GlobalStreams Support

PittCrew · Joined: 19 Sep 2002 Posts: 8

Occaisionally, while editing using TM, TM clips in the timeline won't play more than a few seconds, and an error message regarding genlock problem comes up. Looking at the genlock indicator in the switcher, we see it is alternating between green and red. It's happened often enough where we feel the futility of checking and/or swapping the BB generator, checking/replacing cables, changing the way the signal is looped etc...None of these things has ever worked.
We think the problem is with the GC somehow. Because: 1) It happens suddenly, often after editing on the system for days or toward the end of a long day editing. Nothing with the hardware has changed. 2) After shutting it off in frustration, we know the next morning it'll be fine, and usually will be good for weeks or months.
Since it fixes itself, we've lived with it. But since I just joined this billboard, I thought we'd see if anyone has any ideas. Overheating? Static Electricity? Gremlins?

P.S. It is particularily frustrating because we'll be editing in the TM timeline in a non-linear environment. And to have a traditional, genlock problem associated with tape-to-tape editing effect editing off a hard drive has been weird.
:?

Jvarney · Joined: 06 Sep 2001 Posts: 178 Location: Topeka, KS

Hey PittCrew,

A few things I'd check:

are you using the GC as your generator, or an external source? (and is the setting in GC the same as your setup?)

how about other components hooked up to the loop (like cameras, decks, etc...), do they have occasional problems as well?

are you using a DA for the signal, or just daisy chaining?

does this only happen after the GC has been up and running for long periods of time w/o restart?

By your post, you've already tried some troubleshooting, so you probably have already addressed these things... That's just what I'd start looking into and/or asking myself if I had the problem (of course I'd be posting here, too...).

PittCrew · Joined: 19 Sep 2002 Posts: 8

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

We're using a BB generator as our external source (and swapped it with others working well on other systems). Specifically which GC set-up are you referring too? I know the SC/HortSync for outputing set up as a source, but not sure which one you're referring to.

We have three(3) decks (2 sources & one editor) that the BB signal loops through. We've tried changing the order of the loop, too, just to see if it helps (not). Our editing deck doesn't have a loop thru so we terminate at that deck. The decks hold up well and don't lose sync during the problem.
We've replaced cables,too. We have a lot of experience locking cameras and our two other editing systems with external sync.

One thing I didn't mention. When the problem is occurring, the output screen flickers in about 15 sec. intervals (though not coinciding with the green/red indicator)

It does seem to only happen after it's been on for a while.

broadcast services · Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2002 3:03 pm Post subject:

Are you an NTSC or PAL user? The reason I ask is that although this was originally a problem with both systems, I think it was corrected some time ago for NTSC systems in a software update. PAL systems continued to suffer from the problem until recently and nearly drove our editor mad.
We received a software patch from GS just after the V2.8 pre-release came out which more or less cured the problem, we still get the odd glitch but it is much much better. I don't know if this patch was included in the final 2.8 release or not. So, if you are a PAL user running pre 2.8 final software you need the patch, if you are running 2.8 final you may need it.
I am sure Mike Benke will advise and send you the software patch if necessary.

Marc · Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2002 3:10 pm Post subject:

If you haven't tried reseating your encoder card, I'd give that a shot. That's where it sounds like your having problems to me.

Jvarney · Joined: 06 Sep 2001 Posts: 178 Location: Topeka, KS

Richard · Joined: 29 Jan 1999 Posts: 497 Location: Helsinki, Finland

Pittcrew,

If I understand you correctly, you are working with TM edit with TM clips only - right?
If that is true, then you are absolutely right in assuming that genlock issues should not affect your editing! However, since we know that Switcher and Editor are just two sides of the same coin, a genlock error in Switcher can bring the system in state of alert that causes problems on the other side as well! -So you may have a hardware problem as you suspected.

How about disconnecting the box from outside burst generator for the duration of remaining edit? A genlock error can be generated only if the box tries to match its own pulse with outside pulse source...

amlvideo · Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2002 10:19 am Post subject:

Just to throw in my 2 cents, when I set up my system I tried using an external BB generator and always had problems. So I bought a Kramer VD105 1 in 5 DA. I run the sync out of my Trinity into the DA and use the outputs as a reference signal for the rest of my equipment. Sync problems went away...
Mike