FS2 Frame Synchronizer/Converter v3.0 33 www.aja.com
Table 5. FS2 Audio Level Settings
FS2 Audio Setting
Meaning
+24 dBu analog = 0 dBFS
maximum audio level
SMPTE standard (US)
With digital audio at the maximum possible level (before clipping), the expected analog
audio input level is +24 dBu, and the output is scaled to this level.
Typically, the US Standard Operating Level is +4 dBu analog or -20 dBFS digital. The FS2 +24
dBu setting allows 20 dB of headroom (+4 to +24 dBu) per the SMPTE RP-155 standard.
+18 dBu analog = 0 dBFS
maximum audio level
EBU standard (EU)
With digital audio at the maximum possible level (before clipping), the expected analog
audio input level is +18 dBu, and the output is scaled to this level
Typically, the EU Alignment Level is 0dBu analog or -18 dBFS digital. The FS2 +18 dBu
setting allows 18 dB of headroom (0 to +18 dBu) per the EBU R68 standard.
+15 dBu analog = 0 dBFS
maximum audio level
German standard
With digital audio at the maximum possible level (before clipping), the expected analog
audio input level is +15 dBu, and the output is scaled to this level.
+12 dBu analog = 0 dBFS
maximum audio level
Consumer equipment
With digital audio at the maximum level (before clipping), the analog audio input level is
+12 dBu, and the output is scaled to this level. These levels are provided for consumer
equipment that outputs lower audio levels than professional equipment.
Consumer audio units are often given in dBV, with +12.2dBu equivalent to +10dBV.
The standard operating level corresponds to -10dBV (-7.8dBu). The FS2 +12dBu setting
provides approximately 20 dB of headroom (+10 to -10 dBV).
Computer Video Formats
The AJA FS2 accepts non-broadcast video input signals with the introduction
of software version 2.0. These signals, known as “computer,” “VESA,” or “DVI”
formats, can be applied to the HDMI input connector. Computer signals applied
to the HDMI input must be digital video signals compatible with single-link
DVI, which covers the range of display sizes from 640x480 (VGA) to 1920x1200
(WUXGA). For a list of accepted computer video formats, please see
Note: The FS2 does not accept analog computer video inputs because HDMI
connectors do not have pins assigned for analog signals. The FS2 also does not
accept dual-link DVI inputs.
Physical Connection
To connect a computer video input to the FS2 HDMI connector, use a passive DVI-
to-HDMI adapter (user supplied). To prevent strain on the FS2 HDMI connector,
AJA recommends that you convert from DVI to HDMI at the video source, such
as the computer display card, and run an HDMI cable from the source to the FS2
input. You can also use a cable adapter that has a DVI connector on one end of
the cable and an HDMI connector on the other. The FS2 HDMI input connector is
a terminating input and does not have a “loop-through” output.
Menu Setup
To enable a computer input in the FS2 menu system, select HDMI as the input
using Video Menu 1 for the Video Processor channel you plan to use. The FS2 will
automatically detect the frame format of the incoming video and scale/convert
the input to the selected output format. You can select the same HDMI input for
both Video Processors and independently convert the input to separate video
output formats.