Tektronix TG8000 User manual

TG8000
Multiformat Test Signal Generator
ZZZ
Release Notes
xx
This document supports firmware version 1.7.
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Table of Contents
Release notes........................................................................................................ 1
New features ................................................................................................... 1
General limitations ............................................................................................ 3
TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7 i

Table of Contents
ii TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7

Release notes
This document describes new features, improvements, and limitations of firmware
version 1.7 for the TG8000 Multiformat Test Signal Generator.
New features
GPS7 module The module now supports SMPTE309 time code date data on the VITC and
LTC inputs. When the Time of Day source is set to VITC or LTC, the Time
of Day submenu has a selection to determine how SMPTE309 date data (if
present) will be used. You can set the module to ignore the data, use the data
as an input only, or to use the data as an input and an output.
When the VITC or LTC inputs are used as time-of-day sources, the
hh:mm:ss:ff settings will be synchronized to the VITC or LTC source (if
present). When the SMPTE309 Data mode is set to Use as Input or to Use
as Input/Output, the date is set using the VITC or LTC source. When the
SMPTE309 Data mode is set to Ignore, the date is set from the internal RTC.
The Black outputs (when VITC is enabled) and the LTC outputs now always
have the SMPTE309 date, time-zone offset, and DST enabled/disabled fields
included. The content of these fields depends on the current SMPTE309 mode
setting (Ignore, Use As Input, or Use As Input/Output).
If an SDI7 module is installed, the SDI7 embedded timecode (when enabled)
also includes the SMPTE309 fields. However, the timecode outputs for any
installed BG7, HD3G7 and HDVG7 modules do not include the SMPTE309
timecodedata.
Many installations use multiple instruments configured in a master/slave
relationship (for example, when sending signals across time zones). In these
instances, if the master instrument is locked to GPS, is running in Internal
mode, or is genlocked to a source without ST309 data, the SMPTE309 Data
mode on the master instrument should be set to “Ignore.” If the master
instrument is locked to a source providing ST309 data, the SMPTE309 Data
mode on the master instrument should be set to “Input” and on the slave
instrument the mode should be set to “Input.”
TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7 1

Release notes
NOTE. The BG7, GPS7, HD3G7, HDVG7, and SDI7 modules have Time Zone
Offset adjustments which allow the module outputs to use a different offset than
the one used as the master time-of-day in the GPS7 module. These adjustments
allow you to enter a time zone correction of up to ±23:59 hours. However, the
ST309 standard only implements codes for time zones in the range of -12 to +13
hours. Therefore, when the GPS7 module is set to use ST309 data as the Time of
Day source, it is recommended that the combined programmed offset from time
zone and DST be restricted to the range of -12 to +13 hours.
The Status display for the module now includes the received ST309 time
zone and DST data (if present).
SDI7 module A new software option is available (Option DBT), which supports Dolby E
audio generation. With Option DBT, the Audio (Embedded) submenu has
selections for enabling a Dolby E stream on channels 1–2 and/or 3–4 for each
embedded audio group. In addition, the module main menu has a Dolby E
configuration submenu that allows you to configure the Dolby E metadata.
The Dolby E signals include test tones at different levels (–18 dBFS, –20 dBFS
and Multitone) with frame rates compatible with the respective video signals.
You can set the Dolby E audio frame start locations (Early, Ideal, Late, or
Custom) to test the error handling ability of the signal processing equipment
in the signal path. Dolby E metadata is also inserted in the test stream, which
can test the performance of signal processing equipment downstream. You
can configure each of the three D’s of Dolby (dialnorm, dynamic range and
downmix parameters). The Dolby E program configurations of 8x1 mono, 4x2
stereo, surround 5.1, 5.1+2 and 7.1 audio are supported.
The burnt-in time code (BITC) display that can be added to any test pattern
generated from the outputs now has a second line that can be enabled to show
the date in the format YY/MM/DD.
Because of the new SMPTE309 time code data feature on the GPS7 module
described above, the SDI7 embedded timecode (when enabled) also includes
the SMPTE309 date, time-zone offset, and DST enabled/disabled fields. The
content of these fields depends on the current SMPTE309 mode setting on the
GPS7 module (Ignore, Use As Input, or Use As Input/Output).
2 TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7

Release notes
General limitations
This firmware release has the following general limitations. Please check the
Tektronix Web site (www.tek.com/software/downloads) for any firmware updates
to the TG8000 generator.
TG Setup software In setting signal formats for the Black 2 and Black 3 outputs of the AGL7 module,
do not select Black 2 = HD sync (same as Black 3) and Black 3 = BB (same as
Black 2) simultaneously, while Frame Reset 1 is set to 2.997 Hz. This operation
makes the Frame Reset 1 unstable. If this is the case, reset the system by recalling
the Power On Default setting or a preset.
USB port When you mount a USB drive, the SDI output signal from an HDVG7 module
may briefly unlock. This problem only occurs on HDVG7 modules with serial
numbers B013412 or earlier, or HDVG7 modules with a serial number that
begins with the letter ‘J’. The SDI outputs from DVG7, HD3G7, and SDI7
modules are not affected by the mounting of a USB drive.
The TG Setup application cannot be used for remote configuration while
files are being restored from a USB drive. Wait until the restore operation is
complete before opening the TG Setup application and connecting to the
TG8000 generator.
Firmware upgrades When the TG8000 firmware is upgraded (using a USB drive or a network
connection), all files created or installed by the user are deleted. The deleted
files include presets, signal files, frame picture files, logo files, sequence files,
and for the SDI7 module, can also include text and font files. The standard
set of factory installed signal files, logo files, and SDI7 module font files are
restored when the firmware is upgraded.
To prevent the loss of your user created files, use the “Backup All User Data
to USB” function from the UTILITY menu to save your user files before you
upgrade the firmware. After the upgrade, use the “Restore All User Data From
USB” function from the UTILITY menu to restore your user created files.
If you have loaded the TG8000 memory with a large number of test signals or
frame picture files, you may not be able to upgrade the instrument firmware
because the memory is too full. If you receive a memory error while
attempting to upgrade the firmware version, you need to delete some of the
test signal or frame picture files and then perform the upgrade.
Resetting an output signal When the instrument rereads or resets signal data, such as format changing, preset
recall, or signal-button assignment, a signal output interruption or synchronization
shock may occur.
TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7 3

Release notes
Changing output formats
with open menus
Some front-panel menus and status displays are dependent on the frame rate
of the currently selected output format. If you open a submenu and press the
FORMAT button to change the frame rate, the submenu will not be refreshed
until it is exited and reopened.
Assigning a signal
and frame picture to a
front-panelbutton
When you assign a downloaded signal to a front-panel button, do not assign
different format signals to the same button.
Do not assign a signal set to a button that corresponds to the signal that is currently
being output. Also, do not assign a signal set to a signal button while the message
“No Signal Set Assigned” is displayed. If you reassign a signal set to the OTHER
button, perform the reassignment while a signal that is assigned to a button other
than the OTHER button is output.
Time of day changes for
timecode outputs
When the time-of-day changes, such as when scheduled daylight savings
adjustments are made or when the internal time is set from the front panel, there
can be a delay before that change is reflected on timecode outputs.
This delay may be a small number of frames (fraction of a second) when all
timecode output formats are based on the same clock rate (for example, NTSC
black burst and 1080i 59.94 HD tri-level on black outputs in addition to 30 fps
drop-frame on LTC outputs), or up to several seconds when timecode formats
based on different clock rates are used (for example, 29.97 fps and 24 fps on
different outputs).
Setting the genlock source
ontheAGL7module
If you change the frame reset period in the AGL7 module after the genlock source
is set to CW, the frame reset may not be selected properly. If this is the case, set
the frame reset to CW.
Timing range of the
AGL7 module
The TIMING menu for the AGL7 module will allow output timing adjustment
beyond ± ½ frame of the current format.
4 TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7

Release notes
Installing or upgrading an
AGL7 module
If you move an AGL7 module from a TG700 mainframe to a TG8000 mainframe,
or if you move an AGL7 module from a TG8000 with firmware version 1.2 or
below to a TG8000 with firmware version 1.3 or above, the FPGA of the AGL7
module will be automatically updated when the instrument boots. This will
also occur if you upgrade a TG8000 with an AGL7 module installed, and if the
firmware version in the TG8000 is 1.2 or below.
CAUTION. To prevent an update failure of your AGL7 module, do not remove or
cycle power on the TG8000 while the instrument is rebooting after installing
an AGL7 module or after an upgrade from firmware version 1.2 or below. The
FPGA update on the AGL7 module takes about three minutes and there is no
indication on the front panel that the AGL7 module is being updated. If power
is interrupted before the FPGA update is complete, the module will need to be
returned to Tektronix for service.
Daylight Savings Time
(DST) scheduler system on
the GPS7 module
The DST scheduler system applies the DST offset even if the Time-Of-Day
(TOD) source is set to “VITC Input” or “LTC Input” and the SMPTE309 mode is
set to “Ignore” or “Use As Input.” In these cases, the offset is applied whether or
not a valid VITC or LTC input signal is available. For proper DST scheduling,
you need to ensure that the instrument has valid time information and manually
enter the correct time of day if the system is not synchronized to an accurate
time of day source.
When the TOD source is set to “GPS signal” and the GPS is not locked to the input
signal, the DST scheduler system will apply the DST offset when the internal
real-time clock (which is subject to slight drift) reaches the time scheduled for the
DST offset to be applied or removed. Ensure that the GPS is locked and that the
system time of day is correct before turning on the DST scheduler system.
The manual time-of-day setting is not automatically reapplied when the instrument
power is cycled. If the instrument powers up in with the Time of Day source set to
“Internal” mode, the time of day will be acquired from the internal real-time clock
in the TG8000 generator. Check the system time of day and adjust as needed to
ensure that it is correct before the next transition of the DST scheduler when the
Time of Day source is set to Internal mode.
TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7 5

Release notes
SMPTE309 data usage on
theGPS7module
If ST309 data is not present on the selected time reference, then the default
SMPTE309 Data mode setting of “Ignore” is the correct selection. For most
applications in which the input time reference does have the ST309 data, then
the setting of “Input” is usually the best choice. While in “Input” mode, the
time zone and DST programming on the input and output are independent,
with the input set by the ST309 data on the input and the outputs being set
by the menu in the instrument. This is the best mode of operation even if all
units are set to the same time zone and DST values.
When the SMPTE309 Data mode is set to “Ignore,” you cannot use the Time
Zone Offset or DST offset controls on the slave unit to adjust the time code
outputs. The reason for this is that the slave unit assumes that the VITC/LTC
inputs are local time and already have such corrections applied. However, you
can offset the time code on individual outputs using the offset controls for each
output. The local time zone and DST settings do affect the master time-of-day
since the offsets are subtracted from the input and added to the output, but the
net effect is that the outputs match the inputs unless individually offset.
SMPTE309 time zone offset data on individual outputs is not affected by
adjusting time code offsets on individual outputs. The time code offset
controls on the individual outputs does not affect the time zone offset fields in
theoutputtimecodedata.Forexample,iftheslaveunitisconfigured with a
time zone offset of –08:00 and then you also adjust the time code offset on
the SDI7 module Channel 1 by another +03:00 hours, the SMPTE309 data on
that output will still read –08:00 in the time zone offset field even though the
actual output is UTC –05:00 hours.
The applied DST offset display is incorrect when the SMPTE309 Data mode
is set to “Use as Input/Output.” When “Use as Input/Output” is selected, the
Applied DST Offset indicator on the slave unit does not report the actual
DST offset being applied by the system. Instead, the indicator reports the
DST offset that would be applied if the slave unit was using its own DST
offset configuration (as it would in GPS or in VITC/LTC “Ignore” or “Use
as Input” modes).
Embedded audio of the
HDVG7 module
Embedded audio for 720 23.98p/24p formats are not supported for the
HDVG7 module, even though they can be selected in the menus.
The first user data word in the audio control packet (containing the Audio
Frame value) has incorrect parity when the frame count is 1, 2, or 4.
6 TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7

Release notes
Y to GBR convertor mode
of the HDLG7 module
If the output format is 2K and the Converter mode is set to Y to GBR, changing
operating mode by selecting a test signal will cause an unexpected black and
white signal to be generated. To correct the test signal, press the OTHER button
until Normal is selected, and then press the test signal button.
25/29.97/30 Hz segmented
frame format for the HDLG7
module
The HDLG7 module does not have format selections for 1080PsF at 25 Hz,
29.97 Hz, or 30 Hz. These formats are almost identical to 1080i (interlaced)
formats at 50 Hz, 59.94 Hz, and 60 Hz respectively; these format settings can be
used with progressive segmented signals. However, note that the SMPTE 352M
payload identifier for the output signal will show an interlaced signal format,
even when the HDLG7 module is converting a single link progressive segmented
input signal to dual link.
Converter mode of the
HD3G7 module
Infrequently, the module will fail to up-convert the input HD-SDI signal. If
no output is seen, the problem can be corrected by selecting a different test
signal and then switching back to converter mode.
The trigger output cannot generate a frame pulse or line pulse when the
module is in converter mode.
The moving picture and video component functions do not apply to
up-converted output signals.
When a Level B format is selected for the up-converted 3 Gb/s output signal,
embedded audio from the input HD-SDI signal will be copied into both
virtual links. Therefore, up to 32 channels of embedded audio can appear
on the 3 Gb/s output.
The HD3G7 module does not reformat SMPTE 334 Caption Distribution
Packets in converter mode. Therefore, when up-converting from 1080i
59.94 Hz to 1080p 59.94 Hz, for example, the output will contain CDP data in
alternate frames, each with 40 bytes of caption data, instead of CDP data in
every frame, each with 20 bytes of caption data.
Up-conversion to a Level B fast progressive format may result in mis-ordered
Caption Distribution Packets in the stream of output frames.
TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7 7

Release notes
SDI equalizer test signal
of the HD3G7 and SDI7
modules
Per SMPTE RP198 for HD-SDI, a polarity change word is used to ensure equal
probabilities of the DC bias for the equalizer test pattern. However, some SDI
formats still exhibit an unequal bias. Enabling a dynamic bit stream in the output
signal, such as embedded audio or timecode data, will result in both DC levels
appearing in the output signal.
Test signal files of the
HD3G7 and SDI7 modules
The HD3G7 and SDI7 modules use file-based test signal definitions. If you modify
asignalfile from the factory version, unpredictable results may occur. To recover
from this situation, reload the factory version of the signal file from the TG8000
SW Library and Documentation DVD that was supplied with the instrument.
SDI7 multi-language
support
Languages that require combined glyphs in order to be represented may not be
correctly rendered in the Text ID display on the SDI7 module.
Multiburst signal motion
on the SDI7 module
Do not set a Multiburst signal in motion on the SDI7 module. Otherwise, a
corrupted signal will be generated.
8 TG8000 Release Notes for Firmware Version 1.7