pacific Region:

Communications Specialties Pte Ltd

TEL: +65 6391 8790

FAX: +65 6396 0138

(See page 5 of this manual for complete address)

RMA numbers can also be obtained from our web site:

http://www.commspecial.com

Please have your serial number (located underneath Scan Do Pro II)

available when contacting us.

WARRANTY

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

Page 4

INSTALLATION

SYNC TYPES SUPPORTED: Scan Do Pro II will automatically lock to any one of three different sync types:

separate H & V; composite sync; and sync-on-green.

Composite: This is a single composite video signal and is compatible with

the “video” input on consumer TVs, monitors and VCRs as well as on 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. Using this output will result in a better

quality picture than using the video output.

AVAILABLE OUTPUTS:

Disconnect your monitor from the monitor port on your PC.

Using the reversible 6-foot input cable provided with Scan Do Pro II, connect

one end to the monitor port on your computer and the other to the connector

on the rear panel of Scan Do Pro II marked either VGA In or Mac In.

Connect your monitor, if you have one, to the Scan Do Pro II connector

labeled VGA Out or Mac Out. Use the cable that is attached to your monitor

for this purpose.

Connect the AC line cord provided with Scan Do Pro II to the connector

labeled Power. Plug the AC line cord to the wall outlet to provide power.

Connect Scan Do Pro II’s Video, S-Video or component output to your video

equipment. If desired, you may use all outputs simultaneously. (Refer to the

next section.)

Complete the installation by turning your computer on, if it is not on already.

The front panel green LED labeledInput should illuminate, indicating the unit

is receiving a valid signal from the computer.

INSTALLATION STEPS: 1.

Component: This is another advanced form of video used in professional

video applications. The luminance and two color difference signals are used.

Scan Do Pro II may also output seperate red, green, blue and sync signals

instead of Y, R-Y, B-Y component signals.

SDI: This is a SMPTE-259M compatible serial digital signal. It is standard on

the Scan Do Pro II/D model only. A Scan Do Pro II may be upgraded at the

factory for this SDI option.

VIDEO STANDARD

SELECTION:

NTSC/PAL: This switch selects the video timing standard to be used for the

Video and S-Video 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.

Page 13

REAR CONNECTOR

PIN-OUTS

VGA IN/MAC OUT

(DB-15CONNECTOR)

VGA OUT/MAC IN

(HD-15CONNECTOR)

PIN 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

PIN 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

2 ...................... Ground

3 ...................... Luminance

4 ...................... Chrominance

1 (left) ............. Ground

2 (middle) ........ Receive Data

3 (right) ........... Transmit Data

GENLOCK IN/OUT,

COMPONENT, SDI,

COMPOSITE VIDEO OUTPUT

S-VIDEO OUTPUT

RS-232 REMOTE

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

Page 5

REMOTECONTROL: Scan Do Pro II provides for a hard-wired RS-232 remote control connection using

a 3-pin Phoenix-type connector on the rear panel. The baud rate is 9600 baud, no

parity, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit. The pin out is as follows:

1- Ground 2- Receive Data 3 -Transmit Data

Please contact the sales department at Communications Specialties or our web

site at www.commspecial.com for detailed specifications on the command

structure for this remote control port.

The genlock button turns the mode on and off. When the genlock mode is on, the

unit looks at the genlock input and determines if a signal is present. If a signal is

present, it determines if it is the correct format (525 or 625) according to the

personality of the rear panel output format switch.

When the genlock mode is off, the LED is off. The LED is on steady when the

genlock mode is on and a valid signal is present on the genlock input connector.

The LED blinks slowly when genlock mode is on and a valid signal is not present

on the connector. The LED blinks fast for 3 seconds when the genlock mode is

on, there is no valid signal and the genlock phasing button is pressed.

The factory default setting is genlock mode off.

The genlock phasing button turns the mode on and off only when the genlock

mode is on and a valid signal is present on the genlock input. When genlock mode

is off, the genlock phasing mode is automatically off. Pressing the button in this

case does not initiate any action. In the case where the genlock mode is on but

no valid signal is present, genlock phasing cannot be turned on. Pressing the

genlock phasing button in this instance causes the genlock mode LED to blink fast

for 3 seconds as described in the section above.

The LED is on when the genlock phasing mode is on and off when the genlock

phasing mode is off.

When the genlock phasing mode is on, the arrow buttons become the Horizontal

and Subcarrier phasing advance and delay buttons. Panning the image, moving to

a quadrant and centering the image horizontally and vertically are not available

from the front panel when genlock phasing mode is on.

When the unit is in genlock phasing mode, the right and left arrows are the

horizontal phase delay and advance buttons respectively. They are auto-repeat

functions and will single step for approximately 2 seconds then step in increments

of 10 after that as long as the button is held down.

The factory default is the center of the horizontal phasing range.

The up and down arrows are the subcarrier phase advance and delay buttons,

respectively, when the genlock phasing mode is on. They are also auto-repeat

functions and will single step for about 2 seconds then step in increments of 10

as long as the button is held down.

The factory default is the center of the Subcarrier phasing range.

1 2 3

GENLOCKMODE:

GENLOCK PHASING:

HORIZONTAL PHASING:

SUBCARRIER PHASING:

Page 12

ACCESSORIES

The following accessories are available for Scan Do Pro II. They

may be ordered from your dealer or directly from Communications

Specialties, Inc. If you have a need for an accessory that isn't listed

here, or have a specific application for which you need assistance, please

give us a call.

ITEM # DESCRIPTION

1246 Single rackmount kit. This kit allows one Scan Do

Pro II unit to be rackmounted.

1247 Double rackmount kit. This kit allows two Scan Do

Pro II units to be rackmounted.

1009 RF modulator. Modulates the composite video output

of Scan Do Pro II to TV channel 3 or 4 for connection

to the antenna input of your TV.

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

Page 6

OPERATION

Scan Do Pro II not only offers high performance and reliability, but

also provides an extremely easy, intuitive user interface. Please read this

section in its entirety. If, after becoming familiar with the unit’s operation

and features, you still have questions and need to contact us, please refer to

Page 3 for our phone, fax, email and web address.

COLOR BARS WHEN TEST IS

NOT ACTIVATED:

From time to time, your Scan Do Pro II may output color bars even though you

have not pushed the Test button on the front panel. If your unit is generating

color bars but the LED on the Test button is not illuminated, there is either no

input signal from the computer or the input signal from the computer is not in

a resolution or mode supported by Scan Do Pro II.

Page 11

TROUBLESHOOTING

IF THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM THEN CHECK THE FOLLOWING:

• Is the green POWER LED lit? If it is not, check to make sure that the

AC power cord is connected and plugged into the AC wall outlet.

• Check to make sure that the computer is properly sending out a

VGA or Mac signal by plugging the monitor directly into the

computer’s video output.

• Is the green Input LED lit? If it is not, check that your computer is

correctly connected to the Input connector on Scan Do Pro II. If it

is connected properly (see page 6), then your computer may not be

producing a resolution within the valid range or may not be producing

any signal at all.

• Press the Test button to see if you get color bars on the composite and

S-Video outputs. If you do get color bars, then the problem is related

to your input signal. Check the items mentioned in the above bullet.

If you do not get color bars, the problem is related to your output. Is

the VCR or video monitor in the proper mode to accept direct video

input? Is the output cable connected properly?

• 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 unless you are in the 85% Zoom mode. See page 6 for

instructions on how to use the Zoom button. Then use the cursor

buttons to center your image on the screen.

• The colors on your TV monitor will never exactly match the colors on

your computer monitor because each of these devices reproduce

color differently. However, try adjusting the color, tint, contrast and

brightness controls on your TV to help match the colors as best you

can. The color bar test pattern built into Scan Do Pro II may help you

in this process.

Nothing works or

there is no video output

No video on outputs

(Just a color bar test pattern)

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

Zoom: The zoom feature performs two important functions. First of all, it

provides an “underscan” function, which shrinks the image display both

horizontally and vertically by 15%. This ensures that no edges of your image are

lost beyond the borders of your screen when converted to a TV video format.

Secondly, the zoom feature provides three

settings which enlarge your image display

while also enhancing its resolution. By

repeatedly pressing the zoom button, you can

cycle through the different image sizes shown

on the chart to the right.

SIZING THE IMAGE:

*The 200% zoom ratio may not be available

at the highest input frequency.

Zoom Shortcut Buttons: Scan Do Pro II provides the option to go directly

to three of the zoom settings using the following button combinations. Both

buttons must be pushed simultaneously to access this feature.

DIAGNOSTIC LEDS: Power: This indicator tells when power is present and

Scan Do Pro II is ON. If this light is glowing dim or not at all, it is an indication

that something might be wrong with the internal 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.

Scan Do Pro II will support any computer resolution having a horizontal sync

frequency within the range of 31-71 kHz. Generally, this will include PCs up to

1280 x 1024 at 60 Hz. Interlaced resolutions are not supported.

VGA AND MAC RESOLUTIONS

SUPPORTED:

Test: This button will force Scan Do Pro II to generate a color bars test signal

on its outputs. Press once to activate it. Press it again to turn it off. The green

LED on the Testbutton indicates when the test pattern generator is in operation.

HOW TO ACTIVATE

TEST SIGNALS:

Zoom Ratio Indicator LED

85% ON

100% OFF

130% ON

160% ON

200%* ON

Zoom Ratio Button Combination

85% (lowest zoom; "underscan mode") ZOOM &

↓↓

↓

100% (standard "overscan mode") ZOOM & →→

→→

→

200% (highest zoom mode) ZOOM & ↑

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

Page 7

Page 10

USE HIGH GRADE VIDEO

TAPE:

When making a VCR recording, use a name brand videotape with a

“Pro” or “Broadcast” grade. An S-VHS tape can also be used, even if

you’re only making a standard VHS recording. Also, record using the

fastest possible speed (shortest time mode). You will have less noise and

tape jitter in your recording.

TV and video signals are designed to bleed off the edges of the screen.

This means that when a computer picture is converted to a TV standard,

the borders of your picture will be lost. In order to avoid this cropping

effect, you can use the Zoom feature on Scan Do Pro II to display your

image at 85%. If you would prefer to use the bleeding effect in your final

display, be sure to design your presentation with ample borders surround-

ing the “live area” of your image. That way, when the cropping does

occur, no critical part of your picture will be lost.

PAY ATTENTION TO

YOUR BORDERS:

ELIMINATE FLICKER: By far, the most annoying effect that occurs when a computer image

is converted to video is “flicker.” This rapid flashing may appear

throughout the screen or localized in one particular area, and is due to the

fact the TV monitors, unlike computer monitors, draw the even and odd

lines within the picture in alternating passes. This effect is most

noticeable on thin horizontal lines – particularly, bright lines against a

dark background.

The four-step anti-flicker filter in Scan Do Pro II employs an advanced

design technique to overcome this annoying problem with only a very

slight loss in vertical detail. When using this feature, experiment with

different settings, as you will receive the maximum benefit from differ-

ent levels depending on the type of visual you are displaying. You may

also want to keep in mind when designing your presentation that the less

thin, horizontal lines you use in your image, the less likely that any flicker

will be visible.

USE S-VIDEO: Almost all new, larger screen commercial TVs have an S-Video jack.

S-Video is a superior form of the standard TV video signal, in that the

brightness and color components of the image are separated into two

separate signals. This results in far fewer distortions and noticeably

superior image quality. So, if your TV or VCR is S-Video equipped,

definitely use the S-Video output from Scan Do Pro II. You’ll see a

difference.

This button toggles between YUV and RGB color space. The LED is lit when in

YUV and off when in RGB. YUV is the factory default setting.

YUV/RGB COLOR SPACE:

Anti-Flicker: This button will activate one of four levels of flicker reduction. To

turn on the flicker filter, push the Anti-Flicker button once. This activates level one

of the filter. The green LED should illuminate, indicating that this feature is now

active.

Press the button repeatedly to cycle through levels two, three and four of the

flicker filter. The green light will remain lit for all four stages. Pushing the button a

fifth time will turn off the flicker filter and extinguish the green LED.

Try the different settings for this button to see which gives the best results for the

application you are viewing. You’ll discover that depending on the type of image,

different settings provide the maximum benefit.

REDUCING FLICKER IN

THE IMAGE:

VERTICAL FILTER: This button toggles the vertical fliter on and off. The LED is lit when the vertical

filter is on and off when it is off. The factory default setting is vertical filter off.

FREEZING THE IMAGE ON

YOUR VIDEO SCREEN:

Freeze: Scan Do Pro II gives you the ability to freeze or stop the image on your

video screen without halting your computer application. When you push the Freeze

button, the images output by Scan Do Pro II will freeze and the green LED will

illuminate. (The loop-through support to your local computer monitor will remain

active.) Press the button again to deactivate the freeze feature and extinguish the LED.

While in the freeze mode, all keypad functions are still active. However, you will

not see the effects from using any other features, such as Zoom, until the Freeze

mode is turned off.

Cursor Buttons (Arrows): As TV monitors and video projectors may not always

display the image in the center of the screen, you may use the four “arrow” buttons

on the front of Scan Do Pro II to position the image up, down, left and right. The

image will move one increment each time you push the button. If you continue to

push down any of the arrow buttons, the image will begin to move continuously, first

slowly and then more quickly.

POSITIONING THE

IMAGE ON THE

SCREEN:

Positioning Shortcut Buttons: Pushing the following button combinations simul-

taneously will immediately position your image as follows:

IMAGE POSITION BUTTON COMBINATION

Center image vertically ↑↑

↑↑

↑ and ↓↓

↓↓

↓

Center image horizonatally ←←

←←

← and →→

→→

→

Upper left corner ↑↑

↑↑

↑ and ←←

←←

←

Upper right corner ↑↑

↑↑

↑ and →→

→→

→

Lower left corner ↓↓

↓↓

↓ and ←←

←←

←

Lower right corner ↓↓

↓↓

↓ and →→

→→

→

Scan Do Pro II User’s Manual

Page 8 Page 9

TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR

CONVERTED COMPUTER IMAGES

It has been our experience, at CSI, that customers are sometimes

surprised that computer images converted to video do not look as

sharp and vivid as the original computer image does. Unfortunately,

this result is inevitable regardless of the scan converter you use, for the

technology behind TV video is far inferior to that behind newer computer

video standards. This is not to say that the quality of scan converter you

use doesn’t matter, but even the very best scan converter will not provide

output that matches the quality of your original computer picture.

Scan converters, like Scan Do Pro II, were created to bridge the

differences between the relatively new standards of computer video and

the 40-year old standards of conventional TV video. When using a scan

converter, there are several things you can do to get the best possible

results from the conversion process. These involve understanding the

limitations of standard TV video and creating images that “work around”

these shortcomings. The following tips apply whether you are displaying

your scan converter output directly on a monitor or recording it onto

videotape. While you should have realistic expectations regarding the

type of image you will be able to obtain, taking the following steps will

definitely improve your results:

USE BLACK AND WHITE: In the world of standard TV video, shades of gray are processed

differently than colors. In fact, TVs and VCRs process black, white and

all grays in between with a minimum of distortion. Use this to your

advantage in the design process by substituting gray in place of color

whenever appropriate.

AVOID INTENSE COLORS: Along the same lines, fully saturated colors (like bright red and green)

look terrible on a TV monitor. And, recording these colors to videotape

makes them look even worse. Whenever possible, try to use slightly

muted colors instead.

KNOW WHAT YOUR CONVERTED

IMAGE WILL LOOK LIKE:

First of all, when creating any computer presentation that you ulti-

mately plan to display in video format, it is always a good idea to hook

up a Scan Do Pro II and view the output on a TV monitor during the

creation process. While this may require a little bit of extra set-up time,

it has the potential to save you far more time and aggrevation later on by

avoiding the need to correct any unwanted “surprises” in your finished

work.

Sync-on-Green: Set "lever 1" to "ON"

Pedestal On/Off: Unit is preset for Pedestal Use. To turn it off, set

the switch to "ON"

PAL M: Set "lever 3" to "ON" and set exterior back panel

switch to NTSC.

PAL N: Set "lever 4" to "ON" and set exterior back panel

switch to PAL.

SYNC-ON-GREEN, PEDESTAL ON/OFF,

PAL M AND PAL N:

An internal switch located on the Scan Do Pro II and Pro II/D board

allows you to configure the unit for several custom settings. To access the

switch, first disconnect AC power. Then, remove the two screws from the

front panel. Drop the panel, which is connected to the board by a ribbon

cable. The switch, labeled "S2", is blue with four white levers and is located

on the front left corner of the board. The unit comes preset with all levers

set to "OFF." Printed to the left of the switch, on the board, are instructions

for use. A summary is provided below:

RETURNING TO FACTORY

DEFAULT SETTINGS:

Reset: You may quickly return all Scan Do Pro II functions to their

factory default settings by simultaneously pressing the Test and ←

buttons.

LOCKING THE BUTTON

PANEL:

Lock/Unlock: The button panel may be locked or unlocked by simulta-

neously pressing the following button combinations:

LOCK: TEST AND ↑↑

↑↑

↑

UNLOCK: TEST AND ↓↓

↓↓

↓

Genlock Buttons Lock/Unlock: Once the genlock timing has been set,

it may be desireable to lock the Genlock and the Genlock Phasing

buttons so that nothing happens if they are accidentally pressed.This can

be accomplished by simultaneously pressing the following button combi-

nations:

GENLOCK BUTTON LOCK: VERT FILTER AND ↑↑

↑↑

↑

GENLOCK BUTTON UNLOCK: VERT FILTER AND ↓↓

↓↓

↓

When the genlock keys are locked, the function of the arrow keys will

automatically become set to the panning mode. Once the genlock keys are

unlocked, the Genlock Phasing button must be pressed to put the arrow

keys back in genlock phasing mode.

LOCKING THE GENLOCK AND

GENLOCK PHASING BUTTONS: