MODULE OVERVIEW
The 7900 module is a flexible, configurable up and downconverter for use in broadcast and
post-production. It can process SD (Standard Definition) signals into HD, downconvert HD
signals into SD, and perform format and aspect ratio conversion on both SD and HD
signals. Refer to the functional block diagram for the module on the next page.
The 7900 can be configured to continually output a facility’s preferred HD format. Any HD
signal connected to the input will be converted to the correct format for the output. And if
the 8415 audio option is installed, the audio will be automatically processed as well.
Upconversion
– When configured as an upconverter, the 7900 has an SD SDI input and
four HD SDI outputs. Excellent for on-air use, the module is equally at home in an HD
island, a signal ingest installation, or in a production application.
The 7900 uses sophisticated edge and motion adaptive noise reduction, ensuring delivery
of a pristine output that is excellent for use in broadcast. All processing is performed on
progressive signals at full bandwidth 4:4:4 for optimum signal quality. Signals are
interlaced and de-interlaced as required with motion adaption and edge interpolation.
Aspect ratio conversion choices include: Anamorphic, Pillarbox, Crop, and Manual.
Input standard and frame rate are auto-detected. The 7900 automatically performs 16-bit
SD to HD color space conversion. The built-in Proc Amp provides adjustment of signal
parameters with controls for Video Gain, Chroma, Pedestal, and Hue. Vertical interval
data is faithfully preserved and is passed from SD to HD with several choices for handling
the embedded timecode. The upconverted output is timeable with respect to the reference
input.
Downconversion
– When used as a downconverter, the 7900 has an HD SDI input and
four SD SDI outputs. Two of the SD output BNCs can be configured as SD SDI or compos-
ite by setting jumpers on the module circuit board.
The downconversion process includes picture detail enhancement and anti-alias filtering
which makes for a pristine SD output. The aspect ratio conversion process offers resizing
and repositioning with choices for Anamorphic, Letterbox, Crop and Manual. The 7900
automatically adjusts between HD and SD color space and gamma. Proc amp controls are
provided in the form of video, chroma, setup, and hue. Both the digital and analog outputs
are timeable with respect to the reference input. Composite outputs can be timed into
house with proper subcarrier and phase.
Cross conversion
– The 7900 provides cross conversion between HD 1.5 Gb/s formats,
processing all popular variations of 1080 and 720, making it simple for every facility to
ingest any type of HD signal.
All popular variations of 720p, 1080i, 1080sF, and 1080p are supported. The 7900 converts
between any HD signals within the 59.94/23.98/29.97 family, within the 50/25 fps family,
or within the 60/30 fps family. 3:2 pulldown is used when converting between 59.94 and
23.98. Film mode is automatically detected.
Meta Data
– Closed captioning in standard definition is carried in the traditional
line 21 (NTSC)/line 23 (PAL) manner, while HD closed captioning is carried in data
packets in the vertical ancillary data space. The 7900 properly translates between these
two methods so that closed captioning content is converted transparently between video
standards and formats.
7900-2
Model 7900 HD Up/Down/Cross Converter
