Tektronix SPG8000A User manual

D00010058B
SPG8000A
Master Sync / Clock Reference Generator Technical
Reference
User Manual
This document supports firmware Version 3.6
www.telestream.net

Copyright © 2021 Telestream, LLC and its Affiliates. All rights reserved. TELESTREAM is a registered trademark
of Telestream, LLC. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks, or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Telestream products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication
supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
TELESTREAM is a registered trademark of Telestream, LLC.
Contact Telestream
Telestream, LLC
848 Gold Flat Road
Nevada City, CA 95959
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
Worldwide, visit www.telestream.net/telestream-support/video/support.htm to find contacts in your area.

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Table of Contents
Important Compliance and Safety Information...............................................................................vi
Preface...........................................................................................................................................xiii
Product Description..........................................................................................................xiii
Methods of Operation ......................................................................................................xvi
Product Documentation....................................................................................................xvi
System Timing ................................................................................................................................. 1
Frame Reset Signals............................................................................................................ 1
GPS and GLONASS Signal Quality (Option GPS Only)................................................... 2
Time Flow Block Diagram..................................................................................................5
Web User Interface ........................................................................................................................10
Operational Considerations...............................................................................................10
Elements of Web User Interface .......................................................................................11
SNMP Remote Control .................................................................................................................. 14
SNMP Configuration ........................................................................................................ 14
Download MIB .................................................................................................................15
Back up or restore presets and user data ........................................................................................ 16
Backup and restore operations details...............................................................................16
Memory requirements.......................................................................................................17
Backup/restore procedure..................................................................................................17
Transfer or Install User Files.........................................................................................................21
Transfer or Install User Files Using FTP .........................................................................21
Transfer or Install User Files Using USB Drive .............................................................. 23
Determine if Firmware Upgrade is Needed ......................................................................27
Upgrade Firmware ............................................................................................................28
Operate Instrument with Two Power Supplies (Option DPW Only)............................................. 35
Power Supply Status ......................................................................................................... 35
Configure Preferred (Active) Supply................................................................................36
Hot-Swap Power Supply Module.....................................................................................37
Use Stay Genlock®........................................................................................................................40
Stay Genlock®details....................................................................................................... 40
Enable Stay Genlock®......................................................................................................40
Use Genlock Lock Action mode.......................................................................................40
AES Menu......................................................................................................................................42
Global settings...................................................................................................................42
Channel parameters........................................................................................................... 43
AES menu factory default settings....................................................................................44
Black Menu....................................................................................................................................45
Black Output Settings ....................................................................................................... 46
Black Timing Settings....................................................................................................... 47
Black Time Code Settings................................................................................................. 48
Blank on Reference Unlock Settings ................................................................................49
HD Tri-level Sync Rate..................................................................................................... 49
Black Menu Factory Default Settings............................................................................... 50

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SPG8000A User Manual
Composite output settings.................................................................................................51
Composite Timing Settings............................................................................................... 52
Composite Time Code Settings......................................................................................... 53
Composite Menu Factory Default Settings.......................................................................54
Dolby-E Metadata ............................................................................................................. 56
Dolby-E Generated Formats .............................................................................................59
Dolby-E Configuration Menu Factory Default Settings ...................................................67
Embedded Menu Factory Default Settings ....................................................................... 70
LTC Menu Factory Default Settings.................................................................................72
Reference Settings.............................................................................................................73
GPS Settings .....................................................................................................................74
Genlock Timing Settings ..................................................................................................77
Reference Menu Factory Default Settings ........................................................................ 78
SDI Signal submenu.......................................................................................................... 79
SDI Configure Zoneplate Submenu..................................................................................83
SDI Moving Picture submenu...........................................................................................86
SDI Video submenu..........................................................................................................87
SDI Overlay Submenu ......................................................................................................88
SDI Ancillary Data submenu ............................................................................................ 94
SDI Timecode Submenu ...................................................................................................99
SDI menu factory default settings................................................................................... 100
Select an SDI output signal ............................................................................................102
Test signal sets ................................................................................................................ 104
SDI Picture File Generation ............................................................................................ 110
SDI Zone Plate Signals ................................................................................................... 110
Zone Plate Dependent Parameters ..................................................................................115
Status Submenu............................................................................................................... 124
Presets Submenu .............................................................................................................126
General Settings Submenu.............................................................................................. 127
PTP Network Settings Submenu..................................................................................... 128
SNMP Settings submenu ................................................................................................129
GPI Settings submenu.....................................................................................................131
Options submenu.............................................................................................................133
System Menu Factory Default Settings...........................................................................141
Time of Day Submenu .................................................................................................... 144
Daylight Savings Time Submenu.................................................................................... 147
Leap Second submenu (Option GPS only) ..................................................................... 149
Program Time Submenu ................................................................................................. 149
Jam Sync Submenu ......................................................................................................... 150
Time Menu Factory Default Settings..............................................................................151
Configure Option PTP on SPG8000A ............................................................................ 155
PTP Operational Overview ............................................................................................. 157
PTP Menu Factory Default Settings ...............................................................................163
AES Button Menu...........................................................................................................167
BLACK Button Menu.....................................................................................................170
CMPST Button Menu (Option BG Only) .......................................................................
173

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EMBED Button Menu (Option SDI Only) .....................................................................175
LTC Button Menu...........................................................................................................181
REF Button Menu ........................................................................................................... 182
SDI Button Menu (Option SDI Only).............................................................................185
STATUS Button Menu .................................................................................................... 198
SYSTEM Button Menu................................................................................................... 200
TIME Button Menu......................................................................................................... 221
PTP Button Menu............................................................................................................225

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SPG8000A User Manual
Important Compliance and Safety Information
United States of America Compliance Notices
Class A Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15, Subpart B of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. 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.
FCC Caution
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Safety
UL 61010-1: 2012 R4.16: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use - Part 1: General Requirements.
Environmental
Perchlorate Materials: this product contains one or more type CR lithium batteries.
According to the state of California, CR lithium batteries are classified as perchlorate
materials and require special handling.
See dtsc.ca.gov/perchlorate/ for additional information.
Canada Compliance Notices
Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio-noise emissions from a
digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications. This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique du Quadstere des
Communications
Cet appareil numerique respecte les limites de bruits radioelectriques visant les appareils
numeriques de classe A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique du
Quadstere des Communications du Canada. Cet appareil numerique de la Classe A est
conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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vii
Safety
CAN/CSA-22.2 NO. 61010-1-12 + Gil + Gl2:: Safety Requirements for Electrical
Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use - Part 1: General
Requirements.
Sécurité
CAN / CSA-22.2 NO. 61010-1-12 + Gil + Gl2 :: Exigences de sécurité pour l'électricité
Matériel de mesure, de contrôle et d'utilisation en laboratoire - Partie 1: Généralités
Exigences.
European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Compliance Notices
This equipment may be operated in the countries that comprise the member countries of
the European Union and the European Free Trade Association. These countries, listed in
the following paragraph, are referred to as The European Community throughout this
document:
AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BULGARIA, CYPRUS, CZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK,
ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, IRELAND,
ITALY, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, LUXEMBOURG, MALTA, NETHERLANDS,
POLAND, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SPAIN, SWEDEN,
UNITED KINGDOM, ICELAND, LICHTENSTEIN, NORWAY, SWITZERLAND
Declaration of Conformity
Marking by the “CE” symbol indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the
EMC Directive of the European Union 2014/30/EU
This equipment meets the following conformance standards:
Safety
EN 61010-1: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control,
and Laboratory Use - Part 1: General Requirements
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
Emissions
EN 55032: 2012 + AC: 2013, CISPR 32: 2015, EN 61000-3-2: 2014,
EN 61000-3-3: 2013
Immunity
EN 55103-2: 2009, EN 61000-4-2: 2009,
EN 61000-4-3: 2006 + Al: 2008 + A2: 2010, EN 61000-4-4: 2004 + Al: 2010,
EN 61000-4-5: 2006, EN 61000-4-6: 2009, EN 61000-4-11: 2004
Environments: E2
Warnings
Warning! This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause
radio interference, in which case, the user may be required to take appropriate measures.
Achtung! Dieses ist ein Gerat der Funkstorgrenzwertklasse A. In Wohnbereichen konnen
bei Betrieb dieses Gerates Rundfunkstorungen auftreten, in welchen Fallen der Benutzer
fur entsprechende Gegenmal3nahmen verantwortlich ist.

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SPG8000A User Manual
Attention! Ceci est un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement domestique, ce
produit risque de creer des interferences radioelectriques, ii appartiendra alors a
l?utilisateur de prendre les mesures specifiques appropriees.
Notes:
1. For Compliance with the EMC standards listed here, high quality shielded interface
cables should be used.
2. Emissions which exceed the levels required by this standard may occur when this
equipment is connected to a test object.
Environmental Compliance
This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Product end-of-life handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment recycling
Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The
equipment may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human
health if improperly handled at the product's end of life. To avoid release of such
substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage
you to recycle this product in an appropriate system that will ensure that most of the
materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product complies with the
applicable European Union requirements according to Directives 2012/19/EU and
2006/66/EC on waste electrical and electronic - equipment (WEEE) and batteries.
It also indicates that this product must not be disposed of with your other household
waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it
over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic
equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of
disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner
that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you
can drop off your waste for recycling, please contact your local authority, or where you
purchased your product.
Battery Recycling
This product may contain a rechargeable battery, which must be recycled or disposed of
properly. Please properly dispose of or recycle the battery according to local government
regulations.
Transporting Batteries or products with Batteries in them
The capacity of the lithium ion secondary battery shipped with this product is under 100
Wh. The lithium content of the installed primary battery is under 1 g. Each battery meets
the applicable requirements of UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part Ill Section 38.3.
Battery quantity is under the limit for shipment according to Section II of the relevant
Packing Instructions from the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Consult your air
carrier for applicability and determination of any special lithium battery transportation
requirements.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
This product is classified as an industrial monitoring and control instrument, and is not
required to comply with the substance restrictions of the RoHS 3 Directives 2011 /65/EU

SPG8000A User Manual
ix
and EU 2015/863 until July 22, 2021. This product does, however, comply with the RoHS
2 Directive 2011/65/EU.
Korea Compliance Statement
Taiwan Compliance Statement
Japan Compliance Statement
Important Safety Information
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user for safe
operation and to keep the product in a safe condition.
To safely perform service on this product, see the Service safety summary that follows the
General safety summary.
General Safety Summary
Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury
and prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it. Carefully read all
instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference.
Comply with local and national safety codes.
For correct and safe operation of the product, it is essential that you follow generally
accepted safety procedures in addition to the safety precautions specified in this manual.

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SPG8000A User Manual
The product is designed to be used by trained personnel only.
Only qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove the cover
for repair, maintenance, or adjustment.
Before use, always check the product with a known source to be sure it is operating
correctly.
While using this product, you may need to access other parts of a larger system. Read the
safety sections of the other component manuals for warnings and cautions related to
operating the system.
When incorporating this equipment into a system, the safety of that system is the
responsibility of the assembler of the system.
To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury
Use proper power cord: Use only the power cord specified for this product and certified for
the country of use. Do not use the provided power cord for other products.
Ground the product: This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to earth
ground. Before making connections to the input or output terminals of the product, ensure
that the product is properly grounded. Do not disable the power cord grounding connection.
Power disconnect: The power cord disconnects the product from the power source. See
instructions for the location. Do not position the equipment so it is difficult to operate the
power cord; it must remain accessible to the user at all times to allow for quick
disconnection if needed.
Observe all terminal ratings: To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all rating and
markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings information before
making connections to the product. Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the
common terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Do not operate without covers: Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed,
or with the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is possible.
Avoid exposed circuitry: Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is
present.
Do not operate with suspected failures: If you suspect that there is damage to this product,
have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Disable the product if it is damaged. Do not use the product if it is damaged or operates
incorrectly. If in doubt about safety of the product, turn it off and disconnect the power
cord. Clearly mark the product to prevent its further operation.
Before use, inspect voltage probes, test leads, and accessories for mechanical damage and
replace when damaged. Do not use probes or test leads if they are damaged, if there is
exposed metal, or if a wear indicator shows.
Examine the exterior of the product before you use it. Look for cracks or missing pieces.

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Use only specified replacement parts.
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions: Be aware that condensation may occur if a unit is
moved from a cold to a warm environment.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry: Remove the input signals before you clean the
product.
Provide proper ventilation: Refer to the manual's installation instructions for details on
installing the product so it has proper ventilation.
Slots and openings are provided for ventilation and should never be covered or otherwise
obstructed. Do not push objects into any of the openings.
Provide a safe working environment: Always place the product in a location convenient for
viewing the display and indicators.
Be sure your work area meets applicable ergonomic standards. Consult with an ergonomics
professional to avoid stress injuries.
Use only the Telestream rackmount hardware specified for this product.
Service Safety Summary
The Service safety summary section contains additional information required to safely
perform service on the product. Only qualified personnel should perform service
procedures. Read this Service safety summary and the General safety summary before
performing any service procedures.
To avoid electric shock: Do not touch exposed connections.
Do not service alone: Do not perform internal service or adjustments of this product unless
another person capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.
Disconnect power: To avoid electric shock, switch off the product power and disconnect
the power cord from the mains power before removing any covers or panels, or opening the
case for servicing.
Use care when servicing with power on: Dangerous voltages or currents may exist in this
product. Disconnect power, remove battery (if applicable), and disconnect test leads before
removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing components.
Verify safety after repair: Always recheck ground continuity and mains dielectric strength
after performing a repair.
Terms in the Manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury
or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage
to this product or other property.

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SPG8000A User Manual
Terms on the Product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product
When this symbol is marked on the product, be sure to consult the manual to find out the
nature of the potential hazards and any actions which have to be taken to avoid them. (This
symbol may also be used to refer the user to ratings in the manual.)
The following symbol(s) may appear on the product:
General Safety Product Specific Statements
Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety precautions to
avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it.
Carefully read all instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference.
Comply with local and national safety codes.
For correct and safe operation of the product, it is essential that you follow
generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the safety precautions specified
in this manual. The product is designed to be used by trained personnel only.
Only qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should remove
the cover for repair, maintenance, or adjustment.
Before use, always check the product with a known source to be sure it is
operating correctly.
This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury where
hazardous live conductors are exposed.
When incorporating this equipment into a system, the safety of that system is the
responsibility of the assembler of the system.

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xiii
Preface
This manual provided detailed operating information about the SPG8000A
Multiformat Reference Sync Generator.
Refer to the SPG8000A Installation and Safety Instructions manual for information
about how to install the instrument, for descriptions of the front and rear panel
controls and connectors, and for information about initial configuration.
Product Description
The SPG8000A is a precision multiformat video signal generator, suitable for
master synchronization and reference applications. It provides multiple video
reference signals, such as black burst, HD tri-level sync and serial digital test
patterns, and provides time reference signals such as time code. Audio reference
signals such as word clock and DARS are also provided.
The base configuration includes three sync outputs that can be configured with
independent output formats (NTSC/PAL black burst and/or HD tri-level sync) and
independently adjustable timing offsets. A high-accuracy, oven-controlled crystal
oscillator provides a stable frequency reference for the system, or the loop-through
genlock input can be used to lock to an external video reference or 10 MHz
continuous wave signal. The Stay GenLock® feature avoids “synchronization
shock” if the external reference suffers a temporary disturbance, by maintaining the
frequency and phase of each output signal. When the external reference is restored,
Stay GenLock® ensures that any accumulated clock drift is removed by slowly
adjusting the system clock within standard limits instead of “jamming” back to the
correct phase.
Time reference outputs are available in multiple formats. Three independent linear
time code (LTC) outputs are available, and a fourth LTC connection can be used as
input or output. Each LTC output has independent frame rate selection, time source
(time of day or program time) and time zone offset. Vertical interval time code
(VITC) is available on each NTSC or PAL black output, also with independent
time sources and offsets. The SPG8000A can also serve as aNetwork Time
Protocol (NTP) server or as a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock,
providing the time-of-day reference to network-attached devices.
Figure i: SPG8000A front and rear panels

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SPG8000A User Manual
Optional GPS /
GLONASS receiver Option GPS adds an integrated receiver to the SPG8000A that can receive both
GPS and GLONASS signals. When connected to an external antenna that supplies
the standard GPS and/or GLONASS RF signal (for example, SPG8000ANT), the
SPG8000A can use the GPS/GLONASS system’s stable frequency reference.
The GPS/GLONASS signal also includes a precise time-of-day reference that can
be used for all time code outputs. Similar to the Stay GenLock® feature, the
SPG8000A can maintain the video frequency and phase when the GPS/GLONASS
signal is interrupted, and the Holdover Recovery mode will ensure a shock-free
realignment of frequency and phase when the GPS/GLONASS signal is restored.
Optional PTP support Option PTP adds two Precision Time Protocol (PTP) engines to the SPG system.
The primary PTP engine has the capability to be a master PTP source or lock the
SPG to the PTP as a slave. The secondary PTP engine can only be a master. The
secondary engine allows implementing two masters when in Internal mode or
locked to GPS, and simultaneous Master and Slave operation.
The black outputs support a 1pps mode. This is useful for measuring timing
between systems.
Test signal outputs The SPG8000A can be optionally configured with a variety of test signal outputs.
Option SDI adds two fully independent serial digital video generator channels of
two outputs each. Each channel can be configured to any standard SD/HD/3G-SDI
format and frame rate. The selected test pattern can be generated on both outputs
per channel, or one output can generate digital black. A wide variety of standard
test patterns are included, such as color bars, convergence grid, step scales, ramps,
multiburst, SDI pathological test matrix and a real-time programmable zone plate
generator.
Bitmap images can be downloaded to the SPG8000A’s flash memory for arbitrary
user-defined test patterns. ID text, burn-in time code, circle, and color logo overlays
can be added to any test pattern, and several ancillary data packet types, including
ancillary time code and user-defined packets, can be inserted into the SDI output
signal.
The four SDI outputs can be configured to support 4K/UHD full frame, 100% and
75% color bars for quad link square division mode. This allows simple verification
of your 4K/UHD workflow within the production studio or mobile truck.
Note: VPIDs are compliant only to HD and 3G formats in 4K/UHD formats.
Also included is an audio/video delay test sequence, which in conjunction with a
Telestream waveform monitor, can be used to ensure A/V delay compliance.
Audio reference signals Several audio reference signals are available. The base configuration includes a 48
kHz word clock output and a dedicated Digital Audio Reference Signal (DARS)
output. With Option SDI, audio tone generation is included as embedded audio on
each of the SDI outputs.
Remote access For remote access to the instrument, a 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet interface is
included. A web-based user interface can be used for all configuration settings and
for monitoring system status. Alarm and key status information is also available
with Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) messaging, enabling easy

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xv
integration with network management systems. Remote control and alarm reporting
is also available with a general purpose interface (GPI). The front-panel USB port
can be used to back up and restore presets and other user data, and to perform
system firmware upgrades.
Optional back up
power supply
For critical applications, the instrument can be configured with a second power
supply module. Under normal operation, the designated backup supply is seldom
used, ensuring that it has maximum remaining life should the primary supply fail.
The backup supply is load-tested once each day to verify that it can serve as the
primary supply if necessary. The usage time of each supply is logged as
“temperature-weighted hours”, a metric that best estimates the calculated life of
the supply. A front-panel LED will indicate when the supply is nearing its end-of-
life. If the primary supply is interrupted for any reason, the system will switch to
the backup without any disruption to system operation. Power supply modules are
hot-swappable for easy replacement and feature a locking mechanism to prevent
the power cable from accidental disconnection.
Key features
•Multiple independent black burst and HD tri-level sync outputs provide all
the video reference signals required in a video broadcast or production
facility
•Four LTC outputs, VITC on black burst outputs
•PTP (IEEE 1588) support, including SMPTE ST 2059-2 and AES67
profiles
•GPS/GLONASS-based synchronization gives an accurate time-of-day
reference and deterministic video phase reference across multiple
independent systems
•Stay GenLock® prevents synchronization shock when the external
reference input signal is temporarily lost
•Wide selection of video test patterns in serial digital formats (SD, HD and
3G-SDI)
•4K/UHD formats support with full frame 100% and 75% color bars (Quad
Link Square Division)
•Dual hot-swappable power supplies ensure continuous availability of
reference signals
•Easy to manage with Web-based interface for remote configuration and
SNMP for status and alert information
Applications
•Sync pulse generator and time reference generator for broadcast,
studio, mobile, and post-production facilities
•Master or slave (genlock) operation for distributed system architectures
•Video equipment verification, facility link testing, and display calibration

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SPG8000A User Manual
•PTP Grand Master simultaneously serving baseband references to a
hybrid facility.
•PTP slave to generate baseband signals.
Methods of Operation
This instrument can be operated using either the front panel or the
SPG8000A Web Interface. It is recommended that you use the SPG Web
Interface to operate the instrument since it is easier to use and more intuitive.
The majority of this manual describes how to operate the instrument using
the SPG8000A Web Interface. For your convenience, menu diagrams of the
front-panel menus are also provided. (See Front panel menu operation.)
Product Documentation
Table i lists the product documentation that is available for the SPG8000A
generator.
Table i: Product documentation
Document
Telestream Part Number
Description
Print
Web
SPG8000A Installation
and Safety Instructions
071-3721-00x
Describes how to install the instrument and provides
basic operating information
SPG8000A User
Manual
D00010058x
Provides detailed operating information
SPG8000A
Specifications and
Performance
Verification
077-1219-00x
Lists the product specifications and provides procedures
for verifying the performance of the instrument
SPG8000A Service
Manual
077-1220-00x
Describes how to service the instrument to the module
level (such as circuit boards and fuses)
SPG8000
Declassification and
Security Instructions
077-0750-01x
Describes how to clear or sanitize the data storage
(memory) devices in the product for customers with data
security concerns
Release Notes
D00010051x
Describes the new features, improvements, and
limitations of the instrument firmware
SPG8000AUP Upgrade
Instructions
075-1092-00x
Provides instructions for upgrading your SPG8000A
instrument
Electronic Changeover
Unit System Integration
Technical Reference
077-0877-00x (ECO8000,
ECO8020)
Provides information for system integrators who are
designing systems for high-definition (HD) and
standard-definition (SD) digital video content where
Telestream electronic changeover units and video sync
pulse generators are to be deployed.

SPG8000A User Manual
1
System Timing
Frame Reset Signals
The SPG8000A uses the three frame reset signals to output different video formats
simultaneously.
FRAME RESET 1 This frame reset signal runs at 2.997 Hz and supports the 1/1.001 system signal, and
is used by these video formats. These signals are synchronized with each other.
NTSC
1080 23.98sF
30 fps DF LTC
525-270
1080 29.97p
23.98 fps LTC
1080 23.98p
1080 59.94i
720 59.94p
FRAME RESET 2 This frame reset signal runs at 6.250 Hz and is used only for PAL, 625, or HD / LTC
formats with 50 Hz or 25 Hz frame rates. These signals are synchronized with each
other.
PAL
625-270
1080 25p
1080 50i
25 fps LTC
FRAME RESET 3 This frame reset signal runs at 3.000 Hz and is used for HD / LTC formats with 60 Hz,
30 Hz or 24 Hz frame rates. These signals are synchronized with each other.
1080 24p
1080 24sF
1080 30p
1080 60p
1080 60i
720 60p
24 fps LTC
25 fps LTC
30 fps LTC 1
1 Not drop frame.
In some modes frame 1 is not aligned with frame 2 and 3. However, when locked to
an absolute time source such as GPS, PTP, or when in internal mode, the three frames
are all aligned as if they started at the selected Epoch. This enables the frames to have
predictable and consistent timing relationships and line up every 4004 seconds.

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SPG8000A User Manual
GPS and GLONASS Signal Quality (Option GPS Only)
GPS receiver types Earlier versions of the GPS receiver can receive only GPS signals. Later versions
of the GPS receiver can receive GPS and GLONASS signals. If your module has
the GPS/GLONASS receiver, use the REFERENCE menu to configure the module
for the type of signal you are using.
How to determine which GPS receiver is installed in your instrument: Firmware
version 1.5 or above must be installed in the instrument to view the GPS receiver
type readout.
1. Press the SYSTEM button to access the SYSTEM menu.
2. Press the up (▲) or down (▼) arrow button to select SYSTEM :
VERSION INFO (H/W).
3. Press the left (◄) or right (►) arrow button to version display with the ID
field on the second line of the display as shown.
The System menu provides readouts containing version information about the
instrument hardware. As shown, one of those readouts now includes the
firmware version number installed on the GPS receiver module (1.03 in the
image).
The ID value in the above readout represents the hardware version of the
GPS receiver. The possible values are:
o3002. This value indicates that the receiver supports GPS signals
only. This receiver was replaced by the 3015 receiver.
o3015. This value indicates that the receiver supports GPS and
GLONASS signals. This receiver was replaced by the 3023 receiver.
There are some reported limitations with this receiver. See SPG8000A
Release Notes
ofor more information.
o3023. This value indicates that the receiver supports GPS and
GLONASS signals.
Figures of Merit (FOM) The SPG8000A generator uses Figures of Merit (FOM) to measure and track
GPS and/or GLONASS signal quality.
These numbers are a compendium of the GPS and/or GLONASS signal quality
and the processes that occur as the instrument progresses through the states
needed to lock on to the GPS and/or GLONASS signal. The FOM provides a
simple scale to evaluate the state of the GPS and/or GLONASS lock.

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The FOM drives the external reference indicator (LED) on the front panel of the
mainframe. When in internal mode, the external LED is off. When in external mode,
the external LED will be in one of these states.
Green (Locked). If Genlock signal is locked, or if GPS/PTP is locked with
FOM ≥ FOM_THRESHOLD.
Yellow (Unstable). If Genlock signal is near loss of lock, or if GPS/PTP is
locked with FOM < FOM_THRESHOLD.
Red (Unlocked). If Genlock signal is loss of lock, or if GPS/PTP is
unlocked/missing.
Note: FOM_THRESHOLD is a user adjustable setting.
Internal and External LEDs are both on only when REF is Genlock and there is loss
of lock. This will cause the Internal LED to be GREEN and the External LED to be
RED.
The FOM provides the scale by which you can set the signal warning threshold.
You can see the current status of GPS or GLONASS signal quality using FOM in
the STATUS button menu. Table 1 lists the figures of merit and their descriptions.
Table 1: Figures of merit for GPS and/or GLONASS signal quality (Option GPS only)
Figure of
Merit (FOM)
Indicator Description
0 No signal This means no usable satellite signals are
detected. This is normal for a short time after
the signal is applied, but if it lasts more than a
minute or so, then it usually means one of three
problems: 1. There is a problem in the antenna
or cable; or 2. the antenna is blocked from
direct line of sight to the satellites; or 3. power
is not getting to the antenna.
1 Low signal This means some signal is detected, but that
the signal quality is too low for extraction of
useful timing or position information. This is a
normal situation for a short duration, but if it
persists, the causes are likely to be similar to
those for FOM state 0.
2 1 This means the instrument is receiving data
from the satellites and is determining which
signals to use.
3 Bad position This means the instrument detects that the
stored position is different from the current

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SPG8000A User Manual
Figure of
Merit (FOM)
Indicator Description
position. In this case, the instrument will
automatically go to FOM state 4 and reacquire
the position.
4 Acquire position This means the instrument is acquiring multiple
fixes of the satellite position and averaging this into
a new position to store in flash. This state will also
be displayed if you manually perform a new position
acquisition. This state normally lasts 60 seconds
with good GPS or GLONASS signal quality.
5 Adjust phase This means that the instrument is adjusting the time
base or frame timing to correctly line up with the
GPS or GLONASS signal.
6 Locked >
Signal quality is ≤ 16
These states indicate the phase of the frame
signals is within 150 ns of the GPS or
GLONASS signal. The number of arrows
indicates the signal quality. It is normal for this
to vary with the time of day as the different
satellites move through their orbits and with
changes in weather and other conditions.
7 Locked >>
Signal quality is > 16
8 Locked >>>
Signal quality is > 26
9 Locked >>>>
Signal quality is > 42
10 Locked >>>>>
Signal quality is > 68
11 Locked >>>>>>
Signal quality is >
110
Note: The duration of some states depends on the strength of the received GPS
and/or GLONASS signal. If the antenna only has access to part of the sky, or if
the cable loss between the antenna and the receiver is too large, then it may take
significantly longer to progress up to the higher entries in the FOM table.