Nvidia ForceWare Quadro FX 4000 SDI User manual

ForceWare Graphics Drivers
Quadro FX 4000 SDI
User’s Guide
Version 2.1
NVIDIA Corporation
August 22, 2005

NVIDIA Corporation
NVIDIA ForceWare Graphics Drivers Quadro FX 4000 SDI User’s Guide v2.1
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NVIDIA Corporation i
Driver Utilities Quadro FX 4000 SDI User’s Guide Version
1.About NVIDIA Graphics to SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Feature Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Hardware Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Software Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Recommended Operating Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How to Set Up the SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Basic SDI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Advanced Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Genlock Versus Frame Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Supported Synchronization Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Synchronization Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Viewing System Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
4.API Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Property Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
API Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Function Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Function Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Table of Contents

NVIDIA Corporation
NVIDIA Drivers Quadro FX 4000 SDI User’s Guide Version 2.1

NVIDIA Corporation
Quadro FX 4000 SDI User’s Guide – Version 2.1 1
CHAPTER 1
About NVIDIA Graphics to SDI
CHAPTER
ABOUT NVIDIA GRAPHICS TO SDI
Serial Digital Interface (SDI) is a digital, uncompressed high quality video format used for
film and video post production and broadcast applications. The Quadro FX 4000 SDI
graphics card converts composited video and graphics to uncompressed 8-bit or 10-bit
SDI output.
About This Document
This manual explains the graphics-to-SDI functionality of the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4000
SDI graphics card and software, described in the following sections:
•“NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI” on page 3 lists the supported SDI features and explains the
basic operation in a broadcast environment.
•“Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel” on page 11 describes how to use the Display
Properties control panel to set up and start the SDI output.
•“API Control” on page 23 gives an overview of API control of the SDI functions.
For instructions on installing the graphics card and drivers, refer to the documentation
that accompanies your Quadro FX 4000 SDI graphics card.
Other Documents
For details on using the NVIDIA Display Properties control panel, see the ForceWare
Release XX Graphics Drivers User’s Guide.
System Requirements
•Windows
®2000 or Windows®XP.
• Quadro FX 4000 SDI Graphics Card
• NVIDIA Forceware Graphics Driver for Windows, version 62.42 or later.

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2Quadro FX 4000 SDI User’s Guide– Version 2.1
CHAPTER 1
About NVIDIA Graphics to SDI
Revision History
Revision Date Description
1.0 8/6/04 Initial Release.
2.0 12/16/04 Added more HD modes under “Supported SDI Signal Formats”
on page 4.
2.1 8/22/05 Removed reference to Direct3D API support from “Using the
SDI APIs” on page 8.

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Quadro FX 4000 SDI User’s Guide – Version 2.1 3
CHAPTER 2
NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
CHAPTER
NVIDIA GRAPHICS-TO-SDI
This chapter provides an overview of the NVIDIA graphics-to-SDI functionality,
described in the following sections:
•“Feature Overview” on page 3 lists the hardware connections, supported SDI formats,
and additional SDI support features of the Quadro FX 4000 SDI graphics card.
•“Basic Operation” on page 5 describes the hardware connections and summarizes the
software setup.
•“Recommended Operating Practices” on page 9 describes some basic operating
practices that NVIDIA recommends to ensure the best performance.
Feature Overview
Output Connections
• Two BNC connections that can be configured for fill + key dual-link SDI outputs, or for
single-link SDI outputs
• One DVI video monitoring output

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NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
Supported SDI Signal Formats
• Standard Defintion (SD) Modes
•487i @ 59.95 Hz (SMPTE259) NTSC
•576i @ 50.00 Hz (SMPTE259) PAL
• High Definition (HD) Modes
•720p @ 23.97 Hz, 24.00 Hz, 25.00 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30.00 Hz, and 50.00 Hz1
•720p @ 59.94Hz, 60.00 Hz (SMPTE296)
•1035i @ 59.94 Hz, 60.00 Hz (SMPTE260)
•1080i @ 50.00 Hz (SMPTE295)
•1080i @ 50.00 Hz, 59.94 Hz, 60.00 Hz (SMPTE274)
•1080PsF @ 24.00 Hz, 23.976 Hz2
•1080PsF @ 25.00 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30 Hz (SMPTE274)
•1080p @ 23.976 Hz, 24.00 Hz, 25.00 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30.00 Hz (SMPTE274)
Supported SDI Color Formats
• RGB 4:4:4
• YCrCb 4:2:2 or 4:4:4
• RGBA 4:4:4:4
• YCrCbA 4:2:2:4
Desktop Region Adjustment Capability
Lets you define a portion of the desktop to convert to SDI output.
Genlock and Frame Lock Capability
Lets you synchronize the SDI output to an external digital or analog sync source.
1. The 720p modes in this bullet entry are available with firmware revision 6 or later.
2. The 1080PsF modes in this bullet entry are available with firmware revision 6 or later.

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CHAPTER 2
NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
Basic Operation
Hardware Setup
Understanding the Connectors
Figure 2.1 shows the available SDI and external sync connectors on the Quadro FX 4000
SDI graphics card.
Figure 2.1 SDI Connectors
Understanding the OnBoard DIP Switch
The Quadro FX 4000 SDI graphics card has an onboard dip switch that determines the
default SDI operating mode. Subsequent software changes override these settings.
Figure 2.2 Onboard DIP Switch Positions
Single link
SDI output
Key portion
of a dual link
SDI output
Fill portion
of a dual link
SDI output
Single link
SDI output
- or -
SDI
Genlock
Sync Signal
Composite
Genlock
Sync Signal
(1-4) Output Video Format (See Table 2.1)
(5-6) Sync Source (See Table 2.2)
(7) Auto Switch (See Table 2.3)

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NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
Table 2.1 Output Video Format Switch Settings
Switch
Position
1234 Video Format
0000 Reserved
1000 SMPTE 259 NTSC, 1440x487, 30/1.001 Hz, Interlace
0100 SMPTE 259 PAL, 1440x576, 25 Hz, Interlace
1100 SMPTE 260, 1920x1035, 30 Hz, Interlace
0010 SMPTE 260, 1920x1035, 30/1.001 Hz, Interlace
1010 SMPTE 295, 1920x1080, 25 Hz, Interlace
0110 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 30 Hz, Interlace
1110 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 30/1.001 Hz, Interlace
0001 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 25 Hz, Interlace
1001 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 30 Hz, Progressive
0101 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 30/1.001 Hz, Progressive
1101 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 25 Hz, Progressive
0011 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 24 Hz, Progressive
1011 SMPTE 274, 1920x1080, 24/1.001 Hz, Progressive
0111 SMPTE 296, 1280x720, 60 Hz, Progressive
1111 SMPTE 296, 1280x720, 60/1.001 Hz, Progressive
Table 2.2 Sync Source Switch Settings
Switch
Position
56 Sync Source
00 Internal (free running)
10 Synchronize to SDI sync source
01 Synchronize to Composite sync source
11 Reserved
Table 2.3 Auto Switch Settings
Switch
Position
7Auto Switch Setting
0Do not auto switch
1Automatically switch to the new video format based on the
source sync.

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CHAPTER 2
NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
Connecting the SDI Video Output
Refer to Figure 2.1.
• 4:4:4/4:2:2:4/4:4:4:4 dual-link signals are sent to the Fill Out and Key Out BNC
connectors (fill + key signals are sent to the corresponding BNC connectors).
• 4:2:2 single-link signals are sent to the Fill Out BNC connector only.
In application control mode, using the APIs, an additional 4:2:2 signal can be sent to the
Key Out BNC connector.
Connecting to an External Sync Source
• You can genlock the output to an external digital or analog sync source.
NVIDIA Genlock supports the following two external synchronization signal types:
•SDI
•Composite, which can be one of
Composite Bi-level (NTSC or PAL sources use bi-level composite signals.)
Composite Tri-level (HDTV sources commonly use tri-level composite signals.)
• To use an external sync source, connect the sync signal to the appropriate BNC
connector as indicated in Figure 2.1.
You can connect to both types of sync sources at the same time. The software gives
precedence to the SDI signal, but you can use the control panel to choose which signal
to use (see “Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source” on page 19.)

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NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
Software Setup
The NVIDIA SDI software lets you specify the
•SDIsignalformat
• Color formats
• Synchronization method
• Gamma correction
Graphics-to-SDI functionality can be set up and controlled in two basic ways—using the
NVIDIA control panel or using the NVIDIA SDI API.
Using the SDI APIs
The SDI application programming interface allows OpenGL applications to have full and
exclusive control of the SDI output. This is also known as extended mode.
When the SDI output is under application control, you can use the NVIDIA Graphics to
SDI property page to view the SDI hardware status.
• See the chapter “API Control” on page 23 for a description of the graphics-to-video-out
API calls.
• Also, refer to the document Programming the NVIDA Quadro FX 4000 SDI for
instructions on using the API.
Using the Control Panel
When the SDI output is not being controlled by an application, you can use the NVIDIA
Graphics to SDI property page to
• Specify the SDI signal format, output format, and then enable the SDI output.
• Configure the external synchronization signal if needed.
This is also known as transparent mode. In this mode, the SDI software work on top of
existing applications, and the active workstation desktop or full screen application
display is automatically forwarded to the SDI video outputs.
See the chapter “Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel” on page 11 for detailed
instructions on using the Graphics to SDI property page.

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CHAPTER 2
NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
Recommended Operating Practices
This section provides some basic operating practices to follow in order to obtain the best
SDI performance for your application.
Initial On-Air Broadcast
When starting a live broadcast of SDI video, follow the sequence below to ensure proper
allocation of system resources and to prevent visual disturbances in the on air broadcast.
1Set up the SDI format settings and start the SDI output
2Start the application to be broadcast
3Verify the video quality
4Close the Graphics to SDI control panel
5Go on air
To avoid visual disturbances while broadcasting live, DO NOT
•Start or stop the graphics or video application
•Turn on or off the SDI output
•Make changes to the SDI signal format
Changing Applications
To avoid visual disturbances while switching applications, observe the following
sequence:
1Stop the live broadcast (go off air)
2Stop the application
3Start the new application
4Verify video quality
5Resume the live broadcast

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NVIDIA Graphics-to-SDI
Changing Video Formats
When changing any of the SDI settings, visual disturbances might occur as the video
resets to the new settings. To prevent such disturbances from being visible to the public or
from being recorded, observe the following sequence when making changes to any SDI
setting:
1Stop the live broadcast (go off air)
2Change video format or SDI settings
3Verify video quality
4Resume the live broadcast
When Using the Control Panel
NVIDIA recommends the following
• Set the desktop to the same or higher resolution than the SDI output for better image
quality.
• Close all background applications—such as virus scan, backup, and archiving
applications—before starting the SDI output and going on air.
• Close the Display Properties panel before going on air.
• When running multiple OpenGL applications, tearing may occur if the applications are
not synchronized.
In general, NVIDIA does not recommend running multiple OpenGL applications when
starting the SDI output or when going live.
Running Multiple OpenGL Applications
To maximize the system resources and bandwidth available for converting graphics to
SDI output, NVIDIA recommends broadcasting only one OpenGL application at a time.

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CHAPTER 3
Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel
CHAPTER
USING THE GRAPHICS TO SDI CONTROL PANEL
This chapter explains how to set up the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4000 SDI graphics card using
the NVIDIA Graphics to SDI properties page—also known as transparent mode. It
contains the following sections:
•“How to Set Up the SDI Output” on page 12 provides step-by-step instructions for
using the control panel to set up the SDI output.
•“Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source” on page 19 explains in more
detail the genlock and frame lock features.
•“Viewing System Information” on page 22

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Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel
How to Set Up the SDI Output
Basic SDI Setup
Step 1: Enable the Graphics to SDI Property Page
1Open the NVIDIA Graphics to SDI property page.
aOpen the Windows Display Properties control panel, click Settings>Advanced, and
then click the Quadro FX 4000 tab to open the NVIDIA graphics card display
properties page.
bClick the Graphics to SDI tree item from the slide-out tray.
Figure 3.1 Graphics to SDI Page
2In the Output Options group box, click Yes for Send Output to SDI.
To ensure proper operation, NVIDIA recommends the following -
• Set the desktop resolution to be the same or larger than the SDI output for better image quality
• Stop background applications—such as virus scan, backup and archiving applications—prior
to starting SDI output and going on air.
• Close the control panel before going on air.
• When running multiple OpenGL applications, synchronize them, otherwise tearing may occur.

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CHAPTER 3
Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel
Step 2: Choose a Synchronization Method
Click the Sync Option arrow and then click the method you want to use to synchronize
the SDI output:
•Internal: The SDI output will be synchronized with the timing chosen from the SDI
signal format list.
•Genlock: The SDI output will be synchronized with the external sync signal.
•Frame Lock: The SDI output will be synchronized with the timing chosen from the SDI
signal format list.
This list is limited to timings that can be synchronized with the detected external sync
signal.
For more information regarding genlock and frame lock, see the section “Synchronizing
the SDI Output to an External Source” on page 19.
Step 3: Specify the SDI Signal Format
The SDI signal format controls the video resolution, field rate, and SMPTE signalling
standard for the outgoing video stream. Your options for this setting depend on which
Sync option you chose in the previous step.
Internal
If you chose internal synchronization, then click the SDI signal format arrow and click
the signal format you want to use.
Genlock
If you chose genlock synchronization, the sync source controls the SDI signal format. The
list box will be grayed out, preventing you from choosing another format.
Frame Lock
If you chose frame lock synchronization, only those modes that are compatible with the
detected sync signal will appear in the SDI signal format list.
Click the SDI signal format arrow and then click the signal format you want to use.
Step 4: Specify the SDI Output Format
The SDI output format controls the color model, data packing, and alpha or z components
in the outgoing video stream.
Click the SDI output format arrow and then click the color format you want to use.

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Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel
Step 5: Apply and Verify the Changes
Click OK or Apply to put the new settings into effect.
The Graphics to SDI property page banner indicates the status of the SDI output as well as
the external synchronization signals. Figure 3.2 shows the correlation between the
indicators on the banner and the actual connectors.
Figure 3.2 Connection Status Indicators
The activity of the LED graphics indicates the signal status as follows:
•Vid. 1 Out or Vid. 2 Out
•SDI Sync
•COMP Sync
Status Meaning
Off (gray) SDI output is not in use
Blinking Green SDI output is active and is in HD mode.
Blinking Yellow SDI output is active and is in SD mode.
Status Meaning
Off (gray) SDI synchronization signal is not present or not detected.
Blinking Green SDI synchronization signal is detected in HD mode.
Blinking Yellow SDI synchronization signal is detected in SD mode.
Steady Yellow SDI synchronization error has occurred.
Status Meaning
Off (gray) Composite synchronization signal is not present or not
detected.
Blinking Green Composite synchronization signal is detected.
Quadro FX 4000 SDI
Connectors
Graphics to SDI
Property Page
Banner

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CHAPTER 3
Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel
More About the External Sync Signal
When the software detects the external sync signal, the sync format information appears
in the Genlock format text box.
This section describes other situations that might come up when attempting to sync to an
external sugnal.
Switching External Sync Signals
If you have both SDI and composite sync signals connected, the software automatically
chooses the SDI signal.
If you want to switch to the composite signal, click the arrow in the Genlock format
group box and then click COMP Sync.
Manually Detecting the Signal
• If the software loses the external sync signal or does not detect it automatically,
click the signal detect button to force detection of the sync signal.
• For composite signals, the software automatically detects the signal type that is being
used—either bi-level or tri-level.
If the software is unable to detect the signal type, click the Genlock format list box
arrow and then click the COMP option corresponding to your sync source.

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Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel
Advanced Adjustments
This section describes the following additional settings that you can control using the
Graphics to SDI page:
•“Adjusting the Desktop Area” on page 16
•“Applying Gamma Correction” on page 18
Adjusting the Desktop Area
By default, the entire desktop is converted to SDI output. If the desktop is smaller than the
size of the SDI output, it will be scaled to fit. If the desktop is larger than the SDI output, it
will be cropped to fit.
Instead of using the entire desktop, you can specify a region of the desktop to convert to
SDI output as follows:
1In the Desktop group box, click Change Desktop region.
The display property page minimizes and the SDI Output dialog box appears.
Superimposed over the desktop is a rectangular outline that shows the region that will
be used for SDI output.
Figure 3.3 Desktop Region Adjustment