The G-Lock genlock is a highly versatile, professional quality genlocking board for the AMIGA platform. In any multimedia computing environment, the need to manage multiple video and audio sources is critical, whether you view them on your computer screen or through an external monitor or tape source. In order to have different video sources appear together on the screen with professional results (without tears or jitters) they must share the same exact timing of their sync signals. When this occurs, the signals from various sources are said to be sync'ed or genlocked.
| FEATURE | BENEFIT |
|---|---|
| Switchable dual composite input | G-Lock allows software switching between two separate composite input sources for fast cuts between video. |
| Y/C (Hi8 or S-VHS) input | The two composite inputs can be switched to a single Y/C (Hi8 or S-VHS) input source for high-quality input from any Y/C source. |
| Composite - Y/C Transcoder | High quality transcoder provides simultaneous composite, Y/C, and RGB outputs. |
| RGB/YUV output | The RGB output can be switched to provide YUV output for professional recording equipment. |
| Real-time ProcAmp controls | Allows adjustment of hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, sharpness, filtering, gain, and more, all from software. |
| SECAM to PAL conversion | G-Lock can convert most SECAM video sources to VCR quality PAL video. |
| Extensive keyer control | Keyer modes include Amiga only, External Video only, Overlay, Inverse Overlay, and control of Amiga ECS and AGA special effects. |
| Built-in audio processor | Allows software switching and mixing control of two separate monaural audio sources, with full control over volume, treble, and bass. |
| RGB Color Splitter feature | G-Lock can operate as an adjustable electronic RGB color splitter for direct use with the NewTek Digi-View™ or other slow-scan video digitizers. |
| Display Enhancer compatible | Works with the Display Enhancer and FlickerFreeVideo boards for simultaneous genlocked video and deinterlaced Amiga graphics output. |
| Complete software control | G-Lock has an Intuition-based software control panel with full ARexx and CLI interfaces. Example ARexx scripts are provided that perform A/B video source switching, fade-to-black transitions, and more. |
| AmigaDOS 1.3, 2.0, 2.1, 3.0 compatible | Supports all version of Kickstart/Workbench and AmigaDOS from 1.3 and up. Hotkeys can be redefined when using 2.0 and higher. |
| Does not require separate power supply | G-Lock is a completely self-contained unit and does not require any external power supply or power source. |
| GVP custom-designed VLSI and surface mount technology | Allows for lowest possible component count and higher reliability for longer life. |
G-Lock is an extremely versatile genlock, capable of accepting two composite video sources or a single high quality Y/C input source, and simultaneously providing high quality composite, Y/C, and RGB or YUV genlocked outputs. Additionally, the ability to accept two separate audio sources increases the unit's flexibility in video and multimedia productions.
G-Lock is a small unit with eight connectors, two interfaces, and one cable located around its sides. These connections are utilized in the following manner.
| Video Inputs | Audio Output | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2) composite sources | (1) audio output switchable between two monaural input sources, or mixed input sources | |||
| (1) Y/C (Hi8 or S-Video) source | ||||
| Video Outputs | Computer Interface | |||
| (1) composite video | (1) Amiga interface 24-pin connector (uses supplied 25-pin to 23-pin cable) to obtain Amiga RGB signals | |||
| (1) S-Video (Y/C) | ||||
| (1) RGB or YUV | ||||
| Audio Inputs | (1) 9-pin control cable interface | |||
| (2) monaural audio sources |
Software Reference
The primary user interface for G-Lock is the GL program. This control program uses a combination of menus and panels that together control all of G-Lock's functions. The format and operation of the control program's interface conform very closely to AmigaDOS 2.0 style guides, making them familiar, easy to learn, and easy to use. The design of the control program also incorporates carefully chosen combinations of colors and graphics that allow its menus and control panels to be clearly read at a distance, even on composite monitors.
The control program provides two optional operating modes: Standard and Advanced. Standard mode has two control panels, the Video Panel and the Audio panel, each controlling a different aspect of G-Lock's performance. In Advanced mode there are up to 4 additional control panels allowing more control of video parameters and characteristics. These advanced panels are intended for experienced video users and, therefore, are not normally accessible.
An important G-Lock control program feature found on all control panels is the Setup function. Located at the bottom of each panel, these three buttons, Setup1, Setup2, and Setup3 are used to store and recall three separate sets of video and audio configurations. These setups can be used to retain G-Lock settings for different equipment configurations, or to facilitate quick comparison of experimental adjustments.
The G-Lock control program can be started from Workbench or run from the CLI after the genlock is initialized. Once running, the GL control program can be hidden or recalled by using the available menus, or the default Hot-key combinations (ALT-F1 and ALT-F10), or by rerunning its icon.
Special Features
With G-Lock connected and initialized, run the Digi-View™ or other digitizer software as normally directed by the manufacturer. Select Digi-View's Slow-Scan/Color Camera option for the best quality images. Before the digitizing procedure begins, move back to G-Lock's Advanced 3 panel and select a color to digitize — let's start with Red. Now go back to the digitizer software and command it to digitize Red. Then use Alt-F6 to switch to external mode. Repeat the process for Blue, then Green, and the process is complete.
If your digitizer software can be controlled by ARexx, it is possible to completely automate the digitizing process using an ARexx script. A sample ARexx script for use with Digi-View software (V4.0) is provided on disk.
Using the G-Lock composite output will produce acceptable results for the final digitized image. However, superior results can be obtained with any slow-scan digitizer if the Y (Luminance) signal, available from the S-VHS OUT connector, is used. A special cable, not supplied with G-Lock, is necessary in order to use this signal. This custom cable can be made, or is available from Redmond Cable. The part number is RCA681, 4MMINI-2RCA.
Redmond Cable is reachable at the following address:
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone #: (206) 882-2009
Fax #: (206) 883-1430
System Requirements (Computer)
G-Lock will work with any NTSC or PAL-based Amiga having at least 512K of memory and version 1.3 or higher Amiga operating system. If G-Lock is multitasked or operated under ARexx control, a minimum of 1MB of Chip RAM is required.
G-Lock is powered directly by the Amiga. While power requirements are minimal, the A500, A500 Plus, and A600 series computers may be limited in the number of other peripherals that can be attached. Please consult your Amiga reference manual for specific recommendations.
Recommended Equipment (Computer)
Increased flexibility and performance can be achieved when one or more of the following are present in an Amiga with a G-Lock attached:
G-Lock is calibrated for either NTSC or PAL operation, depending on the country in which it was purchased. G-Lock is designed to be used with the following external video and audio equipment:
Camera — as a live video source
Q. What is a genlock?
A. Genlock is shorthand for "generator lock," a term borrowed from professional television production. When two or more composite video signals are "genlocked" their vertical, horizontal, and subcarrier signals are either synchronized exactly or timed to a fixed offset. When signals are genlocked, they can be mixed, keyed, and layered with professional results.
Q. Can I connect more than one monitor to my G-Lock?
A. Yes, because of G-Lock's transcoding capability it is possible to simultaneously use all the available outputs for monitoring and recording.
Q. Why is the picture quality of my S-VHS (Y/C) source so poor?
A. There is probably a composite source connected to G-Lock. All composite input sources must be disconnected from G-Lock when using an S-VHS (or Hi8 or S-Video) input source.
Q. Should I always leave G-Lock connected to a video source?
A. Yes. Even when not overlaying graphics the highest quality output from the genlock output is realized when a stable video source or external sync is available to G-Lock.
Q. What special video effects can be created with G-Lock?
A. G-Lock's six video control panels allow you to generate a wide range of special and customized effects. Here are just a few possibilities:
| G-Lock Technical Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Video Inputs | CVBS1 - In @ 1Vp-p/75ohm, RCA Jack CVBS2 - In @ 1Vp-p/75ohm, RCA Jack — or — Y/C - In: Y @ 1Vp-p/75ohm; C (Burst) @ 286mVp-p/75ohm, Mini-DIN | |
| Video Outputs | CVBS - Out @ 1Vp-p/75ohm, RCA Jack Y/C - Out: Y @ 1Vp-p/75ohm; C (Burst) @ 286mVp-p/75ohm, Mini-DIN | |
| Component Input | Amiga - RGB - In @ 700mVp-p/75ohm, DB23 on cable (TO AMIGA) | |
| Component Outputs | RGB - Out @ 700mVp-p/75ohm (w/ separate sync), DB23 (TO RGB MONITOR) — or — YUV - Out: Y @ 1Vp-p/75ohm, UV @ 700mVp-p/75ohm (w/ separate sync), DB23 (TO RGB MONITOR) | |
| Sync | Composite Sync Out: TTL Level, Negative Polarity, Pin 10 - DB23 Out Horizontal Sync Out: TTL Level, Negative Polarity, Pin 11 - DB23 Out Vertical Sync Out: TTL Level, Negative Polarity, Pin 12 - DB23 Out | |
| Video Performance | Video Input Standards (user selectable): NTSC-M PAL-B/G/I SECAM-L/B/G/K Video Output Standards: NTSC-M PAL-B/G/I (Amiga dependent) | |
| Differential Gain: Differential Phase: RGB Output Bandwidth: CVBS (Luma) Bandwidth: Y/C Bandwidth: Luminance Resolution: Hue Control Range: Minimum video burst level for color decoding: Video (Luma) Peaking Range: Video (Luma) Delay Range: Insertion Delay (CVBS In to CVBS Out): Horizontal Lock Range: SubCarrier Lock Range: XCLK Frequency (To Amiga):
XCLK Phase Jitter: CVBS1/CVBS2 Crosstalk: Video Trap Filter (Color-Killer) Attenuation: | >5% >5° -3dB @ 8MHz typical 4.5MHz typical 5.5MHz typical >360 lines +30 to -30° 30mV 0dB to 6dB (user selectable steps) @ 3MHz 594nS to 882nS in 6 steps (user selectable) 1300nS +/-1200Hz typical +/-350Hz minimum 28.63636MHz NTSC 28.375156MHz PAL 15nS (Dependent on Video Input) -35dB maximum 40dB minimum | |
| Audio Input/Output | AUDIO1 @ Line level, 20k ohms AUDIO2 @ Line level, 20k ohms AUDIO - Out @ Line level, 100 ohms | |
| Audio Performance | Frequency Response: Programmable Volume Gain: Programmable Bass Gain: Programmable Treble Gain: Mute Control: | 20Hz to 20kHz -64dB to +6dB, 2dB steps -12dB to +15dB, 3dB steps @ 50Hz -12dB to +12dB, 3dB steps @ 15kHz -80dB when active |
| Power Supply | +5VDC - 150mA maximum +12VDC - 350mA maximum FTZ/FCC CLASS B APPROVAL | |