Selecting the Right Interface for the Job

While all ALTINEX Interfaces perform similar functions, it is important to review the particular requirements of your application to insure that you select the model that provides the easiest and most effective solution.

Interface Style

ALTINEX interfaces come in a variety of different packages, to meet a variety of different placement and mounting needs. Interfaces offer a single input except when specifically categorized as Dual Input.

Compact interfaces are designed for portable usage and for applications with limited space. Their reduced size and weight make them ideal for use on the road and for fitting into tight spots such as under a desk or inside a podium. Compact interfaces make use of an external power supply.

System interfaces are perfect for systems that require an interface to be installed in a rack in close proximity to the computer video sources. They are also great for desktop use, especially in situations where the user may want to have access to the controls (such as a technician in a staging application). System interfaces make use of internal power supplies.

Dual input interfaces offer two separate computer video inputs switchable to a single output, providing a simple solution for interfacing two computers. Often, they will be used to switch between a main computer and a backup computer.

Wall/furniture-mount interfaces are used in permanent installations in which the interface becomes an integral part of the system and is built into a wall or into furniture. Once installed, these interfaces offer simple connection on a faceplate, making it easy for the end-user.

Signal Compatibility

The second major interface categorization relates to signal compatibility. In this category, interfaces are either described as analog or universal.

Analog interfaces are capable of accepting and outputting a variety of analog computer video signals with different forms of sync, including RGBHV, RGBS, and RGsB. However, they are not capable of stripping sync from Green; if the input signal is an RGsB format, the output must also be an RGsB format.

Universal interfaces offer all of the same signal compatibility features as analog interfaces. In addition, they provide the ability to strip sync from Green. This is currently the only major difference between analog and universal interfaces. The majority of computers on the market do not output RGsB or, if they do, they are also capable of also outputting RGBS or RGBHV. For this reason, the sync-stripping feature is not commonly required.

Cabling

ALTINEX offers three foot-, six foot-, and 12 foot input and local monitor cables for many different computers. These cables provide the appropriate connector adaptation between the computer, the interface, and the local monitor. Please see “Interface Cables” for details on these models.

The DA1910SX, VA6834FC, and VA6835FC interfaces are offered in an assortment of packages with proper cabling already included for the most commonly used computers. All other interfaces require ordering these cables separately.

No “Y” Cables

Some manufacturers make use of “Y”-type cables to provide a means of feeding a local monitor, which can cause image problems when interfacing computers with higher resolution signals. All ALTINEX interfaces use an input cable to connect the computer to the interface, and a local monitor cable to connect an amplified output on the interface to the local monitor. This two-cable system eliminates reflections in the image and the need for a termination plug if a local monitor is not present. Also, the local monitor can be placed farther away from the interface without adversely affecting picture quality.

VGA Input Connector Compatibility

All ALTINEX interfaces are designed with a 15-pin HD (VGA-compatible) input connector — the same connector type used by the majority of PC computers on the market. This means that they are directly compatible with most PC computers, and newer Apple Macintosh® (Mac), Sun® and SGI® computers, making them extremely user-friendly. Adapter cables are available from ALTINEX to allow connection to older Mac, Sun and SGI graphics card standards, such as 15-pin D and 13W3.

Common Features

Many of the features that are designed into our interfaces apply to all of the available models. These features include:

• High bandwidth (350 MHz or higher) for passing high-resolution signals without picture quality loss.
• Multi-format output selection. All ALTINEX Interfaces are capable of outputting RGBHV, RGBS, and RGsB. This flexibility increases system compatibility, even as the system changes.
• Horizontal position disable for use with LCD projectors that are sensitive to sync manipulation
• ID bit switch or play and plug. This allows the interface to emulate a monitor; this is required by certain computers
• Some ALTINEX interfaces also offer features to handle audio and video/S-video for multimedia applications.

Accessories/Mounting Hardware

A variety of accessories are available for use with ALTINEX interfaces. In selecting an interface for a particular application, it is important to review these accessories as they can add a great deal of value in terms of usability.

All accessories and mounting hardware for interfaces should be ordered separately. Please see the “Interface Accessories” section for complete details.

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