What is a video sync generator?

A sync pulse generator (SPG) is a special type of generator which produces synchronization signals, with a high level of stability and accuracy. These devices are used to provide a master timing source for a video facility.

How does genlock work?

Genlock synchronises the cameras. It uses the pulse that generates the frames within the camera as the synchronisation point. This pulse sends a signal telling each device to capture frames at exactly the same time, creating an incredibly accurate way to align multiple sources of video content.

Why do you need genlock?

Genlocking ensures multiple cameras and recording devices are synchronized so that the video output can seamlessly switch between these different sources without any unwanted artifacts. This is useful for live sports events with multiple camera angles or combining video data during post-production.

What is a black burst generator?

A black burst generator is often a simple little box with one or more video outputs. The outputs simply supply an accurate, and more importantly common, source for the timing of all equipment in the studio. Thus they also are named house sync generators.

What is TV sweep generator?

A sweep generator is a piece of electronic test equipment similar to, and sometimes included on, a function generator which creates an electrical waveform with a linearly varying frequency and a constant amplitude. Sweep generators are commonly used to test the frequency response of electronic filter circuits.

What does a frame synchronizer do?

The frame synchronizer used in television production matches the time base of each frame in a video to a professional video system. It also makes use of a common gunlock signal to make sure that all the equipment works with a common time base.

How does video sync work?

It is a reference video signal generated by a very stable source (commonly known as a House Sync or Black Burst generator). The signal is used to precisely synchronize equipment to a specific video frame rate.

Is Tri Level Sync analog or digital?

Tri-level sync is an analogue video synchronization pulse primarily used for the locking of high-definition video signals (genlock).

What is video reference signal?

The video reference essentially is a standard video signal which does not contain any picture information but only sync pulses. A sync pulse (shown in the image above) in turn marks the “frame edge” – the point in time where the old video frame ends and the new frame begins.

What are the requirements of a sweep generator?

The sweep must be linear (the sweep voltage must rise linearly to the maximum value required for full screen horizontal deflection of the spot). The spot must move in one direction only, i.e. from left to right only, else the signal will be traced backwards during the return sweep.