Kramer FC-20 User manual

Kramer Electronics, Ltd.
USER MANUAL
Model:
FC-20
SDI / DV Transcoder

Contents
i
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Getting Started 1
3 Overview 1
4 Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder 2
5 Connecting the FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder 5
5.1 Powering the FC-20 5
5.2 MODE SELECT Dipswitch Settings 5
5.2.1 Setting the Audio Group 5
5.2.2 Setting DV Audio Channels 6
5.2.3 Setting the VITC or the DVITC Signals 6
6 Operating Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder 7
6.1 Understanding the FC-20 LEDs 7
6.1.1 The POWER ON LED 7
6.1.2 The SDI IN LED 7
6.1.3 The DV DECODE LED 7
6.2 Understanding the DV DECODE / ENCODE MODES 7
6.2.1 Using the DV DECODE Mode 8
6.2.2 Using the DV ENCODE Mode 9
7 Technical Specifications 10
Figures
Figure 1: FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder 3
Figure 2: FC-20 DV Decode Mode Configuration 8
Figure 3: FC-20 DV Encode Mode Configuration 9
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder Features 4
Table 2: Rear Panel FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder Features 4
Table 3: FC-20 Audio Group Dipswitch Settings 5
Table 4: Technical Specifications of the FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder 10

2900-
9999992 A1
ADDENDUM (this data is included at the end of the Overview section)
This addendum adds the following information to the user manual:
Caution – No operator-serviceable parts inside unit.
Warning – Use only the Kramer Electronics input power
wall adapter that is provided with this unit
1
.
Warning – Disconnect power and unplug unit from wall
before installing or removing device or servicing unit.
1 For example: model number AD2512C, part number 2535-000251

Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics (since 1981): a world of unique, creative and
affordable solutions to the infinite range of problems that confront the video,
audio and presentation professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have
redesigned and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better! Our
350-plus different models now appear in 8 Groups
1
, which are clearly defined
by function.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder.
This product is ideal for the following typical applications:
 Live broadcast (remote control)
 Editing and duplication studios
 Interfacing between machines with differing formats
 Seamless conversion from DV to SDI or from SDI to DV
The package includes the following items:
 FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
 Power adapter (12V DC Input)
 This user manual
2
2 Getting Started
We recommend that you:
 Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packaging
materials for possible future shipment
 Review the contents of this user manual
3 Overview
The Kramer FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder is a portable DV to SDI
bi-directional professional video converter with embedded audio. The FC-20
is designed for use in the editing studio, for live broadcasting, and for any
application requiring real-time transcoding between DV and SDI.
1 GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Video and Audio Switchers, Matrix Switchers and Controllers; GROUP 3:
Video, Audio, VGA/XGA Processors; GROUP 4: Interfaces and Sync Processors; GROUP 5: Twisted Pair Interfaces;
GROUP 6: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; and GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors
2 Download up-to-date Kramer user manuals from our Web site at http://www.kramerelectronics.com

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
2
In addition, the FC-20:
 Auto-detects and supports PAL and NTSC
 Includes AES/EBU Embedded Audio Support (at 48kHz, synchronous to
video)
 Can be powered from a computer using the same 6-pin FireWire cable
that carries the DV stream in and out of the NLE (Non-Linear-Editor)
 Supports the DVITC
1
time code in the SDI data stream
 Features a separate VITC
2
input and output for analog decks via two BNC
connectors
 Supports linear time code via the RS-422 port
 Is controllable via an NLE or manually via the DV ENCODE/DECODE
front panel button
3
 Controls tape decks and other video devices
4
via the RS-422 port
To achieve the best performance:
 Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding interference,
deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise
levels (often associated with low quality cables)
 Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may
adversely influence signal quality
 Position your Kramer FC-20 in a location free from moisture and away
from excessive sunlight and dust
4 Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
Figure 1 illustrates the front and rear panels of the FC-20. Table 1 and Table
2 define the front and rear panels of the FC-20, respectively.
1 DVITC is Digital Vertical Interval Time Code
2 VITC is Vertical Interval Time Code
3 To be used only when there is no NLE
4 Only devices that conform to the Sony control protocol

Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
3
1 2 3 4
5
10
11
12
13
14
7 86 9
Figure 1: FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
4
Table 1: Front Panel FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder Features
# Feature Function
1 D
V E NCODE
1
/D ECODE
2
Button
Press to toggle between the decode (default) and the encode modes
3
2 P OWER O N LED Illuminates when the machine is powered
3 SDI I N LED Illuminates when SDI framing is received in the DV Encode mode and
when DV framing is received in the DV Decode mode
4 DV D ECODE LED Illuminates when in the DV Decode mode
5 M ODE S ELECT Dipswitches For machine setup (1 and 2 are for audio group selection; 3 is for
channel pair selection; 4 is for VITC or DVITC timecode selection)
Table 2: Rear Panel FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder Features
# Feature Function
6 12V DC +12V DC connector for powering the unit
7 BATTERY XLR Connects to a portable battery pack input
8 DV 6-pin port (FireWire) Connects to a source or an acceptor for DV decoding or encoding
and/or power via 1394a bus
9 DV 4-pin port (FireWire) Connects to a source or an acceptor for DV decoding or encoding
10 SDI IN BNC Connector Connects to the digital video BNC source, when selecting SDI as the
input
11 SDI OUT BNC Connector Connects to the digital video BNC output
12 VITC IN BNC Connector
13 VITC OUT BNC Connector
Connects to the Vertical Interval Time Code IO
14 RS-422 DB9C Port Connects to control devices that conform to the Sony control protocol
1 In the DV Encode mode, SDI signals are converted to DV
2 In the DV Decode mode, DV signals are converted to SDI
3 Manual override

Connecting the FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
5
5 Connecting the FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
To connect the FC-20, do the following:
 Connect the SDI/DV inputs and outputs as required
1
(see section 6.2)
 Connect a Sony RS-422 controlled deck, if required
 Connect the power source (see section 5.1)
 Set the MODE SELECT dipswitches (see section 5.2)
5.1 Powering the FC-20
The FC-20 features three power options for your convenience:
 An XLR 12V battery pack input
 A Universal DC Power Adapter
 Bus power (via 6-pin FireWire input port)
Power sources are wired in parallel, therefore power is available from any
source at any time. For example, when more than one power source is
connected to the FC-20 unit, the source with the highest voltage takes over
2
.
5.2 MODE SELECT Dipswitch Settings
Use the 4-pin dipswitches on the front panel to select the desired operation
mode of the FC-20.
5.2.1 Setting the Audio Group
Dipswitches 1 and 2 are designated for audio group selection: A group of four
audio signals are embedded in the serial digital video bitstream. You may
select the audio group according to the settings in Table 3.
Table 3: FC-20 Audio Group Dipswitch Settings
Dipswitch
Audio
Group 1 2
1 ON ON
2 OFF ON
3 ON OFF
4 OFF OFF
1 Switch OFF the power on each device before connecting it to your FC-20
2 If you have a laptop connected to your FC-20 and the XLR battery connected too, if the battery voltage dips, the laptop will
take over and vice versa

KRAMER: SIMPLE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Connecting the FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
6
5.2.2 Setting DV Audio Channels
Each group usually consists of four audio channels (or two stereo pairs).
To select the desired pair:
 Set dipswitch # 3 to ON for: 1=Left/2=Right; or
 Set dipswitch # 3 to OFF for: 3=Left/4=Right
5.2.3 Setting the VITC or the DVITC Signals
The FC-20 supports DVITC embedded timecode and separate analog VITC
signals.
Dipswitch # 4 determines the source of the DVITC
1
or VITC timecode:
 Set dipswitch # 4 to ON for Analog VITC
 Set dipswitch # 4 to OFF for DVITC (SDI)
1 Digital VITC embedded timecode

Operating Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
7
6 Operating Your FC-20 SDI / DV Transcoder
Operate your FC-20 via the NLE or the DV ENCODE/DECODE button after
setting the MODE SELECT dipswitches (see section 5.2).
6.1 Understanding the FC-20 LEDs
The FC-20 consists of three LEDs described in the following sections.
6.1.1 The POWER ON LED
The POWER ON LED illuminates after the machine has been turned on and
is ready for operation.
6.1.2 The SDI IN LED
The SDI IN LED illuminates when:
 SDI framing is received in the DV Encode mode
 DV framing is received in the DV Decode mode
6.1.3 The DV DECODE LED
The DV DECODE LED illuminates when the machine operates in the DV
Decode mode.
6.2 Understanding the DV DECODE / ENCODE MODES
You can use the FC-20 to convert DV to SDI signals or SDI to DV signals.
You can operate the FC-20 in one of two modes:
 The DV DECODE Mode:
The FC-20 unit converts DV signals to SDI signals (see section 6.2.1)
 The DV ENCODE Mode:
The FC-20 unit converts SDI signals to DV signals (see section 6.2.2)
Note that in both modes where an NLE is present, switching occurs automatically,
that is, via FCP commands, and so on.
If the camera connects directly to the deck, switching is manual (also, there is no
deck control when using camera <-> deck connectivity).