foc.us HyperConverter 1024 User manual

HyperConverter User’s Manual 0006-5000-503 1
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HyperConverter 1024
HyperConverter 1280
User's Manual

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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 THE HYPERCONVERTER FAMILY....................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 PRODUCT ORDERING OPTIONS........................................................................................................................ 11
2.0 INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................................ 14
2.1 IBM PC BOARD VERSION............................................................................................................................... 14
2.2 IBM PC DESKTOP VERSION............................................................................................................................ 16
2.3 MAC DESKTOP VERSION................................................................................................................................ 17
2.4 SUN DESKTOP VERSION.................................................................................................................................. 21
2.5 SGI DESKTOP VERSION .................................................................................................................................. 22
2.6 WORKSTATION DESKTOP VERSION.................................................................................................................. 23
2.7 HYPERCONVERTER-1280R RACKMOUNT INSTALLATION................................................................................... 25
3.0 SWITCH SETTINGS AND ADJUSTMENTS........................................................................................... 34
3.1 EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE SWITCHES.............................................................................................................. 34
3.1.1 UNDERSCAN ............................................................................................................................................... 34
3.1.2 UN-TERMINATE VGA.................................................................................................................................. 34
3.2 CARD EDGE ADJUSTMENTS............................................................................................................................. 37
3.3 INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS AND JUMPERS .......................................................................................................... 39
4.0 HYPERFORMANCE UTILITY SOFTWARE.......................................................................................... 44
4.1 IBM PC VERSION .......................................................................................................................................... 44
5.0 TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................................................. 48
APPENDIX A - STATEMENT OF WARRANTY............................................................................................ 50
APPENDIX B - HYPERFORMANCE UTILITY SOFTWARE LICENSE..................................................... 51
APPENDIX C - GENLOCK.............................................................................................................................. 52
APPENDIX D - COMPONENT OUTPUT........................................................................................................ 53
APPENDIX E - FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT...................................................................................... 54

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1.0 Introduction
The Focus Enhancements HyperConverter product family is a series of products that produce standard,
recordable NTSC or PAL base band video from High-Resolution Computer Graphics devices. All
members of the product family are built using a common approach and basic technology. Specialized
versions are provided for specific forms of input Computer Graphics devices (i.e. VGA, S-VGA or
Macintosh), and specific output forms of video (i.e. NTSC or PAL).
The HyperConverter automatically senses the input resolution and frequency of the incoming
Computer Graphics signal and transforms the resolution of input Computer Graphics to full screen, 24
bit color, NTSC or PAL Video. The HyperConverter performs this transformation without disturbing
the input Computer Graphics signal in any way; High-Resolution Computer Graphics appears on the
System's Computer Graphics Monitor exactly as if the HyperConverter was not there. The
HyperConverter performs this transformation "WYSIWIG" ("What You See Is What You Get") style;
the Output Television Compatible Video is an identical, real time replica of the Computer Graphics
screen. The HyperConverter is compatible with any software, in any Operating Environment, under
every Operating System, as long as the input Computer Graphics signal conforms to the standards
described in Section 1.2. Since these standards are just about the most stable things in the dynamic
world of computers, your HyperConverter will be one of the most durable pieces of computer
equipment that you have ever purchased.
The HyperConverter is also intended to be the easiest computer product that you will ever use. It
requires no software to operate, and has very few operational parameters that will ever require
adjustment. IBM PC Compatible Utility Software is provided to enable you to test and evaluate the
HyperConverter; it is not required in the normal operation of the device (you wondered why a "No
Software" product came with diskettes!).
This manual serves two purposes: 1) Quick Start Procedure, and 2) Reference Guide. If you are
familiar with Video Systems or you just want a quick start, you may want to skip ahead to the
appropriate installation section, plug the HyperConverter in and give it a try.
1.1 The HyperConverter Family
The HyperConverter Product Family consists of one common technology implemented on a common
circuit board. Depending on the specific application, different ICs and accessories are added to the
base product to provide specific options. All options are independent of each other. Factory upgrades
from one option to another are available. Please contact us if your requirements change and you would
like to upgrade your HyperConverter.

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1.1.1 Board or Desktop or Rackmount
HyperConverter units are configured as Board Units (IBM PC boards, sometimes referred to as ISA)
or Desktop Units or Rackmount Units. The Board Units mount inside the PC and receive their
electrical power from the computer. THERE ARE NO BASE ADDRESSES, INTERRUPT
LEVELS, OR DMA CHANNELS USED OR EVEN CONNECTED: THE BOARD UNITS
RECEIVE POWER AND GROUND SIGNALS ONLY FROM THE COMPUTER THAT THEY
ARE MOUNTED IN. The Desktop Units accept 12 VAC power from a UL listed wall transformer.
HyperConverter-1280 units are available in an EIA 19 inch rack mount configuration. The
HyperConverter-1280R occupies 1 standard rack height. All HyperConverter-1280R models are
Universal in both output (capable of NTSC and PAL) and input power (capable of accepting power in
the range of 95 V - 250 V, 47Hz. to 500 Hz).
1.1.2 NTSC or PAL or Universal
The choice of output video format is determined by the addition of crystals and ICs to the
HyperConverter. Any HyperConverter may be configured to be NTSC or PAL (or for a slight
premium, both; the so-called UNIVERSAL version). UNIVERSAL HyperConverters provide switch
selectable NTSC or PAL output. Either NTSC or PAL units may be factory upgraded to the
UNIVERSAL version.
Universal and PAL Desktop Units are shipped with a Universal Power Supply (automatically senses
and conditions input power in range of 95 - 250 V and 47 - 500 Hz.). The Universal Power Supply
has an IEC-320 power input connector.
1.1.3 IBM or Mac or Workstation
The HyperConverter is compatible with IBM PC (ISA) computers, MAC computers and many
popular workstations. The same Desktop unit may be used with any personal computer or
workstation, however the appropriate cable must be ordered. The HyperConverter is shipped with a
HyperCable-PC, (Part # 0001-2000-301) or HyperCable-MAC (Part # 0003-2000-104) included in the
purchase price. Any cable may be ordered separately at a later date. Please see section 1.3.2 for a list
of the available cables.
In the IBM family, the HyperConverter supports VGA and super VGA devices in all VGA standard
modes (640 x 480, EGA, Text and 320 x 200 modes, all 800 x 600 modes from 56 - 76 Hz Vertical
Non-Interlaced, all 1024 x 768 modes from 60 - 76 Hz and all 1280 x 1024 modes from 60 - 76 Hz
Vertical Non-Interlaced. The 1024 x 768 Non-Interlaced modes of the XGA-2 are also supported.

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In the Macintosh family, The HyperConverter supports 640 x 480, 66.7 Vertical Non-Interlaced mode
(Applecolor High-Resolution RGB Monitor, often referred to as the 13" display) and the 1024 x 768,
66.7 Hz Vertical Non-Interlaced mode (AppleVideo RGB Monitor, often referred to as the 21"
display). Various Apple aftermarket Video Devices (e. g. RasterOps, SuperMac and Radius) are also
supported, provided that they have the same pinout configuration (DB-15) as the Macintosh computer.
If the device that you are using does not conform to the Macintosh pinout, please contact us; we may
be able to provide a special order cable.
All popular workstation formats are supported. The HyperConverter is capable of automatically
adjusting to any display resolution and signal format in the range of 640 x 480, 50 Hz. Non-Interlaced
to 1280 x 1024, 90 Hz. Non-Interlaced. Since different manufacturers of workstations provide
different synchronization methods and different pin out configurations, you must order the right cable
to properly support each workstation. Please see section 1.3.2 for a list of workstations and cables.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST CHOOSE A HYPERCONVERTER WITH SUFFICIENT
RESOLUTION CAPABILITY TO HANDLE THE NEEDS OF A PARTICULAR
WORKSTATION. (You will not damage a HyperConverter-1024 by plugging it into a 1280 x 1024
display, but you will not achieve usable results.)
1.1.4 1024 or 1280
The HyperConverter is available in 2 different maximum resolutions, 1024 x 768 and 1280 x 1024,
designated HyperConverter-1024 and HyperConverter-1280 respectively. Each version is capable of
all resolutions up to and including its maximum resolution.
1.1.5 GenLock and Component (YUV and RGB) Output
All models of the HyperConverter are capable of GenLocking to an external reference signal and
supplying a component output signal (YUV or RGB, jumper selectable). As in the case of workstation
input (described above) a specialized cable is required to use the GenLock and Component output.
Please see section 1.3.2 below for complete details on specific cables.

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1.2 Operational Specifications
1.2.1 Input Resolutions
All original IBM VGA Modes
640 x 480 60 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VS900101)
640 x 480 75 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VGMT)
800 x 600 56 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VG900601)
800 x 600 60 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VG900602)
800 x 600 72 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VS900603)
800 x 600 75 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VGMT)
1024 x 768 60 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VG901101)
1024 x 768 70 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VS910801)
1024 x 768 75 Hz. (S-VGA Vesa Spec. VGMT)
1280 x 1024 60-76 Hz.
1024 x 768 60-76 Hz. (IBM XGA-2 Non-Interlaced modes)
(requires 9515 or 9517 monitor)
640 x 480 66.7 Hz. (AppleColor High-Resolution 13"
RGB Monitor)
1024 x 768 60 Hz. (AppleVideo 21" RGB Monitor)
All workstation modes in the range of 640 x 480 to 1280 x 1024
THE HYPERCONVERTER DOES NOT SUPPORT INTERLACED INPUT BY ITSELF. THIS
INCLUDES RGB FORMS OF TELEVISION FREQUENCY VIDEO AND HIGH RESOLUTION
INTERLACED COMPUTER GRAPHICS (SUCH AS IBM 8514 1024 X 768 GRAPHICS
MODES. FOR CONVERSION OF INTERLACED COMPUTER GRAPHICS SIGNALS YOU
WILL NEED AN ADDITIONAL FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS PRODUCT, DESIGNATED:
DOUBLER (BOARD VERSION: PART # 0030-0000-100, DESKTOP VERSION PART # 0031-
0000-100).
1.2.2 Input Color Capability
All input formats are internally converted, and processed as 24 bit RGB signals. The HyperConverter
is therefore capable of handling an input color space of up to 16.8 million colors.

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1.2.3 Output Resolutions
NTSC
484 displayed lines vertically
Underscan/Overscan Switch selectable
PAL
576 displayed lines
Underscan/Overscan Switch selectable
1.2.4 Flicker Reduction Filter
A Flicker Reduction Filter is a standard feature of all models of the HyperConverter. The Flicker Filter
may be engaged or disengaged by switch selection.
1.2.5 HyperConverter Connectors
1.2.5.1 HyperConverter Connectors (Desktop and Board)
(with reference to HyperConverter)
Computer Video Input HD15 Female with Custom Pinout
Composite Video Output RCA phono female (Female BNC optionally
available)
S-Video Mini-Din 4 position female
Power (Desktop Only) 2.5 mm Barrel Connector male
1.2.5.2 HyperConverter Connectors (Rackmount)
(with reference to HyperConverter)
Computer Video Input Female BNC (up to 5 signals; RGB, HS, VS)
Composite Video Output Female BNC
S-Video Female BNC (2 connectors; Luminance and
Chrominance)
Component Output Female BNC (4 Connectors; RGB, CS)
GenLock Female BNC (2 Connectors; pass through)
Power IEC-320

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1.2.6 Power Consumption
Board Unit:
+12 V. 1.4 A.
Desktop Unit:
120 V. 0.25 A.
240 V. 0.15 A.
Rackmount Unit
120 V. 0.25 A.
240 V. 0.25 A.

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1.2.7 Physical Size
Board Unit:
Standard IBM AT card size (13.25" x 4.5"), 8 bit or 16 bit bus slot compatible
Desktop Unit:
13.875" X 5.625" X 1.875"
Rackmount Unit:
19.0" X 11.0" X 1.75"
1.2.8 Environmental
Board Unit:
Operating Temperature: 0 to 70 degrees Celsius
Storage Temperature: -40 to 125 degrees Celsius
Humidity: 0 to 90%, non-condensing
Desktop and Rackmount Units:
Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 degrees Celsius
Storage Temperature: -40 to 125 degrees Celsius
Humidity: 0 to 90%, non-condensing

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1.3 Product Ordering Options
1.3.1 Ordering Guide
HyperConverter Products are named as follows:
HyperConverter-NNNN-X- Y- Z
Z Designates platform:
Z = I IBM (or)
Z = M MAC (or)
Z = S Sun (or)
Z = G Silicon Graphics (or)
Z = W Workstation (or)
Y Designates output:
Y = N NTSC (or)
Y = P PAL (or)
Y = U Universal (NTSC and PAL)
X Designates package:
X = B Board (or)
X = D Desktop (or)
X = R Rackmount
NNNN Designates maximum resolution:
NNNN = 1280 (or)
NNNN = 1024
(Please note that the platform designation is provided only to ensure that the right cable is included
with each order. A HyperConverter ordered for 1 platform under this scheme can easily be made to
operate with another platform if the correct cable is ordered at a later date.)

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1.3.2 Available Cables for the HyperConverter
The following list details the available accessory cables that connect the HyperConverter to various
types of computers and workstations and enable the special features of component output and
GenLock. Cables are provided for 5 basic computer platforms (PC,MAC, Sun, SGI and Generic
Workstation; most workstations use BNC connectors as the graphics monitor connecting device).
Each of these 5 platform types is available with the additional features of GenLock or Component
output or both. The HyperConverter can provide both YUV and RGB forms of component output,
but must be configured (with hardware jumpers; please see section 3.3.3) specifically for each form.
The same cable (designated with RGB) is used for both forms of component output.
Description Part Number
HyperCable-BNC 0005-2000-100 Cables designated with
BNC work with DEC, HP,
and IBM workstations
HyperCable-BNC-GEN 0011-2000-100
HyperCable-BNC-RGB 0017-2000-100
HyperCable-BNC-RGB-GEN 0018-2000-101
HyperCable-MAC 0003-2000-104
HyperCable-MAC-GEN 0008-2000-101
HyperCable-MAC-RGB-GEN 0009-2000-102
HyperCable-PC 0001-2000-301
HyperCable-PC-GEN 0001-2000-700
HyperCable-PC-RGB 0004-2000-200
HyperCable-PC-RGB-GEN 0007-2000-100
HyperCable-SGI 0013-2000-101
HyperCable-SGI-GEN 0016-2000-100
HyperCable-SGI-RGB 0022-2000-100
HyperCable-SGI-GEN-RGB 0021-2000-102
HyperCable-SUN 0006-2000-103
HyperCable-SUN-GEN 0012-2000-103
HyperCable-SUN-RGB 0015-2000-100
HyperCable-SUN-GEN-RGB 0014-2000-104
HyperCable, PC and MAC 0029-2000-100 Cable with both MAC and
PC input connectors
Cable, 13W3 F to 4 BNC M 0102-2000-100 Connects Rackmount
HyperConverter to SGI
or Sun Monitor
Cable, 13W3 Male to 4 BNC M 0101-2000-100 Connects Rackmount
HyperConverter to SGI
or Sun Computer

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Cable, 2 BNC M to 4 S-VHS M 0108-2000-100 Connects Rackmount Y-C
BNC connectors to 4
Pin DIN
Cable, 5 BNC M to 5 BNC M 0107-2000-100 5 conductor BNC
extension cable
Cable, DB15 M to 4 BNC M 0104-2000-100 Connects Rackmount
HyperConverter to MAC
Cable, HD15 M to 5 BNC M 0103-2000-100 Connects Rackmount
HyperConverter to PC
Computer
Cable,DB15 F to F,Genderchn 0106-2000-100 Connects Rackmount
HyperConverter to MAC
Monitor
Cable,HD15 F to F,Genderchn 0105-2000-100 Connects Rackmount
HyperConverter to PC
Monitor
1.3.3 Available Power Supplies for the HyperConverter
All Desktop HyperConverters are shipped with a power supply. Additional power supplies may
ordered.
HyperConverter American Power Supply 8-5600-000009
HyperConverter Universal Power Supply 8-5600-000011
1.3.4 Upgrades
Focus Enhancements enables customers to upgrade to higher level of HyperConverter for the purchase
price difference within one year of the date of sale. The following upgrades are available:
Universal HyperConverter Upgrade - converts a PAL or NTSC HyperConverter of any type to
Universal (switch-selectable PAL or NTSC) output.
1280 HyperConverter Upgrade - converts a 1024 x 768 compatible HyperConverter to a
HyperConverter-1280 capable of a maximum input resolution of 1280 x 1024.

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2.0 Installation
Installation of all HyperConverter products is a simple and quick procedure, but is slightly different for
each of the following versions.
2.1 IBM PC Board Version
Board units are intended for use with IBM PC compatible (ISA) or EISA bus computers only. Follow
these steps to install your board level HyperConverter. If you intend to use the HyperConverter with
GenLock or component output please see Appendix C (Gen-Lock operation) and Appendix D
(Component output) for further information on these specialty items.
Turn the computer off.
Open the case of the computer.
Select a full length slot. 8 bit (one connector) or 16 bit (two connector) slots are both acceptable as
installation sites for the HyperConverter.
Remove the I/O bracket for the empty slot (if one exists).
Plug the board in by gently pushing it into the connector.
Secure the HyperConverter in place by fastening its I/O bracket to the case with a screw.
Close the case of the computer.
Disconnect the Computer Display from the Computer Graphics device (VGA or S-VGA) at the
Computer Graphics device.
Connect the HyperCable-PC's center connector to the HyperConverter's 15 pin Connector.
Connect the Computer Display the connector marked "To Monitor".
Connect the end of the HyperCable-PC marked "To Computer" to the Computer Graphics device.
Connect your Video Device to the Composite Video (RCA type) or S-Video (Mini-DIN type) output
connector. (You may connect both outputs simultaneously, to the same or different Video Devices:
Video is always available on both of these outputs.)
Turn the System On. If everything is correctly installed, you will see your computer's normal power up
sequence appearing on both the Computer Display and the Video Device (if the Video Device has a
visible display).

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NTSC/PAL
Out S-Video
Out Computer
Input Switch
Access
Figure 1: I/O Bracket Diagram

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2.2 IBM PC Desktop Version
All HyperConverter Desktop Units will work with IBM PC family computers. Units ordered as PC
versions are shipped with a PC cable (HyperCable-PC, 0001-2000-301). A separate Macintosh or
Workstation cable may be ordered later.
Follow these steps to install your Desktop HyperConverter for IBM systems. If you intend to use the
HyperConverter with GenLock or component output please see Appendix C (Gen-Lock operation)
and Appendix D (Component output) for further information on these specialty items.
Turn the computer off.
Select a convenient location for the HyperConverter.
Disconnect the Computer Display from the Computer Graphics device (VGA, or S-VGA) at the
Computer Graphics device.
Connect the HyperCable-PC's center connector (marked "HyperConverter") to the HyperConverter's
15 pin Connector. Be careful here. The connectors are keyed. If you mistakenly try to plug the center
of the HyperCable-PC into the VGA connector (also a miniature DB-15 female connector), it will not
fit. Do not try to force it!
Connect the Computer Display to the end of the HyperCable marked "Monitor".
Connect the end of the HyperCable-PC marked "VGA" to the Computer Graphics device.
Connect your Video Device to the Composite Video or S-Video output connector. (You may connect
both outputs simultaneously to the same or different Video Devices: Video is always available on both
these outputs.)
Plug the 12 VAC Power Supply's jack into the HyperConverter plug marked "Power Input".
Plug the 12 VAC Power Supply into an electrical outlet. (If you have a Universal or PAL Model, your
power supply will be a Universal Power Supply. In this case, you will have to supply an appropriate
IEC-320 compatible power cord for your country).
Turn the HyperConverter On. "On" is selected when the right side of the rocker switch is depressed.
Turn the System On. If everything is correctly installed, you will see your computer's normal power up
sequence appearing on both the Computer Display and the Video Device (if the Video Device has a
visible display).

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2.3 MAC Desktop Version
Since the physical implementation of the HyperConverter is an ISA compatible board for all versions,
no board level Macintosh product exists. All HyperConverter Desktop Units will work with MAC
family computers. Units ordered as MAC versions are shipped with a Mac-compatible cable
(HyperCable-MAC, 0003-2000-104). A separate PC or Workstation cable may be ordered later.
Follow these steps to install your Desktop HyperConverter for MAC systems. If you intend to use the
HyperConverter with GenLock or component output please see Appendix C (Gen-Lock operation)
and Appendix D (Component output) for further information on these specialty items.
Turn the computer off.
Select a convenient location for the HyperConverter.
Disconnect the Computer Display from the Computer Graphics device at the Computer Graphics
device.
Connect the HyperCable-MAC's center connector (marked "HyperConverter") to the
HyperConverter's 15 pin Connector.
Connect the Computer Display to the end of the HyperCable marked "Monitor".
Connect the end of the HyperCable-PC marked "MAC" to the Computer Graphics device.
Connect your Video Device to the Composite Video or S-Video output connector. (You may connect
both outputs simultaneously to the same or different Video Devices: Video is always available on both
these outputs.)
Plug the 12 VAC Power Supply's jack into the HyperConverter plug marked "Power Input".
Plug the 12 VAC Power Supply into an electrical outlet. (If you have a Universal or PAL Model, your
power supply will be a Universal Power Supply. In this case, you will have to supply an appropriate
IEC-320 compatible power cord for your country.
Turn the HyperConverter On. "On" is selected when the right side of the rocker switch is depressed.
Turn the System On. If everything is correctly installed, you will see your computer's normal power up
sequence appearing on both the Computer Display and the Video Device (if the Video Device has a
visible display).

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To
Computer
Hyper
Converter
To
Monitor
ConnecttoComputer
GraphicsDevice(VGA)
ConnecttoHyperConverter
ConnecttoComputer
DisplayMonitor

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Figure 2: Cable Connection Diagram