DaVE P169: Difference between revisions

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P169s are 8x4 video matrix switchers.  IE they can simultaneously send any of eight sources to any of four outputs.  Crucially (because each of the eight inputs is buffered) the same input can be sent to two, three or four destinations - this couldn't be achieved by simply having a mechanical switch.
P169s are 8x4 video matrix switchers.  IE they can simultaneously send any of eight sources to any of four outputs.  Crucially (because each of the eight inputs is buffered) the same input can be sent to two, three or four destinations - this couldn't be achieved by simply having a mechanical switch.


The P169s can be controlled via RS232 and so which input feeds each of the four outputs can be dictated remotely.  This is currently done with a touch-screen monitor and is useful for OBs.  A current limitation on the interface is that the 'buttons' which appear on the touchscreen have fixed names.
Ideally we would like to be able to change these names so that the director can easily see which each of the eight inputs is, without resorting to labelling the side of the monitor with LX tape.


YSTV used to have three identical P169s; VT P169, Preview P169, DaVE P169.  However, DaVE P169 is the last one which offers acceptable performance (albeit not perfect performance) and so the other two have been thrown.
==Remote control (RS232)==
The P169 can be controlled via RS232 and so which input feeds each of the four outputs can be dictated remotely.  This is currently done with a touch-screen monitor and is useful for OBs.  


There is a lot of debate as to the cause of the problems which P169s seem prone to giving.  Previously in YSTV, some improvement was found by replacing the two large capacitors which are related to the power supply.  To me (--[[User:Malcolm.chambers|Malcolm.chambers]] 16:14, 24 December 2009 (UTC)) this seemed a very strange cause particularly since, after the mammoth reordering of the Vision path and control room at the end of Summer 2009, genuine VT P169 started failing on most inputs and outputs, but DaVE P169 only experienced problems on one input and one output.  the only thing I could think of that would cause this is something which would affect only one or two of the ICs in the P169.  Such as heat damage.  Following this I reorganised a couple of things in the rack, to allow more air flow around DaVE P169, and there hasn't yet (24/12/2009) been any deterioration in performance.
*A current limitation on the interface is that the 'buttons' which appear on the touchscreen have fixed names.
*Ideally we would like to be able to change these names so that the director can easily see which each of the eight inputs is, without resorting to labelling the side of the monitor with LX tape.


The genuine VT P169 mixed its eight inputs and sporadically sent this 'crazy scrolling combination' to some of its outputs.  This was of course completely unuseable. It was hastily replaced with [[VT 8x4 Video Switcher|VT 'P169']] which is actually an 8x4 switcher with slightly limited functionality of the actual P169s.
==Individual units==
YSTV used to have three identical P169s;
*VT P169
**mixed its eight inputs and sporadically sent this 'crazy scrolling combination' to some of its outputs.  This was of course completely unuseable.
**Binned
**Replaced with [[VT 8x4 Video Switcher|VT 'P169']] (like a P169, but no serial, and needs B&B.)
*Preview P169
**Binned
*DaVE P169
**Last one which offers acceptable (not perfect!) performance.
 
==Death and ressurection of P169's==
Being 1980's technology, the P169's are quite old! As such, they occasionally need some TLC:
*Some improvement was found by replacing the two large capacitors which are related to the power supply.
*P169's may be sensitive to heat - Previous shuffling in the rack to allow for more air circulation seems to have stopped anything else happening to them.

Revision as of 10:02, 13 September 2010

P169s are 8x4 video matrix switchers. IE they can simultaneously send any of eight sources to any of four outputs. Crucially (because each of the eight inputs is buffered) the same input can be sent to two, three or four destinations - this couldn't be achieved by simply having a mechanical switch.


Remote control (RS232)

The P169 can be controlled via RS232 and so which input feeds each of the four outputs can be dictated remotely. This is currently done with a touch-screen monitor and is useful for OBs.

  • A current limitation on the interface is that the 'buttons' which appear on the touchscreen have fixed names.
  • Ideally we would like to be able to change these names so that the director can easily see which each of the eight inputs is, without resorting to labelling the side of the monitor with LX tape.

Individual units

YSTV used to have three identical P169s;

  • VT P169
    • mixed its eight inputs and sporadically sent this 'crazy scrolling combination' to some of its outputs. This was of course completely unuseable.
    • Binned
    • Replaced with VT 'P169' (like a P169, but no serial, and needs B&B.)
  • Preview P169
    • Binned
  • DaVE P169
    • Last one which offers acceptable (not perfect!) performance.

Death and ressurection of P169's

Being 1980's technology, the P169's are quite old! As such, they occasionally need some TLC:

  • Some improvement was found by replacing the two large capacitors which are related to the power supply.
  • P169's may be sensitive to heat - Previous shuffling in the rack to allow for more air circulation seems to have stopped anything else happening to them.
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