NTSC Composite Video Signals, and the RS - 170A Standards

Part 2 - Necessary Test Equipment





Although an Oscilloscope can be used to view the basic signals, it is almost imperative that you have a

Waveform Monitor
and
Vectorscope.

In some cases, the two pieces of equipment may be combined into one. Tektronix 1700 series scopes are superb for this
( in my humble opinion ) , although Leader makes some fine quality stuff that rivals Tek in quality and price. Also, the Leader equipment fits into a Tek cabinet, so the two are virtually interchangable.


I would personally NOT purchase anything from Videotek, as I personally have been burned by them. Multiple pieces of equipment I have seen come out of their " Zero Defects " factory has failed within 2 months, been out of alignment from day one, CRT's died prematurely, and when sent back for repair, has returned in the same condition with the statement from a tech that "that's the way it's supposed to work". Makes me wonder if they understand the industry at all. Like I said in the last section... there's video signals ( Consumer ), then there's video signals! ( Broadcast ) And there's a world of difference!

Of course, this is a personal commentary on what I would not do. You may purchase what you feel is best for your facility, however, words be wise here: "You get what you pay for..... and you PAY for what you get !" ( And I'm not just talking dollars & cents here )

See Subnote and Update!

'Nuff Said 'bout 'dat!

Once you have the proper equipment, it must be installed properly in order to use it. Below is an example of proper installation, but the rules are few and simple:

    1) The vectorscope and waveform monitor must be installed such that they view the program output port of the video switcher or router. If they have a 2nd input, you may optionally use the second input to view the preview port of the switcher or router.

    2) Both the vectorscope and waveform monitor must be genlocked to the same house reference that the switcher and all equipment going into the switcher is. In other words, all sources and destinations must be genlocked to house sync.

    3) Both the vectorscope and waveform monitor must be have "external sync" turned on.


This is only an example, however it works ! All house wiring should be accomplished via similar means.
Now that we have the equipment laid out properly, let's take a learn a little more about the signal in detail.
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