The TG8000 is a precision multiformat analog and digital signal generation platform, designed for sync pulse and timecode generation in broadcasting applications and reference test signal generation in video equipment testing applications.

Key features

• Multiformat analog and digital test signal generation
• Ideal channel configuration and performance to support reference generator needs
• Modular configurable platform
• Stay GenLock™ – Unique, robust Genlock mode provides stable synchronization signals for digital and traditional broadcast facilities

Applications

• Sync pulse generator and test signal generator for post production and broadcast facilities
• Test signal generator for research and development
• Equipment design and maintenance

TG8000 mainframe

The TG8000 mainframe is a modular system, accommodating up to four user-changeable generator modules and one power supply module in a full-width 1RU form factor. A total of 12 different modules are available for the TG8000, covering a wide range of interfaces and functions such as GPS synchronization and genlock, SD/HD/3G-SDI test signal generation, composite and component analog test signal generation, and audio test signal generation.

The TG8000 mainframe has a high-precision oscillator for master operation, or for stable holdover operation when the genlock or GPS reference is interrupted. A 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet interface provides connectivity to the local network for remote operation, test pattern download, and an NTP server (when the GPS7 module is present). A General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) interface is available to recall one of seven user-configured presets and to report system alarms. The front-panel USB port can be used to easily download user-created test patterns and system preset information, and can be used for system upgrades.

 

AGL7 Analog Genlock Module

The AGL7 Analog Genlock Module adds the capacity to lock to a variety of signals, which makes the TG8000 an ideal solution as the master house reference or slave reference for broadcast and production/post-production applications. Three black outputs are available and are selectable for HDTV tri-level or NTSC or PAL. Additionally, the AGL7 can lock to a variety of formats to include NTSC/PAL black and HDTV tri-level as well as 1, 3.58, 4.43, 5, and 10 MHz CW.

When the AGL7 is configured for Stay GenLock™ mode, a momentary loss of synchronization at the genlock reference input will not cause a disturbance in the TG8000 test signal and black outputs. When the genlock signal is reapplied, the AGL7 will gradually reacquire lock, causing little disruption to devices synchronized to the TG8000 reference. 
 

AGL7 Analog Genlock Module

GPS7 GPS Synchronization and Time Code Module

The GPS7 GPS Synchronization and Time Code Module includes an integrated GPS receiver which can serve as the system timing reference. Synchronization to the GPS timing signals ensures long-term stability, and video frame alignment between independent systems.

The GPS RF coaxial signal input is available with 3.3 V or 5 V DC power output for the GPS antenna enabling the user to select from a variety of GPS antennas available on the market. The GPS7 also includes a genlock input with VITC reader, enabling user-selectable configuration of the TG8000 as the master reference or as a slave to another master, depending on the dynamic requirements of each production.

The GPS7 module will maintain system timing by Stay GenLock™ technology even during periods of GPS signal loss or genlock signal loss. Three black outputs are available and are selectable for HDTV tri-level, NTSC, or PAL. Time code source can be selectable to the time-of-day (with user-selectable offsets) from GPS receiver, internal source, VITC on the reference input, LTC input, or to a "program time" counter for elapsed-time time code.

The Daylight Savings Time (DST) adjustment could be scheduled as a recurring event based on calendar rules. Time code is available as VITC on black outputs (GPS7, BG7 – hardware V1.2 or above), as Ancillary Time Code (ATC) (HDVG7 – hardware V2.0 or above, HD3G7, SDI7), from four independent LTC outputs (GPS7), and as a response to time requests on a Network Time Protocol (NTP version 3.0) Server. 
 

GPS7 GPS Synchronization and Time Code Module

ATG7 Composite Analog Test Generator Module

The ATG7 Composite Analog Test Generator Module supports PAL, NTSC, and NTSC No Setup. It provides one test signal output, one color bar test signal output, and two black outputs. The black outputs can independently generate H, V, black burst, and subcarrier. 
 

ATG7 Composite Analog Test Generator Module

AVG7 Analog Video Generator Module

The AVG7 Analog Video Generator Module outputs 525/625 interlace formats supporting component (Y'P'bP'r, G,B,R, Y/C), 525 Beta, and composite (PAL, NTSC, NTSC No Setup). The module provides two identical component outputs, two identical Y/C and composite, or six identical composite outputs. 
 

AVG7 Analog Video Generator Module

AWVG7 Analog Wideband Video Generator Module

The AWVG7 Analog Wideband Video Generator Module supports a variety of HD analog component formats (Y'P'bP'r or GBR). The module provides two identical component outputs with a bandwidth of 30 MHz. Up to two AWVG7 modules can be placed in a single TG8000 mainframe. 
 

AWVG7 Analog Wideband Video Generator Module

AG7 Audio Generator Module

The AG7 Audio Generator Module provides eight channels (4 AES/EBU pairs) of audio signal generation. The module also provides two channels (1 AES/EBU pair) of silence as well as a 48 kHz word clock output. 
 

AG7 Audio Generator Module

BG7 Analog Black Generator Module

The BG7 Analog Black Generator Module provides four independently selectable outputs. The module supports NTSC and PAL black burst as well as HDTV tri-level sync. With Option CB, two of the outputs can also generate various analog NTSC and PAL color bar test signals. 
 

BG7 Analog Black Generator Module

DVG7 SD-SDI Digital Video Generator Module

The DVG7 Digital Video Generator Module is a multiformat SD-SDI test signal generator supporting 525 line and 625 line serial digital video at 270 Mb/s. The module has two identical test signal outputs. With Option BK, two additional identical serial digital black signal outputs are available. 
 

DVG7 SD-SDI Digital Video Generator Module (shown with Option BK)

HDVG7 HD-SDI Digital Video Generator Module

The HDVG7 HD-SDI Digital Video Generator Module is a high-accuracy, multiformat, high-definition test signal module that provides up to two identical 1.485 Gb/s serial digital video test signal outputs in a broad variety of formats. With Option BK, two additional identical serial black signal outputs are available. Ancillary Time Code (ATC) generation is available when the GPS7 is installed in the TG8000 mainframe. Up to two HDVG7 modules can be placed in a single TG8000 mainframe.

The digital modules DVG7, HDVG7, and SDI7 support AV timing mode and up to 16 channels of 20- or 24-bit audio sampled at 48 kHz embedded on the test signal outputs. The user can independently set frequency and level for each channel.

Full frame test and custom patterns can be generated for the AVG7, AWVG7, DVG7, HDVG7, and SDI7 modules. Simple full frame patterns are available on the TG8000 CD-ROM. 
 

HDVG7 HD-SDI Digital Generator Module (shown with Option BK)

HDLG7 Dual Link HD-SDI Generator Module

The HDLG7 Dual Link HD-SDI Generator Module is a test signal generator that provides two identical dual-link high-definition serial digital interface (HD SDI) outputs. The module supports video formats that require the use of a dual-link interface, such as 4:4:4 R'G'B' at rates up to 1080i/60 Hz or 1080p/30 Hz, or 4:2:2: Y'C'bC'r at rates up to 1080p/60 Hz.

The HDLG7 supports several standard test signals, and also has an ability to up-convert an arbitrary single-link HD-SDI input signal to a dual-link format for the outputs. The HDLG7 also supports digital cinema 2K formats and test patterns. 
 

HDLG7 Dual Link HD-SDI Generator Module

HD3G7 HD/3G-SDI Test Signal Generator Module

The HD3G7 HD/3G-SDI Test Signal Generator Module is a test signal generator that provides two outputs of a HD/3G-SDI video test signal. 720-line formats and 1080-line formats described in SMPTE standards are supported for both Level A and Level B mapping structures, including 4:4:4 and/or 12-bit sampling, Y'C'bC'r, R'G'B', or XYZ color space, and 2K digital cinema formats. The 2×SMPTE 292M HD-SDI format used by some 3D TV applications is also supported.

The HD3G7 can generate up to 32 channels of 24-bit 48 kHz embedded audio, with independently set frequency and amplitude for each channel. The HD3G7 also has the ability to generate other types of ancillary data, such as video payload identifier, ancillary time code, and user-defined packets.

The HD3G7 includes a wide variety of standard test signals, including SMPTE color bars, pathological test patterns, and a programmable moving zone plate pattern, and it also has the ability to up-convert an input 1.485 Gb/s HD-SDI signal to a 3G output. The module has a clock/frame trigger output that can be used to synchronize the output with an oscilloscope. 
 

HD3G7 HD/3G-SDI Test Signal Generator Module

SDI7 SD/HD/3G-SDI Test Signal Generator Module

The SDI7 SD/HD/3G-SDI Test Signal Generator Module provides two independent channels of SD/HD/3G-SDI video test signal generation in a variety of formats with separate test and test/black signal generation per channel (3G-SDI signal generation is optionally available).

The SDI7 can generate up to 32 channels of 24-bit 48 kHz embedded audio, with independently set frequency and amplitude for each channel. Option DBT extends the audio functionality by generating these test tones in Dolby E format. Various Dolby E audio frame start locations can be set to test the error handling ability of the signal processing equipment in the signal path. Embedded Dolby E metadata are also included in the Dolby E test stream. Supported Dolby E program configurations include mono, stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound audio. The SDI7 also has the ability to generate other types of ancillary data, such as video payload identifier, ancillary time code, and user-defined packets.

The SDI7 includes a wide variety of standard test signals, including SMPTE color bars, pathological test patterns, and a programmable moving zone plate pattern, and it also has the ability to generate full frame test signals created by the user. AV timing signal generation, when used in conjunction with a waveform monitor, can be used to ensure that audio and video are synchronized through a video path.

Circle, multi-language text, and color logo overlays may be applied to the generated test signals to check aspect ratio, identify streams, or apply station logos. The SDI7 has a clock/frame trigger output that can be used to trigger an oscilloscope to be synchronous with the video output. 
 

SDI7 SD/HD/3G-SDI Test Signal Generator Module