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The Homerun Series is a line of high performance matrix switchers used to handle the routing of computer video, broadcast video and audio signals in a signal management system. It is typically used for matrix sizes between 8x8 and 16x16.
The Homerun Series is based on a modular design concept, allowing a great level of flexibility in selecting the appropriate matrix size and signal format for your application. Configuration Numbers have been established for the most popular configurations to simplify the ordering process (see following pages). When a Configuration Number is ordered, the appropriate modules and accessories are automatically included.
The building blocks of the Homerun Series matrix switchers are three modules (each with a 1U high, rack wide enclosure): one for computer video signals, one for "broadcast" video signals, and one for audio signals. In a typical configuration, each module is designated to handle one signal component. For example, an RGBHV + Stereo Audio matrix switcher is composed of five computer video modules (one for each of the Red, Green, Blue, Horizontal Sync and Vertical Sync components) and two audio modules (one for the Left Audio and one for the Right Audio components).
The modules are connected together with short RS-232 jumper cables that are included with the configuration. This enables all of the connected modules and associated components to switch simultaneously.
All High Resolution (HMR) Configurations are constructed with Isolated Video Input Cards. The Isolated Video Inputs provide protection against ground loops in a system. Ground loops often appear as a "hum bar" that rolls from bottom to top on a video display, but they can also manifest themselves in different ways. For instance, they can cause the image to "jitter" from side to side. In some cases, ground loops can actually damage equipment. The Isolated Inputs are a critical feature for a matrix switcher, since the nature of a matrix switcher involves interconnecting many different pieces of equipment from many different locations, a situation that is likely to cause ground loops.
Computer Video models (HMR) offer Sync Delay switching, a feature that eliminates the "glitch" normally associated with switching between high-resolution video sources. This is done by disconnecting the video momentarily while the incoming sync from a selected channel is locked -- allowing the glitch to take place off screen. Broadcast Video (HMV) configurations offer Vertical Interval Switching.
Homerun matrix switchers come standard with RS-232 control capabilities. They also have a built-in 2-button rear panel control for both video and audio. This 2-button control provides a simple means of testing the unit during installation without the need for a front panel control. The Homerun can also be controlled using Windows 95/Windows 98 compatible software available from ALTINEX, which may be downloaded from our Web Site at no charge (see Software in following pages).
A control panel, CP-01, may be ordered optionally for installation into the front panel of a Homerun module, allowing control over all of the modules in a particular configuration. Often two control panels will be ordered for the purpose of handling video and audio modules separately.
Homerun matrix switchers come with a standard 100 to 240V AC internal power supply, enabling them to be used internationally. |
