3G/HD/SD Multi Purpose Signal Processor FA-9500

The FA-9500 is a multipurpose signal processor loaded with the functions you need for video production.
It supports 3G-SDI, HD/SD-SDI, and analog composite I/O, in addition to its functionality as a frame synchronizer, provides up/down/cross/aspect converters, second converter (down/cross/aspect conversion), color corrector and automatic video optimizer (AVO) as standard features. It can convert many types of video and audio signals. The numerous additional functions include, as options, optical I/O, analog component I/O, frame rate converter, logo generator, Dolby E encoder and Dolby E decoder. By combining these varied options, a single unit can provide the optimal functionality for all video production scenes, including line, relay, reporting, production, editing and delivery. As long as you have the FA-9500, you won't need any other peripheral video equipment.

For video input, 3 inputs come standard (2 3G/HD/SD-SDI inputs and 1 analog composite input). When you add options, you can select 1 channel from up to 5 inputs. For SDI input, 2 channels are synchronously coupled independently, so during switch over there is no shock in either video or audio. In addition, each SDI input has an error detection function. When the signal is cut off or an error detected, this functions as a clean switch and effects a seamless changeover to the other channel. Input signals go through a converter circuit of 2 internal channels and are output as SDI and analog composite. Each channel has 2 distributed outputs. SDI and analog composite both additionally are provided with an I/O bypass function in case power is cut or there is an emergency.

FOR-A’s frame synchronizers have always exhibited superior performance when processing video with poor quality signals. Synchronizer modes that can be selected are Frame, Line and Input. In Line Sync synchronizer mode, it is possible to operate as AVDL (adjust range: 5H in HD, 1H in SD).
Moreover, in every mode ancillary data can be passed through together with both H and V.*
*If input/output formats differ, packets that can be passed through are subject to limitations.

This lets you monitor video in real time and automatically correct it to normal levels. Ideal for correcting over/under-exposed video, video with exposure better suited to the background than the subject, and so on.

- Real time correction: monitors the video’s white level, black level and gamma curve and automatically corrects them to normal levels (processing time: minimum of 1 frame)
- Dynamic range correction: recognizes dark and bright areas in video, and makes ideal corrections only in those places needing it, so highly viewable video with a wide dynamic range is output
- Correction range adjustment function: allows you to set the range for level adjustment (e.g. set level subject to correction of dark areas)
- Mask function: allows you to set unnecessary area for monitoring within the video (e.g. designate places where captions are displayed)

In addition to the ordinary processing 1.5 Gbps HD signal, the FA-9500 also supports 3Gbps signal processing. Aside from 3G-SDI signal I/O, the FA-9500 offers mutual conversion between ordinary HD and SD signals.

Like video signals, audio signals have digital and analog I/O. Provided are 16 synchronous/asynchronous channels* of embedded audio, 8 channels of AES/EBU, and 4 channels of analog audio, supporting audio signals of a total of 28 input channels and 28 output channels. Many types of signal processing are possible, including embedding and de-embedding with video signals and A/D, D/A conversion, flexibly supporting even multi-channel audio content. Individual sampling rate converters are provided for each audio channel. Signal processing without any phase gap between channels is possible for such processes as delay adjustment, level adjustment, down-mixing and remapping.
*During HD input/output only. In SD, only synchronous audio is supported, and at most there are 16 input channels and 12 output channels.

In addition to A/D and D/A conversion, up/down/cross/aspect converters are standard equipment on the FA-9500. Besides mutual conversion between HD and SD, the FA-9500 offers mutual conversion between 1080i format and 720p format (IP conversion) and video expand and shrink.

In addition to the ordinary up/down/cross/aspect conversion process, 1 more converter channel is provided for down/cross/aspect conversion. The second converter does not have an up-convert function, but even if HD/SD simul output is needed, this unit is all it takes to deal with that need flexibly.

A color correction function is also standard. You can not only make color corrections with 3 color correction modes (balance, differential and sepia) but also reproduce the original colors in the selected color space using gamma adjustment or various level adjustment functions.

- Three types of color correction modes (balance, differential and sepia)
- Gamma adjustment function with high, mid and low tone
- White level and black level adjustment function
- Various clip functions (Y white, C white, Y black)

 <Color correction mode>

- Video delay
- 2D/3D comb filter for Y/C separator (composite)
- Web browser-based monitoring and control possible

The FA-9500 offers a wide range of options that let you expand with the functions you need without waste. There are all types of functions you can add, starting with video I/O boards.

Besides up/down/cross/aspect conversion, a frame rate converter function can be added. This achieves high-grade frame rate conversion with the conversion know-how FOR-A has developed with our FRC Series of specialty devices.
*There is no motion compensation function.

This lets you impose logo images, including corporate logos and net logos. Data is maintained even when the power is off. This can be used for branding purposes, or used as a side panel added to a 4:3 video in place of a logo.

An optional Dolby E encoder/decoder can be equipped as a function for adding audio. This enables accurate monitoring and signal correction even of surround signals with multiple channels.

- SNMP monitoring/control function
- Optical I/O (OE/EO)
- Analog component I/O
- Redundant power supply unit
- Front blank panel (for centralized control)

Many other functions are planned to be added.

Please note that the technical details shown here are provisional specifications (as of August 2010). This information is subject to change without notice.

Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.