Ross VAC-100 User manual

VAC-100
VANC Authoring Card
User Manual

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VAC-100 · User Manual
• Ross Part Number: VAC100DR-004-04
• Release Date: February 22, 2018.
The information contained in this Guide is subject to change without notice or obligation.
Copyright
©2018 Ross Video Limited, Ross®, and any related marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ross Video
Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. PATENTS ISSUED and PENDING.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Ross Video. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, Ross Video assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein.
Patents
Patent numbers US 7,034,886; US 7,508,455; US 7,602,446; US 7,802,802 B2; US 7,834,886; US 7,914,332; US
8,307,284; US 8,407,374 B2; US 8,499,019 B2; US 8,519,949 B2; US 8,743,292 B2; GB 2,419,119 B; GB
2,447,380 B; and other patents pending.
Notice
The material in this manual is furnished for informational use only. It is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as commitment by Ross Video Limited. Ross Video Limited assumes no responsibility or liability
for errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
Safety Notices
Refer to the “Important Regulatory and Safety Notices” document that accompanied your product.
Statement of Compliance
This product has been determined to be compliant with the applicable standards, regulations, and directives for the
countries where the product is marketed.
Compliance documentation, such as certification or Declaration of Compliance for the product is available upon
request by contacting [email protected]. Please include the product; model number identifiers and serial
number and country that compliance information is needed in request.
EMC Notices
US FCC Part 15
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A Digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a Commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Canada
This Class “A” digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe “A” est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
European Union
This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions established under
regulation (EC) No 765/2008 and Decision No 768/2008/EC referred to as the “New Legislative Framework”.
Australia/New Zealand
This equipment is in compliance with the provisions established under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and
Radiocommunications Labeling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Notice 2008.
Korea
This equipment is in compliance with the provisions established under the Radio Waves Act.
Class A equipment (Broadcasting and communications service for business use)
This device is a business-use (Class A) EMC-compliant device. The seller and user are advised to be aware of this
fact. This device is intended for use in areas outside home.
International
This equipment has been tested under the requirements of CISPR 22:2008 or CISPR 32:2015 and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A Digital device.
Maintenance/User Serviceable Parts
Routine maintenance to this openGear product is not required. This product contains no user serviceable parts. If
the module does not appear to be working properly, please contact Technical Support using the numbers listed
under the “Contact Us” section of this manual. All openGear products are covered by a generous 5-year warranty
Notice — Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Ross Video Ltd. could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Warning — This equipment is compliant with Class A of CISPR 32. In a residential environment this
equipment may cause radio interference.
Notice — This is a Class A product. In domestic environments, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may have to take adequate measures.
Type of Equipment User’s Guide
A
(߶הࡈ ؏ܞݦ࢕ࢢ)
Class A Equipment
(Industrial Broadcasting &
Communication Equipment)
ࢇ Е ߶הࡈ(A)ࢷ࢕ળࢶଢԻ۰ શ
֐࢕ ӖЕ یࡈ࢕Е ࢇ ࢺࡶ ࣯ࢂଜݤ ؂Ԃ
ֲ,ɼࢽ࠹ࢂ ࠇ߾۰ یࡈଜЕ ʨࡶ ּࢶࡳԻ
ଢТЬ.
This equipment is Industrial (Class A)
electromagnetic wave suitability equipment and
seller or user should take notice of it, and this
equipment is to be used in the places except for home.

and will be repaired without charge for materials or labor within this period. See the “Warranty and Repair
Policy” section in this manual for details.
Environmental Information
The equipment may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.
To avoid the potential release of those substances into the environment and to diminish the need for the extraction
of natural resources, Ross Video encourages you to use the appropriate take-back systems. These systems will reuse
or recycle most of the materials from your end-of-life equipment in an environmentally friendly and health
conscious manner.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use these systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse, and recycling systems, please contact your local or regional
waste administration. You can also contact Ross Video for more information on the environmental performances of
our products.
Company Address
Ross Video Limited Ross Video Incorporated
8 John Street P.O. Box 880
Iroquois, Ontario, K0E 1K0 Ogdensburg, New York
Canada USA 13669-0880
General Business Office: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4886
Fax: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4425
Technical Support: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4886
After Hours Emergency: (+1) 613 • 349 • 0006
E-mail (Technical Support): techsu[email protected]
E-mail (General Information): solu[email protected]m
Website: http://www.rossvideo.com

VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04) Contents • i
Contents
Introduction 1
Overview.............................................................................................................................. 1-2
Features.................................................................................................................. 1-2
Functional Block Diagram................................................................................................... 1-4
User Interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 1-5
DashBoard Control System ................................................................................... 1-5
Card-edge Controls................................................................................................ 1-5
Documentation Terms and Conventions.............................................................................. 1-6
Installation 2
Before You Begin ................................................................................................................ 2-2
Static Discharge..................................................................................................... 2-2
Unpacking.............................................................................................................. 2-2
Quick Start ........................................................................................................................... 2-3
Installing the VAC-100 ......................................................................................... 2-3
Configuring the VAC-100..................................................................................... 2-3
Installing the VAC-100........................................................................................................ 2-5
Rear Modules for the VAC-100 ............................................................................ 2-5
Installing a Rear Module ....................................................................................... 2-5
Installing the VAC-100 ......................................................................................... 2-6
Cabling for the VAC-100 .................................................................................................... 2-7
Rear Module Cabling ............................................................................................ 2-7
Connections Overview .......................................................................................... 2-7
Software Upgrades............................................................................................................... 2-9
User Controls 3
Card Overview..................................................................................................................... 3-2
Control and Monitoring Features......................................................................................... 3-3
Status and Selection LEDs on the VAC-100......................................................... 3-3
Configuration 4
Using DashBoard................................................................................................................. 4-2
General Settings................................................................................................................... 4-3
Setting the Time Source....................................................................................................... 4-4
Naming the Data .................................................................................................................. 4-5
Authoring the Data............................................................................................................... 4-6
Authoring AFD Data ............................................................................................. 4-6
Authoring Audio Metadata.................................................................................... 4-6
Authoring Timecode.............................................................................................. 4-7
Authoring Broadcast Flags.................................................................................... 4-8
Authoring Caption Test Data................................................................................. 4-8
Authoring ISAN Data............................................................................................ 4-8
Authoring DPI Triggers......................................................................................... 4-9
Authoring Generic Data ........................................................................................ 4-9

ii • Contents VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04)
Inserting the Data ............................................................................................................... 4-11
Configuring the Alarms...................................................................................................... 4-12
Monitoring.......................................................................................................................... 4-13
Managing User Settings ..................................................................................................... 4-15
Specifications 5
Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................... 5-2
Service Information 6
Troubleshooting Checklist ................................................................................................... 6-2
Reset Button........................................................................................................... 6-2
Warranty and Repair Policy ................................................................................................. 6-3

VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04) Introduction • 1–1
Introduction
In This Chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Overview
• Functional Block Diagram
• User Interfaces
• Documentation Terms and Conventions
A Word of Thanks
Congratulations on choosing an openGear VAC-100 VANC Authoring Card. Thank you for
joining the group of worldwide satisfied Ross Video customers!
Should you have a question pertaining to the installation or operation of your VAC-100, please
contact us at the numbers listed on the back cover of this manual. Our technical support staff is
always available for consultation, training, or service.

1–2 • Introduction VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04)
Overview
The VAC-100 adds Vertical Ancillary (VANC) data services to an SDI (SMPTE 259) or HD-SDI
(SMPTE 292) video signal, in accordance with SMPTE 291 and other related standards. Its
function is to author and insert VANC data of known data types. Some examples are audio
metadata (SMPTE 2020) and active format descriptor (AFD) metadata (SMPTE 2016).
Users who need to add a variety of dynamically changing VANC services (such as closed
captioning) should consider the Ross Video TES9 Encoder.
The VAC-100 provides a number of innovative tools for defining and selecting metadata services,
in order to simplify your workflow. For example:
• The VAC-100 supports a library of the most common VANC data types. The user
interface allows a simple click to select authoring and insertion.
• The VANC data output automatically adapts to the incoming video type so your data will
always be correct.
• The VANC services can be triggered by contact closures on rear-panel GPIO connectors
or inserted constantly. The data appearing in the VANC can be controlled by an operator
using switches or by an automation system using GPIO.
• As a member of the openGear family, the VAC-100 shares a common control interface,
known as DashBoard, with a broad array of other products.
• The configuration from one VAC-100 can be uploaded to DashBoard and then
downloaded to other VAC-100’s, allowing you to ensure that a number of cards have
exactly the same configuration and data.
Supported Data Types
The VAC-100 is a tool for authoring VANC data through its user interface. The following data
types are directly supported by the card:
• Active Format Description (AFD) SMPTE-2016
• Audio Metadata SMPTE-2020
• Timecode SMPTE-12
• Broadcast Flag
• Captioning Test Sequence CEA-708
• DPI Triggers SCTE-104/SMPTE-2010
•V-ISAN
• Generic Data
The generic data type allows for the creation of data types not directly supported by the card. This
includes such things as text tags to mark the source of a video stream and packets to trigger
downstream devices.
Features
The following features make the VAC-100 the best solution for insertion of constant data or
metadata VANC services:
• Operates automatically with major SD and HD video formats
• Powerful metadata authoring features
• Flexible selection of packets and assignment to scan lines
• GPIO-triggered VANC packet selection

VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04) Introduction • 1–3
• Video bypass capability with suitable Ross Video rear modules
• Intelligent VANC replacement enables automatic selection of local or network metadata,
by inserting only when VANC data of the same type is not present in the input.
Alternatively, the VAC-100 can overwrite specific incoming metadata services, enabling
selective metadata re-authoring.
• Fits openGear frames
• 5-year transferable warranty

1–4 • Introduction VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04)
Functional Block Diagram
This section provides the functional block diagram that outlines the workflow of the VAC-100.
Figure 1.1 Simplified Block Diagram — VAC-100
EXTRACT
VAN C
HD/SD-SDI MON OUT
EQUALIZE/
DESERIALIZE
ENCODE
VAN C SERIALIZEHD/SD-SDI IN
HD/SD-SDI OUTBYPASS
CPU
GPIOs
LTC I N

VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04) Introduction • 1–5
User Interfaces
The VAC-100 provides the following user interfaces for controlling and monitoring the
VAC-100.
DashBoard Control System
The DashBoard Control System enables you to monitor and control openGear frames and cards
from a computer. DashBoard communicates with other cards in the frame through the Network
Controller Card. The DashBoard software and user manual are available for download from our
website.
For More Information on...
• using DashBoard, refer to the DashBoard User Manual.
Card-edge Controls
The card-edge of the VAC-100 includes LEDs for monitoring the functions of the VAC-100.
For More Information on...
• the switches available on the card-edge, refer to the section “Card Overview” on
page 3-2.
• the available LEDs, refer to the section “Control and Monitoring Features” on
page 3-3.

1–6 • Introduction VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04)
Documentation Terms and Conventions
The following terms and conventions are used throughout this manual.
Terms
The following terms are used:
•“Board”, and “Card” refer to openGear terminal devices within openGear frames,
including all components and switches.
•“DashBoard” refers to the DashBoard Control System.
•“DFR-8300 series frame” refers to all versions of the DFR-8310 series, DFR-8321
series frames, and any available options unless otherwise noted.
•“GPIO” refers to the DC signals used by one device to control another (General Purpose
Input-Output).
•“Metadata” some of the VANC data that the VAC-100 monitors (such as closed
captioning) is “data essence”, not metadata. For convenience, this manual uses the term
“metadata” to refer to all VANC data types.
•“openGear frame” refers to DFR-8300 series and OG3-FR series frames that house the
VAC-100 card.
•“Operator” and “User” refer to the person who uses VAC-100.
•“System” and “Video system” refer to the mix of interconnected production and terminal
equipment in your environment.
•“VANC” refers to the Vertical Ancillary Data space of a serial digital video signal, and is
defined by SMPTE-291M.
Conventions
The following conventions are used:
•The “Operating Tips” and “Note” boxes are used throughout this manual to provide
additional user information.

VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04) Installation • 2–1
Installation
In This Chapter
This chapter provides instructions for installing the VAC-100, installing the card into the frame,
cabling details, and updating the card software.
The following topics are discussed:
• Before You Begin
•Quick Start
• Installing the VAC-100
• Cabling for the VAC-100
• Software Upgrades

2–2 • Installation VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04)
Before You Begin
Before proceeding with the instructions in this chapter, ensure that your openGear frame is
properly installed according to the instructions in its manual.
Static Discharge
Throughout this chapter, please heed the following cautionary note:
Unpacking
Unpack each VAC-100 you received from the shipping container and ensure that all items are
included. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your sales representative or Ross Video
directly.
ESD Susceptibility — Static discharge can cause serious damage to sensitive
semiconductor devices. Avoid handling circuit boards in high static environments such as
carpeted areas and when synthetic fiber clothing is worn. Always exercise proper grounding
precautions when working on circuit boards and related equipment.

VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04) Installation • 2–3
Quick Start
The purpose of the VAC-100 is to decode VANC data and overlay this information on the video.
This section outlines the steps needed to get started with VANC metadata insertion:
1. Install the VAC-100 into the frame.
2. Configure the VAC-100 using the options in DashBoard.
3. Connect GPIOs to control what is inserted.
Installing the VAC-100
1. Connect the frame to your LAN. Refer to the user manual for your openGear frame for
information.
2. Install DashBoard on a computer connected to the LAN. The DashBoard Control
System software and user manual is available from the Ross Video website.
3. Install a rear module in the frame, as described in the section “Installing a Rear
Module” on page 2-5.
4. Install a VAC-100 into the rear module, as described in the section “Installing the
VAC-100” on page 2-6.
5. Connect a SMPTE 292 or 259 video signal to the SDI input jack on the rear module as
described in the section “Cabling for the VAC-100” on page 2-7.
6. Connect the SDI output jack to an SDI analyzer or VANC monitoring test set.
7. Power on the frame.
Configuring the VAC-100
In this section, the VAC-100 is assumed not to be in Bypass mode and the card will append its
VANC data after any that is currently in the line.
1. Launch the DashBoard client on your computer.
• DashBoard should automatically find your frame within a minute or two.
• Expand the frame node you installed the VAC-100 in. A list of cards in the frame is
displayed.
• Double-click the node for the VAC-100 you wish to configure for encoding. A tab
for the card displays in the Device View of the DashBoard client.
2. Re-name the card as follows:
• Select the Settings tab.
• Re-name the card. This will make the card easily identifiable within DashBoard
especially when there is more than one card to configure and monitor. Ensure to
press Enter after typing the name to apply the change.
3. Name the buffers as follows:
• Select the Edit Buffer Names tab. In this example, we will create two AFD packets
which allows the AFD format to be user-configurable since only one is allowable.
• Give the first buffer a descriptive name such as “AFD Full Frame”. The first AFD
buffer will be for a default AFD code.

2–4 • Installation VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04)
• Give the second buffer a descriptive name such as “AFD 16:9 C-cut 4:3”. The
second AFD buffer will be for the code to force a 16:9 signal to be center cut when
converted to 4:3.
•Click Apply.
4. Configure Buffer 1 as follows:
• Select the AFD tab.
•In the Select Buffer area, select Buffer 1.
•From the Type menu, select 1000 (8) full frame image prefer.
•Click Save.
5. Configure Buffer 2 as follows:
• Select the AFD tab.
•In the Select Buffer area, select Buffer 2.
•From the Type menu, select 1111 (15) 16:9 with 4:3 alternative.
•Click Save.
6. Enable the AFD code 1000 to be encoded (Buffer 1) as follows:
• Select the Setup Encoding tab.
• Set the Encoding Service to Encode 1.
• Set the Encode Condition to Always.
• Set the Encoding Source to Buffer 1.
7. Enable the AFD code 1111 to be encoded (Buffer 2) an inserted into the video as
follows:
• Select the Setup Encoding tab.
• Set the Encoding Service to Encode 2.
• Set the Encode Condition to Always.
• Set the Encoding Source to Buffer 2.
•Click Start.
8. Select the Setup Encoding tab.
9. Enable the AFD code 1000 to be encoded into the video when the switch is open and
nothing to be encoded when it is closed as follows:
• Set the Encoding Service to Encode 1.
• Set the Encode Condition to GPIO 1 Open.
• Set the Encoding Source to Buffer 1.
•Click Start.
10. Enable the switch to control Buffer 1 when the GPIO is open and control Buffer 2 when
the GPIO is closed as follows:
• Set the Encoding Service to Encode 2.
• Set the Encode Condition to GPIO 1 Closed.
• Set the Encoding Source to Buffer 2.
•Click Start.
You have now followed the basic work flow for authoring and inserting VANC data. The
VAC-100 supports the authoring of many types of VANC data. The details of the different types
are described later in the manual and may be referenced while experimenting with the card’s
abilities.

VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04) Installation • 2–5
Installing the VAC-100
This section outlines how to install a rear module and card in a openGear frame. Refer to the
section “Cabling for the VAC-100” on page 2-7 for cabling details.
Rear Modules for the VAC-100
When installing the VAC-100:
•DFR-8310 series frames — The MDL-R10 Full Rear Module is required. The VAC-100
is not compatible with the DFR-8310-BNC frames.
•DFR-8321 series and OG3-FR series frames — The MDL-R20 Full Rear Module is
required.
Installing a Rear Module
If the rear module is already installed, proceed to the section “Installing the VAC-100” on page
2-6.
To install a rear module in your openGear frame
1. Locate the card frame slots on the rear of the frame.
2. Remove the Blank Plate from the slot you have chosen for the VAC-100 installation.
3. Install the bottom of the Rear Module in the Module Seating Slot at the base of the
frame’s back plane. (Figure 2.1)
Figure 2.1 Rear Module Installation in an OG3-FR Series Frame (VAC-100 not shown)
4. Align the top hole of the Rear Module with the screw on the top-edge of the frame back
plane.
5. Using a Phillips screwdriver and the supplied screw, fasten the Rear Module to the back
plane of the frame. Do not over tighten.
6. Ensure proper frame cooling and ventilation by having all rear frame slots covered with
Rear Modules or Blank Plates.
Screw Hole
Module Seating Slots

2–6 • Installation VAC-100 User Manual (Iss. 04)
Installing the VAC-100
Use the following procedure to install the VAC-100 in an openGear frame:
1. Locate the Rear Module you installed in the procedure “Installing a Rear Module” on
page 2-5.
2. Hold the VAC-100 by the edges and carefully align the card-edges with the slots in the
frame.
3. Fully insert the card into the frame until the rear connection plus is properly seated in the
Rear Module.
4. Verify whether your rear module label is self-adhesive by checking the back of the label
for a thin wax sheet. You must remove this wax sheet before affixing the label.
5. Affix the supplied rear module label to the BNC area of the Rear Module.
Notice — It is recommended to use a frame with the cooling fan option in all cases, in order
to allow all slots to be used without exceeding heat dissipation limits.