Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

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Ivan Tanaskovic

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  • Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 3:20 pm

Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

PostFri Feb 28, 2014 11:29 pm

Can anyone suggest cheap one? Or can I use blackmagic mini converter ref. generator with simple bnc splitters to output genlock reference to ten or more devices?
Thanks!
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Chad

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Re: Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

PostSat Mar 01, 2014 12:21 am

Genlock (blackburst) is an analog composite signal so any composite video distribution amplifier will work. I'm not sure what you mean by cheap, but I'm partial to the Grass Valley ADVC G4 sync generator. It has 9 outputs and can be cascaded to add capacity. It's $575 USD
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Brian Hancock

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Re: Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

PostSat Mar 01, 2014 1:08 am

just as an fyi i've had nothing but headaches with bmd stuff and using external ref ... actually using older ecohlab "used to make atem" product ... apparently the video hub sync issue is fixed however with synced cams, 1me and etc etc entire system in time its caused signal drops and unexplained glitches ... soon as you take away ref never had an issue ... now not saying that its one thing or another just saying do some extensive testing before you use live ... oh and fyi yes all the stuff was running latest firmware.

and yes any analog da should do the trick, however i'd stay away from stuff with eq and gain adjustments it can cause issues as well.
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Ivan Tanaskovic

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Re: Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

PostSat Mar 01, 2014 7:36 am

Thanks Chad for ADVC G4 info.
Brian, are you using "black burst" or "tri level sync"?
If you are in HD "tri level" is much more stable then "black burst". Maybe that is the reason of your gliches and errors?
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Ivan Tanaskovic

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Re: Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

PostSat Mar 01, 2014 7:37 am

Ther's nice explanation: youtu.be/qqmbrt17DjE
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Jonas Bengtson

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Re: Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

PostSat Mar 01, 2014 10:42 am

http://www.rosendahl-studiotechnik.com/nanosyncs.html

This one. Gives you Trilevel & Blackburst REF + wordclock on the same machine.
Super easy to configure.
Somewhat cheap.
Can be cascaded.
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Mike Squires

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Re: Cheap genlock/ref.signal generator

PostMon Mar 03, 2014 3:50 am

We do everything in HD, but still use blackburst for sync, and never have an issue.

To be fair, we're a TV station, and I'm sure the blackburst generator we use is a pretty good one.

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