foc.us MediaConverter User manual

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User Manual
MANL-0934-01

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Welcome
Congratulations on selecting FOCUS Enhancements MediaConverter.
Enjoy the high quality bi-directional DV/SDI to analog video conversion for flexible
integration with your existing sources and processing equipment. Please take a few
moments to read the following material so you can take full advantage of all the
FOCUS MediaConverter benefits.
Limited Warranty Statement
FOCUS Enhancements, Inc. warrants this product against defects in materials or
workmanship as follows:
For a period of two years from the date of purchase, FOCUS Enhancements will
repair or replace the unit, at our option, without charge for parts or labor. After said
warranty period you must pay all parts and labor charges.
The limited warranty is extended only to the original purchaser and is valid only to
consumers in the United States and Canada. It does not cover damage or failure
caused by or attributable to Acts of God, abuse, misuse, improper or abnormal
usage, faulty installation, improper maintenance, lighting, or other incidences of
excessive voltage, or any repairs or tampering by other than FOCUS Enhancements
authorized repair facility. It does not cover replacement of batteries or other
consumable parts, transportation costs, or damage in transit. This warranty will
become void if the serial number or model number identification has been wholly or
partially removed or erased. Repair or replacement under the terms of this warranty
do not extend the terms of this warranty. This warranty cannot be modified by any
agent of FOCUS Enhancements, Inc. unless in writing and signed by an officer of
FOCUS Enhancements, Inc.
Should this product prove defective in workmanship or material, the consumer’s sole
remedies shall be such repairs or replacement as provided by the terms of this
warranty. Under no circumstances shall FOCUS Enhancements, Inc. be liable for any
loss or damage, direct, consequential, or incidental, arising out of the use of or
inability to use this product. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts or the exclusions or limitations of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which vary from state
to state.
To obtain warranty service, call or write FOCUS Enhancements HelpLine for a
Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. Please mark the RMA number clearly
on the outside of the package. Include a copy of your sales receipt, a brief
description of the symptoms, your name, address, phone number and any special
shipping instructions. Then deliver or ship the product, postage or shipping costs
prepaid, to a FOCUS Enhancements-authorized repair facility. For the name of the
nearest repair facility, Contact FOCUS Enhancements, Inc. Helpline.

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Welcome.......................................................................................................................................... 2
Limited Warranty Statement............................................................................................................. 2
Registering your MediaConverter..................................................................................................... 4
Return Packing Procedures............................................................................................................... 4
Delivery Content:............................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction:..................................................................................................................................... 4
Connection Diagram: ....................................................................................................................... 5
DV-1394 Pro SDI Frontview:........................................................................................................... 5
Audio & Video In/Output Frontside (from left to right).................................................................... 5
MediaConverter Rearview:............................................................................................................... 6
Audio & Video In/Output Rearside (from left to right)..................................................................... 6
Menu Structure:................................................................................................................................ 6
Connecting the MediaConverter to a Windows PC........................................................................... 7
PAL – NTSC Version....................................................................................................................... 8
RS-232 Interface: ............................................................................................................................. 8
RS-422 Interface: ............................................................................................................................. 8
Supported TC Formats: .................................................................................................................... 8
FOCUS Enhancements Control Software ......................................................................................... 9
Data format .................................................................................................................................... 14
Command groups ........................................................................................................................... 15
Video ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Audio ............................................................................................................................................. 16
DV Format..................................................................................................................................... 16
Miscellaneous Settings ................................................................................................................... 17

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About the User Manual
The User Manual provides information needed to operate your FOCUS
MediaConverter. This manual assumes that the reader is familiar with analog and
digital Video/Audio signals and it’s connections.
Registering your MediaConverter
To register your system, please call the appropriate facility or email us at
[email protected] and provide the serial number, your dealers name and address.
Registering your product allows us to continue providing the highest quality technical
support while keeping you informed about product developments.
Domestic Headquaters: International Headquarters:
FOCUS Enhancements FOCUS Enhancements
1370 Dell Ave Lise-Meitner-Strasse 15
Campbell, CA 95008 D-24223 Raisdorf/Germany
Support Helpline: 408-370-9963 Main Phone: [phone]
Return Packing Procedures
Please keep all packing material for future shipping purposes. Never ship delicate
equipment in styrofoam “pellets”. Systems often settle to the bottom of the container
and left unprotected. Use at least 3 inches of soft foam on all four sides of a system.
Delivery Content:
Your FOCUS MediaConveter includes the following items:
•12 V Power Supply
•4pin to 6pin DV Cable
•User Manual
•19” rackmountable brackets
•Four rubber feet
Introduction:
The FOCUS MediaConverter™ is a professional bi-directional DV-to-Analog video
converter designed for the Studio & Broadcast Environment. In addition to DV
Conversion, the FOCUS MediaConverter™ also convert Composite, S-Video or SDI
Signals to YUV Component Video Signal or vice versa.
The MediaConverter supports all major professional and consumer Video and Audio
In- and Output Formats. This rack-mountable box features analog video and audio
I/O, digital video (SDI), digital audio (AES/EBU) support as well as standard DV / DV
CAM over the IEEE 1394 Interface.

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For seamless integration the MediaConverter features Genlockable adjustment for
use in any professional Studio Environment setting.
Connection Diagram:
Before you turn on your MediaConverter make sure that you have connected your
PC and or Video equipment.
The MediaConverter has Video/Audio Connectors at the Front and Rear Side, so
take some minutes to make yourself comfortable with all connections:
MediaConverter Frontview:
Audio & Video In/Output Frontside (from left to right)
Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input: RCA Connectors
Unbalanced Stereo Audio Output: RCA Connectors
Composite Video (CVBS) In/Output: BNC Connector
S-Video (Y/C) In/Output: 5 Pin Mini DIN Connector
DV/DVCAM In/Output: 6 Pin IEEE1394 Connector
Power
Button
2 Line
LCD
backlighted
Menu
Control
Buttons
Unbalanced Stereo Audio,
Composite and S-Video I/O
6 Pin
IEEE1394

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MediaConverter Rearview:
Audio & Video In/Output Rearside (from left to right)
DV/DVCAM In/Output: 6 Pin IEEE1394 Connector
SDI Video I/O: BNC Connectors
External Reference Sync (Genlock) I/O: BNC Connectors
Analog Component (YUV) I/O: BNC Connectors
AES/EBU Digital Audio I/O: XLR Connectors
Balanced Stereo Audio Output: XLR Connectors
Balanced Stereo Audio Input: XLR Connectors
RS-232 and RS-422 SubD 9 Pin female Connector
Power Connector: 12V@1000mA
Menu Structure:
The FOCUS MediaConverter is controlled by a backlit LCD display screen and three
buttons on the frontside of the unit. The display will provide a selectable menu which
will allow you to filter through a wide variety of available sources to meet your
conversion needs.
If you want to change a Menu option, press the “Next” Button to switch to the relevant
menu of your choice or press the “+” or “-“ button to change the value if desired.
Once your selection is made the MediaConverter will store the setting until a new
selection is made. Even if you turn off the unit the setting will be stored for the next
use.
An example of the menu is as follows:
1st line: Menu Headline
2nd line: the selected value
M
The MediaConverter provides the following available menu selections:
Video System
PAL
6 Pin
IEEE1394
SDI
I/O
External
Sync I/O
Analog
Component I/O
AES/EBU
I/O
Balanced Stereo
Audio I/O
RS-232
RS-422
Power
Connector

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Video System: PAL or NTSC
DV System: DV / DVCAM
DV Mode / OS: Win 98/ME/XP/2000, DV Deck (DV devices) or Mac OS operating
systems
Studio Genlock: On or Off
If the Genlock Mode is on then you will also have the following menus to select
from:
SC Phase Offset: Select the SC Phase Offset in 256 Steps
H Offset: Select the horizontal Offset in +/- 128 Steps
V Offset: Select the vertical Offset in 7 Steps (lines)
LCD Backlight: On/Off
Mode: Encode/Decode
If the Encode Mode is on then you will also have the following menus to select
from:
Video Input: CVBS, Y/C, YUV, SDI
Audio Input: unbalanced, balanced, AES/EBU
Audio Sample rate: 32 KHz 12 bit, 48 Khz-16 Bit
Analog Audio Out: Level Adjustment between 0-63 dB
Connecting the MediaConverter to a Windows PC
If your PC is equipped with a OHCI compatible IEEE 1394 Interface (Firewire board)
you will be able to connect the DV Interface of the MediaConverter with your PC. As
soon as you have established the connection between the MediaConverter and your
PC´s IEEE 1394 Interface, the Windows PC should recognize the “new attached
hardware”. The FOCUS MediaConverter will be listed as a Philips Device depending
on which Microsoft Operation System you are using. You will find this listed in the
Windows Device Control. For DV Encoding make sure that you have selected the
right DV mode.
Choose the following setting in the DV Mode Menu:
Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP:
Windows 2000

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DV Deck for Apple Macintosh OSX or DV VTR
PAL – NTSC Version
The MediaConverter is available in a PAL and NTSC Version.
This PAL/NTSC difference is only relevant if you work with a PC System. If you filter
through the Video Signal menu from a Betacam (or other VTR) to a DV VTR or vice
versa it will not matter which version you are using. You can switch the Video Norm
in the Menu (see Menu Structure) . If you work with a PC NLE system you have to
set a jumper on the DV Codec in the MediaConverter. This jumper is closed if it is a
PAL Version. The jumper is located at the bottom of the DV Codec board.
RS-232 Interface:
The RS-232 Interface is designed to control the functions of the MediaConverter by a
Windows PC and updated firmware.
The detailed description is attached to this manual.
RS-422 Interface:
The FOCUS MediaConverter has a RS-422 Interface that allows you to control a
Betacam protocol conformed VTR by the NLE software and the Firewire Interface, so
you do not need a extra RS-422 converter on your PC.
If you want to manufacture your own cable, please use the following pinning:
SubD-9pin male connector with: 2 - 8 3 - 7 4 – 4 5 – 5 7 – 3 8 – 2
(MediaConverter – VTR)
Supported TC Formats:
The MediaConverter reads timecode from a connected RS-422 device. The timecode
type is LTC and/or VITC, interpolated LTC, VITC or interpolated VITC.
When the timecode is read successful from the RS-422 device, the following symbol
“sgow a *” will appear in the lower right-hand corner of the LCD display. When the
star symbol “*” is visible in the LCD display, it is now possible to control a RS-422
machine.
All mandatory Firewire FCP AVC Commands are translated into RS-422 commands:

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- Stop
- Play
- Pause
- Slowest forward (0.2x)
- Slowest backward (0.2x)
- Fastest forward (10x)
- Fastest backward (10x)
- Cue
- Review
- Single step forward
- Single step backward
- Record
- Record Pause
The Commands are tested to work with the following NLE operating systems on a
PC:
- Adobe Premiere 6.5
- Avid Xpress DV 3.5.4
- Canopus Storm Edit
- Canopus Edius
- Pinnacle Liquid
- Apple Final Cut
The timecode, which is inserted in the DV datastream and can be read via the editing
software, may have a difference from up to two frames to the original timecode of the
RS-422 machine. The average difference is zero to one frame.
FOCUS Enhancements Control Software
FOCUS Enhancements offers a Windows based Control Software for the
MediaConverter with integrated Firmware Update Functions.
All user interface can be accessed via the selectable tabs.
The first tab allows to select and adjust the Video Inputs, Video Level etc.
To adjust a Video Level hold down the Mouse Button on the slider and move it. The
value will be shown by above the mouse cursor.

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The second tab shows the Audio settings and allows you to select the Audio Input
and Audio Level.

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The third tab shows the DV Format settings. Please note that the DVC Pro Mode only
work in the decoding Mode: Deck to SDI eg

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The fourth tab shows the Misc. settings. Select a COM Port for the communication
between PC and the MediaConverter.

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The fifth tab allows you to upgrade the Control Software. The Control Software
comes with a version 2.1 19.11.2003. To use this version make sure that you have
HW version 2.1. This can be found in the LCD display. If you are unsure ask your
local supplier or FOCUS Enhancements.
Technical Data:
Size: 440 mm (width) x 45 mm (height) x 155 mm (depth)
Weight: 1.5 kg
Power Supply: 12 V, 1 A, Center Pin Positive
Mounting Option: 1 U, Detachable, Rack-Mount Brackets
Analog Video Formats: NTSC (525 line / 60 Hz) or PAL (625 line / 50 Hz)
Video Inputs :
Composite: (BNC), 75 Ohm, 1.0V p-p
S-Video: (4-Pin Mini DIN), 75 Ohm, Y: 1.0V p-p, C: 627mV p-p
Component: (BNC x 3), 75 Ohm, (Y, R-Y, B-Y), SMPTE level
Video Outputs :
Composite: (BNC), 75 Ohm, 1.0V p-p
S-Video: (4-Pin Mini DIN), 75 Ohm, Y: 1.0V p-p, C: 627mV p-p
Component: (BNC x 3), 75 Ohm, (Y, R-Y, B-Y), SMPTE level
Analog Audio Sampling: 48 or 32 kHz at 20-bit resolution, 2-Channel

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Analog Audio Input: Balanced: (XLR x 2), +4 dBu nominal, 20 k Ohm input
impedance
Unbalanced: (RCA x 2)
Analog Audio Output: Balanced: (XLR x 2), +4dBu nominal into 600-Ohm load
Unbalanced: (RCA x 2)
Audio / Video Sync: Audio and Video are fully synchronized, regardless of the
input source
Digital Video Input:
DV/DV CAM : 2x FireWire 6 Pin Ports
Digital I/O:
Digital Video I/O: SDI: (BNC x 2), 75 Ohm, 10-bit resolution, 270 MBit/sec,
SMPTE 259M
Digital Audio: AES/EBU: (XLR x 2), 2-7 V p-p across a 110 Ohm load
Front Panel Control: Menu Control via Push-Button Switches and LCD Display:
RS-232 Command Set
It is possible, to control the MediaConverter via the RS-232 port. The Baud rate is
fixed to 56700 Baud, 8 bit 1 stop bit, no parity. You will need a one to one cable with
a female connector for the PC side and a male connector for the MediaConverter
side. The pinning of the cable is as follows:
Pin 2 – 2, RXD
Pin 3 – 3, TXD
Pin 5 – 5, GND
The commands via the RS-232 can override the settings on the front control panel if
desired. The values are stored for the MediaConverter in an EEProm and are valid
even after a power down or firmware upgrade. These values will not change until a
selection is made from the front panel buttons or RS-232 controls. Values in this
document are provide in a decimal format with the Hex values shown in a 0xAA or
similar fashion.
Data format
Transmitting data to the FOCUS MediaConverter:
The data format is as follows:
1. Start byte: 0xAA
2. command group byte: command group
3. Command byte: command code
4. data bytes: value (optional)
5. checksum: (command group byte + command byte + data bytes (optional)) &
0xFF
The check sum byte is simply added to the three bytes.
As for the command group and command byte they are mandatory.
In the case of data is not necessary to read back the functionality.

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As for the overflow or carry bits they are ignored, since it is only an eight bit value.
The FOCUS MediaConverter returns data for control purposes.
If the command value requests a status or time code or other value, the data byte will
contain this value.
If only a command was sent to the MediaConverter which is not requesting any
information, the value will be sent back in it’s original format.
The MediaConverter returns 0xFF as a return value, if the command is not
implemented or out of range.
The data format is as follows:
1. Start byte: 0xAA
2. command group byte: command group
3. command byte: command code
4. data bytes: value / return value
6. checksum: command group byte + command byte + data bytes
The check sum is simply added to the bytes. Overflow or carry bits are ignored, since
it is only an eight bit value.
Command Groups
The following command groups are available.
Group
Name
Info
0x01
Video
Video In and out settings
0x02
Audio
Audio In and out settings
0x03
DV Format
DV Format settings
0x05
MISC
Miscellaneous settings
Video
The command group value for the Video group is 0x01.
Command
code
Info
Range
return value @
0x81
default value
0x01
Brightness
0..256
0..256
128
0x02
Contrast
0..128
0..128
68
0x03
Saturation
0..128
0..128
64
0x04
Hue
0..256
0..256
0
0x05
Sharpness
-7..7
0x0f: -7
0x00: 0
0x07: +7
MSb from
lower Nibble =
sign
-7..7
0
0x06
Video Input
0..3
0..3
0

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0:CVBS
1:Y/C
2:YUV
3:SDI
0x07
Video System
0..1
0: PAL
1: NTSC
0..1
0
0x08
SC Phase offset
0..256
0..256
Pal:15
NTSC:53
0x09
H Offset
0..255
0..256
128
0x0A
V Offset
0..15
0..15
7
0x0B
Genlock:
off, on
0..2
0: off
1: on
0..2
0
0x0D
75Ohm@Genlock:
off, on
0..1
0..1
1
If no return value is given, it returns the value written.
Audio
The command group value for Audio is 0x02.
Command
Info
Range
return value @
0x82
default value
0x01
Audio input:
unbalanced,
balanced,
AES/EBU
0..2
0:unbalanced,
1:balanced,
2:AES/EBU
0..2
0
0x02
analog Audio
out level/dB
0..63
0..63
0
0x08
Sample rate
0..1,
0:32kHz/12bit,
1:48kHz/16bit
0..1
0
0x09
Channel
selection
(@32kHz/12bit
Decoding)
0..1
0: A,
1: B
0..1
0
DV Format
The command group value for the DV Format is 0x03.
Command
Info
Value
Return value @
0x83
default value

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01
DV System:
0, 3
0:DV/DVCam,
3:DVCPro
0, 3
0
02
DV Mode / OS:
0..2
0:DV Deck,
1:Win98/XP,
2:Win2k
0..2
0
Miscellaneous Settings
The command group value for the miscellaneous settings is 0x05. These settings are
global settings for the complete unit.
Command
Info
Value
Return Value @
0x85
default value
01
Working mode:
0..1
0:DV decode,
1:DV encode
0..1
0
02
LCD Backlight:
0..1
0:off,
1:on
0..1
0