Broadcast Video Center

The Broadcast Video Center is a professional rack-mountable genlock, mixer, keyer and video encoder compatible with most Amiga models. It supports RGB, ycRcB, YC and composite formats. It supports cross-fade, key and fade to black via the sliders on the separate remote control. These functions can also be controlled in software via the Amiga's parallel port. A filtered and buffered component output allows the connection of a monitor or other external device. Both YC inputs and outputs are fitted with DIN multipole connectors for use with S-VHS recorders.

 

  • Cross fade with external background signal.
  • Outputs RGBS, Y,Cr,Cb,YC and composite signals depending on mode.
  • External circuits and power, takes no current or space from the Amiga.
  • Models for PAL and NTSC.
  • Software & Remote control for keying, fade to black and cross-fading.
  • Key Output for use with a vision mixer.
  • External adjustment of key colour sub-carrier and phase.

The Video Center must be provided with a stable accurate reference. Direct videotape signals are not suitable!

From information in the manual there should be 3 or more models available distinguishable from each other by a prefix in the serial number.

* VC3 (K Prefix?) All functions and RMC remote control unit.
* VC3B (B Prefix) R,G,B,sync and key outputs only.
* VC3C (C Prefix) Same as the VC3 without RMC1 remote control unit.

On the mainboard jumpers LK313 and LK314 are used for switching between internal keying (using RMC1) or 'generating Y/CrCb outputs'.

The Video Center can also be used to code the RGB output from a genlocked Harlequin graphics card into Composite, Y/C or Y/CrCb formats using an adapter-cable. A buffered RGB output will also be available. The Video Center can only be used to encode the Harlequin output, it is not possible to obtain a signal mixed or keyed over a background video source using the Video Center internal keyers.

Specifications:

  • System: CCIR/PAL. NTSC version optional.
  • Keyer: Three channel with background input.
  • Operational mode: Y Cr Cb/RGB/YC/Composite.
  • Input/Output: BNC except YC mini-Din.
  • Input reference: Composite 1v p-p
  • Outputs: Composite/YC/YCrCb/RGBS/KEY
  • Bandwidth: ± 0.15dB to 5.5 MHz.
  • Differential Gain: <0.1%
  • Differential Phase: <0.1%
  • Chroma/Luma delay: ± 5nS
  • Transient response: <0.2% K
  • Return loss: Better than 40dB all inputs/outputs
  • Horizontal Phase adjustment: ± 4uS
  • Sub-carrier Phase adjustment: >360 degrees
  • Power: 200/240 VAC 20W, 110VAC optional.

Note about Orcad downloads:
Zip files contains design folders for the VideoCenter (VC1) and VideoCenter broadcast (VC3). No guarantee given as to accuracy, completeness or anything else. The schematic files are in Orcad 4 format. Available is also the Orcad libraries. It will need somebody epxert with Orcad 4 to utilise these files. A lot of the DOC files are in a very early version of Word which won't easily open with later versions. The PLDs were designed using a very old version of ABEL. All provided "as is" for use at your own risk.

Page contributors: Anon designer, Patrick Nooitrust
Updated: 4/13/2013 . Added: 3/27/2006