EVS Synapse GDK100 User manual
Synapse
GDK100
Dual Background Input 3GB/S, HD, SD SDI
Downstream Keyer with Preview Output
Version1.00|November2021
USER MANUAL
Disclaimer
This manual and the information contained herein are the sole property of EVS Broadcast Equipment SA
and/or its affiliates (EVS) and are provided “as is” without any expressed or implied warranties, including,
but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In
particular, EVS makes no warranty regarding the use or the consequences of use of this manual and the
information contained herein. Furthermore, EVS may not be held liable for any direct or indirect,
incidental, punitive or consequential loss, damage, cost or expense of any kind whatsoever and
howsoever resulting from the normal or abnormal use of this manual and the information contained
herein, even if advised of the possibility of such loss, damage, cost or expense.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this manual is accurate,
up-to-date and reliable, EVS cannot be held liable for inaccuracies or errors that may appear in this
publication. The information in this manual is furnished for informational purpose and use only and
subject to change without notice.
This manual cancels and replaces any previous versions thereof.
Copyright
Copyright © 2003-2021 EVS Broadcast Equipment SA. All rights reserved.
This manual may not be reproduced, transcribed, stored (in a database or a retrieval system), translated
into any language, computer language, transmitted in any form or by any means – electronically,
mechanically, printed, photocopied, optically, manually or otherwise – in whole or in part without the
prior written consent of EVS.
Trademarks
All product and brand names are registered trademarks and trademarks of EVS or of their respective
owners.
Improvement Requests
Your comments will help us improve the quality of the user documentation. Please send improvement
Regional Contacts
You will find the full list of addresses and phone numbers on the following webpage:
https://evs.com/contact/offices.
User Manuals on EVS Website
The latest version of the user manual, if any, and other user manuals on EVS products can be found at
the EVS download center, on the following webpage: https://download-area.evs.com.
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|Disclaimer| i
GeneralInformation
ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before cleaning any component. The product
frame (SFR18, SFR08 or SFR04) must be terminated with three-conductor AC mains power cord that
includes an earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must always be
used.
NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning components.
NEVER operate this product if any cover is removed.
NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.
NEVER block airflow through ventilation slots.
NEVER bypass any fuse.
NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
NEVER attempt to repair this product. If a problem occurs, contact your local EVS distributor.
NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures.
NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
This product complies with the requirements of the product family standards for audio, video, audio-
visual entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use as mentioned below.
EN60950 Safety
EN55103-1: 1996 Emission
EN55103-2: 1996 Immunity
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. This device may cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Tested to comply with
FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE
USE
ii| November 2021 | Issue 1.00.B
Contents
Disclaimer i
GeneralInformation ii
Contents iii
What'sNew? v
1. Introduction 1
2. UnpackingandPlacement 2
3. QuickStart 3
3.1. Changing Settings and Parameters 3
3.2. Using Cortex with Synapse 5
4. TheGDK100Card 6
5. SettingsMenu 10
5.1. Introduction 10
5.2. Control 10
5.3. Keyer Options 12
5.4. Embedder 14
5.5. De-Embedder 15
5.6. Network 15
6. StatusMenu 16
6.1. Introduction 16
6.2. System Status 16
6.3. Net Status 17
7. EventsMenu 18
8. LEDIndication 20
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|Contents| iii
What'sNew?
In the User Manual the icon has been added on the left margin to highlight information on
updated features.
The changes linked to new features in version 1.00 of GDK100 are listed below.
SMPTEST352 Payload Identifier
•See section "Control" on page 10.
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|What's New?| v
1. Introduction
Synapse is a modular system designed for the broadcast industry. High density, intuitive operation and
high-quality processing are key features of this system. Synapse offers a full range of converters and
processing modules. Please visit the EVS website at www.evs.com to obtain the latest information on
our new products and updates.
Local Control Panel
The local control panel gives access to all adjustable parameters and provides status information for any
of the cards in the Synapse frame, including the Synapse rack controller. The local control panel is also
used to back-up and restore card settings. Please refer to the RRC18, RRC10, RRC04, RRS18 and RRS04
manuals for a detailed description of the local control panel, the way to set up remote control over IP and
for frame-related settings and status information.
Remote Control Capabilities
The remote-control options are explained in the rack controller (RRC18 / RRC10 / RRC04 / RRS18 / RRS04
/ ERC108-118 / ERS108-118) manuals. The method for connecting to a computer using Ethernet is also
described in the ERC/ERS/RRC/RRS manuals.
Cortex software will increase system flexibility of one or more Synapse frames.
Although it is not required to use Cortex with a Synapse frame, you are strongly advised to use a remote
personal computer or laptop PC with Cortex installed, as this increases the ease of use and
understanding of the modules.
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|1. Introduction| 1
2.UnpackingandPlacement
Unpacking
The EVS Synapse card must be unpacked in an anti-static environment. Care must be taken NOT to
touch components on the card – always handle the card carefully by the edges. The card must be stored
and shipped in anti-static packaging. Ensuring that these precautions are followed will prevent
premature failure of components mounted on the board.
Placing the Card
The Synapse card can be placed vertically in an SFR18 frame or horizontally in an SFR04 and SFR08
frame. Locate the two guide slots to be used, slide in the mounted circuit board, and push it firmly to
locate the connectors.
Correct insertion of the card is essential, as a card that is not located properly may show valid indicators,
but will not function correctly.
On power up, all LEDs will light up for a few seconds.This is the time it takes to initialize the
card.
2| November 2021 | Issue 1.00.B
3.QuickStart
Powering Up
On powering up the Synapse frame, the card set will use basic data and default initialization settings. All
LEDs will light up during this process. After initialization, several LEDs will remain lit – the exact number
and configuration is dependent upon the number of inputs connected and the status of the inputs.
Default Settings
In its default state, the GDK100 acts as a back-up switcher with only the carrier detector active.
3.1. ChangingSettingsandParameters
The front panel controls or Cortex can be used to change the settings. An overview of the settings can
be found in later chapters of this manual. Please refer to "Settings Menu" on page 10, "Status Menu" on
page 16 "Graphical User Interface" on page 1 and "Events Menu" on page 18.
Front Panel Control
Front Panel Display and Cursor
Settings are displayed and changed as follows:
Use the cursor ‘arrows’ on the front panel to select the menu and parameter to be displayed and/or
changed.
Move forward through the menu structure.
Go back through the menu structure.
Move up within a menu, or increase the value of a parameter.
Move down through a menu or decrease the value of a parameter.
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|3. Quick Start| 3
When editing parameters, pressing ► twice will reset the value to its default setting.
How to Change Parameters Using the Front Panel Control
With the display as shown below:
Pressing selects the SFS10 in frame slot 01.
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 has been selected. In this example the Settings menu
item is indicated.
Pressing the selects the menu item shown, in this example Settings.
(Pressing or will change to a different menu, e.g. Status, Events).
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 Settings menu item SDI-Format has been selected and
shows that its current setting is Auto.
Pressing the selects the Settings item shown, in this example SDI-Format.
(Pressing or will change to a different setting, e.g. Mode, H-Delay).
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 Edit Setting menu item SDI-Format has been selected.
4| November 2021 | Issue 1.00.B
To edit the setting of the menu item, press or .
All menu items can be monitored and/or changed in this way. Changing a setting has an immediate
effect.
Menu Structure Example
Slot Module Item Parameter Setting
S02 Identity
S01 SFS10 Settings Standard dig Auto
S00 RRC18 Status Mode 625
Events Ref-Input 525
H-Delay
3.2.UsingCortexwithSynapse
EVS Cortex Software
Cortex can be used to change the settings of Synapse modules from a PC, either locally or remotely. The
software enables communication based on TCP/IP between the Setup PC and Synapse
frames/modules.
Each Synapse frame is addressed through its rack controller’s unique IP address, giving access to each
module, its menus and adjustment items. Cortex has access to data contained within the Synapse
module and displays it on a GUI. The software has an intuitive structure following that of the module that
it is controlling.
For operation of Cortex, please refer to the Cortex help files.
Further information about Front Panel Control and Cortex can be obtained from the ERC, ERS,
RRC and RRS operational manuals and the Cortex help files.
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|3. Quick Start| 5
4.TheGDK100Card
Introduction
The GDK100 is a Keyer module for the Synapse system. This module has 4 individual triple rate (SD, HD,
3Gb/s) inputs and 4 triple rate outputs. A local Ethernet connection is placed for controlling the end
product. Depending on the connector panel you have either Ethernet or GPI control:
•GPI with BPH17 or BHX17
•Ethernet with BPH19 or BHX19 (for fast updates).
Features
•2 background inputs (selectable, mixable)
•Key input
•Fill input
•Self key
•The 4th output can be software configured for any output task: program, preview or modified key
output.
•Key gain, slice level, transparency (with definable) modified key monitor output)
•Preview output for content verification prior to going on air
•Transparent for 16 channels of embedded audio
•Transparent for all ANC data
•Compatible with:
◦270 Mbit/s (SMPTE 259M) 50 / 59.94Hz
◦1485 Mbit/s (SMPTE 292M) 50 / 59.94Hz
◦2970 Mbit/s (SMPTE 424M) =3Gb/s 50 / 59.94Hz.
Applications
The GDK100 can be used as a downstream keyer for external logo generated keying and other graphical
overlay keying.
6| November 2021 | Issue 1.00.B
Block Schematic
Important Notice About Input Specifications
The GDK100 does not have a built-in frame synchronizer. Therefore it is up to the system engineer to
synchronize the inputs before feeding them to the keyer card. All inputs have to fall within the following
specifications:
1080p
1000 pixels (6.756 µs) in front of or behind the reference (which is fed to the GDK card via the rack
controller).
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|4. The GDK100 Card| 7
1080i
1000 pixels (13.5 µs) in front of or behind the reference (which is fed to the GDK card via the rack
controller).
720p
700 pixels (9.42 µs) in front of or behind the reference (which is fed to the GDK card via the rack
controller).
SD
400 pixels (29.62 µs) in front of or behind the reference (which is fed to the GDK card via the rack
controller).
8| November 2021 | Issue 1.00.B
Important Notice About Output Delays
The keyer card adds a slight delay to the outputs in comparison to the inputs. These are the measured
delays per format:
Format Measured delay
1080p Not measured
1080i 2 lines delay, ±11.89 µs
720p 3 lines delay, ±8.46 µs
SD 1 line delay, ±23.9 µs
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|4. The GDK100 Card| 9
5.SettingsMenu
5.1. Introduction
The Settings menu displays the current state of each GDK100 setting and allows you to change or adjust
it.
Settings can be changed using the front panel of the Synapse frame (SFR18, SFR08 or SFR04) or with
Cortex. The SCP08 control can also be used. Please refer to "Quick Start" on page 3 for information on
the Synapse front panel control and Cortex.
5.2.Control
Setting Description
Inp_Format With Inp-Format you can set the input format. Possible settings are:
•1080p60 •1080p50 (default)
•1080i60 •1080i50
•720p60 •720p50
•SD525 •SD625
The default setting for this item is 1080p50.
Lock-Mode Lock-Mode determines whether the card is locked to reference Ref1 or Ref2.
By default it is set to Ref1.
Ref-Type The GDK100 is able to lock onto an HD sync 600mV nominal Tri-level as
described in the SMPTE 274M and 296m spec. An SD sync 300 mV nominal Bi-
level sync can also be used. Ref-Type sets the type of reference to Tri-level or
Bi-level.
The default setting is Bi-level.
SMPTE ST 352 Video Payload Identifier
The SMPTE ST 352 Video Payload Identifier, also known as VPID, is transported within the ancillary data
of an SDI stream. The ancillary packet is placed in the HANC space. This packet contains 4 bytes of
data.
There are two versions of the standard. The first was published in 2011 and the second in 2013. The
revision can be seen within the 4 bytes.
When the GDK100 is not processing the incoming VPID packets, they will be passed transparently. When
it generates the packets, the GDK100 will output VPID packets using the 2013 standard.
10| November 2021 | Issue 1.00.B
S352_Insert S352_Insert enables the Video Payload Identifier insertion in the HANC space. It
enables the user to insert or passthrough (On) the S352 Dynamic range and
colorspace payload. When this menu item is set to On (default), it will generate a
SMPTE ST352-2013 packet and overwrite the existing one (for both Luminance
and Chrominance).When it is set to Off, it will pass the packet to the output as-is
(only on Luminance).In HD 1080i for ATC-LTC transparency, the user may switch
it Off to pass the ATC-LTC HANC packet on line 10.
Output-Matrix This setting will only work if S352_Insert is set to On. It enables you to set the
colorspace in REC709 (default) or REC2020. When set to either REC709 or
REC2020, the S352 data is included in the s352 packet. (This does not change
anything in the picture.)
HDR_Curve_Out The dynamic range is the range of information between the lightest and darkest
part of an image, also known as an image’s luminosity. This setting enables you
to set the dynamic range in standard dynamic range SDR (default), HLG, PQ or
SLOG3. With all of these settings, the S352 data is included in the S352 packet.
(This does not change anything in the picture.)
Bit_Depth_Out Bit depth is the range of bits being used. This setting enables you to set the bit
depth to Narrow (8bits) or Full (10bits). When set to either Narrow (default) or
Full, it includes this data in the S352packet. (This does not change anything in
the picture.)
Add-On-Mode With this setting you can set the Synapse Add-on bus mode to Quad speed
audio (Quad_Speed) or to Normal mode. Default is Quad_Speed. For a detailed
description of the quad speed audio mode, please refer to "Quad Speed ADD-
ON Bus" on page 1.
GPI-Ctrl GPI_Ctrl can be set to Latch, Non_Latch or Separated. Latch when a contact is
closed momentarily (edge triggered), non_latch when a contact is closed all the
time (level triggered). Set to Latch or non-Latch will trigger both the preview
output and the program output. Set to Separated GPI 0 triggers the program
output and GPI 1 triggers the preview output, both in a latching mode. Default is
Latch. Please refer to "GPIPinning" on page 23for the GPI pin assignment.
Output 4 The GDK100 has a fourth SDI output whose output can be user-defined. You can
choose to make this a third Program output, a second Preview output, or an
output with a Modified key. By default it is set to Program.
USER MANUAL
Synapse GDK100|5. Settings Menu| 11
5.3.KeyerOptions
Setting Description
Keyer With this setting you decide how you want the keyer to work.
Choices are:
•Key_input: Use the key as inserted on the key-input.
•Self_key: Key using the signal from the fill input, without
making use of a key-input (hard keying).
•Key_invert: Use the key as inserted on the key-input, but
inverted.
•Forces_shape: This mode will only fade down the
background with the corresponding key level and will
insert the fill signal without changing this at all.
Prgm-Key This item sets the key on or off for the program outputs. Set to
GPI will enable the program keyer to be switched on or off by
GPI-0 closures (please refer to "Connector Panels"). Default is
On.
Prgm_Key_in With this setting you can select how long the fade in of the
program-key should be when a new key is triggered. This can
be between 0 frames and 200 frames. Default is 0 frames.
Prgm_Key_out With this setting you can select how long the fade out of the
program-key should be when a new key is triggered. This can
be between 0 frames and 200 frames. Default is 0 frames.
Prev-Key With this item you can set the key on or off on the preview
output(s). Set to GPI will enable the preview keyer to be
switched on or off by GPI-1 closures (refer to chapter 10: GPI
pinning). Default is Off.
Prev_Key_in With this setting you can select how long the fade in of the
preview-key should be when triggered. This can be between
0 frames and 200 frames. Default is 0 frames.
Prev_Key_out With this setting you can select how long the fade out of the
preview-key should be when a new key is triggered. This can
be between 0 frames and 200 frames. Default is 0 frames.
Program_out With Program_out you set either SDI-1 or SDI-2 as
background source on the program output. Can also be set to
GPI, in which case Program_out is switched between SDI-1
and SDI-2 by GPI-3 closures (refer to chapter 10: GPI pinning).
Default is SDI-1.
12| November 2021 | Issue 1.00.B
Table of contents
Other EVS I/O System manuals
