Sigma Electronics Introduces "Ultimate" Sync/Test Pattern Generator

TSG490 Sync and Test Pattern Generator Designed to Satisfy All of Today's Broadcast Analog and Serial Digital Requirements

LAS VEGAS, NEV., APRIL 18, 2004 – Sigma Electronics, Inc., an innovator of high-quality, cost-effective digital and analog switching, generation, and distribution products for television, radio, and cable, announced today the introduction of the Sigma TSG490 Sync and Test Pattern Generator: the video professional’s ultimate sync and test pattern generator.

The unit was shown with other new Sigma innovations at the National Association of Broadcasters convention (NAB), held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Sigma is in Booth SU10345.

Designed to satisfy the full range of today’s broadcast analog and serial digital needs (standard and HD), the TSG490 supplies timing and test signals for mixed digital/analog, post-production, outdoor broadcast and all other environments. It also generates LTC and VITC, vital for NTSC, PAL, HD and mixed-standard installations.

The TSG490 is configured to meet the needs of video professionals at all levels of technical sophistication. It can be initially supplied as a basic analog-only device. Uniquely, it can be upgraded to include configurable multi-standard references, standard and high definition test patterns and black, AES tone, wordclock, embedded tone and more.

Its flexibility is further demonstrated by its ability to be used either as a master or a slave SPG, when genlocked. If a backup sync pulse generator is needed, the TSG490 works seamlessly with Sigma’s new CO490 SPG auto-changeover unit. The CO490 can be user-configured to monitor and changeover analog video, digital video, time code and AES/EBU digital audio signals.

Other TSG490 features include:

• Outstanding performance, stability and reliability
• NTSC / PAL / 625 / 525 switchable
• Comprehensive range of test patterns for all analog and digital applications
• Fully compliant with SMPTE 318M
• ±2 field (NTSC)/±4 field (PAL) timing range
• Multiple & configurable reference outputs (NTSC/PAL/Tri-Level Sync in all HD formats)
• 4 LTC (standard and offset) or pulse outputs (User programmable)
• VITC on all outputs (User Select)
• Analog stereo tone output with programmable interrupt
• Embedded audio
• User programmable text ID (3)
• Animated text ID
• Text ID in any language (bitmap import)
• Full color logo over test pattern output
  (bitmap import)

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