BUYER’S GUIDE TO VIDEO FORMAT CONVERTERS Going Up? Or Coming Down? A supplement to Folsom Research View Max Extron ISS-408 Focus Enhancements Pro AV 1280 Sponsored By TM by PETER PUTMAN , CTS BUYER’S GUIDE TO VIDEO FORMAT CONVERTERS Going Up? Or Coming Down? O ne of the blessings of today’s digital video signal processing is that we can take video and computer- generated images and convert them to any output format or standard we desire. Want to convert composite video to 720p? How about SXGA (1280x1024) graphics to S-video? Interested in mixing 720p HD programming with 768p PC graphics? All of this is possible and more. And the gadgets that let us perform these feats of pixel alchemy are called video format converters (VFCs), although you may better know them as seamless switchers, video scalers, and scan converters. Format converters are definitely “solutions” to “problems.” If you are using an LCD or DLP projector on a big screen and want smooth transitions from interlaced and progressive scan sources, you’ll need a VFC. Trying to match an HDTV or EDTV signal to your 50” plasma? Go with a VFC. Want to convert your workstation graphics to SDI video for editing? A VFC is the ticket. Until now, projectors and monitors have received most of the press coverage and glory. That’s not surprising, since they are usually out in the open, while the work-a-day video interfaces and format converters labor in the background. But VFCs are just as important in the video chain; without them, many displays just wouldn’t look good at all. This Buyer’s Guide presents a wide selection of video format converters, from devices that can rest in your hand to multifunction boxes capable of sequencing and blending images seamlessly across several screens. Many of these products started out as the result of “tinkering” with existing video format conversion products. Some address very narrowly defined and specific needs, while others can blend just about any video and computer signal format known. The guide is organized into four sections. First up, you’ll find seamless switcher/scaler products for the rental and staging market. These big boxes often have outboard switch panels that resemble production video switchers, and most of them can handle at least eight composite or component video and RGB sources. The next category is presentation switcher/scalers. These products resemble their staging and rental cousins in function, but are designed to sit discreetly in AV racks for use in boardrooms and conference rooms. Many of these boxes also have built-in audio follow switchers and some include a microphone input, features you wouldn’t need on a rental and staging product. For basic video format conversion that goes up in resolution, you’ll want to check out the video scalers. These products can be used everywhere from conference rooms to home theaters, and typically convert one to four input signals to a handful of output display rates. They are not intended for rapid switching or sequencing - just high-quality format conversions. The last category is for products that decrease resolution, or scan converters. Most of these boxes take progressive-scan video from computers and reduce it in resolution to interlaced composite or component video. Some include genlock for use in production studios, while others are appropriate for simple format conversions used in videoconferencing or with older projectors and monitors. Note that all product information contained in these tables was accurate as of December 1, 2002. Prices given are manufacturer’s suggested retail, and of course you should get your own price quotes on any products that interest you. To keep things simple, products are arranged by price — lowest to highest — and the columns break out the number of input and output connections as well as supported input and output formats. Audio switching support is also indicated. Finally, check the manufacturer’s notes column for product features of interest. Analog Way OCP802 U ntil a few years ago, this product category didn’t even exist! Until the mid-1990s, the majority of front projection systems used for live events employed either NTSC-only or VGA (640x480) tube designs. But with the rapid change to high-resolution fixed-pixel technology, there was a real need to convert all input signals to match the native resolution or “sweet spot” of these displays. The two pioneers in this category are analog Way and Folsom Research. AW’s Graphic Switcher set the stage for full-bore mixing, dissolving, and title supers with blended video and computer presentations, while Folsom’s VFC-2100 and VFC- 2200 were wildly popular with staging companies and also the first to use outboard production switchers. Not surprisingly, Folsom continues to lead this category with 12 different products, several of which are multi-screen configurations for seamless panoramic images or control of multiple projectors or monitors. Extron and FSR also have products in this category that use either front-panel production Seamless Switcher/Mixers Analog Way GSW611R Folsom ScreenPRO Extron SGS 408 Analog Way GSW2811R FSR Omni Navigator Folsom BlendPRO Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1201* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1202 * Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1203* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1204* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1601* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1602* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1603* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1604* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1605* Folsom ScreenPRO PLUS 1606* * - w/ 6-screen controller Input Formats C - NTSC/PAL/SECAM S - S-video Y - Component 480i 1 - VGA 2 - SVGA 3 - XGA 4 - SXGA 5 - UXGA 6 - 480p 7 - 720p 8 - 1080i 9 - 1080p Output Formats 1 - VGA 2 - SVGA 3 - XGA 4 - SXGA 5 - UXGA 6 - 480p 7 - 720p 8 - 1080p 9 - WVGA1 (848x480) 10 - WVGA2 (852x480) 11 - WXGA1 (1280x768) 12 - WXGA2 (1365x768) 13 - D-ILA (1365x1024) MSRP, US $ $11,500 $15,600 $15,825 $16,500 $17,995 $18,995 $32,700 $40,700 $48,700 $55,700 $39,300 $47,300 $55,300 $63,300 $75,300 $87,300 Dimensions 14.5" x 19" x 5.3" 5.25" x 17" x 13" 17.5" x 11.2" x 5.25" 14.5" x 19" x 5.3" 5.25" x 17" x 13" 5.25" x 17" x 13" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" 17.5" x 17" x 20.25" RU Size 1W 3H 1W 2H 1W 3H 1W 3H 1W 3H 1W 2H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H 1W 6H Wt, lbs. 14.3 22 13.8 19 22 22 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 Input Formats 1-5 C, 1-8 C, 1-5,7-9 C, S, Y, 1-8 C, 1-7 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 C, 1-8 Output Formats 1-4 1-13 1-12 1-8,13 1-7,10-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-13 Manufacturer’s Notes Optional remote control RS-232/485, Ethernet control, can be daisy-chained RS-232 and thru Extron's RCP 1000, opt. DVI out Cut/fade/tile, opt. remote console, RS-232, opt. composite out PiP, Keying, Cut, Dissolve, 7 Wipes, RS-232/485, Optional Helm to control 4 Compatible w/ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO Modular design, upgradeable for add'l. screens, compatible with ScreenPRO switcher buttons or outboard switcher controls. Manufacturers are increasing support for higher resolutions and DTV formats. With the exception of one product, all of these boxes can output progressive-scan signals at rates that range from VGA (640x480) to UXGA (1600x1200) and most support 704x480p, 1280x720p, and 1920x1080i too. Got plasma? Several of the more common plasma formats like 852x480, 1280x768, and 1365x768 are supported. You’ll also find compatibility with JVC’s D-ILA SXGA standard (1365x1024), a true 4:3 SXGA output mode. Analog Way’s GSW2811R even has a composite video output of all mixed and switched signals if you wish to record your work to tape or disk. Most of the models listed offer RS-232C control and a few support RS-485. IP control is also coming to many products down the road so you can design and operate a virtual screen display matrix from a desktop or laptop PC. Note that none of these products offers audio follow switching. Typically, staging and rental seamless switcher/scalers do not include audio support as that function is usually handled at the show by a separate audio mixing console. STAGING AND RENTAL SWITCHER/SCALERS Folsom Screen Pro Plus Extron SGS 408 A s new as seamless switchers are, presentation switchers are just learning to walk. These products were born out of the desire to cram some of the functionality of a full-blown staging and rental box into a 1RU, 2RU, OR 3RU chassis that could be used in a conference room or boardroom. (Our expectations aren’t too unreasonable, are they?) Like their staging and rental cousins, these format converters can blend a variety of interlaced and progressive signals at PC rates up to 1024x768, with some going higher to 1280x1024 and even 1600x1200. There are also boards that support PAL formats, 1080i output, wide XGA for plasma, and JVC’s 1365x1024 D-ILA standard. Because of the smaller size of these scalers, the output connectors are almost always 15-pin HD types and not racks of BNCs. There are a few exceptions, but in addition to the RGBHV BNC outputs you’ll still get a 15-pin connector. There’s a wide range of prices here and you can buy as little or as much functionality as you wish. A couple of the Kramer models offer Picture- Presentation Switchers Aurora MM TVP-1000 Aurora MMTVP-1000 (PAL) TV One CSC-1600HD Aurora MM XTune Aurora MM XTune PAL Aurora MM TVP-1000+ Aurora MM TVP-1000+ (PAL) Aurora MM XTune+ Kramer VP-24 Aurora MM XTune+ PAL Kramer VP-722DS Altinex MT3100SR Kramer VP-720DS Kramer VP-723DS Extron DVS 406 Altinex MT2130MR Altinex MT2120MV Kramer VP-25xl InLine IN1404XT Analog Way SCUT2 Analog Way OCP802 Extron System 7c Analog Way SMF251 Folsom PresentationPRO FSR Compass Extron ISS 108 RGB SynchroMaster DualView Extron ISS 408 Folsom PresentationMASTER FSR Compass S2 Analog Way GSE2811R Input Formats C - NTSC/PAL/SECAM S - S-video Y - Component 480i 1 - VGA 2 - SVGA 3 - XGA 4 - SXGA 5 - UXGA 6 - 480p 7 - 720p 8 - 1080i D - DVI DH - DVI-HDCP Output Formats 1 - VGA 2 - SVGA 3 - XGA 4 - SXGA 5 - UXGA 6 - 480p 7 - 720p 8 - 1080i 9 - WVGA1 (848x480) 10 - WVGA2 (852x480) 11 - WXGA1 (1280x768) 12 - WXGA2 (1365x768) 13 - D-ILA (1365x1024) 14 - 576i 15 - 576p MSRP, US $ $969 $999 $1,275 $1,299 $1,399 $1,450 $1,499 $1,649 $1,650 $1,699 $1,795 $1,995 $1,995 $2,495 $3,245 $3,265 $3,375 $3,750 $3,895 $3.995 $4,500 $4,995 $5,400 $5,995 $5,995 $6,995 $7,995 $9,995 $10,695 $11,995 $14,280 Dimensions 9.5" x 5.5" x 1" 9.5" x 5.5" x 1" 9" x 1.75" x 16" 8.4" x 5.7" x 1" 8.4" x 5.7" x 1" 9.5" x 5.5" x 1" 9.5" x 5.5" x 1" 8.4" x 5.7" x 1" 19" x 7" x 3.5" 8.4" x 5.7" x 1" 19"x 8.25"x1.75" 8.5" x 3.5" x 12.25" 19" x 9.3" x 1.75" 19" x 9.3" x 1.75" 1.75" x 17.5" x 12" 17" x 3.5" x 12.25" 17" x 3.5" x 12.25" 19" x 7" x 3.5" 1.75" x 17" x 12.2" 11.8" x 13.3" x 1.74" 11.8" x 13.3" x 1.74" 17.5" x 3.5" x 9.5" 11.8" x 13.3" x 1.74" 1.75" x 17" x 11.25" 1.5" x 17" x 13" 17.5" x 11.2" x 5.25" 17.5" x 14" x 3.5" 17.5" x 11.2" x 5.25" 5.25" x 17" x 13" 5.25" x 17" x 13" 14.5" x 19" x 5.25" RU Size plug-in plug-in 1W 1H 1/2W 1H 1/2W 1H plug-in plug-in 1/2W 1H 1W 2H 1/2W 1H 1W 1H 1/2W 2H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 2H 1W 2H 1W 2H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 2H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 3H 1W 2H 1W 3H 1W 1H 1W 3H 1W 3H Wt, lbs. 1.7 1.7 5 3 3 2.5 2.5 3.5 8.4 3.5 5 8 6.6 6.6 6.8 15 16 8.7 3.5 7.5 7.7 8.5 7.5 9 9 11.2 14 11.2 22 22 20 Input Formats C, 1-3, 6-8 C, 1-3, 6-8 C C, 1-3, 6-8 C, 1-3, 6-8 C, 1-3, 6-8, DH C, 1-3, 6-8, DH C, 1-3, 6-8, D C, 1, 2, 3 C, 1-3, 6-8, D C C, S, 1-5 C, 1-5 C, 1-5 C, 1-8 C, S, 1-5 C, S, 1-5 C, 1, 2, 3 C, 1-8 C, 1-5 C, 1-4 C, 1-8 C, 1-5 C, 1-7 C, 1-7 C, 1-4 C, 1-7 C, 1-4 C, 1-8 C, 1-7 C, 1-5 Output Formats 8 8 1-4, 6-13 1-3, 6-8, 10-12 1-3, 6-8, 10-12, 14-15 8 8 1-3, 6-8, 10-12 1 1-3, 6-8, 10-12, 14-15 1-3 1-13 1-5, 11-13 1-8, 11-13 1-14 1-13 1-13 1, 2, 3 1-5, 11-13 1-4, 10-11, 13 1-4, 13 1-12,14 1-4, 10-11, 13 1-7 1-7, 10-13 1-5 1-5, 10-12 1-5, 7-13 1-7, 9-11, 13 1-7, 10-13 1-4, 6-8, 13 Audio Switch Format In only In only n/a In only In only In only In only In only Follow Follow n/a Follow Follow Follow n/a Follow Follow Follow Follow Follow Follow n/a Follow Follow Follow Follow n/a Follow Follow Follow n/a PRESENTATION SWITCHER/SCALERS Manufacturer’s Notes Hi-res PiP modes, NTSC tuner Hi-res PiP modes, PAL/SECAM tuner RS-232, IR, Direct Output Resolutions Selection Hi-res PiP modes, NTSC tuner Hi-res PiP modes, PAL/SECAM tuner Hi-res PiP modes, NTSC tuner, DVI-HDCP Hi-res PiP modes, PAL/SECAM tuner, DVI-HDCP Hi-res PiP modes, NTSC tuner, DVI Input One Box Solution, Mic input Hi-res PiP modes, PAL/SECAM tuner, DVI Input Links w/optional 6X1 audio Cuts-only scaled output, front panel, RS-232 cntl, customizable design Seamless Switcher, PIP, Proc Amp Seamless Switcher, PIP, Proc Amp Aspect control, video scaler w/seamless switching, 33 output rates Cuts-only scaled output, front panel, RS-232 cntl, customizable design Cuts-only scaled output, front panel, RS-232 cntl, customizable design Proc Amp, One Box Solution 3:2 correction, UTP output, seamless switch w/audio breakaway RS-232, optional remote keypad Mic input with compressor/noise gate, RS-232 Projector/room control, configurable switcher with built-in scaler Fade/dissolve/cut/title super, RS-232, optional remote keypad Logo image capture, Seamless Transitions, RS-232, mic. Input Cut, Dissolve, 7 Wipes, Logo Still Store, RS-232, mic. Input 17 output rates, seamless interlaced/progressive switching Dual image display, PiP, Fades, DVI option, variable aspect ratios 17 output rates, seamless interlaced/progressive switching, optional DVI out Auto Signal Lock technlology, RS-232, mic. Input Cut, Dissolve, Audio Follow / Breakaway, RS-232/485, 3CH audio mixer Blank front panel, optional SDI input, cuts/fades/mixes/PiP, opt. remote In-Picture (PiP) modes at a reasonable price, while Inline’s IN1404XT has a unique universal twisted pair (UTP) output, or Cat 5/6 wiring to the rest of us. Four of the Aurora cards have DVI inputs as standard, as do Kramer’s VP-720DS and VP- 723DS. On the output end of things, FSR’s Compass has provision for a logo still store, while RGB Spectrum’s DualView and Extron’s ISS108 both have a DVI option. Want to mix your own voice? Folsom and FSR both provide a microphone input that can be mixed with any other audio sources. Since presentations typically need some sort of audio follow, just about all of these format converters provide some way to do the job. If you are interested in audio follow switching, check with the manufacturer to determine the type of audio outputs. Most models provide balanced and unbalanced inputs and at least one balanced audio output, which is typically connected with screw terminals. Notable exceptions would be the plug-in cards made by Aurora Multimedia for Pioneer 43” and 50” plasma monitors. These boards do allow for seamless switching and picture-in-picture, but all audio mixing is done internally and not sent to an external connector. The FSR Compass S2 has a three-channel audio mixer, while Kramer’s VP- 722DS hooks up with one of it’s optional 6x1 audio mixer products. Folsom Research Presentation Pro T he big difference between products in this category and the previous category is that video scalers are typically set up for “static” format conversion operation. They are not intended to be used on a daily basis to switch and mix between several video and RGB sources, nor will they incorporate audio mixers and microphone inputs. Some models may include audio follow switching, and there’s also support for DVI inputs and outputs. This category has the widest range of product features, sizes, and price. At one end, we have Key Digital’s KD-VTCA2, which performs simple component format conversions, while at the opposite end of the spectrum you’ll find the CSI Deuce Pro, a do-everything video scaler that supports all kinds of output rates and even lets you define two of your own. As usual, there are plenty of bells and whistles to be had. CSI offers selectable motion compensation on its Deuce MC and Deuce HD scalers for film (24p) and video (30i) sources, while Focus Enhancements’ CS-2 and Key Digital’s Leeza provide selectable DVI output. The Leeza also comes standard with SDI input, an option on Extron’s DVS 204. Many models also provide selectable aspect ratio control for input and output signals to let you drive your monitor or projector at the same scan rate for every signal. If you are looking for bare-bones de- interlacing and conversion of 480i video to 480p, then products like Kramer’s VP-412, Analog Way’s TV200 and TV300, and Altinex’s MT106-101 combo will do the trick. But if you need more format flexibility, you’ll have plenty of choices under $1,500. More and more manufacturers are supporting HD-standard output rates like 720p and 1080i. Examples include TV One’s XVT3700, CSI’s Deuce HD 2230 and Deuce Pro, Analog Way’s XT-TSC550 and SM100iR (720p), Extron’s DVS204, both of Focus Enhancements’ Center Stage scalers, RGB Spectrum’s DTQ, and Key Digital’s KD-HD1080p Leeza (which offers a 1080p output rate). You’ll also find support in the higher-priced products for several widescreen plasma and LCD formats like 1280x768, 1365/66x768, 852x480, 852x1024, and 1024x1024. Note: You don’t necessarily have to match exactly these oddball pixel counts. If you have a 50” wide XGA plasma, you can use any of these scalers to convert your anamorphic 4:3-sized 480i video to the anamorphic 4:3 1024x768 format and then let your plasma monitor perform the image expansion horizontally. This could save you a few dollars when purchasing a scaler. VIDEO SCALERS Video Scalers Key Digital KD-VTCA2 TV One AVT-3700 Kramer VP-412 TV One CSC-1100A Analog Way TV200 CSI Deuce SDQ 2240 TV One CSC-1100ARS CSI Deuce MC 2220 Altinex MT106-101+Encl. FSR MAS-3100 Kramer VP-721DS Analog Way TSC432 Analog Way TV300 CSI Deuce HD 2230 Altinex MT106-102+Encl. Analog Way XT-TSC550 Extron DVS 204 Focus CenterStage CS-1 Focus CenterStage CS-2 RGB Spectrum DTQ Analog Way SMS100iR Key Digital KD-HD1080P CSI Deuce Pro 2210A Input Formats C - NTSC/PAL/SECAM S - S-video Y - Component 480i 1 - VGA 2 - SVGA 3 - XGA 4 - SXGA 5 - UXGA 6 - 480p 7 - 720p 8 - 1080i Output Formats 1 - VGA 2 - SVGA 3 - XGA 4 - SXGA 5 - UXGA 6 - 480p 7 - 720p 8 - 1080i 9 - 1080p 10 - WVGA1 (848x480) 11 - WVGA2 (852x480) 12 - WXGA1 (1280x768) 13 - WXGA2 (1365x768) 14 - D-ILA (1365x1024) 15 - 540p 16 - 852x1024 ALiS 17 - 1024x1024 ALiS LD - Line doubled LQ - Line quadrupled MSRP, US $ $249 $495 $535 $695 $745 $795 $795 $1,095 $1,190 $1,249 $1,295 $1,395 $1,495 $1,495 $1,595 $1,950 $1,995 $1,995 $2,495 $2,495 $2,950 $3,999 $4,995 Dimensions 2"x 4.75"x 0.75" 6" x 1.75" x 8" 4.7" x 2.95" x .098" 9" x 1.75" x 9" 5.7" x 7.8" x 1.6" 1.5" x 8" x 7.25" 9" x 1.75" x 9" 1.5" x 8" x 7.25" 8.5" x 3.5" x 12.25" 1.5" x 8.5" x 5.5" 19" x 8.25" x 1.75" 7.3" x 9.8" x 1.6" 6.9" x 9.6" x 1.6" 1.5" x 8" x 7.25" 8.5" x 3.5" x 12.25" 11.8" x 17.3" x 1.74 8.8" x 9.5" x 1.75" 19" x 9" x 3.5" 19" x 9" x 3.5" 17" x 12" x 1.75" 11.8" x 17.3" x 1.74 10" x .5" x 17" 1.75" x 14" x 16.75" RU Size - 1/2W 1H - 1/2W 1H - 1/2W 1H 1/2W 1H 1/2W 1H 1/2W 2H 1/2W 1H 1W 1H - - 1/2W 1H 1/2W 2H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 2H 1W 2H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 2H 1W 1H Wt, lbs. 0.3 2 0.66 4 3 2.2 4 2 6.5 1.6 5 2.9 2.9 2 5 5.5 6 12 12 6 5.5 14 7.5 Input Formats 6-8 C, S, Y C, S C, S, RGB-L C, S C, S, Y C, S, RGB-L C, S, Y C, S C, RGB-L C, S, RGB-L C, S, Y C, S, Y C, S, Y C, S, 1-5 C, S, Y C, 1-8 C, S, Y 1-8 C, S, Y 1-8 C, S, Y C, S, Y C, S, Y, 1-8 C, S, Y, RGB-L Output Formats 6-8 1-4, 6-8 1 1-3, 6 1 2-4, LD, LQ 1-3, 6 2-3, 10, LD, LQ 1 1-3, 6 1-3 1-3 1 4, 6-8, 12 1-17 1-4, 7, 11-14 1-12, 14 1-17, 1 user 1-17, 1 user 6-7, 9 1-4, 7, 11-14 1-13 1-4, 6-7, 9-10, 13, 2 user Manufacturer’s Notes VGA loop through capability, auto format capability Aspect Ratio Control, IR Small size Ultra-Compact Metal Enclosure Adaptive Motion Compensation, 16:9 modes RS-232 Selectable motion compensation, adaptive 3:2 frame mode Position, color, cont. & brt. control; 1 slot in a MultiTasker system Remote control application included, H&V phase control Proc Amp PC switch, TBC, frame converter/follower PC switch, TBC Inverse 3:2 pulldown, Adaptive Frame Mode Cuts-only scaled output, front panel, RS-232 cntl, customizable design Widescreen formats, RS-232, 3:2 pulldown Aspect control, 33 output rates, optional SDI in OSD, RS-232, free software upgrades OSD, RS-232, free software upgrades, DVI-HDCP, exp/slot, TBC Advanced 3D comb filter, IR remote, LCD OSD, PHAST compatible IR remote, RS-232, ext trigger, widescreen formats, 3:2 pulldown RS-232/IR control, daisy-chain, DVI-HDCP, SDI in Recursive NR, picture adjust, H/V position, stereo audio follow Aurora MTVP-1000 A t one time, scan converters were about the only format conversion products available. That’s because the majority of displays you could use with them were NTSC-only, or capable of VGA (640x480) resolution at best. Given the explosion in high-resolution imaging and the emergence of HDTV, you’d think that there wouldn’t be much need for scan converters. Guess again! This is still a strong product category and (not surprisingly) the largest in the buyer’s guide with 34 different products listed. Scan converters are useful workhorses for converting workstation graphics to interlaced video formats for broadcast, videoconferencing, and 480i production (including CCIR-601). A decade ago, scan converters that were worth anything cost plenty. It wasn’t unusual to see models in the $10K to $20K range at major trade shows, and these boxes had plenty of goodies like H and V position, genlock, adjustable flicker filters, and image over/underscan. Nowadays, you can get many of those features for less than $2,000, and if you really need a top-drawer converter with the latest options, you can do it for under $5K. Genlock is an essential feature if you want to use your scan converter in a studio or production environment as a switched video source, and 20 of the models listed provide genlock in/out SCAN CONVERTERS Scan Converters Focus TView Gold TV One CS-320 TV One CS-400 Analog Way Power 1024 Analog Way V1024PCI TV One CS-450 Kramer VP-701SC FSR MDC-MK1 Altinex MT106-100+Encl. Extron VSC 500 TV One CS-520A CSI Scan Do Select 1290 Focus Pro AV 1280 Kramer VP-703SC Analog Way VHX480 TV One CS-620A Extron VSC 700 Focus ProAV 1600 PCI Kramer VP-704SC CSI Scan Do Pro II 1291 Focus ProAV 1600 Magni Systems MCP-2450N Kramer VP-706SC Analog Way XTD820R CSI Scan Do Pro II/D 1292 Folsom SmartVIEW CSI Scan Do Ultra 1274 Magni Systems MCP-601 RGB VideoLink 1690 Analog Way XTD620R Folsom ViewMAX CSI Scan Do Ultra/D 1277 Analog Way XTD920-HDDG Analog Way XTD920-HDAG Input Formats 1 - VGA 2 - SVGA 3 - XGA 4 - SXGA 5 - UXGA 6 - 480p 7 - 720p 8 - 1080i Output Formats C - NTSC/PAL/SECAM S - S-video YPbPr - Component video SDI - Serial Digital 601 G - Genlock MSRP, US $ $199 $325 $525 $595 $595 $750 $950 $995 $1,190 $1,295 $1,375 $1,395 $1,395 $1,495 $1,595 $1,775 $1,895 $1,995 $2,095 $2,195 $2,195 $3,295 $3,595 $3,995 $3,995 $4,495 $4,995 $4,995 $4,995 $5,485 $5,995 $6,495 $7,500 $8,050 Dimensions 8.2" x 3.6" x 1.7" 4" x 1.25" x 7.25" 4" x 1.25" x 7.25" 5.86" x 8.07"x 1.92" 8.66" x 4.72" 4" x 1.25" x 7.25" 7.25" x 4" x 1.25" 1.5" x 8.5" x 5.5" 8.5" x 3.5" x 12.25" 9.5" x 8.75" x 1.75" 5" x 1.75" x 16" 7.25" x 1.5" x 8" 7.5" x 7.25" x 2" 19" x 6.75" x 1.75" 11.6" x 9.7" x 1.7" 5" x 1.75" x 16" 9.5" x 17.5" x 1.75" 3.9" x 6.9" x .68" 19" x 6.75" x 1.75" 7.25" x 2.5" x 11" 7.5" x 7.25" x 2" 1.75" x 14" x 19" 19" x 6.75" x 1.75" 11.8" x 17.3" x 1.74" 7.25" x 2.5" x 11" 1.75" x 17" x 10" 16.75" x 1.75" x 14" 1.75" x 14" x 19" 19" x 1.75" x 8" 11.8"x 19"x 1.74" 1.75" x 17" x 10" 16.75" x 1.75" x 14" 11.8" x 17.3" x 1.74" 11.8" x 17.3" x 1.74" RU Size - - - - - - 1/2W 1H 1/2W 1H 1/2W 2H 1/2W 1H 1W 1H 1/2W 1H 1/2W 1H 1W 1H 1/2W 1H 1W 1H 1/2W 1H - 1W 1H 1/2W 1H 1/2W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1/2W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H 1W 1H Wt, lbs. 0.7 2 2 2 0.33 2 2 1.6 6.5 3.1 5 2.2 4 5 5 5 3.1 0.7 5 3 4 7.5 5 5.5 3 9 7 7.5 6 5.5 9 7 5.5 5.5 Input Formats 1-5 1-4, 6 1-4, 6 1-3 1-3 1-4, 6 1-3 1-8 1-3 1-8 1-7 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-7 1-8 1-5 1-4 1-4 1-5 C, 1-4 1-5 1-4 1-4 1, 2, 3, 4 1-4 C, 1-5, DVI, SDI 1-8 1-5 1, 2, 3, 4 1-4 1-5 1-5 Output Formats C, S, RGB C, S C, S C (NTSC), Y C, Y C, S, G C, S C, Y C, S C, Y, YPbPr C, S, YPbPr, RGB C, S C, S, YPbPr, RGB, G C, S, RGB C, Y/C, RGB C, S, YPbPr, RGB, G C, Y, YpbPr, SDI C, S, YPbPr, RGB, G C, S, YPbPr, RGB C, S, YPbPr, RGB, G C, S, YPbPr, RGB, G C, VGA-SXGA C, S, YPbPr, RGB, G C, Y/C, YPbPr, R, SDI C, S, YPbPr, RGB, SDI, G C, Y, YPbPr, SDI C, S, YPbPr, G C, VGA-UXGA, SDI C, S, YPbPr, RGB, G C, Y, YPbPr, R, G C, Y, YPbPr, SDI C, S, YPbPr, RGB, SDI, G HD, HD-YPbPr HD, HD-YPbPr Manufacturer’s Notes Zoom, highlight function, pointer, 5x flicker filter, H&V Pos/size Automatic Sizing, Zoom & Pan Automatic Sizing, RS-232, Zoom & Pan Multiscan to 48/72 kHz, RS-232 Internal PC card w/o software Automatic Sizing, Genlock/Overlay, IR, RS232, Zoom & Pan Auto-track, Zoom, Input Memory Freeze, Zoom, Pan, Size, Position, Under/Overscan Remote H&V position, composite out expandable; 1 slot in MultiTasker system Autoscan, 3x vertical flicker filters Automatic Sizing, IR, RS-232, Zoom & Pan Zoom, size, position controls Genlock, pan, zoom, freeze, H&V Pos/size, 7x flicker filter, opt. remote Auto-track, Zoom, Input Memory Autoscan to 71 kHz, RS-232 Automatic Sizing, Studio Genlock, IR, RS-232, Pan & Zoom Autoscan, four-step H / five-step V flicker filters, genlock Genlock, pan, zoom, freeze, H&V Pos/size, 7x flicker filter Auto-track, Zoom, Input Memory Genlock, multi-step zoom, H&V position Genlock, pan, zoom, freeze, H&V Pos/size, 7x flicker filter Overlay & genlock std, SDI opt. Auto-track, Zoom, Input Memory, Genlock Genlock, autoscan to 85 kHz, RS-232, optional SDI out Genlock, multi-step zoom, H&V position, SDI out Genlock, Pan & Zoom, RS-232, Optional SDI Genlock, variable image sizing, pan, 3x flicker filter Overlay, genlock, SDI IN/OUT std Genlock, pan, zoom/freeze, 16-level flicker filter, opt. SDI out Genlock, autoscan to 110 kHz, RS-232, luma key, opt. SDI out Keyer/mixer, 3 models available, genlock, pan/zoom Genlock, variable image sizing, pan, 3x flicker filter, SDI output Digital HD genlock, RS-232 Analog HD genlock, RS-232 connections. SDI output for digital production is also handy and you’ll find it as an option on Magni Systems’ MCP-2450N, Analog Way’s XTD820R and XTD620R, Folsom’s SmartVIEW, and RGB Spectrum’s VideoLink 1690. SDI output is standard on CSI’s Scan Do Pro II/D 1292 and Scan Do Ultra/D 1277 and Magni Systems’ MCP-601. The MCP-601 is unique in that it also has an SDI input for performing graphics and text overlays. It’s also the only scan converter in the lot that offers a DVI input, thus providing a digital-to-digital signal conversion path from start to finish. Thanks to lower-cost ASICs, it’s now possible to get digital image pan and zoom at very affordable prices. TV One’s CS-320, CS-400, and CS-450 all offer these features for less than $1K, as does FSR’s MDC-MK1. Kramer’s VP-701SC and Focus Enhancements’ TView Gold provide a zoom feature in the same price range. Analog Way has a few special-application scan converter products in this listing. It’s V1024PCI is a plug-in scan converter card for a PC that saves on space, while the XTD920-HDDG and XTD920- HDAG are high-definition scan converters that support 720p and 1080i/p formats. The HDDG version uses digital genlock, while the HDAG employs analog genlock.