The Mentor RG is a 1RU signal sync, test and clock generator for SDI and IP-based mixed environments. It provides IEEE-1588 PTP references alongside more traditional Black Burst and Tri-Level sync signals. The signal reference generator references a GPS antenna system to establish timecode, which is then passed on to the mission-critical automation system. Two Mentor RG generators and a changeover are used for redundancy to assure accurate reference signals.

Utilizing GPS provides an extremely stable and robust method for accurately locking multiple SPGs and also for governing the unit’s LTC, VITC and NTP outputs. Accurate GPS referencing is managed by the Mentor RG internal receiver module, or by locking to an external source of 1pps and NMEA serial data. All SD and HD reference and test signals are generated simultaneously for both 525 and 625 standards, with independent timing control for all outputs to meet the most demanding requirements.

The Mentor RG pays special attention to multiple audio generators assignable for AES audio and DARS; embedded audio in the SD/HD channels; Wordclock; and Analog stereo audio. Up to ten Tri-Level Sync outputs for all 720 and 1080 standards. Two TLS outputs come as standard in the base unit and two option cards can bring this to ten. Tri-level sync is the analog video sync pulse which is typically used for the locking of HD video signals and preferred in HD environments over black and burst.

Intuitive front panel controls allow immediate access to all important settings while Vector Editor software offers in-depth management of all parameters from any network connected location in your organization.

Key Benefits:

• Precision Time Protocol IEEE-1588 PTP grandmaster
• Compact 1RU rack mount format
• Multiple video and audio formats in one box
• Provides Gigabit Time Code Signaling for Network Devices
• Simultaneous 525/625 and HD Tri-Level Sync outputs
• Highly accurate GPS reference for synchronization and timecode
• Vector web-browser setup and monitoring tool
• Redundant PSU option
• Add upgrades and options without return to factory
• Generates synchronized audio and video
• Redundant units with changeover
• Dual Ethernet 1 Gb Ports for Control/Management and PTP

HARDWARE OPTIONS

In addition to the standard features found in the base unit, Mentor RG has positions for 3 option boards, nominally assigned as:

• Tri-level sync board, with 4 independently timed outputs selectable to any HD video format.
• HD test signal board, each with 4 independently timed outputs and selectable frame format.
• GPS Receiver with 1pps output + 2 unbalanced AES.
• Mentor RG Master/Slave Sync Pulse Generator.
• PTP/IEEE-1588 compatible via keycode option.
• Includes Vector Remote Configuration Browser.
• Base unit supplied with single power supply.

Facilities:

• Genlock loop thru
• 10/5MHz/ref input
• 5 x black/burst (outputs 4&5 switchable to TLS)
• 3 x SD-SDI black
• 27/10MHz/Word Clock output

If no GPS board is fitted, up to 3 TLS or HD boards may be configured in any combination.

SOFTWARE OPTIONS

Audio Test

Adds independent audio tone generators for analogue, AES and embedded SDI outputs. Sample rate, amplitude and audio frequency are all selectable, with the option of interrupted tone for channel identification.

Video Test

Allows any of the 5 analogue and 3 SDI outputs to be individually configured from a comprehensive range of test signals:

• Horizontal or vertical 4 line scrolling text ident.
• Moving markers to indicate ‘live’ video.
• Colour bars and pathological test.
• Lip Sync signal to expose video or audio delays within a signal path.
• Clean Aperture signal to ensure that out of picture artefacts are not displayed.

Customer defined logos may be imported and positioned in any test signal to match corporate branding requirements.

HD Test

The HD test enables any of the base units 3 SDI or Black outputs to be independently configured for HD test signals.

Full Field Test

As standard, this feature provides the FUBK pattern in all video formats. Other test patterns may be imported and stored in bitmap format for custom testing applications.

Timecode

Dual LTC outputs together with VITC / DVITC may be locked to the optional GPS receiver or to NTP. In picture timecode may also be optionally displayed in any test signal.

Network Time Protocol (NTP)

The NTP Server option allows the Mentor RG to act as a highly accurate and stable source of time for other broadcast equipment, whilst the client option may be used to lock a ‘Slave’ SPG to a ‘Master’.

Precision Time Protocol (PTP)

The PTP Server option allows the Mentor RG to act as a highly accurate and stable source of time for AES67 or DANTE IP networks. The user has the option to be a PTP master clock or slave.

SNMP

This provides remote monitoring of power supplies, lock status and presence of external reference inputs using SNMP network monitoring standards.

Order Codes

BASE MODEL

360-00-07: Mentor RG Signal Reference and Test Signal Generator

OPTIONAL CARDS

360-09-05: Mentor RG Redundant Power Supply Module

360-16-01-RG:  Mentor RG Tri-Level Sync Board

360-20-00: Mentor RG HD-SDI Output Board

360-15-12:  Mentor RG Time Reference GPS Board

To view Brochures and Datasheets, visit the Product Datasheet page.

To view User Guides, visit the User Guides page.