Kramer SP-4D User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
SP-4D
4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer
P/N: 2900-000577 Rev 3

SP-4D – Contents i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1Achieving the Best Performance 2
3Overview 3
3.1Defining the SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer 4
4Installing in a Rack 7
5Connecting the SP-4D 8
5.1Connecting to the Product via RS-232 9
6Operating the SP-4D 10
6.1Using the LCD Display 10
6.2Using the Front Panel Buttons 11
6.3Using the Front Panel LEDs 11
7Using the SP-4D Menus 12
7.1Loading Setups 15
7.2Saving Setups 15
7.3Using the Factory Reset 15
7.4Setting the Video Signal 16
7.5Setting the Genlock 18
7.6Monitoring Output 20
7.7Setting the No-Signal Screen 21
7.8Setting the Machine Address 22
7.9Displaying Status 22
7.10Setting LCD Brightness 22
7.11Setting the Sleep Mode 23
8Technical Specifications 24
8.1Default Communication Parameters 24
9Kramer Protocol 2000 25
Figures
Figure 1: SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer Front 5
Figure 2: SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer Rear 6
Figure 3: Connecting to the SP-4D Rear Panel 9
Figure 4: SP-4D Menu Map I 13
Figure 5: SP-4D Menu Map II 14

SP-4D - Introduction 1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been
providing a world of unique, creative, and affordable solutions to the vast range of
problems that confront the video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting
professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned and upgraded
most of our line, making the best even better!
Our 1,000-plus different models now appear in 11 groups that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Matrix
Switchers; GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4: Format/Standards Converters;
GROUP 5: Range Extenders and Repeaters; GROUP 6: Specialty AV Products;
GROUP 7: Scan Converters and Scalers; GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors;
GROUP 9: Room Connectivity; GROUP 10: Accessories and Rack Adapters and
GROUP 11: Sierra Products.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI
Synchronizer, which is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Broadcasting studios
•Post-production

2 SP-4D - Getting Started
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
•Use Kramer high performance high resolution cables
•Use only the power cord that is supplied with this machine
Go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com to check for up-to-date
user manuals, application programs, and to check if firmware
upgrades are available (where appropriate).
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
•Use only good quality connection cables to avoid 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 SP-4D away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
i

SP-4D - Overview 3
3 Overview
The SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer is a synchronizer for serial digital
signals up to HD-SDI. The unit synchronizes up to four channels from the
dedicated digital genlock input or any other specified channel.
The multi-standard synchronizer SP-4D can convert the frame rate of HDTV
signals without changing the number of lines per frame or the progressive–
interlaced raster structure. It implements cross conversion between any two
standards belonging to the same group. Three groups contain mutually compatible
standards:
•720p: 720p/50, 720p/59.95, 720p/60
•1080i: 1080i/50, 1080i/59.95, 1080i/60, 1080psf/23.97, 1080psf/24,
1080psf/25, 1080psf/29.97, 1080psf/30
•1080p: 1080p/23.97, 1080p/24, 1080p/25, 1080p/29.97, 1080p/30
Each of the four SDI channels contains a special audio synchronizer that de-
embeds all 16 input audio channels, resamples them simultaneously, and embeds
the resulting audio signals in the SDI output. This corrects signal deterioration
such as a frame drop or repetition that may occur during video signal
synchronization.
The SP-4D features:
•Multi-standard operation: SDI (SMPTE 259M and SMPTE 344M) & HDSDI
(SMPTE 292M)
•Four SDI video inputs and outputs (SD, ED and all HD, besides 1080p/50
and 1080p/60) with automatic standard detection (any video input can be
used as the timing reference input for all channels instead of the dedicated
genlock input)
•One dedicated SDI genlock input common for all four channels (also in the
same standard group)
•An audio embedder/de-embedder that handles 16 audio channels per input

4 SP-4D - Overview
•One VGA/UXGA port on a 15-pin HD connector (in YUV or RGBHV format
selectable from menu) to output any one of the four synchronized video
channels
•Unbalanced stereo audio outputs on RCA connectors that can output any of
the embedded audio channels
•A two-line, 20-character per line LCD display that shows the status of
machine while in the main mode of operation
•Seven front panel buttons that control operation of the machine
•Five LEDs that indicate input signal loss or genlock loss
•One RS-232 port for controlling the SP-4D from a serial remote control
device or a PC
3.1 Defining the SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer
This section defines the SP-4D.

SP-4D - Overview 5
SP-4D – Overview 5
Figure 1: SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer Front
# Feature Function
1 Display Panel 2-line, 40-character LCD display
2 GENLOCK LED Illuminates when a reference source is available
3 IN 1 LED Illuminates when a valid Input 1 is connected
4 IN 2 LED Illuminates when a valid Input 2 is connected
5 IN 3 LED Illuminates when a valid Input 3 is connected
6 IN 4 LED Illuminates when a valid Input 4 is connected
7 MENU Button 1. Opens the top level MENU from the MAIN mode of operation
2. Closes the top level MENU and returns to the MAIN mode of operation
3. Closes a SUBMENU and returns to the top level MENU
8 ENTER Button 1. Fixes a new value of the adjusted parameter (but doesn’t save it)
2. Opens a SUBMENU from the top level MENU item
3. Accelerates the repeat function by 16x, when this button is pressed together with LEFT or RIGHT buttons
9 Left Arrow Button Selects the previous value of a selected parameter (with repeat function)
10 Down Arrow Button Selects the next item of any menu
11 Up Arrow Button Selects the previous item of any menu
12 Right Arrow Button Selects the next value of selected parameter (with repeat function)
13 PANEL LOCK Button Press for 2 seconds to enable or disable the PANEL LOCK function

6 SP-4D - Overview
Figure 2: SP-4D 4-Channel HD-SDI Synchronizer Rear
# Feature Function
14 GENLOCK IN BNC Connector Connects to an SDI input, common for all four video channels. Auto standard
identification is available
15 GENLOCK OUT BNC Connector Looping output for genlock input
16 CHANNEL 1 IN 1 BNC Connector Connects to the channel 1 SDI source
17 CHANNEL 1 OUT 1 BNC Connector Synchronized SDI output for channel 1
18 CHANNEL 2 IN 2 BNC Connector Connects to the channel 2 SDI source
19 CHANNEL 2 OUT 2 BNC Connector Synchronized SDI output for channel 2
20 CHANNEL 3 IN 3 BNC Connector Connects to the channel 3 SDI source
21 CHANNEL 3 OUT 3 BNC Connector Synchronized SDI output for channel 3
22 CHANNEL 4 IN 4 BNC Connector Connects to the channel 4 SDI source
23 CHANNEL 4 OUT 4 BNC Connector Synchronized SDI output for channel 4
24 ANALOG OUT YUV/RGB 15-pin HD Connector Outputs the selected video channel (see Section 7.4)
25 AUDIO OUT L and RRCA Connectors Outputs any two of the 16 audio channels per video channel
26 RS-232 9-pin D-sub Port Connects to a PC or the remote controller via a null-modem connection
27 Power Socket AC connector enabling power supply to the SP-4D
28 Power Switch Illuminated switch for turning the unit ON and OFF
6SP-4D – Overview

SP-4D - Installing in a Rack 7
4 Installing in a Rack

8 SP-4D - Connecting the SP-4D
5 Connecting the SP-4D
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
SP-4D. After connecting your SP-4D, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
To connect the SP-4D, as shown in Figure 3, do the following:
1. Connect up to four SDI input sources (for example, video cameras or a
digital video player) to the IN 1 to IN 4 BNC connectors.
2. Connect up to four SDI output acceptors (for example, a non-linear editor) to
the OUT 1 to OUT 4 BNC connectors.
3. Connect the GENLOCK IN BNC connector to an SDI genlock source (for
example an HD-SDI black-burst generator).
4. Connect the ANALOG OUT 15-pin HD connector to a computer graphics
acceptor (for example, an analog display).
5. Connect the AUDIO OUT RCA connectors to an audio acceptor (for
example, a stereo amplifier).
6. If required, connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub connector to a controlling
computer (see Section 5.1).
i

SP-4D - Connecting the SP-4D 9
Figure 3: Connecting to the SP-4D Rear Panel
5.1 Connecting to the Product via RS-232
You can connect to the SP-4D via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a
PC. Note that a null-modem adapter/connection is not required.
To connect to the SP-4D via RS-232:
•Connect the RS-232 9-pin D-sub rear panel port on the SP-4D via a 9-wire
straight cable (only pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3, and pin 5 to pin 5 need to be
connected) to the RS-232 9-pin D-sub port on your PC

10 SP-4D - Operating the SP-4D
6 Operating the SP-4D
This section explains how to use the:
•LCD display (see Section 6.1)
•Front panel buttons (see Section 6.2)
•LED indicators (see Section 6.3)
6.1 Using the LCD Display
The SP-4D includes a two-line, 20-character per line LCD display that displays
(while in the main mode of operation) the machine status, the genlock reference
source and standard of video signals on all four SDI outputs. The following
examples explain what is shown on the display.
1. When the genlock mode is turned OFF, the display shows:
SET3 INT.XTAL REF.
OutpForced: 720p/60
This means the setup (preset) number is 3; the internal crystal generator
XTAL is used as the genlock reference source, the standard of output signals
on all four outputs is forced to 720p/60.
2. If the genlock is turned ON and a reference input signal was selected as
dedicated input GenlockIN, the display shows:
SET3 Ref: GenlockIN
OutpForced: 720p/60
3. If the output standard selection mode is AUTO, the display shows:
SET3 Ref: GenlockIN
OutputAuto: 720p/60
4. If genlock is turned ON and SDI input channel 2 is selected as the reference
input signal, the display shows:
SET3 RefSource: IN2
OutpForced: 720p/60

SP-4D - Operating the SP-4D 11
6.2 Using the Front Panel Buttons
The front panel includes the following buttons:
MENU, ENTER, ►,▲,▼,◄. Pressing any arrow button once advances or returns
one parameter. Pressing and holding an arrow button scrolls automatically through
the menus or parameters.
Command Buttons
Button Function
MENU 1. Opens the top level MENU from the MAIN mode of operation
2. Closes the top level MENU and returns to the MAIN mode of operation
3. Closes the SUBMENU and returns to the top level MENU
ENTER 1. Fixes a new value of the adjusted parameter (but does not save it)
2. Opens a SUBMENU from the top level MENU
3. Accelerates the repeat function by 16x, if this button is pressed together with
LEFT or RIGHT buttons
UP ▲Selects the previous item of any menu
DOWN ▼Selects the next item of any menu
LEFT◄Selects the previous value of a selected parameter (with repeat function)
RIGHT ►Selects the next value of a selected parameter (with repeat function)
PANEL LOCK Enables or disables the PANEL LOCK function after pressing for 2sec
6.3 Using the Front Panel LEDs
Five LEDs on the front panel indicate genlock loss and the presence of a video
signal on the input of each channel.
Understanding the Front Panel LEDs
LED Status Condition LED Status
Genlock Genlock turned OFF
Genlock turned ON, no appropriate reference source
Genlock turned ON, the unit is properly locked to reference
LED OFF
LED flashes
LED ON
Input 1-
Input 4
No video signal
Input signal standard not in same group as the output standard
Proper input signal
LED OFF
LED flashes
LED ON

12 SP-4D - Using the SP-4D Menus
7 Using the SP-4D Menus
This section explains how to use the various menus and their functions to operate
the SP-4D.
The menu maps in Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate how to navigate through the
various menus and their settings.
Note: All menus show SET1. as an example. Your setup numbers may differ.

SP-4D - Using the SP-4D Menus 13
Figure 4: SP-4D Menu Map I

14 SP-4D - Using the SP-4D Menus
Figure 5: SP-4D Menu Map II

SP-4D - Using the SP-4D Menus 15
7.1 Loading Setups
To load a saved setup:
•Press MENU to enter the menu mode
•Press or as needed until LOAD SETUP NUMBER is displayed
•Press or to reach the setup number desired (from 1 to 16)
•Press ENTER to load the setup
•Press MENU to return to the normal operating mode
7.2 Saving Setups
Setups are a snapshot of all machine settings at a given instant. 16 setups are
available for saving and reloading.
Note: Most parameter changes are temporarily saved in memory only until the
SP-4D is powered OFF. To permanently save the change, perform SAVE
SETTING AS A SETUP NUMBER as shown in this procedure.
To save a setup:
•Press MENU to enter the menu mode
•Press or until SAVE SETTING AS SETUP NUMBER is displayed
•Press or to reach the setup number desired (from 1to 16)
If the present setup is different from the saved setup, SETUP NUMBER:
appears (with a colon)
•Press ENTER to save the setup (the colon disappears)
•Press MENU to return to the normal operating mode
7.3 Using the Factory Reset
Use Factory Reset to return any individual setup to its original factory setting.
To perform a factory reset:
•Press MENU to enter the menu mode
•Press or until SETUP 1 FACTORY RESET is displayed

16 SP-4D - Using the SP-4D Menus
•Press or to reach the setup number desired (from 1to 16)
•Press ENTER to reset the setup
•Save the new setup using the procedure Saving Setups in Section 7.2
•Press MENU to return to the normal operating mode
7.4 Setting the Video Signal
Use this menu to choose between forced or auto standard identification for input
and output signals, also to select and turn ON embedded video test signals for
each channel separately.
To set the video signal:
•Press MENU to enter the menu mode
•Press or until SET1. VIDEO SIGNAL (enter submenu) is displayed
•Press ENTER go into the submenu
•Press and to navigate through the submenus.
7.4.1 Setting a Standard from the Video Signal Menu
To set a forced standard:
•Press or until SET1. FORCED STANDARD is displayed
•Press or to reach the desired settings (available settings are shown in
this table)
Video Groups
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
720p/60 (default) 1080i/60 1080sf/30 1080p/30 525p/60
720p/59 1080i/59 1080sf/29 1080p/29 625p/50
720p/50 1080i/50 1080sf/25 1080p/25 525i/60
1080sf/24 1080p/24 625i/50
1080sf/23 1080p/23
Note: Each group contains its own mutually compatible standards.
•Press ENTER to activate the setting (there is a 5 second delay when
changing in either direction between SD and HD settings)

SP-4D - Using the SP-4D Menus 17
7.4.2 Setting the Input Standard Mode from the Video Signal Menu
To set the input standard mode:
•Press or until SET1. INPUT STANDARD MODE
•Press or to choose settings: AUTObyChan.In or FORCED
Note: If all four SDI input settings are strictly defined and never changed,
FORCED mode is recommended.
•Press ENTER to save the setting temporarily (only until powered off).
7.4.3 Setting the Output Standard Mode from the Video Signal Menu
To set the output standard mode:
•Press or until SET1. OUTPUT STANDARD MODE
•Press or to choose settings: AUTObyRefSour. or FORCED
Note: If all four SDI output settings are strictly defined and never changed,
FORCED mode is recommended.
•Press ENTER to save the setting temporarily (only until powered off)
7.4.4 Running a Test Signal from the Video Signal Menu
To run a test signal:
•Press or to choose a channel to test (1 to 4)
•Press or to choose the settings: NO TEST SETTING, COLOR
BARS100%, SPLIT BARS100% or RAMP100%
•Press ENTER to run the test
•To stop the test, return to NO TEST SIGNAL and press ENTER