Crescendo-Systems BUF2000 User manual
BUF2000 Video Buffer Amplifier with Gamma
Introduction
The Crescendo-Systems BUF2000 video buffer amplifer is a highly flexible device to
buffer a RGB or aYPrPb component signal. The RTC2000 will support any known video
format up to at least (1600 x 1200 @75Hz) and beyond.
Although most display devices can handle a wider range of sync options, some displays
have a narrower range of acceptable options. Therefore, the BUF2000 a wide range of
sync options as explained below. Additionally the low-level gamma curve of the
BUF2000 is user adjustable, an indispensable feature for optimum picture quality.
BUF2000 users manual v1.0
Warning! Using incorrect scan-frequencies or sync modes can seriously damage your
TV or front projector, Crescendo-Systems takes no responsibly implied or otherwise and
Crescendo-Systems’ total liability to any customer for any and all claims relating to the
use of the BUF2000 shall not exceed the total amount paid by such user to Crescendo-
Systems for obtaining this product.
Specifications
The BUF2000 offers the user total flexibility and has the following specifications and
features:
•Very high-Bandwidth RGB and Component video buffer
•Accepts bi- and tri-level sync
•Accepts all known video resolutions at least up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 @75Hz)
•Manual setting of H-width, H-polarity and V-polarity
•Drives cables of up to 50 feet (16m)
•Unity gain when driving 75 Ohm
•Sync outputs have a 75 Ohm source resistance and can drive a 75 Ohm load
Included in this package are one BUF2000 and one external power supply. The manual
with warrantee statement will be sent by email and optionally can be directly downloaded
from the Crescendo-Systems website.
BUF2000 users manual v1.0
Setup
In order to successfully use your BUF2000 in just follow the simple steps outlined below.
1. Make sure that your source device has the ability to correctly set the timing
needed by your display. If this is not the case, do not use the BUF2000.
2. Connect the component output of your source to the component input of the
BUF2000.
3. Connect the BUF2000 to your display using the VGA output connector.
4. Connect the power supply to the transcoder. Use only the supplied unit or an
exact equivalent.
Additional features
The BUF2000 is shipped in the following configuration:
•The horizontal and vertical sync are set to negative polarity with a horizontal sync
width of approximately 1μs
•The gamma control is set to just off
Normally the factory settings should work in most cases. If it does not, the sync features
mentioned above can be overruled manually. To do so the case has to be opened and
some switches changed. Before opening the case please remove the power supply
first. To open the case place a flathead screwdriver in one of the four slits on the side and
carefully twist to separate the two halves. To reach the switches on the bottom board
remove the top board by carefully pulling it up. On the bottom PCB is a switch block that
can be used to customize the various sync options of the BUF2000. A description of the
jumpers is given below.
BUF2000 users manual v1.0
Figure 1 BUF2000 printed circuit board
SW1: Sync on Green, in this mode all other switches have to be off.
SW2: Negative composite sync on H, in this mode all other switches have to be off.
SW3: Positive composite sync on H, in this mode all other switches have to be off.
SW4: Negative vertical sync, this mode must be combined with SW5, SW6 or SW8.
SW5: Negative horizontal sync, this mode must be combined with SW4 or SW7.
SW6: Positive horizontal sync, this mode must be combined with SW4 or SW7.
SW7: Positive vertical sync, this mode must be combined with SW5, SW6 or SW8.
SW8: Native horizontal sync, this mode must be combined with SW4 or SW7
In all modes except native horizontal sync, the H-sync width can be changed by turning
the potmeter on the bottom of the board. Turning clockwise will increase the sync width,
counter clockwise will decrease it, the range is approximately from 200ns to 5μs.
BUF2000 users manual v1.0
Gamma settings
Figure 2 BUF20000 gamma settings
When shipped the gamma correction is adjusted to off. To increase low level gamma,
rotate the 25-turn potmeter on the side labeled GAMMA clockwise. Figure 2 above
shows the response of the minimum and maximum gamma setting. As can be seen, the
amplitude of the video signal increases from 700mVpp at minimum gamma setting to
about 800mVpp at maximum gamma setting. After dialing in the gamma the contrast
setting of the display may have to be adjusted to compensate for this.
When the BUF2000 is used to buffer a YPrPb component signal, the gamma correction
cannot be used. In order to quickly switch the gamma correction off, please slide the
switch on the side into the off position.
BUF2000 users manual v1.0
Warranty
Crescendo-Systems designs and builds all products with the highest of care and every
product should operate trouble-free for many years when used under normal operating
conditions. Therefore, every BUF2000 carries a 1-year no-hassle replacement warranty.
Should a warranty replacement be needed, please contact sales@crescendo-systems.com
first.
BUF2000 users manual v1.0
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