Grass Valley Zodiak v.6.0 Mar 15 2006 - Manual (Page 38)

38 Zodiak — User Manual
Section 2 — Concepts
Signal Routing
Inputs and Sources
Incoming video signals are connected to the Zodiak system via BNC con-
nectors on the rear of the Zodiak Digital Processor frame. All inputs are
serial digital (SMPTE 259M, CCIR 601). Signals from external devices not
operating in this standard will need to be converted.
Some devices (for example, a camera providing serial digital output) may
provide a video signal that can be received on a single connector. However,
other devices may output multiple signals.
For example, a character generator usually provides a signal with two com-
ponents (commonly called video and key). Some incoming signals may also
originate from devices the Zodiak system can control (Router, DPM, DDR).
For a Zodiak Digital Production Switcher, the term source refers to all the
video signals and other attributes associated with a device. This is a funda-
mental concept. The Zodiak system is based on sources, not input signals
or crosspoints. Each source can be given a descriptive name, but has an ID
number for absolute identification. The Zodiak system uses ID numbers,
not source names or input connectors, to identify each source. Defining
each source is an important aspect of the Zodiak system.
Source Definition
When the Zodiak system is first configured, all sources are defined so the
incoming signals from each device can be used effectively. This is usually
done by engineering personnel, not operators, and once set these defini-
tions are not changed.
A source definition data file tells the system how many signals a source has
(video only, or video and key), which physical input(s) to route whenever
a particular source is selected, the default processing of the source’s key
signal (if present), and what external devices (if any) are associated with
that source. Tally is another important attribute of a source. On-air tally
relays are related to sources, not physical inputs or source select buttons.
The source definition process includes assigning a name to each source.
Once sources are defined, the user is able to select the source by name, and
the Zodiak system automatically manages all the necessary signals, per-
forms any default processing, and enables any additional control capabili-
ties associated with that source.