Crystal Vision Indigo Q-Down Mini User manual

Q-Down Mini
Minibox broadcast down converter
and distribution amplifier
Crystal Vision Ltd., Lion Technology Park, Station Road East, Whittlesford, Cambridge, CB22 4WL, England.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] [e-mail] www.crystalvision.tv

Crystal Vision Q-Down Mini User Manual
Q-Down Mini User Manual R1.1 109/08/2016
Contents
1Introduction 2
2Hardware installation 3
2.1 Connection details 3
2.2 Module configuration 4
Module setup 5
Output aspect ratio 5
Analogue output format 5
Video delay 6
Pedestal 6
YUV format 6
Vertical Filter 6
Status LEDs 6
2.3 General Purpose Interface (GPI) 7
2.4 Mounting 7
3Trouble shooting 8
Monitoring 8
Basic fault finding guide 8
4Specification 9

Crystal Vision Introduction
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1Introduction
The Q-Down Mini is a broadcast down converter and distribution amplifier with a short
processing delay of 16 lines. A reclocked input loop-through is available along with a
standard definition SDI and three Standard Definition link selectable SDI/analogue
outputs. The analogue outputs can be selected to give CVBS, Y/C, YUV or RGB. The
output line rate at all times will be the same as the input line rate.
There are three video delay settings available, minimum (processing delay), fixed (52 SD
lines) and frame.
Q-Down Mini’s processing delay is determined by several factors such as input format,
aspect ratio selection and reclocker status. With a High Definition input the minimum
processing delay will be 16 SD lines with a full screen output. Selecting Letterbox will
increase this delay to 52 SD lines. For a Standard Definition input the delay will be as
little as 1µs with the reclocker bypassed.
Q-Down Mini down converter
The main features are as follows:
•Selectable output aspect ratio, (centre-cut, letterbox and anamorphic).
•High quality down conversion with a minimum of 16 lines of processing delay
(dependent on conversion selected) Selectable fixed delay also available
•Aspect ratio and vertical filter selection with a High Definition input
•Link selectable output formats - Standard Definition analogue and digital
•Ideal for desktop and areas with limited access
Q-Down Mini is a 165mm x 80mm x 28mm module with an external universal AC mains
adaptor. Q-Down Mini is ideal for use in any application where a stand-alone down
converter is required.

Crystal Vision Hardware installation
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2Hardware installation
2.1 Connection details
The Q-Down Mini has six BNC connections for the video signals and a 9-way D Type
plug for the power connections and access to the GPIs.
The three analogue outputs can be configured with internal moveable links and mini
switches to give a variety of analogue and serial digital signals.
BNC I/O assignment
HD SDI IN High Definition/Standard Definition serial digital input
HD SDI OUT High Definition/Standard Definition serial digital input reclocked loop-through
SDI-CVBS-C-V-R Standard Definition SDI/CVBS, YC-C,V, R output
SDI-CVBS-Y-U-B Standard Definition SDI/CVBS, YC-Y, U, B output
SDI-CVBS-Y-G Standard Definition SDI/CVBS,Y, G output
SDI Output Standard Definition SDI output
Note:
When the Y/C output format is selected the third analogue output will give CVBS.

Crystal Vision Hardware installation
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2.2 Module configuration
Each of the three analogue/SDI outputs is configurable by way of moveable links. To gain
access to these moveable links it will first be necessary to remove the modules base. The
modules base can be removed by taking out the six countersunk securing screws, two of
which are found on each side and a further two on the centre line at each end.
Note:
Do not remove the top cover as this will disturb the heatsink arrangement and could impair
Q-Down Mini’s extended temperature reliability.
There are a total of eight moveable links on the Q-Down Mini, of which five have no user
configuration. PL1-PL6 is for output configuration. All other links should be left in their
factory set state.
The four potentiometers have been factory set and should not require further adjustments.
Q-Down Mini with lower case removed
Link configurations
The outputconfiguration links are designed to be moved as a pair. When moving these
links ensure their orientation remains correct, as rotating by 90 degrees is likely to result
in the output not being as desired.
Link Towards board edge 1-2 Away from board edge 2-3
PL1/PL4 Standard Definition serial digital output CVBS / Y / G output
PL2/PL5 Standard Definition serial digital output CVBS / U / B / YC-Y output
PL3/PL6 Standard Definition serial digital output CVBS / V / R / YC-C output

Crystal Vision Hardware installation
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Module setup
Apart from the internal SDI/analogue links, all configuration is made by switch selection.
Switches
Aspect Ratio 1 2 Analogue Output 3 4 Video Delay 5 6
Anamorphic Off Off CVBS Off Off Minimum Off Off
Letterbox On Off YUV On Off Fixed On Off
Centre Cut Off On RGB Off On Frame Off On
Follow GPI On On Y/C On On
Pedestal 7 YUV Format 8 Filter 9 10
NTSC-J Off SMPTE Off Softest Off Off
NTSC-M On Betacam On Soft On Off
Sharp Off On
Sharpest On On
Output aspect ratio
With a High Definition input a choice of output aspect ratio can be made. The three
choices are: 16:9 letterbox, centre cut and full screen anamorphic. This choice of aspect
ratio is set by a combination of switches 1 and 2. It is further possible to control the aspect
ratio remotely by using the GPI connections with switch 1 and 2 set to follow GPI.
Analogue output format
The analogue output format is selected by a combination of switches 3 and 4. It should be
noted that when Y/C is selected for output the third BNC will give a CBVS output.
Note:
The final output configuration will depend on the settings of links PL1-6.

Crystal Vision Hardware installation
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Video delay
Video delay can be set using a combination of switches 5 and 6
With an HD video input the minimum processing delay will be 16 or 52 SD lines
depending on the selected conversion. The fixed delay will always be 52 SD lines and
frame will be one full SD video frame.
With an SD video input the minimum processing delay will become as little as 1µs. Fixed
and frame will remain 52 SD line and one frame respectively.
Pedestal
Switch 7 is to add or remove a +7.5IE pedestal for NTSC-M or NTSC-J. This switch will
be ignored if the analogue video output is in the PAL format.
YUV format
When the output format is set to component YUV switch 8 can be used to select Betacam
levels.
Vertical Filter
Q-Down Mini uses sophisticated two dimensional filtering to achieve a reliable artefact-
free conversion. Four selectable levels of filtering from sharpest through sharp and soft to
softest allow Q-Down Mini’s performance to be optimised for the material being down
converted.
Filter selection is made using a combination of switches 9 and 10(0).
Status LEDs
Q-Down Mini has two LEDs - one for power present and the other for input present.
LED Illuminated Not Illuminated
LED1 (upper) Input present No valid input present
LED2 (lower) All supplies are within tolerance No power present or internal rail out of tolerance

Crystal Vision Hardware installation
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2.3 General Purpose Interface (GPI)
The six GPI connections ‘a-f’ for GPI control and monitoring are available on the 9-way D-
Type connector.
D-Type
pin
number
GPI Low (<1V) High (+5V)
1 a Letterbox Anamorphic
2 b Centre cut
3 c No function at present
4 d No function at present
5 e No function at present
6 f Input missing or not valid Input present
As supplied, each GPI output has a 270Ω resistor in series with its output. This allows for an
external LED to be driven, connected to a DC voltage of +5V. Each GPI input is fitted with a
10kΩ pull-up resistor connected to the internal +5V.
9-way D Type connector as seen from the end view
DC power connection
DC power is supplied to pins 8 (+ve) and pin 9 (0V) of the D Type connector. Q-Down
Mini has an internal diode to prevent damage from inadvertent reversals of the supply
connections, and is also fused. The supply voltage range is from 6V to 14V at 6.5 watts.
Note:
The internal PCB fuse will require being de-soldered to replace.
2.4 Mounting
There are two convenient M3 threaded inserts in the base of the Q-Down Mini for the
purpose of mounting the unit to a suitable back-plate. Orientation of the module is not
critical but it is important that the venting holes are not obscured and the free flow of air
is not restricted.

Crystal Vision Trouble shooting
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3 Trouble shooting
Monitoring
The two LEDs provide useful power rail monitoring and input status.
The following table summarises the card edge LED functions and colours:
LED Illuminated Not Illuminated
LED1 (upper) Input present No valid input present
LED2 (lower) All supplies are within tolerance No power present or internal rail out of tolerance
Basic fault finding guide
The Power OK LED is not illuminated
Check the PSU is functioning
There is no video output
Check that a valid SDI is present and that any cabling is intact
Check that input video is of a supported format
The video output is SDI when an analogue video output is expected
Check that the internal jumper link settings are correct for the expected output format as explained in
the Installation chapter
The video output exhibits jitter
Check that the input SDIstability is within normal limits

Crystal Vision Specification
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4Specification
General
Dimensions 165mm x 80mm x 28mm.
Weight 480g
Supply 6-14 volts DC
Power consumption 6.5 W
Inputs
Video HD or SD SDI 270Mb/s or 1.485Gb/s serial digital compliant to SMPTE
259M and SMPTE 292M
HD. Up to 140m with Belden 1694 or equivalent (Belden 8281 or
equivalent up to 100m)
SD (270Mb/s) >250 metres
Input formats 625i 50, 525i 59.94, 720p 50, 720p 59.94, 1080i 50, 1080i 59.94
Outputs
Analogue Three selectable for CVBS, YUV, RGB and Y/C
Serial digital
One reclocked input loop-through
Up to four reclocked SDI outputs 270Mb/s or SMPTE 259M
Jitter: Typically SDI < 0.2UI @ 1kHz
Processing delay: Selectable
Component:
YUV and GBR 1 Volt ±2% into 75ohm. Sync on G, B & R
(Betacam levels selectable)
Composite:
1V ±2% with sync into 75ohm
Auxillary data:
Blanked.
Component performance
Processing: Video input is 10 bit processed for 12 bit output DACs
Frequency response: Luminance: +/- 0.3dB to 5.5 MHz.
Chrominance: +/- 0.4dB to 2.5 MHz
Noise: <-67dB weighted luminance or chrominance
Gain error: < 1%
Composite performance
Processing: Video input is 10 bit processed for 12 bit output DACs
Frequency response: Luminance: +/- 0.3dB to 5 MHz
Chrominance: +/- 0.4dB to 2.5 MHz

Crystal Vision Specification
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Noise: < -67dB weighted luminance or chrominance
Differential gain: < 2% typ
Differential phase: ±1° typ
Status monitoring
LEDs PSU rails present
SDI input HD/SD
GPI inputs
Number and type: 4 x GPI inputs two of which select aspect ratio
GPI outputs
Number and type: 2 x GPI outputs, one of which indicates loss of input
Input fail output
Type: Blue