User Instruction Manual

IQSYN21
HD/SD-SDI Frame Synchronizer with Embedded Audio Processing

snellgroup.com
IQSYN21 www.snellgroup.com Information and Notices

Information and Notices

Copyright and Disclaimer

Copyright protection claimed includes all forms and matters of copyrightable material and
information now allowed by statutory or judicial law or hereinafter granted, including without
limitation, material generated from the software programs which are displayed on the screen
such as icons, screen display looks etc.

Information in this manual and software are subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Snell Limited. The software described in this manual is
furnished under a license agreement and can not be reproduced or copied in any manner
without prior agreement with Snell Limited. or their authorized agents.

Reproduction or disassembly of embedded computer programs or algorithms prohibited.

No part of this publication can be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and
retrieval system, without permission being granted, in writing, by the publishers or their
authorized agents.

Snell operates a policy of continuous improvement and development. Snell reserves the right
to make changes and improvements to any of the products described in this document
without prior notice.

Contact Details
Customer Support

United Kingdom (HQ)

+44 (0) 118 921 4214 (tel)
+44 (0) 118 921 4268 (fax)
[email protected]
Regional Support Contacts
Snell USA Snell Germany
+1 818 556 2616 (tel) +49 (0) 6122 98 43 0 (tel)
+1 818 556 2626 (fax) +49 (0) 6122 98 43 44 (fax)
[email protected] [email protected]
Snell Spain Snell France
+34 91 446 23 07 (tel) +33 1 41 95 30 50 (tel)
+34 91 446 17 74 (fax) +33 1 41 95 30 51 (fax)
[email protected] [email protected]
Snell Asia Pacific Snell India
+852 2356 1660 (tel) +91 124 462 6000 (tel)
+852 2575 1690 (fax) +91 124 437 5888 (fax)
[email protected] [email protected]
Snell Russia Snell China
+7 499 248 3443 (tel) +86 10 6515 6158 (tel)
+7 499 248 1104 (fax) +86 10 6515 5659 (fax)
[email protected] [email protected]

For further details of our Regional Customer Support Offices, please visit the Snell website
and navigate to Support/Customer Support Contacts.

http://www.snellgroup.com/support/customer-support/customer-support/

Customers with a support contract should call their personalized number, which can be found
in their contract, and be ready to provide their contract number and details.

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IQSYN21 www.snellgroup.com Contents

Contents
Information and Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1 Module Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2 Order Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3 Rear Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.4 Enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.4.1 B-style Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.4.2 A-style Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2. Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3. Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1 IQSYN2126-1A / IQSYN2127-2A / IQSYN2139-2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.1 SDI Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.2 SDI Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.3 Analog Reference Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.4 GPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. Card Edge LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5. Controlling the IQSYN21 from the RollCall Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

5.1 The Information Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.1.1 Video Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.1.2 Audio Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.2 Video Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.2.1 Input Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.2.2 Input Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.2.3 Input Loss If . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.2.4 Agile V-Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2.5 Valid Input Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2.6 CRC/EDH Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.3 Input Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.3.1 Enable Backup Input Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.3.2 Priority / Reversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.3.3 Backup State Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.4 Master State Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.5 Input Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.6 Master (Inp 1) Carrier Detect Fail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.7 Master (Inp 1) Invalid Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.8 Master (Inp 1) Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.3.9 Master (Inp 1) Embedded Audio Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.3.10 Backup (Inp 2) Carrier Detect Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.4 Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.4.1 Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.4.2 Output Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.4.3 Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.4.4 Default Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.4.5 ProcAmp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.4.6 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.5 Embedded Proc Amp Groups 1-2 and 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.5.1 Groups 1 to 4, Pairs 1 and 2 (Embed 1-8 L & R) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.6 Audio Mixer 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.6.1 Audio Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.6.2 Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.7 Embedded Routing Groups 1-2 and 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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5.7.1 Link L+R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.8 Embed On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.8.1 Embedder Priority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.8.2 Group/Channel Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.9 Embedded I/P Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.9.1 Embedded Audio Input Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.10 Embedded O/P Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.10.1 Embedded Audio Output Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.11 Video Delay/DolbyE/Genlock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.11.1 Genlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.11.2 Delay Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.11.3 Dolby E Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.11.4 Dolby E Auto Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.12 Audio Delays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.12.1 Audio Delay Select - A/B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.12.2 Internal Video Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.12.3 Smooth Delay Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.12.4 Embed Delay 1 to 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.12.5 Reliable Audio Alignment - Use Cases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.13 ANC Blank & Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.13.1 VBI for Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.13.2 Blank Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.13.3 Input Ancillary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.13.4 Ancillary Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.14 GPIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.14.1 GPIO 1 and GPIO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.14.2 GPI 1 (Input) or GPI 2 (Input). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.14.3 GPI 1 (Output) and GPI 2 (Output) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.14.4 GPIO Input Pulse Width Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.14.5 GPIO Interface Circuitry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.15 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5.15.1 Recall Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5.15.2 Save Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5.15.3 Last Recalled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5.15.4 Save Memory Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
5.16 RollTrack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.16.1 Disable All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.16.2 RollTrack Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.16.3 RollTrack Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.16.4 RollTrack Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.16.5 RollTrack Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.16.6 RollTrack Sending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.16.7 RollTrack Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.17 Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.17.1 Video Input Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.17.2 In1/2 Aud State Logging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.17.3 In1/2 Aud Type Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
5.17.4 O/P Aud Level Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
5.17.5 O/P Aud State Logging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.17.6 O/P Aud Type Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.17.7 O/P Dolby ELogging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.17.8 Ref/Output Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
5.17.9 Misc. Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
5.17.10 Log Field Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
5.18 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
5.18.1 Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
5.18.2 Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
5.18.3 Restart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Appendix A. RollTrack Audio Delay Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

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A.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
A.2 Configuration: Single Video Unit and Single Audio Delay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
A.3 Configuration: Multiple Video Units and Audio Delays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
A.4 Configuration: Vertical Delay Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
A.5 Configuration: Horizontal Delay Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
A.6 Configuration: Matrix Delay Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A.7 Connecting up a Audio Delay Tracking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A.7.1 Configuration: An Array of Matrix Clusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Appendix B. Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
B.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
B.2 How a Firewall Equipped Product Behaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
B.3 Why Use a Firewall? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
B.3.1 Using a Firewall at the Beginning of a Chain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
B.3.2 Using a Firewall to Protect MPEG Encoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
B.4 How a Firewall is Tested. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
B.5 Performance of Firewall Equipped Products Versus Genlock Mode . . . . . . . . . 65
B.6 When Firewall Protection is Not Provided. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
B.6.1 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
B.6.2 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Appendix C. Ancillary Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

C.1 SMPTE 272M and 299M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
C.2 SMPTE 291M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Appendix D. Audio Processing Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

D.1 Audio Processing Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
D.2 Audio Processing – Control Panel Screens Associations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
D.3 SDI Demultiplexer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
D.4 Audio Delay Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
D.5 Tone Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
D.6 Mixers 1 to 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
D.7 Embedder ProcAmps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
D.8 SDI TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
D.9 Dolby E Audio Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Appendix E. Dolby E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
E.1 What is Dolby E? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
E.2 Dolby E and Metadata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
E.3 Dolby E Partner Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
E.4 16- and 20-bit Dolby E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
E.5 Dolby Digital and AC3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
E.6 Metadata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

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IQSYN21 www.snellgroup.com Introduction

1. Introduction

1.1 Module Description

The IQSYN21 provides synchronization for HD-SDI 1.5 Gbps or SD-SDI 270 Mbps signals
with 16-channel embedded audio processing including automatic synchronization of Dolby E
signals. Using agile synchronization that is router-switching-tolerant makes this module ideal
for all HD/SD-SDI lines input applications. A video processing amplifier provides complete
control over the video levels, and audio processing features include automatic Dolby E
re-alignment, PCM tracking audio delay, channel level routing and mixing. The IQSYN21 is
also able to directly pass audio channel status information to handle upstream switching of
SDI containing PCM and Dolby E embedded audio.

The IQSYN21's flexibility in its rate-agile HD and SD support means that 16, 20 and 24-bit
audio sources can all be handled. PCM audio can be processed alongside Dolby E and other
non-PCM signals with selection made on a pair-by-pair basis. Internally, the PCM audio is
treated as separate channels allowing stereo, mono and discrete surround-sound operation
as well as multi-lingual working. Any input PCM audio channel (not just pair) can be routed to
any output channel.

The sophisticated audio processing features include comprehensive audio delays, gain
control, phase inversion and mixing.

The module is fully Dolby E compatible and can handle other non-PCM audio streams
including Dolby AC3 (Dolby Digital) passed as AES data.

Unlike other audio processing modules, these units also have dedicated video control
features that include video processing amplifier controls and up to 11 frames of video delay.
The video delay can work in conjunction with the sophisticated delay features available for the
audio channels. Delay can be inserted in the video path to compensate for audio processing.
It can also be inserted in the audio path to compensate for video processing. It can be
inserted in both to simply re-time the complete signal.

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1.2 Order Codes

The following product order codes are covered by this manual:

IQSYN2126-1A HD-SDI and SD-SDI Synchronizer with Embedded Audio

Processing. 3 outputs, 1 GPI.

IQSYN2127-2A HD-SDI and SD-SDI Synchronizer with Embedded Audio

Processing. 4 outputs, 2 GPIs.

IQSYN2139-2A HD-SDI and SD-SDI Synchronizer with Embedded Audio Processing

and relay input bypass. 4 outputs, 2 GPIs.

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1.3 Rear Panel View

The following rear panel types are available:

IQSYN2126-1A

IQSYN2127-2A

IQSYN2139-2A

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1.4 Enclosures
The module can be fitted into the enclosure types shown.

Important: Although IQ modules are interchangeable between enclosures, their rear panels are
enclosure specific. An IQH3B enclosure accepts modules with either “A” or “B” order
codes. An IQH3A or IQH1A enclosure accepts modules with “A” order codes only.

1.4.1 B-style Enclosure

Enclosure order codes: IQH3B-S-0, IQH3B-S-P

1.4.2 A-style Enclosures

Enclosure order code: IQH1A-S-P

Enclosure order codes: IQH3A-S-0, IQH3A-S-P

Enclosure order codes: IQH3A-E-0, IQH3A-E-P, IQH3A-0-0, IQH3A-0-P

Enclosure order code: IQH1A-S-P

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IQSYN21 www.snellgroup.com Introduction

1.5 Features
• Agile HD/SD-SDI synchronizer with up to 11 frames of video delay and tracking audio
delay

• Handles up to 16 channels of embedded audio present on the incoming SDI stream

including ancillary cleaner for removal of unused ancillary data

• Embedded Dolby E support – pair routing and automatic re-alignment and

synchronization to the video frame boundary

• Dual selectable HD/SD-SDI inputs with auto switching

• Agile synchronizer locking capable of handling mis-timed inputs of up to 5 lines

without output video disturbance (SMPTE RP168 compliant)

• Standards supported:

• HD-SDI to SMPTE 292M/274M/296M

• SD-SDI to SMPTE 259M-C

• Capable of referencing to a bi-level or tri-level reference for HD timing

• Precision wide range genlock adjustment allowing you to time any HD/SD-SDI
signal to pixel accuracy

• Independent horizontal and vertical ancillary data blanking

• Tracking audio delay which seamlessly tracks the internal video delay and external
RollTrack or GPI inputs

• 2 independent audio delay controllers including selectable fixed delay and

RollTrack/GPI tracking delays for each (either selectable for eight pairs)

• Any group of embedded audio may be passed unchanged if not selected for
processing or blanked

• Channel level (Sub-frame) routing

• 4 off 4 channel assignable audio mixers

• Audio processing amplifier and delay

• Built in Dolby E timing monitor allows accurate manual adjustment of Dolby E guard
band position

• Input loss detection – input pass through/switch or black/pattern/freeze and

• Input SDI, CRC, EDH and ANC data checking and reporting

• Emergency input bypass option enables the SDI input signal to be passed through to
SDI output 1 in the event of frame power failure or module removal

• Can be used as a video delay without synchronization, up to 11 frames

• Video processing controls including video gain and offset

• In-built test pattern generator

• 16x user memories

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IQSYN21 www.snellgroup.com Technical Specification

2. Technical Specification
Inputs and Outputs
Signal Inputs
SDI Inputs 2x HD/SD-SDI
Electrical 1.5 Gbps HD-SDI, SMPTE 292M 270 Mbps SDSDI, SMPTE 259M-C
Connector / Format BNC / 75 Ohm panel jack on standard Snell connector panel
Input Cable Length Up to 140 m Belden 1694A @ 1.5 Gbps (40 m input cable length and
35 m output cable length, relay bypass version. Belden 1694A @
1.5 Gbps)
Up to 275 m Belden 1694A @ 270 Mbps
Note: Specified cable lengths are a guide only. Exact cable length performance will depend on the quality of the
cable used, the SDI video rate and the system setup. It is advisable not to cascade modules using the relay rear
version although it may be possible if the interconnecting cable lengths are kept to an absolute minimum.
Return Loss >-15 dB
Relay Bypass Versions
Input Return Loss >-8 dB (When not in BYPASS mode)
Output Return Loss >-8 dB (When not in BYPASS mode)
Reference Input
Analog Reference Input 1 x Analog Reference with passive loop-through SMPTE 240/ 274M and
RS170A
Electrical Black (HD tri-level and SD bi-level) and Black Burst (SD bi-level)
SD bi-level – RS170A, HD tri-level – SMPTE 240M, 274M and 296M
Connector / Format BNC / 75 Ohm panel jack on standard Snell connector panel
Analog Reference Return Loss SD bi-level > -40 dB to 5.5 MHz
HD tri-level > -35 dB to 30 MHz
Signal Outputs
SDI Outputs 3x / 4x HD/SD-SDI
Electrical 1.5 Gbps HD-SDI, SMPTE 292M 270 Mbps SDSDI, SMPTE 259M-C
Connector/Format BNC / 75 Ohm panel jack on standard Snell connector panel
Return Loss >-15 dB
Control Interface
GPI Up to 2x GPI (I/O configurable)
Electrical TTL-compatible, active-low driven
Connector / Format BNC / 75 Ohm panel jack on standard Snell connector panel
Controls
Indicators
Power OK (Green)
CPU Running OK (Green flashing)
FPGA Running OK (Yellow flashing)
Status OK (Green), Warning (Yellow), Error (Red)
Input 1 OK (Green), Loss (Off)
Input 2 OK (Green), Loss (Off)
SDI Err Error (Red)
Reference Lock OK (Green)
Video Controls

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Select Primary Input 1 / 2 / Auto with user configurable rules

Output Standard Select, Follow Input, Follow Reference
Standards List Select video standards for automatic follow
Black Level ±200 mV in steps of 1 mV
Master Video Gain ±6 dB in steps of 0.1 dB
Y Gain ±6 dB in steps of 0.1 dB
Cb/Cr Gain ±6 dB in steps of 0.1 dB
Pattern Select 100% Color Bars, 75% Color Bars, SMPTE Bars, Tartan Bars, Black
Field, Pluge Ramp, H Sweep, Pulse and Bar, Burst
Blank Ancillary Data Blank All, Blank HANC, Pass All, Pass when Output Standard equals
Input Standard
VBI Line Blank Individual lines for each video standard
Manual Freeze On/Off
Freeze Field/Frame
Video Channel Control Mono, Y/C blank
Reference Select External with phasing, Input Video with delay (Units: Lines and Pixels),
Free-run
Delay Timing Delay Frames
Default Video Output Pattern / freeze / black / run through / redundant input
Auto Backup Rules 5 rules with Video presence and standard, Video Errors, Audio presence,
GPI actions and Time Delays
Audio Controls
Embedded Audio Types PCM (to AES3)/Data (SMPTE 337M inc. Dolby E)/Mixed (Passes any
channel status information present)
Channel Routing Output channels routed from SDI (16 embedded channels from any
group), test tone and silence
Output Side Control Proc.- Gain and Independent Gain, Mute, and Polarity control over embedded output
Polarity channels. +12 dB to -36 dB in 0.1 dB steps
Coarse Manual Delay 1 and 2 Up to +2 s in 0.25 ms steps, common to any selected pairs
Fine Manual Delay 1 and 2 Up to +0.25 ms in 5 μs steps, common to any selected pairs
Dolby E Delay (Alignment) Auto/Manual
Variable Audio Delay 1 and 2 Up to 0.5 s from RollTrack + GPI Delay
Pair Based Delay Sources Selectable video synchronizer delay + delay control 1 or 2
Embedder Priority Normal distribution/audio prioritized
Embedded Group Pass/Blank/Embed
Dolby E Auto Line Selection Define Dolby E embed line for each video standard
Tone Setup 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, mute @ -20 dBFS or -18 dBFS
Other Controls
GPI Configuration Not Used, as an output, as an input, pulse width timer + invert
GPI Input Activates on contact closure: Freeze, Pattern, Black, Blank ANC, Mono Y
only, Mono CbCr only, Use I/P and Ext. reference, Select Input 1 / 2 and
Backup
GPI Output Produces an output for: Input 1 / 2 OK, Reference OK Freeze, Pattern,
Black, Monochrome, Input 2 Selected
User memories 16x Save / Recall / Rename
RollCall Features

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Logging Input Status, ANC, EDH, CRC Errors and standard, Reference Status and
Standard Video output status and standard, Embedded audio input status
and type (pairs 1-8), Embedded Dolby E output timing status (pairs 1-8)
RollTrack Controls Source, Address, Command, Status, Sending
Roll Track Sources Internal or detected device states that trigger the sending of RollTracks:
Unused, Video Delay, Input Present /Input Loss, Reference OK / Loss,
Output Freeze / Unfreeze, In 1/2 Select, GPI1/2 High / Low / Inactive,
Embedded Audio Present/Loss (Pairs 1-8), Out (video standards)
Specifications
Video Standards 750(720)/60p, 1125(1080)/30i
750(720)/59p, 1125(1080)/30sF
750(720)/50p, 1125(1080)/29i
1125(1080)/30p, 1125(1080)/29sF
1125(1080)/29p, 1125(1080)/25i
1125(1080)/25p, 1125(1080)/25sF
1125(1080)/24p, 1125(1080)/24sF
1125(1080)/23p, 1125(1080)/23sF
1125(1035)/30i
1125(1035)/29i
525(480)/29i, 625(576)/25i
Minimum Delay 1 line
Video Delay 1 line to 1 frame + 1line (synchronizing)
1 line to 1 frame – 1 pixel (delay mode)
Synchronizer Hysteresis Window HD - 4 μs
SD - 11 μs
Reference Source External – HD tri-level (HD output only), SD bi-level, Input Video syncs
Genlock Adjustment Up to ±1 frame in steps of 1 pixel
Embedded Audio Handling HD - 24-bit synchronous 48 kHz to SMPTE 299M
SD - 20-bit synchronous 48 kHz to SMPTE 272MA
Embedded Audio Delay Minimum 3 ms (PCM), 0.75 ms (Data), Maximum 2.5 s
Channel Status Information Handled and checked
Power Consumption
Module Power Consumption 10 W (max.)
10.5 W (max.) - Relay Bypass Version

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IQSYN21 www.snellgroup.com Connections

3. Connections
This section describes the physical input and output connections provided by the IQSYN21.

3.1 IQSYN2126-1A / IQSYN2127-2A / IQSYN2139-2A

3.1.1 SDI Inputs

Serial digital inputs to the unit are made to the
unit via two BNC connectors which terminate in
75 Ohms.

3.1.2 SDI Outputs

Serial digital outputs from the unit are made to
the unit via BNC connectors which terminate in
75 Ohms.
• 3 outputs (IQSYN2126-1A)
• 4 outputs (IQSYN2127-2A /
IQSYN2139-2A).

3.1.3 Analog Reference Input

The external sync input to the unit is made via
the passive loop-through BNC connectors for
75 Ohms.

It should be noted that proper operation to the full specification can only be achieved with a
correctly terminated, noise-free, stable, black sync reference input. Whilst lock may be
achieved with an unsuitable sync source the increased jitter evident on the SDI output will
affect locking and cable length performance at the receiving equipment.

Note: If the loop-through facility is not used, the unused BNC socket must be fitted with a 75 Ohm
terminator.

3.1.4 GPI
General Purpose Interface via BNC 75 Ohms
connectors may be configured as inputs or
outputs.
• 1 GPI (IQSYN2126-1A)
• 2 GPI (IQSYN2127-2A /
IQSYN2139-2A).

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IQSYN21 www.snellgroup.com Card Edge LEDs

4. Card Edge LEDs

The LEDs on the edge of the module indicate its operating status:

LED Color Description

POWER + Green Indicates that a positive power supply is present.
POWER - Green Indicates that a negative power supply is present.
CPU OK Green Flashes to indicate that the CPU is running.
FPGA OK Yellow Flashes when the FPGA is running. When the unit is booting,
this LED is illuminated continuously, until the SDI is enabled.
IN 1, IN 2 Green These LEDs are illuminated when a valid input is present at the
Serial Data Inputs.
SDI ERR Red This LED is illuminated if any CRC, EDH or TRS errors are
detected on the selected SDI input or a loss of SDI.
REF LOCK Green This LED indicates that a reference signal is present.
ERROR Red This LED indicates board fault conditions.
When the unit is booting, this LED is illuminated, until the SDI is
enabled. Board fault errors include:
• Audio clock lock fault. Audio sub-system fails to lock to
video clocks.
• Serializer lock fault. Output serializer fails to lock.
• SDI JTAG board fault. Internal JTAG interface is
inadvertently enabled.
Continuous illumination indicates a board fault and a service is
required. Perform a Factory Reset and supply a valid SDI video
source before calling service.
WARNING Yellow This LED indicates operational errors.
Operational errors include:
• Embedder Status - ANC overflow. Indicates the
embedder has run out of ancillary space over quite a few
lines. Due to heavy use of ancillary space on the video
input, particularly in SD.
• Input Video: Incompatible input standard. Detected
input standard is invalid.
• Input Video: SDI problem. CRC or other SDI errors
detected on selected input in the last whole field.
• Reference: Lock Failure. Genlock failed to lock to
selected source.
This LED may be briefly illuminated in transitional states like
standard changes. Continuous illumination indicates a problem.
More information is available in the status window.
OK Green Indicates that the module is operating correctly.

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5. Controlling the IQSYN21 from the RollCall Control Panel

5.1 The Information Window

The information window is displayed in the upper-right corner of each screen and displays
basic information about the input status, video, audio and reference status of the module.
Select either Video Status or Audio Status to display the corresponding information.

5.1.1 Video Status

When Video Status is selected, the status of the video input and reference is displayed:

Name Status Description

INP: Displays the status of the video input, followed by the standard of the input, or
(Line 1) last valid signal.
OK 1080/29i Valid input signal received. Detected standard of input
signal, or last valid input signal, is displayed, e.g.
1080/29i.
LOST No input signal received.
FAIL Invalid input signal received, e.g. frame rate differs
between input and output.
MISM Valid input signal received but different (mismatched)
format to the selected output, e.g. input is 1080/29i and
output is 1080/29p.
OUT: Displays the operating standard of the unit.
(Line 2) Unknown The input signal standard is not recognized.
1080/29i Operating standard is displayed, e.g. 1080/29i.
REF: Displays the status of genlock, followed by the standard of the analog reference
(Line 3) signal when in Free-Run or Lock to Reference mode.
FREE Free run, with no reference connected.
OK F 1080/29i Free run. Detected standard of reference signal is
displayed, e.g. 1080/29i.
LOCK 1080/29i Valid reference and genlocked. Detected standard of
reference signal is displayed, e.g. 1080/29i.
LK F Valid reference but ambiguous field type.
LOST No reference signal found.
FAIL Genlock not possible.
FAIL INP Failed to genlock to input.
LOCK INP Genlocked to input video.
(Line 4) Displays the status of the ancillary data and the output picture.
ANC Ancillary present.
FRZ Output frozen.
PAT Output pattern.
MON Monochrome.
HBL Horizontal ancillary data is being blanked.
BLK Output black.

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5.1.2 Audio Status

When Audio Status is selected, the status of the embedded audio input is displayed where:

Name Status Description

Audio Input P Channel is a PCM audio input.
Emb: No audio input is detected.
--------
D Signal is data (non-PCM, Dolby, etc.).
CLIP Displayed if any audio level reaches the 0 dBFS point, i.e.
the digital limit. The fader level should be reduced to
prevent this occurring.
ANC FULL Indicates the embedder / ancillary formatter has run out
of ancillary space over quite a few lines and has lost data.
Caused by heavy use of ancillary space on the video
input, particularly in SD.

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5.2 Video Input

The Video Input screen enables you to specify the settings for the video inputs:

• Selection of input source.

• Enable any specified backup rules.

• Specify the input loss conditions.

• Specify valid input standards.

• View information about CRC/EDH errors.

5.2.1 Input Select

Enables the selection of either input 1 or Input 2 for processing. This control is duplicated on
the Input Backup screen.

5.2.2 Input Backup

When selected, if a backup rule is triggered, the action defined in the backup rules takes place.
This control is duplicated on the Input Backup screen.

5.2.3 Input Loss If

The module can take automatic action if the input signal is lost. This control defines what is a
loss of input and what will cause the automatic actions to be triggered.

• No Input: If there is no input signal of any type this will be considered to be a loss of
input.

• In/Out std. Mismatch: If the standard of the input signal does not match the output
standard this will be considered to be a loss of input.

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5.2.4 Agile V-Lock

This function is intended to permit correct reception of upstream switched misaligned 625/25i
and 525/29i sources without picture disturbance. In HD standards, a mechanism is in place to
re-synchronize after a switch, which makes this mode unnecessary. A tolerance of +/- 5 lines
misalignment between sources is permissible which is wider than the 5 μs allowance specified
in SMPTE RP-168, and it is assumed that the correct switch point with respect to the source
is used.

Note: Due to the time required to recognize a change in picture framing in standard definition (SD)
there must be a minimum delay of 4 lines so that no displaced picture is seen at the output
during a misaligned switch. This may be assured in a synchronizing mode (external
reference or free-run) by setting the Frames delay value to at least 1.

Application areas that require agility over delay will suit this function better. Poor and
unstable signals may benefit from having this function disabled.

Note: Correct operation of agile V-lock requires a correct vertical reference point. On some legacy
equipment from before 1995 the end of vertical blanking was on the permissible lines 10-19
as well as on the current line 20. This practice is no longer permitted, and will prevent correct
vertical alignment of non-compliant legacy 525/59i sources. If this is the case then disable
Agile V-Lock.

5.2.5 Valid Input Standards

The Valid Input Standards check boxes specify the video input standards that the module will
accept. The module will automatically detect the standard of the received input and block any
signal that does not comply with these selected video formats.

By default, all input standards are selected.

• Set All: Click this button to select all check boxes.

• Clear All: Click this button to deselect all check boxes.

Note: If any other standards are detected, an invalid standard will be assumed and this will force
an input video loss with the FAIL status.

5.2.6 CRC/EDH Errors

This item provides information about the Cyclic Redundancy Checksum errors (CRC) and
Error Detection Handling (EDH).

• CRC/EDH Errors: This displays the total CRC or EDH Full Frame error count since
the last reset.

• Time Since Last (CRC/EDH) Error: This will show the time in 5 second intervals up
to 1 minute then in minute intervals, since the last error was detected.

• ANC Errors: This will display the total number of ancillary data (ANC) errors since the
last reset. All ancillary packets are checked. Hence, a problem video source or
dropout can produce a large number of errors.

• Time Since Last (ANC) Error: This will show the time in 5 second intervals up to 1
minute then in minute intervals, since the last ancillary data error was detected.

• Reset Counts: This will reset the error counters to zero.

• Time Since Reset: This will show the time in 5 second intervals up to 1 minute then in
minute intervals, since the counters were last reset.

Note: If the selected input changes, the CRC/EDH counts will be automatically reset once the
software has decided that the input is correctly locked.

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5.3 Input Backup

The Input Backup screen enables the IQSYN21 to be configured to detect if the input signal
on Master (Inp 1) fails and automatically switch to the Backup (Inp 2) signal.

5.3.1 Enable Backup Input Switch

Select this option to enable the input backup switch functions. This control is duplicated on the
Video Input screen.

5.3.2 Priority / Reversion

These settings apply to the Carrier Detect Fail controls and specify the input that will be given
priority and the time that a lost signal must have been regained before the system will revert
to the input that has priority.

• None: Neither Input 1 nor Input 2 has priority. If a signal is lost, causing the module to
switch to the other input, when the signal is regained, the module will not revert to the
original input.

• Master (Inp 1) Priority: Input 1 has priority. Normally, the module will use the Input 1
signal. If the signal on Input 1 is lost, the module will switch to Input 2. If the signal on
Input 1 is subsequently recovered, the module will revert to using Input 1 after the
time specified as the Reversion Delay has elapsed.

• Backup (Inp 2) Priority: Input 2 has priority. Normally, the module will use the Input 2
signal. If the signal on Input 2 is lost, the module will switch to Input 1. If the signal on
Input 2 is subsequently recovered, the module will revert to using Input 2 after the
time specified as the Reversion Delay has elapsed.

• Reversion Delay: Use the slider bar to specify the time that must elapse before the
priority input will revert to a recovered signal. The range of adjustment is 0 - 100
seconds and the preset value is 0 s.

Note: If the signal fails on both Input 1 and Input 2, the unit will switch to the priority input.

If any of the Backup (Inp 2) Select controls are enabled, the Priority/Reversion controls will
not be available.

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5.3.3 Backup State Select

This reflects the overall status of the Backup (Inp 2) Select controls, which are:

• Master (Inp 1) Carrier Detect Fail

• Master (Inp 1) Invalid Standard

• Master (Inp 1) Error

• Master (Inp 1) Embedded Audio Fail

If none of these options are enabled, Backup State Select will display None.

If all of the enabled options have a status of False, Backup State Select will display False.

If one or more (but not necessarily all) of the enabled options have a status of True, Backup
Select State will display True.

5.3.4 Master State Select

This reflects the status of the Backup (Inp 2) Carrier Detect Fail control.

If the Backup (Inp 2) Carrier Detect Fail control is not enabled, Master State Select will display
None.

If the Backup (Inp 2) Carrier Detect Fail control is enabled, Master State Select will display the
control's status - either True or False.

5.3.5 Input Select

Use the radio buttons to manually select either Input 1 or Input 2. This control is also present
on the Video Input screen. Changes made to the control on either screen will be reflected on
the other.

5.3.6 Master (Inp 1) Carrier Detect Fail

When this option is enabled, Backup (Inp 2) will be selected if the signal on Master (Inp 1) is
lost and is missing for more than the time specified by the Delay control.

• Enable: Select the check box to enable this option.

• Status: This displays the carrier status. It will show True in the event of failure,
otherwise it will show False.

• Delay: Use the slider bar to specify the amount of time that must elapse before a
change of status is reported. The range of adjustment is from 0.5 s to 10.0 s. The
preset value is 0.5 s.

5.3.7 Master (Inp 1) Invalid Standard

When this option is enabled, Backup (Inp 2) will be selected if an invalid standard, as specified
on the Video Input screen, is detected on Master (Inp 1) and remains for the time specified by
the Delay control.

• Enable: Select the check box to enable this option.

• Status: This displays the Invalid Standard status. It will show True if an invalid
standard is detected, otherwise it will show False.

• Delay: Use the slider bar to specify the amount of time that must elapse before a
change of status is reported. The range of adjustment is from 1 s to 5 s. The preset
value is 1 s.

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5.3.8 Master (Inp 1) Error

When this option is enabled, Backup (Inp 2) will be selected if the signal on Master (Inp 1) is
in error and in error for more than the time specified by the Delay control.

• Enable: Select the check box to enable this option.

• Status: This displays the input error status. It will show True if an error is present,
otherwise it will show False.

• Delay: Use the slider bar to specify the amount of time that must elapse before a
change of status is reported. The range of adjustment is from 1 s to 5 s. The preset
value is 1 s.

5.3.9 Master (Inp 1) Embedded Audio Fail

When this option is enabled, Backup (Inp 2) will be selected if any of the audio groups specified
by the Required Emb Groups/Pairs On Input 1 control fail for more than the time specified by
the Delay control.

• Enable: Select the check box to enable this option.

• Status: This displays the audio status for audio that has been specified as required. It
will show True for audio fail, otherwise it will show False.

• Delay: Use the slider bar to specify the amount of time that must elapse before a
change of status is reported. The range of adjustment is from 1 s to 10 s. The preset
value is 1 s.

• Required Emb Groups/Pairs On Input 1: Select the check boxes for all audio
groups/pairs that are required in order for the input to be considered acceptable. If
any selected audio group/pair fails for more than the time specified by the Delay
control, the input will switch to Backup (Inp 2). If audio fails on a group/pair that is not
marked as required, the input will be considered acceptable and no switch will occur.

• Sel All: Selects all of the Required Emb Groups/Pairs On Input 1 check boxes.

• Sel None: Clears all of the Required Emb Groups/Pairs On Input 1 check boxes.

• Lock Grp: Selecting this option locks groups together. Selecting one channel in
the group will automatically select the other. Clearing one channel in the group
will automatically clear the other.

5.3.10 Backup (Inp 2) Carrier Detect Fail

When this option is enabled, Master (Inp 1) will be selected if the signal on Backup (Inp 2) is
lost and is missing for more than the time specified by the Delay control.

• Enable: Select the check box to enable this option.

• Status: This displays the carrier status. It will show True in the event of failure,
otherwise it will show False.

• Delay: Use the slider bar to specify the amount of time that must elapse before a
change of status is reported. The range of adjustment is from 0.5 s to 10.0 s. The
preset value is 0.5 s.

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5.4 Video Output

Use the settings on the Video Output screen to:

• Specify the video output standard.

• Set up the test pattern, if any, to be generated.

• Specify the default output to be generated in response to a loss of input.

• Adjust the signal gain and black levels.

• Control the unit's monochrome functions.

• Control the unit's picture freeze function.

5.4.1 Output
Selects the output video standard, depending on whether Manual Selection, Follows Input or
Follows Reference is selected. See “Output Standard” on page 24.

Select the output standard from the following list:

1125(1080)/30i 1125(1080)/23sf
1125(1080)/30p 1125(1035)/30i
1125(1080)/29i 1125(1035)/29i
1125(1080)/29p 750(720)/60p
1125(1080)/25i 750(720)/59p
1125(1080)/25p 750(720)/50p

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1125(1080)/24p 525(480)/29i
1125(1080)/24sf 625(576)/25i
1125(1080)/23p

5.4.2 Output Standard

This function defines how the output standard is selected.

• Manual Selection: When selected, the output standard is the one selected via the
Output/Output Standard list.

• Follows Input: When selected, the output standard is set to be the same as the input
standard.

• Follows Reference: When selected, the output standard is set to be the same as the
reference input standard.

Note: If you have selected Follows Input or Follows Reference, you can pre-select the output
standard for use with the Manual Selection option. If you then select Manual Selection, the
specified standard is used.

5.4.3 Pattern
This enables the pattern functions to be set up.

• Enable: When checked, the output will become the pattern selected from the Pattern
Type list.

• H-Scroll: When checked, the selected pattern will scroll from left to right at a fixed
rate. This mode is useful for differentiating between an input test pattern signal that
has become a frozen picture (caused by a loss of input signal) and a test pattern that
has been chosen to be the output.

5.4.3.1 Pattern Type

This enables a pattern to be selected from the list. This pattern will become the output signal
when Pattern/Enable is checked. Options are as follows:

100% Color Bars Ramp

75% Color Bars Sweep
SMPTE Bars Pulse & Bar
Tartan Bars Burst
Pluge Black

5.4.4 Default Output

This controls the module’s response to a loss of input signal as set via the Video Input/Input
Loss if and Valid Input Standards functions. Options are:

• Freeze Frame: When selected, the output becomes a frozen frame picture.

• Freeze Field: When selected, the output becomes a frozen field picture.

• Black: When selected, the output picture cuts to black.

• Input: When selected, the incoming signal is displayed whenever possible.

• Out Pattern: When selected, the output picture will become the pattern selected via
the Output/Pattern Type function.

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5.4.5 ProcAmp
This function allows the gain and black level of the signal to be adjusted.

• Master Gain: This enables the overall gain (Y and Cb/Cr) to be adjusted over a range
of ±6 dB in steps of 0.1 dB. Preset value is 0.0 dB.

• Y Gain: This enables the Y (luminance) gain to be adjusted by ±6 dB in steps of

0.1 dB. Preset value is 0 dB.

• C Gain: This enables the Cb/Cr (color difference) gain to be adjusted by ±6 dB in

steps of 0.1 dB. Preset value is 0 dB.

Note: The total range of both Master + Y and Master + C controls is +6 dB to -10 dB.

• Black Level: This enables the black level to be adjusted by ±200 mV in steps of
1 mV. Preset value is 0.

5.4.6 Utilities

5.4.6.1 Monochrome

These controls enable the monochrome output functions to be configured.

• Enable: When selected, the monochrome functions are enabled.

• Y Only: When selected, the output picture becomes monochrome using only the Y
component of the signal.

• C Only: When selected, the output picture becomes monochrome using only the
CbCr components of the signal.

5.4.6.2 Freeze

These controls enable the freeze output functions to be configured.

• Force Freeze: When selected, the output picture becomes frozen.

• Frame: When selected, the frozen output picture is derived from a Frame.

• Field: When selected, the frozen output picture is derived from a Field.

Note: The Freeze function is disabled on a power cycle of the module.

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5.5 Embedded Proc Amp Groups 1-2 and 3-4

The Embedded Proc Amp Groups 1-2 and 3-4 screens enable the gain of the 16 embedded
audio channels to be adjusted. They also enable phase inversion and instant mute to be
applied to any channel.

Note: These controls will not be available when the embedder is disabled or if an output is defined
as being data or mixed or the input used is data.

5.5.1 Groups 1 to 4, Pairs 1 and 2 (Embed 1-8 L & R)

This allows the channels to be controlled.

• Inv(ert): When checked, the signal polarity will be inverted.

• Gain Controls: The sliders allow the gain of the channel to be adjusted over a range
of +12 to -66 dB in 0.1dB steps. The preset (P) is to 0 dB.

Note: Gains of greater than 0 dB can cause the signal to exceed the 0 dBFS digital limit,
dependant on the material. This will produce serious distortion (clipping), which should
always be avoided.

• Clip Indicators: At the top of each slider the word ‘Clip’ will appear briefly if the audio
level reaches the 0 dBFS point, i.e. the digital limit. The slider level should be reduced
to prevent this occurring.

• Mute: When checked, the channel will be muted.

• Stereo: When checked, the two channels of the pair will be linked together
(configured as a stereo pair) and any adjustments made to one channel will
automatically be applied to both channels. This allows rapid harmonious adjustment
when audio pairs are carrying stereo signals.

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5.6 Audio Mixer 1-4

The Audio Mixer 1-4 screens enable new, mixed audio feeds to be created from the incoming
audio channels. This is useful when, for example, stereo incoming feeds are required in mono
or discrete surround-sound feeds are required in stereo.

Not only can the incoming feeds be mixed together but the exact balance can be set using the
sliders. This allows finer control over the resulting sound than a simple mono function.
Additional applications include mixing together incoming background audio with local
foreground audio such as adding commentary to a sports feed. The invert function can be
applied to one of the channels being mixed to create a mix-minus channel for foldback.

5.6.1 Audio Sources

The inputs can be selected from the list in the Source 1, 2, 3 and 4 listboxes.

The outputs of these mixers provide four extra input selections for the Channel Router.

Note: If Mute or one of the test tones is selected as the source (i.e. a fixed level signal source),
the corresponding gain control will be grayed out and will not be adjustable.

To change the name of a mixer, type the new text in the text area and then select Save (S).
The new name will replace the name in the mixer gain control section. Selecting Preset (P)
returns the text to the default text (Mixer 1, Mixer 2, Mixer 3 or Mixer 4).

5.6.2 Mixer
Each of the four mixers has four inputs with individual gain controls that allow the mixing levels
for each of the input signals, to be adjusted.

• Inv(ert): When checked, the signal polarity will be inverted.

• Gain Controls: The sliders allow the gain of the channel to be adjusted over a range
of +12 to -36 dB in 0.1dB steps. The preset (P) is to 0 dB.

Note: Gains of greater than 0 dB can cause the signal to exceed the 0 dBFS digital limit,
dependant on the material. This will produce serious distortion (clipping), which should
always be avoided.

• Clip Indicators: At the top of each slider the word ‘Clip’ will appear briefly if the audio
level reaches the 0 dBFS point, i.e. the digital limit. The slider level should be reduced
to prevent this occurring.

• Mute: When checked, the channel will be muted.

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5.7 Embedded Routing Groups 1-2 and 3-4

The Embedded Routing Groups 1-2 and 3-4 screens enable the signal sources for the SDI
embedder to be selected from a list. Mute and audio tones may also be selected. The channels
can be selected individually for total control over the embedded audio.

By default, there is a 1:1 relationship between the input source and the output. For example,
channel one input is matched with the channel one output, channel two input is matched with
channel two output, and so on.

Limited Channel Status information will usually be reinserted for audio, tones and mute. This
is with the exception of Mixed which mode passes the incoming channel status directly.

5.7.1 Link L+R

When checked, the selected source will be automatically paired with the corresponding
left/right source and configured as a stereo pair.

Note: A corresponding left/right source will be automatically chosen when available.

If a mixer output is selected as a source, a different mixer output will be automatically

chosen for the other left/right channel. Mix 1 and 2, or mix 3 and 4 are paired.

If a tone is selected as the source the same tone will be automatically selected for the other
left/right channel.

When an input pair is defined as data, an automatic pairing is established, similar to the Link
L+R function. If either channel of a data pair is selected, the other half will automatically
follow in the correct L+R order.

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5.8 Embed On/Off

The Embed On/Off screen enables you to specify how the module handles the embedding of
audio into the output HD-SDI or SD-SDI video stream. The audio inputs are arranged into four
groups, comprising two channel pairs each.

For each group, you can configure the module to:

• Pass audio unchanged.

• Remove audio data from the stream.

• Embed audio data into the stream.

By default, audio data is embedded in each group.

Within each group, you can also specify whether each channel, for example, Pair 1 Left or Pair
1 Right, is active or disabled. A disabled channel is muted and flagged as absent, with the
channel status indicating 48 kHz synchronous audio. This does not change the group behavior.

For more information about audio embedding, see “Ancillary Passing” on page 66.

5.8.1 Embedder Priority

Selecting Audio (Dolby E) causes audio to be embedded first. This ensures that audio data,
such as Dolby E is on a specific line. If processing Dolby E, it is recommended that this option
is selected.

5.8.2 Group/Channel Active

For each Group (1 to 4):

• To allow audio data to pass through the unit unchanged, select Pass.

• To remove audio data from the incoming stream, select Blank.

• To embed audio data into the stream, select Embed.

For each channel within each group:

• To activate the channel, select the corresponding check box.

• To disable the channel, clear the corresponding check box.

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5.9 Embedded I/P Setup

The Embedded I/P Setup screen enables you to specify whether an input audio pair should
be treated as:

• PCM audio

• Data

• Mixed mode

This screen also allows the names of the disembedded audio inputs to be changed from the
default names (Disembed 1 etc.).

Embedded audio is a pair-based system. This means that they carry the sound as two
channels and it is not possible to carry just one channel. Of course, the IQSYN21 can pass and
process either channel as well as both. This is because the module is channel-based internally.
When an embedded feed is used to carry non-PCM data then the whole data space is
allocated to that function. In this mode the feed has to be treated together, it has to be treated
as the equivalent of a pair. For example, a non PCM feed at the input will occupy the same
space as two audio channels and must be passed to the output as two channels of data.

5.9.1 Embedded Audio Input Names

The name of each L and R channel (initially Disembed 1-8) may be directly over-written in the
text box, as required. These names are used in the lists for the following functions:

• Audio Mixer Inputs

• Embedded Routing

• Embed Input Setup

Names are stored as part of the Memory function so that a new set of names can be recalled
by a memory.

• Stereo: When selected, designates the corresponding L and R channels as a stereo

pair, which may be allocated an input name. The Save (S) button saves changes
made to the name. The Preset (P) button returns the name to the default of
Disembed 1-8.

Note: When Stereo is selected for an audio pair, the corresponding right (R) member of the audio
pair is not displayed on the screen. This is the default setting.

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• PCM: The pair will be treated as PCM audio by the module. PCM processing can be
either channel-based or stereo-based. By default, channels are configured as stereo
pairs. To switch to channel-based processing, clear the Stereo check box. PCM mode
allows audio-specific operations, such as gain and tracking delay, to be adjusted by
means of the Mixers and Proc Amps. In PCM mode, channel status is overwritten with
filtered channel status from the input, and is assumed to be steady state 48 kHz
synchronous professional, with audio or data type as indicated on the source. If Data
is flagged by channel status the unit will still respond by disabling processing
operations including sample rate conversion, and forcing pair-based routing, thus
giving a data-compatible audio path.

• Data: The pair will be treated as a non-PCM data feed through the circuitry within the
module. This mode also protects the feed from PCM audio-specific operations such
as gain and tracking delay. It also ensures that the audio is routed as a pair. In Data
mode, channel status is overwritten with filtered channel status from the input, and is
assumed to be steady state 48 kHz synchronous professional, with audio or data type
as indicated on the source. One stream is equivalent to two PCM audio channels so in
this mode there are no operations that can split the data. PCM audio will still be
passed, and the channel status will follow the input type.

• Mixed: Processing occurs as with Data mode; however, the channel status overwrite
mechanism is bypassed and set to 'pass through' on a channel by channel basis. One
stream is equivalent to two PCM audio channels so in this mode there are no
operations that can split the data. This mode is suitable for processing Dolby E and
Dolby AC3 (Dolby Digital) data, when transitions between data and PCM audio will be
passed cleanly with the source channel status, allowing decoders the best chance of
handling the transition.

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5.10 Embedded O/P Setup

The Embedded O/P Setup screen enables the names of the embedded audio outputs to be
changed from the default names (Embed 1, etc.). By default audio outputs are designated as
stereo pairs.

Names are stored as part of the Memory function so that a new set of names can be recalled
by a memory.

5.10.1 Embedded Audio Output Names

The name of each L and R channel (initially Embed 1-8) may be directly over-written in the text
box, as required. Names entered here appear in the Embed Proc Amps and Embedded
Routing screens.

• Stereo: When selected, designates the corresponding L and R channels as a stereo

pair, which may be allocated an output name. The Save (S) button saves changes
made to the name. The Preset (P) button returns the name to the default of Embed
1-8.

Note: When Stereo is selected for an audio pair, the corresponding right (R) member of the audio
pair is not displayed on the screen. This is the default setting.

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5.11 Video Delay/DolbyE/Genlock

The Video Delay/DolbyE/Genlock screen enables control of the video delay, Dolby E and
Genlock functions.

As a frame-based video synchronizer with up to 11 frames of storage, there are many

possibilities for timing the output video. Each has an impact on delay through the unit and the
possible level of control. Of these there are two classes of operation: referenced modes and
delay modes.

Referenced Modes

In a referenced mode, video output is independently timed from the input, so that the output is
always aligned to the reference raster to match other equipment for switching and processing
purposes. This is the normal frame synchronizer operating mode, in which the buffer will
always have a good whole frame of video to display (whether live, frozen, black or test pattern).
In addition, due to the independence of output timing, it will be able to "firewall" the video. See
page 64 for further details.

The delay through the unit remains within the one-frame operating range of the buffer but
cannot be directly controlled since it is externally defined by the output and input references.
However, phasing relative to any external output reference is adjustable.

Delay modes (Lock to Input)

Delay modes use the input reference to determine the output reference. These are not
synchronizing modes but are utility delay generation modes, which may be useful when audio
processing or a simple delay is required. The output is stable only if the input is stable, so it is
not, therefore, a viable firewall mode.

The total delay is summed from calculated and measured delays to a resolution of one video
line, and shown in the Internal Delay box. This is then available for use in the tracking Audio
Delays.

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5.11.1 Genlock
The Genlock function enables you to specify the Genlock or Video Delay mode, which defines
the source of timing for the output video.

• Free Run: This is a special case of referenced type mode. When selected, the unit's
output will not be locked to any input signal. Instead, it will run nominally at the correct
frame rate and synchronize input video to this. No Horizontal or Vertical Timing
adjustments are possible, but the delay can be stepped in frame increments up to 10
additional frames. This mode may be used to stabilize and firewall poor sources in the
absence of a station reference.

• Lock to Reference: This is the normal referenced mode. When selected, the unit will
lock to an external black (burst) reference signal, either bi-level SD or tri-level HD.
Horizontal or Vertical Timing adjustments are possible for correctly phasing to match
other sources, and the delay can be stepped in frame increments up to 10 additional
frames. It's most likely use is to stabilize, firewall and correctly phase (synchronize)
incoming line or post-router switched sources to a station reference.

This reference should be correctly terminated and clean of noise and jitter to give the
best possible results. A bi-level reference of the correct frame rate is always accept-
able, but a tri-level HD reference is only acceptable for a HD output. There are many
cross-locking modes possible, and for this purpose the correct frame rate is either the
output frame rate or double or half the rate - when an interlaced output is referenced
to a progressive source the field relationship is unknown and this is indicated with
REF: LK-F in the status window. When an unsuitable reference is given the unit will
fail to lock and REF: FAIL will show in the video status window.

Since a stable output is required, considerable damping is applied to the locking char-
acteristics. This results in an acquisition time of 5 to 10 seconds typically.

In this mode, Reference Status displays the amplitude of the reference sync signal,
either peak for bi-level (typically 300 mV) or peak-peak for tri-level (typically 600 mV).
Note that unterminated tri-level syncs will have the indication clipped to around 1 Volt

Note: Agile V-lock mode for SD requires at least 4 lines delay. Frames should be set to at least 1
for clean misaligned switches when synchronizing or phasing, to allow >4 lines minimum
delay when re-timing stable but switched sources.

When synchronizing with Dolby E alignment, set Delay Fames to 1 or greater to allow
optimum tracking of the Dolby E header position.

• Lock to Input: This allows the adjustment of the delay by changing the vertical and
horizontal timing.

When a delay is required to be defined in terms of video lines, maybe to round up to

the next frame boundary, this mode can be used. However, it may introduce complica-
tions on changes of video standard, and the minimum delay can go below the 0.75 ms
audio minimum delay that would permit delay matching.

• Internal Delay: This displays the value of the current delay in milliseconds. This is
useful to check that a suitable delay has been set.

Note: When the delay is set below the minimum possible, this control will limit at 1 video line.

When the delay is set above the maximum possible, this control will limit at just below 1
video frame.

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5.11.2 Delay Timing

The Delay Timing function is only available in Lock to Reference and Lock to Input modes.
It enables you to specify the vertical and horizontal timing, which enables video delay to be
adjusted in steps of one line.

• Delay Frames: This slider enables the video delay to be adjusted in steps of one
frame. The range of adjustment is 0 to 11 frames. The preset value is 0 frames.

• Vertical Phase/Timing: This slider enables the video delay to be adjusted in steps of
one line. The range of adjustment is one line short of an output frame in either
direction. The preset value is 0 lines.

• Horizontal Phase/Timing: This slider enables the video delay to be adjusted in steps
of one line. The range of adjustment is one pixel short of an output line in either
direction. The preset value is 0 pixels.

The total delay is the sum of vertical and horizontal timing. An overall effect is to enable a delay
of 1 frame - 5 lines, for example, to align an earlier 5-line delay device to the next frame
boundary.

The sum of vertical and horizontal timing is post-limited to be under +/- a frame of the current
standard. There is also a forced minimum delay of 1 line.

5.11.3 Dolby E Timing

An indication of Dolby E header phasing at the outputs helps in making corrections and avoids
clicking or other corruption on downstream switching due to the 5% inter-frame guard band
being misaligned with the video switch point.

Each of the eight output embedded pairs, including passed input audio groups, can be selected
for display and logging. The display will report (for both the standard and the user-defined line)
a line offset, or indicate a missing Dolby E header, for example, indicating PCM audio.

• Audio Pair: Selects one of the eight embedded audio pairs.

• Line Number: Reports the actual line number on which the Dolby E header occurs.
Note that, depending on audio packet distribution, this may differ slightly from the
expected line number. For example, if the expected line number is 22, line 21 or 23
may periodically be reported. This is a normal occurrence and does not necessarily
indicate an error condition.

• Sample Number: Reports the current audio sample number.

Dolby E position is reported Early, Late, or OK within the limits for each output standard as
shown below. 'Frame ?' is reported if the video frame rate is at twice the audio frame rate. In
this situation, the audio aligns to the nearest video frame. Since the number of video frames
will be double the number of audio frames, the audio delay may require adjustment in order to
align with the correct video frame.

There are two levels of limits for status and logging. For safe and reliable operation, the OK
limit is +/- 3 samples from the specified point, with WARN indications for up to the table limits,
and ERROR indications beyond (this will definitely cause packet corruption on switching).

Standard Switch Point Early Line Normal Line Late Line

625/25i 6 <9 11 >30
525/29.97i 10 <12 14 >29
1080/25i 1080/25p 7 <16 20 >55
1080/29.97i 7 <17 22 >55
1080/29.97p
1035/29.97i
720/50p 7 <22 27 >73

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Standard Switch Point Early Line Normal Line Late Line

720/59.94p 7 <23 29 >73

Note: All HD standards use line 7 for the frame switching line. Unsupported frame rates are: 23.98,
24, 30, 60 in i or p or sf standards.

5.11.3.1 User Dolby-E Line

If the Dolby E delay has been manually configured, select User next to corresponding audio
pairs to specify which of the eight audio pairs will monitor the user line for status and logging.
Alternatively, select Standard to monitor the standard Dolby E line.

5.11.4 Dolby E Auto Line

The Dolby E Auto Line settings specify a video line for Dolby E header alignment. For any pair
with Auto DE enabled, the audio delay will attempt to align the output audio guard band on this
video line, while keeping the delay within ±0.5 frame of nominal. Each video standard may
have its own line specified, so that a change of standard will automatically call up the
appropriate line for alignment to.

5.11.4.1 Line for Standard / Dolby E Auto Line No

This allows access for defining and viewing the table of user specified lines for Dolby E auto
alignment, status reporting and logging. Defaults for each standard are the published 525/29i
and 625/25i positions mapped onto the supported standards, i.e. assuming the encoders /
decoders are referenced to SD.

From the Line for Standard list, select the input video standard, this will automatically adjust
the Dolby E Auto Line No, which can also be manually adjusted by means of the slider bar.
The default Dolby E line numbers for the supported video standards are shown in the following
table.

Line for Standard Dolby E Auto Line No

1125(1080)/29i 22
1125(1080)/29p 22
1125(1080)/25i 20
1125(1080)/25p 20
1125(1035)/29i 22
525(480)/29i 14
625(576)/25i 11

5.11.4.2 Use Embedded Reader

This option allows the automatic Dolby E alignment adjustment to be made using the actual
embedded data to improve the accuracy of the correction, and ensure the requested line is
achieved. If Use Embedded Reader is not enabled, the correction is applied at the audio delay
output, before the embedder and, as such, may not be as accurate.

5.11.4.3 Dolby E Smooth Capture Range

This control provides a limit for deciding at what point a change in Dolby timing will cause a
immediate jump to the new timing (either from a sync event or movement of Dolby in the guard
band). If the move is less than the number of configured samples, the change will be smooth.
If the move is greater than the number of configured samples, a “crash” change will result.

Note: When a “crash” change occurs, you may hear pops or clicks on the audio when it changes
to the new value.

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5.12 Audio Delays

The Audio Delays screen enables control of audio delay.

There are eight separate delay blocks provided by this module. Each delay block processes a
pair of PCM audio channels or one non-PCM data feed. The delay blocks can be controlled by
one of two composite control feeds that permit external adjustment, and an internal matching
delay option. Each control feed can be driven by a combination of both tracking and fixed
delays. Tracking delays are those that can follow a variable timing value such as the delay
through a video synchronizer.

Each of the delay blocks is limited, if the requested delay is too low, to 3 ms for PCM or 0.75 ms
for data signals. When a delay block is being limited a flag adjacent to it will show “LO”.

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Having two delay controls is a unique feature that allows audio to be timed to, or synchronized
with, one of two separate timing planes. Options are: having no audio delay, having all the
audio delayed together, having some audio delayed and some not. Using both delay controls
however (A for one and B for the other) it is possible to choose some audio pairs delayed by a
different amount than others.

The delays are SMPTE-337 data aware, and as such will attempt to rack any changes during
the guard bands to avoid corrupting any data packets. This limits response to changes to a rate
similar to the SRC filtered case, which is entirely adequate for tracking while synchronizing
video.

5.12.1 Audio Delay Select - A/B

This function allows delay times (A and B) to be applied to the delay processor block.

For both Audio Delay A and Audio Delay B, more than one of these drivers can be enabled
simultaneously. When multiple selections are made, the resulting delay is the sum of the
values from all selected drivers:

• Manual: Applies a manual delay set by the Manual Course Delay slider bar. The
delay range is -40.0 ms to 2000.00 ms, adjusted in 0.25 ms steps. For finer
adjustments, use the Fine Delay control, which is described below. The preset (P)
value is 0.00 ms.

• GPI Pulse width: Applies a delay equal to the width of a pulse at the GPI connector.

Note: An audio delay pulse of more than 500 ms, applied to the GPI Input, will be treated as
invalid, resulting in the GPI delay returning to zero.

The GPI must be configured correctly for this function to operate. If set to Unused the delay
will be zero.

• RollTrack 14/15/16/17: Applies a delay set by external RollTrack commands.

RollTracks are signals sent between pieces of equipment so that they can work
together in concert. For example two modules can exchange delay values through the
RollTrack system. The delay used for the audio passing through this remultiplexer
module could be set for example, by the delay through a video synchronizer. Delay
values can be applied via RollTracks 14, 15, 16 and 17. For more details, see
“RollTrack Audio Delay Tracking” on page 58.

5.12.1.1 Total Delay

This indicator shows the total delay value that the control (A or B) is currently set. Any delay
block being controlled by that control (A or B) will be set to this value plus the video Internal
Delay (if selected). It is a useful check that the right combination of delays has been applied.
It only indicates delays applied at this stage of the processing and not individual pair delays
applied to the embedded audio inputs. One of the useful features is being able to see whether
tracking delays are changing their value.

The minimum amount of total delay shown here will be 3.0 ms, which is the system minimum
delay in PCM. Data mode is made consistent with PCM by adding 88 samples worth of delay.

5.12.2 Internal Video Delay

This indicator show the unit's current internal video delay in ms.

5.12.3 Smooth Delay Limit

Under normal circumstances, when audio tracks video, it slowly creeps up to track with video.
Sometimes however, it may be preferable to have the audio immediately jump to the tracking
point. The Smooth Delay Limit slider adjusts the time that it takes for the audio to sync with the
video.

The range of this control is 0ms to 80 ms. The preset value is 80 ms.

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5.12.4 Embed Delay 1 to 8

This displays the controls for each of the embedded delay blocks. For each delay block the
delay can be derived from one of the following settings:

• Min: Effectively zero delay but when no Internal delay is added it is limited to the
minimum audio delay of approx. 0.75 ms or 3 ms if via a SRC.

• A: The delay time for this audio pair is the value set by the Audio Delay Select-A
control.

• B: The delay time for this audio pair is the value set by the Audio Delay Select-B
control.

• V: Adds an audio delay equal to the unit's video Internal Delay when enabled.

• Fine Delay: Specifies manual delays finer than 0.25 ms (the adjustment increment of
the Manual Coarse Delay control). The delay specified by this control is added to the
value set with the Manual Coarse Delay control. The delay range is 0 ms to 0.244 ms
in 5 ms to 6 ms steps. The preset (P) value is 0.00 ms.

• Fine (+A|B +V)=Total: This displays the total of the A or B delay time, plus any
manual fine delay, plus the internal video delay.

• Limit: If LO appears to the right of the check boxes, the delay set is lower than the
minimum delay (0.75 ms or 3.0 ms). If HI appears to the right, the current total value
exceeds 2.6 seconds, values greater than this are capped at 2.6 seconds.

• Auto DE: When selected, the unit alters the audio delay by up to half a frame to
automatically place the Dolby E header on the same line as specified by the Dolby E
Auto Line No control on the Dolby E Auto Line page.

Note: If Dolby E is asynchronous to the output video, but synchronous to the input video, the Int
control should also be selected so that the delay of the Dolby E tracks the video delay and
whole frames of Dolby E are dropped with the video frames.

A Dolby E audio source synchronized using the V compensation setting may perform
poorly when the total audio delay, including the alignment compensation (up to ± 0.5
frames), goes below the normal minimum audio delay for data (i.e. 0.75ms). This is a
cyclical effect and depends also on the level of incoming video and audio signal mis-
alignment. Hence, when synchronizing with Dolby E alignment, set Video Delay
Frames to 1 or greater to allow optimum tracking of the Dolby E header position.

5.12.5 Reliable Audio Alignment - Use Cases

There are two possible use cases, which should be treated differently:

• Input Lines Case: Video input needs firewalling and synchronizing to meet the
requirements of the facility. Auto alignment will operate once the video has settled to
bring the selected Dolby E streams onto location. Depending on the error magnitude,
the time to reach alignment may be up to 6 seconds. Since the source changes in
advance of usage there is no problem with switching or recording downstream.

• Playout Chain Case: An IQSYN21 is used as a post-switch firewall in an agile

setting. Use of Mixed mode, whilst disabling procamps, provides for clean switching
between PCM and Data such as Dolby E. Provided that the decoder can change
modes cleanly it is possible to have a "hot" switch between types without any mute or
disturbance. Since PCM has no alignment requirement, the Auto DE controller will
allow the audio delay to drift to the actual requested delay when PCM is detected, and
a switch back to a Dolby E source will give some misalignment error during the Auto
DE recovery time - and probably a decoder mute. For this reason it is essential that a
pre-switch alignment firewall is used on the Dolby E source(s), and that the PCM
delay is set to the nominal delay for correct alignment - probably an integer number of
frames.

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There are additional controls which should be selected for reliable operation in the presence
of other ancillary data, in particular for standard definition video:

• Embedder Priority (Embed On/Off page) should be set to Audio. This will prioritise
audio packet insertion so the requested line is always available.

• Use Embedded Reader (Dolby E Auto Line page) should be enabled. This allows
the automatic alignment adjustment to be made using the actual embedded data to
ensure the requested line is achieved.

Note: 720p compatibility limitation. Where the video standard frame rate is a multiple of the
embedded Dolby E frame rate (e.g. 525/29i locked Dolby E within 720/59p video,) it is not
possible to align the Dolby E correctly to the video while synchronizing. There is an
ambiguous relationship between the video and Dolby E frames, and the synchronizing of
the video frames at a higher rate causes mismatched delay discontinuities which can
corrupt the audio.

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5.13 ANC Blank & Bridge

The ANC Blank & Bridge screen allows the line position of various signaling functions to be
selected, and the detection and re-insertion of packet-based ancillary data on the output. This
should not be used for packet types already processed (708. OP47, SMPTE2016,
SMPTE2031, ATC) by the ancillary data block. The exception is in processing SD-ATC, where
you should use the bridge.

The ancillary bridge provides a generic bridging mechanism to forward packets from input to
output. Up to 7 blocks can be configured; each block processes 1 field's worth of data. If data
is present, the detected line is indicated (in the Input Control area) and whether this is located
in VANC or HANC (in the Detection area). The use may optionally program the output on any
available line (in the Output Control area), although other ancillary packets may also use the
same line (concatenated). This rule works except for 2016 output which must be left on its own
line).

5.13.1 VBI for Standard

This item allows the Vertical Interval data (all or specific lines) contained in the input signal to
be blanked or passed through the module. It allows the selection of which vertical interval lines
to pass through to the output and which lines to blank.

Different standards will display different VBI lines.

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5.13.2 Blank Lines

To prevent specific lines from being passed to the output signal, select them from the Blank
Lines section.

To allow all displayed vertical interval lines to be passed to the output signal, click Pass All
Lines.

To prevent all displayed vertical interval lines from being passed to the output signal, click
Blank All Lines.

5.13.3 Input Ancillary

The Input Ancillary controls enable you to specify whether to pass or blank ancillary data:

• Blank All: When selected, remove all ancillary data. This overrides the VBI Blank
Lines control.

• Blank HANC: When selected, removes horizontal ancillary data (HANC).

• Pass: When selected, enables ancillary data to pass unaltered. The pass-through
operations will not alter audio packets for groups that the IQSYN21 has not selected
for embedding.

• Blank All on STD mismatch: When checked, removes all ancillary data, if the input
signal fails to match the output standard.

Note: Embedded audio (as enabled for embedding) and EDH controls are not affected by these
controls.

5.13.4 Ancillary Bridge

These are 7 preset data stores, labelled #1 Preset to #7 Preset, that display any detected
ancillary data packets in the input. Each store configures 1 “block” or “field” of data.

There are 5 possible options:

• Manual: User configures DID and, optionally, SDID values.
• PID: (44,04).
• UMID: (44,44).
• Dolby Audio metadata: SMPTE2020 (E3).
• OFF: Turns off any enabled controls.

5.13.4.1 Input Control

Displays detected DID or SDID at the input for each of the ancillary data blocks displayed in
the above preset stores.

5.13.4.2 Detection

If data is present, displays the detected line and whether this is located in VANC or HANC.

5.13.4.3 Output Control

Displays the output lines in which the ancillary data is re-inserted.

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5.14 GPIO
The GPIO screen enables the General Purpose Input/Output functions to be configured.

5.14.1 GPIO 1 and GPIO 2

This enables GPIO ports to be configured:

• Unused: The GPIO port is inactive.

• Input: The GPIO port is configured as an input.

• Output: The GPIO port is configured as an output.

Note: GPIO 2 is only valid for the double-width module.

5.14.2 GPI 1 (Input) or GPI 2 (Input)

When the GPI is configured as an input, this item allows an action to be chosen that will occur
when the GPI input is grounded or, if the Invert function is selected, becomes open.

Each of the following options is initial edge triggered. Once this has taken place, the option will
be selected until some other process, or (where applicable) the returning edge, deems
otherwise.

The options are as follows:

• Unused: This enables a direct GPI to RollTrack without calling the other states.

• Freeze: The output picture is frozen. When released (input open) the output picture
becomes unfrozen.

• Pattern: The output picture becomes the selected pattern. When released (input
open) the output picture reverts to normal.

• Black: The output picture cuts to black. When released (input open) the output picture
reverts to normal.

• Blank Ancillary: The ancillary data is blanked. When released (input open) ancillary
data will be passed.

• MonoChrm Y Only: The output picture becomes monochrome using only the Y
component of the signal. When released (input open) the picture reverts to normal
color.

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• MonoChrm CbCr Only: The output picture becomes monochrome using only the
CbCr components of the signal. When released (input open) the picture reverts to
normal color.

• Use I/P Ref (SDI): When initiated, the unit locks to the video input. When released
(input open) this state remains, i.e. it does not revert to the previous state.

• Use Ext Ref (Analog): When initiated, the unit locks to the reference signal. When
released (input open) this state remains, i.e. it does not revert to the previous state.

• Select Inp 1, Select Inp 2: Input 1 or Input 2 is selected.

• Select Input: A toggle function that selects between Input 1 (inactive) and Input 2
(active).

• Select Backup: Enables the Backup Rules function.

Note: GPI Input Edge Switching Operation. With the exception of reference actions, the GPI
input will switch on both edges, hence the switch to the inactive state will perform the
reverse function. This may obviously override any other control operations performed while
the GPI was active.

5.14.3 GPI 1 (Output) and GPI 2 (Output)

When the GPI is configured as an output, this item allows an action to be chosen that will
produce an output signal at the GPI connector. The GPI output will be driven to ground or, if
the Invert function is selected, becomes open.

The options are as follows:

• Input 1/2 OK: An output signal is produced if the HD SDI input is present and OK.

• Reference OK: An output signal is produced if the reference signal is present and
OK.

• Freeze: An output signal is produced when freeze is selected.

• Pattern: An output signal is produced when patterns are enabled.

• Black: An output signal is produced if the picture has become cut to black.

• Monochrome: An output signal is produced if the picture has become a monochrome

picture.

• Input 2 Selected: An output signal is produced if Input 2 is selected.

5.14.4 GPIO Input Pulse Width Timer

The audio delay may be controlled by the width of a pulse on the GPI input.

Note: If a GPIO is used for any other input or output, it cannot be selected as a GPIO Input Pulse
Width Timer and the option to specify it as such will not be available.

• Unused: The function is not active.

• GPI-1: Function is active on GPI 1 port.

• GPI-2: Function is active on GPI 2 port.

• Active High checked: Delay time while input is high.

• Active High Unchecked: Delay time while input is low.

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5.14.5 GPIO Interface Circuitry

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5.15 Memory
The Memory screen enables up to 16 setups to be saved and recalled later.

Default memory names can be changed to provide more meaningful descriptions.

5.15.1 Recall Memory

This column lists the settings that have been previously saved. If no settings have been saved,
None Selected is displayed.

To recall the settings saved in a memory:

In the Recall Memory column, select the memory to recall by clicking on it. The recalled
settings will be applied and the memory name will appear in the Last Recalled Memory
section.

Note: User memories do not recall log field states. I.e., whether a log value has been enabled or
disabled.

5.15.2 Save Memory

This column lists the 16 pre-set memory names that are available for use.

To save settings:

In the Save Memory column, select a memory location, and then click Save. The current
settings are saved and the memory appears in the Recall Memory column.

To clear a memory location:

In the Save Memory column, select a memory location, and then click Clear. The current
settings stored for that memory are cleared. After you clear a memory location, it disappears
from the Recall Memory list.

5.15.3 Last Recalled

The Last Recalled pane displays the most recently recalled memory. If any of the settings
have been changed since it was recalled, an asterisk will be displayed after the memory name.

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5.15.4 Save Memory Name

This option enables the pre-set memory names to be changed (to something more memorable
or meaningful), if required.

To change a memory name:

In the Save Memory Name field, type the new memory name, and then click the S button. To
return the memory to its default preset value, click P button.

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5.16 RollTrack
The RollTrack screen allows information to be sent, via the RollCall™ network, to other
compatible units connected on the same network.

5.16.1 Disable All

When checked, all RollTrack items are disabled.

5.16.2 RollTrack Index

This slider enables up to 16 RollTrack outputs to be setup. Dragging the slider selects the
RollTrack Index number, displayed below the slider. Clicking the P button selects the default
preset value.

5.16.3 RollTrack Source

This slider enables the source of information that triggers the transmission of data to be
selected. Dragging the slider selects the RollTrack source, displayed below the slider. Clicking
the P button selects the default preset value. When no source is selected, Unused is
displayed.

Unused No RollTracks sent.

Video Delay Output tracking delay, used to slave another module to the internal
video delay of this unit, continuously sent. In this case, the Command
first value (channel) is normally 14-17, and the second value is
ignored because a dynamic value is sent.

Input Present The video input is recognized, and valid as determined by the In/Out
std. Mismatch and Valid Input Standards settings.

Input Loss Video input is missing or invalid as determined by the In/Out std.
Mismatch and Valid Input Standards settings.

Reference OK Reference is present and valid as required by the current Genlock

mode.

• If not used, as in Free-run, this is always true.

• In Lock to Input, this will be active if video input is valid.

• In Lock to Reference mode this will be active if the external

reference signal is present and is correctly locked to.

Reference Lost Reference is missing of invalid, as required by the current Genlock

mode.

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O/P Freeze Freeze is applied manually, or by input loss, or invalid as determined

by the In/Out Std. Mismatch and Valid Input Standards settings.

INP1/2 Select RollTrack is sent on selection of Input 1 or Input 2.

GPI1/2 High Send when Unused or Input, and either Invert set and GPI Low or
Invert not set and GPI High.

GPI1/2 Low Send when Unused or Input, and either Invert set and GPI Low or
Invert not set and GPI High.

GPI1/2 InActive GPIO 1 or GPIO2 unused or is set as Output.

De-embed 1-8 PCM Embedded pair 1-8 is present and valid on incoming PCM.
Present

De-embed 1-8 Data Embedded pair 1-8 is present and valid on incoming data.
Present

De-embed 1-8 Lost Embedded pair 1-8 is missing, or incoming video is missing / invalid.

Out (video Send when the specified output standard is detected.

standard)

5.16.4 RollTrack Address

This item enables the address of the selected destination unit to be set.

The address may be changed by typing the new destination in the text area and then selecting
the S button to save the selection. Clicking the P button returns to the default preset
destination.

The RollTrack address consists of four sets of numbers, for example, 0000:10:01*99.

• The first set (0000) is the network segment code number.

• The second set (10) is the number identifying the (enclosure/mainframe) unit.

• The third set (01) is the slot number in the unit.

• The fourth set (99) is a user-settable number that is a unique identification number for
the destination unit in a multi-unit system. This ensures that only the correct unit will
respond to the command. If left at 00 an incorrectly fitted unit may respond
inappropriately.

5.16.5 RollTrack Command

This item enables a command to be sent to the selected destination unit.

The command may be changed by typing a code in the text area and then selecting the S
button to save the selection. Clicking the P button returns to the default preset command.

The RollTrack command consists of two sets of numbers, for example: 84:156.

• The first number (84) is the actual RollTrack command.

• The second number (156) is the value sent with the RollTrack command.

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5.16.6 RollTrack Sending

A message is displayed here when the unit is actively sending a RollTrack command. Possible
RollTrack Sending messages are:

String A string value is always being sent.

Number A number value is always being sent.

No The message is not being sent.

Yes The message is being sent.

Internal Type Error Inconsistent behavior. Please contact your local Snell agent.

5.16.7 RollTrack Status

A message is displayed here to indicate the status of the currently selected RollTrack index.
Possible RollTrack Status messages are:

OK RollTrack message sent and received OK.

Unknown RollTrack message has been sent but it has not yet completed.

Timeout RollTrack message sent but acknowledgement not received. This

could be because the destination unit is not at the location specified.

Bad RollTrack message has not been correctly acknowledged at the

destination unit. This could be because the destination unit is not of
the type specified.

Disabled RollTrack sending is disabled.

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5.17 Logging
Information about several parameters can be made available to a logging device that is
connected to the RollCall network.

Each logging screen comprises three columns:

• Log Enable: Select the check boxes that correspond to the parameters for which log
information should be collected.

• Log Field: Displays the name of the logging field.

• Log Value: Displays the current log value.

5.17.1 Video Input Logging

The Video Input Logging screen displays the current log information for the relevant video
inputs.

5.17.2 In1/2 Aud State Logging

The In1/2 Aud State Logging screens display the state log values for the embedded audio on
each input.

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5.17.3 In1/2 Aud Type Logging

The In1/2 Aud Type Logging screens display the type log values for the embedded audio on
each input.

5.17.4 O/P Aud Level Logging

The O/P Aud Level Logging screen displays the current log information for the level of the
embedded audio output.

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5.17.5 O/P Aud State Logging

The O/P Aud State Logging screen displays the current log information for the state of the
embedded audio output.

5.17.6 O/P Aud Type Logging

The O/P Aud Type Logging screen displays the current log information for the type of the
embedded audio output.

5.17.7 O/P Dolby ELogging

The O/P Dolby E Logging screen records the presence of Dolby E signals, and their timing,
with respect to the video.

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5.17.8 Ref/Output Logging

The Ref/Output Logging screen displays the current log information for the status of the video
output and the reference signal.

5.17.9 Misc. Logging

The Misc. Logging screen displays the current log information about the unit’s basic
parameters.

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5.17.10 Log Field Descriptions

Log Field Description
INPUT_N_TYPE= This displays the type of input as specified by the unit’s
configuration. Valid values are HD /SD SDI.
INPUT_N_STATE= Displays the current input state. Valid values are:
• OK
• WARN:Mismatch
• FAIL:Lost
• FAIL:Error
Note: WARN:Mismatch indicates that the input and output
standards are not the same.
INPUT_N_STANDARD= This displays the current input signal standard. For example,
1080/29i.
If the input standard is not recognized or supported the field
will display: WARN:Unknown
INPUT_N_SDI_ERRS= Displays SDI errors. Valid values are:
• OK
• WARN
INPUT_N_SDI_ERRSEC= Displays the number of errored seconds since last counter
reset.
INPUT_N_SDI_ANC_ERRS= Displays ANC errors. Valid values are:
• OK
• WARN
INPUT_N_SDI_ANC_ERRSEC= Displays the number of errored seconds since last counter
reset.
INPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_STATE = These fields display the current embedded input audio state.
to Valid values are:
INPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_STATE= • UNKNOWN
------------------------------------- • OK
INPUT_2_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_STATE= • LOST
to
INPUT_2_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_STATE= • WARN:Off
• FAIL:Lost
INPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_TYPE = These fields display the current embedded input audio state.
to Valid values are:
INPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_TYPE= • UNKNOWN
------------------------------------- • PCM
INPUT_2_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_TYPE= • NONPCM
to
INPUT_2_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_TYPE= • WARN:No Input

OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_1_LEVEL= These fields display the current embedded input audio state.
to Valid values are:
OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_2_LEVEL= • OK
• WARN:Overflow
OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_STATE= These fields display the current embedded input audio state.
to Valid values are:
OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_STATE= • OK
• WARN:Off
• FAIL:Lost

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Log Field Description

OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_TYPE= These fields display the current embedded input audio state.
to Valid values are:
OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_TYPE= • PCM
• NONPCM
• WARN:No Input
OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_1_DOLBY= These fields display the current embedded input audio state.
to Valid values are:
OUTPUT_1_EMBEDDED_AUDIO_8_DOLBY= • NONE
• OK
• WARN:EARLY
• WARN:LATE
• ERROR:EARLY
• ERROR:LATE
OUTPUT_N_STATE= • OK
• Pattern
• Black
• Freeze
OUTPUT_N_TYPE= HD / SD SDI
OUTPUT_N_STANDARD= Displays the current output video standard.
OUTPUT_N= Displays the relevant input source for the output video.
REFERENCE_1_TYPE= Displays the reference type. Valid values are:
• OK:Tri-Level
• OK:Bi-Level
• WARN:Unknown
REFERENCE_1_STATE= Displays the reference state. Valid values are:
• OK
• FAIL:Error
• FAIL:Lost
REFERENCE_1_STANDARD= Displays the current video standard of the reference signal. For
example, 1080/59P.
SN= Displays the module serial number, which consists of an S
followed by eight digits.
OS_VERSION= Displays the operating system name and version. For example,
KOS V115.
BUILD_NUMBER= Displays the build number.
HARDWARE_VERSION= Displays the hardware version number.
FIRMWARE_VERSION= Displays the firmware version number.
UPTIME= Displays the time since the last restart in the format
ddd:hh:mm:ss.

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5.18 Setup
The Setup screen display basic information about the module, such as the serial number and
software versions. Use the functions on the screen to restart the module or return all settings
to their factory or default settings.

• Product: The name of the module.

• Software Version: The currently installed software version number.

• Serial No: The module serial number.

• Build: The factory build number. This number identifies all parameters of the module.

• KOS: The operating system version number.

• Firmware: The module firmware revision number.

• PCB: The Printed Circuit Board revision number.

5.18.1 Default Settings

The Default Settings button enables module settings to be reset to their factory defaults,
leaving user memories intact.

5.18.2 Factory Defaults

The Factory Defaults button enables the module settings to be reset to their factory defaults.

Note: Resetting the module to its factory defaults also clears all the saved memory settings.

5.18.3 Restart
The Restart button enables the module to be rebooted, simulating a power-up/power-down
cycle.

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Appendix A. RollTrack Audio Delay Tracking

A.1 Introduction
RollTrack is a feature of RollCall™ (Snell's proprietary remote control system) that allows
devices to communicate across the RollCall network with no direct user intervention.

RollTrack Audio Delay Tracking enables RollCall™ compatible audio delay products to track
delay introduced by RollCall™ compatible video processing products.

A.2 Configuration: Single Video Unit and Single Audio Delay

The simplest configuration is a single video unit and a single audio delay in a RollCall™
system. The audio delay will have the same delay as through the video path. If the delay
changes the audio delay will track.

A.3 Configuration: Multiple Video Units and Audio Delays

The next level of configuration is where there are multiple Frame Synchronizers (for example)
each connected through RollCall™ to their own tracking Audio Delay. (It is worth stating that
the synchronizers and audio delays do not have to be in the same enclosure; the addressing
scheme, discussed later, allows for the units to be positioned anywhere in the RollCall™
domain.) The maximum number of video units and audio delays in a RollCall™ system is set
by the maximum limit of the number of modules in a RollCall™ network and is currently 3840
on a single network without bridges.

The unique identification of the destination unit (a decimal number) for various modules is as
follows:

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A.4 Configuration: Vertical Delay Cluster

The next level of complexity is a vertical delay cluster where a video unit can have up to eight
audio delays tracking - of the same or different types.

From one to eight audio delay products can be connected via RollCall™ to a single frame
synchronizer, for example. If the synchronizer delay changes, then however many audio
delays are connected will track the delay. The audio delays can also have a manual delay
which will be added to the RollTrack delay.

A.5 Configuration: Horizontal Delay Cluster

The next level of complexity is a horizontal delay cluster where an audio delay can track up to
four video units.

The total delay time through the audio delay is then the sum of the individual delays
introduced by the video units plus the manual delay of the audio unit. The manual delay can
be set to compensate for any fixed propagation delay in the video path or may be set to zero.

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A.6 Configuration: Matrix Delay Cluster

The next level of complexity is a matrix delay cluster where each audio delay (up to eight) can
track up to four video units. This configuration is in effect a four by eight matrix of video units
and audio delay units. The total delay time through the audio delay units is then the sum of
the individual delays introduced by the video units plus the manual delay of the audio unit.

As any of the delay times change in the video path so will the audio delay time track this
delay.

A.7 Connecting up a Audio Delay Tracking

To make a virtual connection between from, say, an IQD1FSY to an IQBDAD:

1. Select the Setup... Menu of the IQD1FSY.

2. Select the Audio_Delay... Menu.

3. Choose from Unit_1 to Unit_8.

4. Enter the unique network address of the IQBDAD in the form nnnn:xx:yy*z*d

Where:

nnnn = network address and in most cases will be 0000(hex)

xx = IQ enclosure address (hex)
yy = slot address of the IQBDAD (hex)
z = the connection (or channel) number (decimal) - see table below
d = the unique identification of the destination unit (decimal) The ID entered must
match the receiving units own ID or else the command will be ignored. If the ID value
is set to 00, the receiving unit does not perform an ID match and will always accept
the incoming command.

5. Select the Delay... Menu of the IQBDAD.

6. Select RollTrack.

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Example

Example of Network Addresses with Channel Numbers and ID Numbers.

D1FSY 1 D1FSY 2 D1FSY 3 D1FSY 4

Audio delay 1 0000:10:01*14*54 0000:10:01*15*54 0000:10:01*16*54 0000:10:01*17*54
Audio delay 2 0000:10:03*14*54 0000:10:03*15*54 0000:10:03*16*54 0000:10:03*17*54
Audio delay 3 0000:10:05*14*54 0000:10:05*15*54 0000:10:05*16*54 0000:10:05*17*54
Audio delay 4 0000:10:07*14*54 0000:10:07*15*54 0000:10:07*16*54 0000:10:07*17*54
Audio delay 5 0000:10:09*14*54 0000:10:09*15*54 0000:10:09*16*54 0000:10:09*17*54
Audio delay 6 0000:10:0B*14*54 0000:10:0B*15*54 0000:10:0B*16*54 0000:10:0B*17*54
Audio delay 7 0000:10:0D*14*54 0000:10:0D*15*54 0000:10:0D*16*54 0000:10:0D*17*54
Audio delay 8 0000:10:0F*14*54 0000:10:0F*15*54 0000:10:0F*16*54 0000:10:0F*17*54

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A.7.1 Configuration: An Array of Matrix Clusters

The most complex system would be an array of matrix delay clusters.

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Appendix B. Firewall

B.1 Introduction
The firewall protects a digital signal output against propagation of errors or disruptions in the
input signal. It ensures that the signal stream at that output is continuously valid no matter
what happens at the input. If the input suffers any dropout, loss of data, break or discontinuity
in the carrier, then this will not be reflected in the output. Default valid data will be used to pad
the output stream such as video black, a freeze, or audio silence.

A firewall will not ensure the picture or audio is what you want to see or hear, of course; a
corrupted signal will lead to loss of original content. A firewall will ensure, however, that valid
content will get through. In short, it ensures the integrity, not the content, of the digital stream.

B.2 How a Firewall Equipped Product Behaves

The essential behavior of a system containing a firewall is that the input to the unit containing
the firewall can be removed and later replaced with another signal and during this sequence
the unit following the one with the firewall will see no disturbance at its input.

B.3 Why Use a Firewall?

Any equipment downstream of a Snell product with firewall protection can expect to be fed
with a continuous input stream. Dropouts in the signal, disturbances due to switching and
errors in the composition of the signal will not penetrate the firewall and will therefore not
corrupt operations downstream.

The examples below illustrate where firewalls are of most benefit.

B.3.1 Using a Firewall at the Beginning of a Chain

Snell firewalls are excellent for use at the beginning of a chain of units, significantly improving
the time to restore an output when a problem is detected at the input.

Traditionally, a damaged signal will pass through all the equipment in a chain, each unit losing
lock on the signal it passes. In this scenario, the damage in the signal appears at the input of
every device along the chain causing a loss of lock to be cascaded down the chain. When the
input signal is restored, each unit in the chain may take a few seconds to recover. However,
each unit cannot start recovery until the previous unit in the chain has locked to the signal and
delivered a valid signal. Thus, even a minor problem in the input signal, such as a break in the
carrier, can lead to several seconds of disruption at the output.

B.3.2 Using a Firewall to Protect MPEG Encoders

Placing a Snell firewall in front of MPEG encoders ensures that their operation is not
disrupted in the event of a break in the incoming content.

When a break in the integrity of the input signal occurs, MPEG encoders often corrupt their
output and typically take a long time to recover. Video synchronizers can help but they only
protect the video. Loss of audio, in this case, will cause a loss of lock even though the
integrity of the video was maintained.

For transmission encoders, disruption can mean a break in the output. For recording
encoders ,such as those in a video server, this can mean that the recording is lost.

B.4 How a Firewall is Tested

A variety of equipment is used to test the firewall behavior. The test consists of analyzing the
data downstream of the firewall product looking for discontinuities in the signal stream. While
it is intended that all products fed by a firewall equipped unit will accept the signal as

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uninterrupted, it is accepted that there is a wide variety of real-world performances. Therefore

the reference product used to test whether the output streams are continuous is the Snell
IQMUX01 for both AES and SDI signals.

B.5 Performance of Firewall Equipped Products Versus Genlock Mode

The table below summarizes the behavior of products for different genlock modes:

Synchronizer Mode

Referenced Input locked Free run

SDI Video Firewall No firewall Firewall
Embedded Audio
Firewall No Firewall Firewall
(PCM)
Ancillary Data No Firewall No Firewall No Firewall

B.6 When Firewall Protection is Not Provided

B.6.1 Video
A firewall protects against disruption or illegal signals at the input and not against corrupt or
illegal reference provision.

Note: When changing genlock mode, the firewall is not maintained for the video output during the
change, e.g. when changing from free-running mode to referenced mode or when the
reference is adjusted or interrupted.

B.6.2 Audio
Embedded audio firewall protection follows the video behavior. When the video is protected
then the embedded audio is also protected. See all the information relating to video firewall
protection.

Only PCM signals are protected by the firewall. The non-PCM direct paths for audio do not
have firewall protection.

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Appendix C. Ancillary Passing

C.1 SMPTE 272M and 299M

The SMPTE 272M and 299M standard specifications allow for up to four groups of AES/EBU
digital audio to be embedded in a component digital video SD or HD stream, respectively.
Each group consists of two stereo pairs, comprising four channels, resulting in a total of
sixteen audio channels for all four groups. This horizontal ancillary (HANC) data increasingly
shares space with other types of ancillary data such as EDH, timecode and UMID labels
making the insertion and passing a complex process.

Processing of audio by the IQSYN21 requires the reinsertion of the audio into the passed
ancillary data. This is essentially separate from the extraction of audio from the input video,
and allows the embedded audio to be firewalled when input disturbances force blanking of
ancillary space.

For 625-line (or other 25 Hz) video, 1920 audio samples occur in each frame. For 525-line (or
other 29.97 Hz) video, 8008 audio samples occur over five video frames. Audio data is
distributed evenly throughout each video frame, situated in the non-active picture regions
between the end of one line and the start of the next.

In SD, most lines contain three or four audio samples per active group. In HD, most lines
contain one or two samples per active group. Additional lines are reserved after the SMPTE
RP-168 switch points, which contain no samples. This is in contrast to most ancillary data,
which resides in a fairly fixed HANC or VANC (vertical ancillary) space.

Audio Control and Extended Data packets, as defined in SMPTE 272M (SD), are not inserted
by the IQSYN21. Instead, they are handled by the 'passing' and 'blanking' functions. Audio
Control packets, as defined in SMPTE 299M (HD), are always inserted. Block numbering as
defined in SMPTE 291M is supported.

C.2 SMPTE 291M

The SMPTE 291M standard defines the structure and space formatting for ancillary data
within digital video streams. Within HANC data space, ancillary packets follow immediately
after the end of active video (EAV) marker, including line numbers in HD. They are contiguous
with each other until either the end of the last packet or the start of active video (SAV) marker.
Unused space is filled with black level blanking. Likewise, VANC data space follows from the
SAV to the EAV markers throughout vertical blanking, which is in principal similar to vertical
blanking interval (VBI) use in legacy SD environments for typically analogue data waveforms.

The IQSYN21 allows separate blanking of HANC and VBI line spaces to completely remove
data stored within those spaces for when specific applications demand it.

Complying with SMPTE 291M, the embedder uses a two-stage process, as follows:

• The embedder reformats the incoming ancillary to remove unwanted data which is
already marked as deleted or audio packets that are marked for removal here, for
example, when blanking or reinserting. Additional packets that are always removed
are EDH packets (which are always reinserted) and Start and End Marker packets
(which are never reinserted). This makes for the most efficient use of the data space
and gives priority to passed data.

• The new audio data and control packets are appended in the remaining space.

When Audio priority is enabled, the new audio data is inserted first, then passed data packets
are appended while they still fit.

The ancillary formatter passes any data space with no recognizable ancillary packets
unchanged, but will operate when it finds a packet after EAV or SAV. Data packets for passing
are buffered while deleted packets are dropped. This requires a holding buffer and a delay so
that all passed packets can be shuffled up earlier in the data space without gaps.

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The following embed control section looks for the first free space after EAV. Once found, the
embedding process is initiated with the first enabled group inserter. However, before starting
the embedding for any of the inserter streams the remaining data space is checked to ensure
that there is enough room for the ancillary packet. If not, the inserter is disabled to prevent
corruption of the video format or generation of invalid ancillary data packets. This situation is
a sample overflow which simply causes the data to be delayed until the following line. If this is
repeated over many lines, there will be a full embed overflow, which is reported in the Audio
Status window, on the card edge yellow Warning LED, and is logged.

Embedded ancillary data that does not conform to the space formatting requirements of
SMPTE 291M may not be recognized, and so could be destroyed by the IQSYN21 card. For
example, if the data packets do not start immediately following the EAV marker the inserter
will overwrite the packets. Similarly, if a data packet does start in the correct place but a
second packet does not immediately follow the first one the second packet will be overwritten.

To summarize:

• Marked for deletion and audio packets to be replaced, are removed from the ancillary
data space for most efficient and clean use of data space.

• Ancillary packets are shuffled up within the data space during reformatting.

• Incoming ancillary data must be SMPTE 291M compliant.

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Appendix D. Audio Processing Overview

D.1 Audio Processing Block Diagram

D.2 Audio Processing – Control Panel Screens Associations

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D.3 SDI Demultiplexer

The audio channels are demultiplexed from the SDI signal as eight, 2-channel pairs that are
fed to the audio delay processor.

Note: Embedded audio handling for HD is 24-bit synchronous 48 kHz to SMPTE 299M and SD is
20-bit synchronous 48 kHz to SMPTE 272M-A.

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D.4 Audio Delay Processor

The SDI demultiplexed and decoded AES signals (eight 2-channel pairs) are fed to eight
separate delay blocks. Each block processes one audio pair (two channels) at the same time,
the delay time being the same for both channels.

The delay time may be set to Min (the minimum audio delay of approx. 0.75 ms in Data or
Mixed modes or 3.0 ms if via a SRC) or to a time set by one of two (A and B) Audio Delay
Selectors. A delay equal to the units video delay may also be added by selecting Int. Audio
outputs are always synchronous to the video.

The delay time set by each of these selectors is controlled by a combination of the following:

• Manual: A delay set by the Manual Delay control will be applied.

• RollTrack: A delay set by external RollTrack commands will be applied.

• GPI Pulse Width: A delay set by the GPI Pulse width control will be applied.

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D.5 Tone Generator

A tone generator provides the following signals to the channel router.

• 1 kHz at -20 dBFS

• 2 kHz at -20 dBFS

• 4 kHz at -20 dBFS

• 1 kHz at -18 dBFS

• 2 kHz at -18 dBFS

• 4 kHz at -18 dBFS

Note: The frequency and level of these signals is not adjustable.

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D.6 Mixers 1 to 4
There are four separate 4 input, 1 output audio mixers available.

Each mixer has four inputs with individual gain controls that allow the mixing levels for each of
the input signals, to be adjusted.

The inputs may be any of the following:

• Mute

• Disembed 1 to 8 Left/Right

• Tone Generator outputs

D.7 Embedder ProcAmps

There are eight, 2-channel processing amplifiers that receive their inputs from the output of
the channel router.

The two channels are processed as Left and Right with control of Gain, Inversion, Muting and
a Stereo mode.

The outputs are configured as eight, 2-channel signals in four groups and these are fed to the
Multiplexer where they are embedded onto the SDI signal.

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D.8 SDI TX
The embedded SDI signal is fed to the output amplifier that provides three (-1A) or four (-2A)
SDI outputs.

D.9 Dolby E Audio Handling

This section describes how the IQSYN21 handles Dolby E audio. For a more general
description of Dolby E and AC-3, see Appendix E.

Dolby E audio achieves compatibility with a digital video stream by virtue of a few
fundamental features:

• The compressed audio data is broken into frame-duration packets to match the video
frames it will be embedded in.

• Each frame is separated from neighboring frames by a guardband, which allows for
clean video-type switching.

• Concealment of switches is possible at a decoder, based on redundant audio and

block counts in each frame.

However, there is a burden in dealing with a number of parallel frame-based carriers (such as
Dolby E) alongside, and often within, the video. Namely:

• Each Dolby E stream, within an AES-3 / SMPTE-337 data pair, must be synchronous
and aligned with the video to allow a video stream to be switched or recorded cleanly.
Incorrect alignment can lead to muting, or even high amplitude noise bursts.

As with SMPTE RP-168 switching, there is a small alignment tolerance. Upstream

switched, or externally provided sources can present problematic deviations from the
preferred Dolby E frame position.

• Each video standard has its own specified Dolby E frame alignment point. Thus, a
standards-agile broadcast environment must arrange for correct referencing and
delay adjustment in each standard.

• The embedding of audio within the video stream adds considerable timing uncertainty,
and increases susceptibility to external factors such as loading of ancillary space and
audio sample distribution produced by equipment in the video chain. In particular,
standard definition is more prone to these issues than high definition.

The IQSYN21 is well equipped to deal with issues of carrying Dolby E audio within a
broadcast environment. It has the tools required for the correct and easy handling of Dolby E
in the following features:

• Transport enablers such as SMPTE-337 aware routing and channel status passing.

• Monitoring and logging of Dolby E frame timing for both passed and newly-embedded
audio.

• Manual alignment facilities for consistently arranged environments.

• Automatic realignment of Dolby E frames to preferred or non-standard positions.

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Appendix E. Dolby E

E.1 What is Dolby E?

Dolby E is a digital audio technology optimized for the distribution of surround and
multichannel audio through digital two-channel postproduction and broadcasting
infrastructures.

The Dolby E signal does not reach viewers at home. It is decoded back to baseband audio
just prior to the final DTV transmission and then re-encoded into the final audio format
specified by the various DTV emission systems (for example, Dolby Digital in ATSC, DVB,
satellite, and cable systems; and AAC for ISDB in Japan).

With Dolby E, up to eight channels of audio, plus consumer and professional metadata, can
be distributed via any stereo (AES/EBU) channel or recorded onto two audio tracks of
conventional digital video tapes, video servers, communication links, switchers, and routers.
Because the frame rate of Dolby E matches that of the video it accompanies, programs can
be effortlessly switched, edited, and successfully encoded and decoded many times
throughout the various stages of the broadcast chain. Audio/video synchronization is also
simplified, with exactly one frame of delay added per Dolby E encode or decode stage.

E.2 Dolby E and Metadata

Metadata allows content provides unprecedented control over how a program will be
reproduced in the home. Dolby E conveniently transports both consumer and professional
metadata created during program production. Consumer parameters (transferred as a serial
data stream from Dolby E to Dolby Digital codecs during the final audio encode, just prior to
multiplexing with the digital video for final DTV transmission) are carried in both the Dolby E
and the Dolby Digital bitstreams, while professional parameters are carried only in Dolby E
and never reach viewers. All metadata parameters can pass unchanged through the various
broadcast distribution stages.

E.3 Dolby E Partner Program

The Dolby E Partner Program provides broadcasters and systems designers with information
about Dolby E compatibility of professional broadcast products. This information will help you
plan your product purchase and system design decisions to create a clear path in your facility
for the benefits and advantages of Dolby E technology.

E.4 16- and 20-bit Dolby E

And any signal path that can carry a 16- or 20-bit audio signal, SMPTE 302M compatible, can
carry Dolby E.

If the supported word length is 16 bits, the two channels together will offer a bandwidth of
1.536 Mbps, which Dolby E can use to carry six discrete audio channels plus metadata
(descriptive and playback-control data related to the audio).

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If 20-bit word length is available, the two channels will yield a combined bit rate of 1.92 kbps,
which Dolby E uses to carry up to eight channels (perhaps a 6-channel surround mix plus a
separate stereo mix), as well as metadata. A 24-bit mode is also specified for the Dolby E
format but not yet implemented in encoders and decoders.

E.5 Dolby Digital and AC3

Also known as AC-3, Dolby Digital delivers up to 5.1 discrete channels of surround sound and
is applied to the final broadcast transmission signal, just prior to multiplexing with the digital
video. It is used extensively today on digital satellite (DBS), cable, and DTV and HDTV
terrestrial services (including ATSC and DVB).

The flexibility of Dolby Digital enables broadcasters to deliver any number of audio channels,
from all encompassing 5.1 surround sound down to mono audio, plus multiple-language
programs and other specialized services. In the home, the Dolby Digital signal adapts to the
viewer's playback system, delivering the best possible sound to all viewers, regardless of their
equipment.

To enjoy the full 5.1 surround experience, viewers simply connect any DTV set-top box with a
Dolby Digital output to a Dolby Digital home theater receiver.

E.6 Metadata
The key to the adaptability of Dolby Digital is metadata, "data about the audio data." Metadata
is created during the production of DTV programming and is carried in the Dolby Digital
bitstream. Metadata parameters maintain the "vision" of the audio created by a program's
producer, make life easier for broadcasters, and give viewers the best audio DTV has to offer,
whether viewers own mono, stereo, or 5.1-channel audio system.

© 2005 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.

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