There are a number of “VGA/SVGA to composite encoder” or “scan converter” products on the market, which take the output of a computer’s graphics card and convert it to the NTSC or PAL video standards. Typically, the less-expensive products offer only consumer quality video. More expensive units offer industrial quality or even broadcast quality (RS-170A NTSC or CCIR-601 PAL) output. Scala products will work with most of these encoders, but be aware that some of the encoders only work with a limited number of resolutions (such as up to 640×480) and refresh modes (typically 50 Hz for PAL and 60 Hz for NTSC). Manufacturers include AITech International, Vine Micros (distributed in the US by TVOne Multimedia Solutions), Extron Electronics, Magni Systems, Digital Vision, Communication Specialties, ADDA Technologies and ADS Technologies. Another type of encoder, with additional features, is the video-overlay device, sometimes known as a “genlock”.
A genlock not only encodes the VGA or SVGA signals to NTSC or PAL, but also allows the mixing of computer graphics on top of an incoming video signal (such as from a VCR). Most genlocks require computer control, as some are internal ISA cards that go into one of the system slots. If you want to use a genlock, check the Scala Web site to see if a Scala EX module is available to control that model. Manufacturers include Digital Vision, Magni Systems, Vine Micros (distributed in the US by TVOne Multimedia Solutions ( http://www.tvone.com/ ), Extron Electronics ( http://www.extron.com/ ), Communication Specialties, and PowerPixel Technologies.There are a number of “VGA/SVGA to composite encoder” or “scan converter” products on the market, which take the output of a computer’s graphics card and convert it to the NTSC or PAL video standards. Typically, the less-expensive products offer only consumer quality video.
More expensive units offer industrial quality or even broadcast quality (RS-170A NTSC or CCIR-601 PAL) output. Scala products will work with most of these encoders, but be aware that some of the encoders only work with a limited number of resolutions (such as up to 640×480) and refresh modes (typically 50 Hz for PAL and 60 Hz for NTSC). Manufacturers include AITech International, Vine Micros (distributed in the US by TVOne Multimedia Solutions), Extron Electronics, Magni Systems, Digital Vision, Communication Specialties, ADDA Technologies and ADS Technologies ( http://www.adst8.com// ).
Another type of encoder, with additional features, is the video-overlay device, sometimes known as a “genlock”. A genlock not only encodes the VGA or SVGA signals to NTSC or PAL, but also allows the mixing of computer graphics on top of an incoming video signal (such as from a VCR). Most genlocks require computer control, as some are internal ISA cards that go into one of the system slots. If you want to use a genlock, check the Scala Web site to see if a Scala EX module is available to control that model. Manufacturers include Digital Vision, Magni Systems, Vine Micros (distributed in the US by TVOne Multimedia Solutions), I.DEN, Communication Specialties, and PowerPixel Technologies ( http://www.powerpixel.com/ ).