Black Box TV Converter Box AC095A User Manual

FEBRUARY 1995  
AC095A  
AC096A  
ProVideo Converter  
Video Scan Converter II  
ideo Converter  
ProV  
FREEZE  
ANTI-  
UNDER  
FLICKER  
SCAN  
HOME  
MAGNIFY  
INPUT  
TEST  
ideo Scan Converter II  
V
POWER  
FREEZE  
ANTI-  
FLICKER  
UNDER  
SCAN  
TEST  
INPUT  
POWER  
CUSTOMER  
SUPPORT  
INFORMATION  
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX  
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746  
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018  
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT  
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD  
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes  
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.  
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para  
referencia futura.  
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de  
operación deben ser respetadas.  
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.  
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,  
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,  
etc..  
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales  
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.  
7. El parato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea  
recomendado por el fabricante.  
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más  
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio  
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.  
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no  
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,  
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se  
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los  
orificios de ventilación.  
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de  
calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos  
(incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.  
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo  
del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en  
el aparato.  
 
NOM STATEMENT  
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la  
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.  
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que  
no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,  
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen  
del aparato.  
14. El equio eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las  
recomendaciones del fabricante.  
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las  
lineas de energia.  
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no  
sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.  
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos  
no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.  
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:  
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u  
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro  
del aparato; o  
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o  
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio  
en su desempeño; o  
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.  
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
Contents  
Chapter  
Page  
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 1  
2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 4  
3. Installation .................................................................................................. 5  
3.1 Initial Steps .......................................................................................... 5  
3.2 Hooking Up Video Output ................................................................ 5  
3.3 Selecting Your Video Standard .......................................................... 7  
3.4 Booting Your Converter System ......................................................... 7  
4. Operation ................................................................................................... 8  
4.1 Indicators ............................................................................................. 9  
4.2 Using the Front-Panel Controls ......................................................... 9  
4.3 Other Features .................................................................................. 11  
5. What to Expect from Converted Computer Images .............................. 13  
6. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 15  
6.1 Common Concerns ........................................................................... 15  
6.2 Calling Your Supplier ....................................................................... 17  
6.3 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 17  
Appendix A: S-Video, the Improved-Quality Video Standard ...................... 18  
Appendix B: Connector Pinouts .................................................................... 19  
 
CHAPTER 1: Specifications  
1. Specifications  
Approvals —  
FCC Part 15 Class A, IC Class/classe A  
System Software  
Required —  
None  
Standards —  
Input, Computer Output: VGA, SVGA, or Mac video  
at the refresh rates and resolutions listed below;  
Television Output: NTSC or PAL composite,  
S-Video (including Hi-8 and Beta-ED), and/or RGBS  
Compatibility —  
Color —  
All operating systems and environments  
Up to 24-bit (“true”) color (16.8 million colors)  
Refresh Rates and  
Resolutions —  
ProVideo Converter (AC095A):  
VGA, SVGA:  
320 x 200, 640 x 200, and 640 x 350 at 70 Hz;  
640 x 480 at 60, 72, 73, or 75 Hz;  
720 x 350 and 720 x 400 at 70 Hz;  
800 x 600 at 56, 60, 70, 72, 73, and 75 Hz;  
1024 x 768 at 60, 70, 72, 73, and 75 Hz;  
Mac:  
640 x 480 at 66 Hz;  
832 x 624 at 75 Hz;  
1024 x 768 at 60 Hz;  
Video Converter II (AC096A):  
VGA, SVGA:  
320 x 200, 640 x 200, and 640 x 350 at 70 Hz;  
640 x 480 at 60, 72, 73, or 75 Hz;  
720 x 350 and 720 x 400 at 70 Hz;  
800 x 600 at 56, 60, 70, 72, 73, and 75 Hz;  
Mac:  
512 x 384 at 60 Hz;  
640 x 480 at 66 Hz;  
832 x 624 at 75 Hz  
1
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
Computer- and TV-  
Video Processing — Input Sampling: 24-bit (8 bits per RGB), 708 samples  
per active portion of computer-video line;  
Graphics-Mode Detection: Automatic;  
Video Processing: 24-bit separate RGB;  
Video-Memory Size: 708 x 740 x 24 bits (1 video  
frame);  
Video-Encoding Process: 24-bit RGB encoding with  
10-bit output D/A;  
RGB Output Processing: 24-bit RGB with 3 x 8-bit  
output D/A;  
Differential Gain: Less than 1%;  
Differential Phase: Less than 1˚;  
Frequency response for composite, S-Video: 6.5 MHz  
(–3 dB)  
User Controls —  
(9 [AC096A] or 10 [AC095A]) External:  
(1) Rear-mounted slide switch for NTSC/PAL  
selection;  
(8 [AC096A] or 9 [AC095A]) Front-mounted  
pushbuttons:  
Both models: (1) Underscan, (1) Flicker  
Reduction, (1) Freeze Image, (1) Test,  
(4) Image Positioning;  
AC095A only: (1) Magnify  
Indicators —  
(6 [AC096A] or 7 [AC095A]) Front-mounted LEDs:  
(2) on panel: Power, Input;  
(4 [AC096A] or 5 [AC095A]) on buttons:  
Both models: Underscan, Flicker Reduction,  
Freeze Image, Test;  
AC095A only: Magnify  
Connectors —  
(6) Rear-mounted:  
(1) DB15 female for VGA input or Mac output;  
(1) DB15HD female for Mac input or VGA  
output;  
(1) RCA phono jack for composite output;  
(1) 4-pin mini-DIN female for S-Video output;  
(1) DB9 for RGBS output;  
(1) Inverted phono jack for power  
2
 
CHAPTER 1: Specifications  
®
Power —  
From UL , CSA, and TUV certified desktop power  
supply:  
Input range: 95- to 250-VAC, 47 to 63 Hz  
(autosensing) at 0.9 amps;  
Output: 5 VDC at 5 amps  
Size —  
1.5"H x 7.25"W x 6.25"D (3.9 x 18.5 x 15.9 cm)  
3 lb. (1.4 kg)  
Weight —  
3
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
2. Introduction  
Thank you for purchasing the ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II. We  
are sure you will find it to be a reliable and useful product. You now have the  
ability to convert your computer monitor’s signal into a form suitable for  
recording on a VCR, displaying on a conventional TV or video monitor, or  
integrating into a multimedia production system. And you can do this without  
installing any boards or software in your computer!  
Chapters 3 and 4 of this manual show you how to install and operate your  
Converter. Chapter 5 gives you some guidelines on what you should (and  
shouldn’t) expect from your converted computer images and explains how  
to get the best quality of image display. Chapter 6 gives you tips for handling  
problems that might occur with your Coverter system. Appendix A explains  
what S-Video is and why it should be used as output from your Converter  
whenever possible. Lastly, Appendix B shows the pinouts of all of your  
Converter’s connectors.  
4
 
CHAPTER 3: Installation  
3. Installation  
Follow the procedure outlined in this chapter to install your ProVideo  
Converter or Video Converter II.  
3.1 Initial Steps  
1. Disconnect your monitor from the monitor port on your computer.  
2. Connect one end of the special 6-foot (1.8-m) input cable provided with  
the Converter to the monitor port on your computer. (See Section 4.3.3  
for more info on this cable.) Plug the other end into the appropriate  
connector on the rear panel of the Converter: either the one labeled  
®
VGA IN if you are taking VGA video from an IBM PC or compatible  
®
or the one labeled MAC IN if you are taking Macintosh video from  
®
an Apple Macintosh. See Figures 3-1 and 3-2 on the next page.  
3. If you want your monitor to continue to display, connect it to the  
appropriate MONITOR output connector, either VGA OUT or  
MAC OUT. See the next section for a description of this ouput.  
4. Plug the output cord of the power supply provided with the Converter  
into the connector labeled POWER. Plug the power supply’s input cord  
into the wall outlet to provide power to the Converter. (If you ever need  
an AC-line cord specific to another country, call Black Box.)  
5. Connect your video equipment to one or more of the Converter’s video  
outputs (refer to the next section).  
5
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
IN  
VGA  
MAC  
OUT  
IN  
RGB  
S-VIDEO COMPOSITE  
OUT  
POWER  
NTSC  
PAL  
Power supply  
(line cord from  
transformer  
NTSC/PAL  
switch for  
selecting the  
appropriate  
video standard  
S-Video  
output with  
separate,  
clearer Y/C  
video signals  
Either VGA video input  
from computer or  
Macintosh video output  
for local Mac monitor  
plugs in here)  
Either Macintosh video  
input from computer or  
VGA video output for  
local VGA monitor  
Highest-quality  
RGBS output  
Composite video  
ouput for standard  
video equipment  
NOTE: All outputs are available at the same time. You don’t have to terminate  
unused outputs.  
Figure 3-1. Rear panel shared by the ProVideo Converter  
and Video Converter II.  
3.2 Hooking Up Video Output  
Now connect one or more of the Converter’s output ports to your video  
equipment:  
®
COMPOSITE (RCA jack): You can feed this single composite-video output  
signal into the “video” input jacks on ordinary TVs, monitors, VCRs, or  
professional video equipment. It cannot be connected to the “antenna” input.  
S-VIDEO (4-pin mini-DIN female): Called S-Video, S-VHS, or Y/C, this  
output is an advanced form of video which carries the brightness and color  
parts of images on two separate signals. It is compatible with the Hi-8 and  
Beta-ED standards. Feed it into compatible equipment by using the included  
S-Video cable and you’ll get a better-quality picture than the COMPOSITE  
output can provide.  
RED, GREEN, BLUE, SYNC (DB9 female): This premium-quality output,  
which can be used by some video projectors and monitors, consists of separate  
red, green, blue, and sync signals. If you’d like to use this output with compat-  
ible equipment, call your supplier for a special quote on RGBS cable with  
a male DB9 connector on one end and male BNC connectors, European  
SCART connectors, or connectors for Sharp LCD projectors on the other end.  
All outputs are available at the same time. You don’t have to terminate  
unused outputs.  
6
 
CHAPTER 3: Installation  
3.3 Selecting Your Video Standard  
Use the NTSC/PAL slide switch on the back of your Converter to choose  
which standard you’ll use for the VIDEO, S-VIDEO, and RGB outputs. NTSC  
is the video standard for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and parts of South  
America. PAL is used throughout most of Europe, the Middle East, Southern  
Asia, and the Pacific Rim.  
3.4 Booting Your Converter System  
If you haven’t already done so, plug in and turn ON your computer. The  
green indicator labeled LOCK on the Converter’s front panel should light,  
showing that the Converter is receiving a proper signal from the computer.  
(Refer to Chapter 5 for more information about this indicator.) Make sure  
the FREEZE IMAGE switch on the front panel is in the NORMAL position,  
so that your computer-image sequences will flow smoothly.  
Your ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II is now ready for normal  
operation.  
7
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
4. Operation  
The ProVideo Converter and Video Converter II are designed for ease of use,  
reliability, intelligence, and high performance. We hope you’ll find that using  
your Converter is pretty simple, especially since there are few controls to  
adjust and no hidden DIP switches to set. However, we suggest you read this  
chapter carefully so you can fully understand how your Video Converter  
operates and can take advantage of all its features.  
Figure 4-1, below, shows the front panels of the ProVideo Converter  
and Video Converter II with their buttons and indicators.  
ProVideo Converter  
INPUT  
UNDER  
ANTI-  
TEST  
MAGNIFY  
FREEZE  
SCAN  
HOME  
FLICKER  
POWER  
Outputs enlarged portion of  
image when MAGNIFY is  
pressed / lit; outputs center/  
corner portions when HOME  
is pressed  
Anti-flicker filter  
is active when  
ANTI-FLICKER  
is pressed / lit  
Outputs test  
patterns when  
TEST is pressed / lit  
Receiving power  
when POWER is lit;  
input signal from  
computer is OK  
Moves image when  
Image is “shrunk” in both  
Image is “frozen”  
on the screen  
when FREEZE is  
pressed / lit  
IMAGE POSITIONING the horizontal and vertical  
ARROWS  
directions when  
when INPUT is lit  
are pressed  
UNDERSCAN is pressed / lit  
Video Scan Converter II  
INPUT  
UNDER  
SCAN  
ANTI-  
FLICKER  
TEST  
FREEZE  
POWER  
Figure 4-1. The front panels of the ProVideo Converter  
and Video Converter II.  
8
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
4.1 Indicators  
Most of the Converter’s indicators are mounted in, and function in concert  
with, its front-panel pushbuttons; these indicators are described in the next  
section. There are also two independent LEDs mounted in the front panel:  
POWER: This indicator lights when your Converter is ON (receiving DC  
power through its external power supply). If this light is glowing dimly or not  
at all, there might be something wrong with the power supply. See Chapter 6.  
INPUT: This indicator lights when the Converter is receiving a valid  
computer signal through the VGA IN or MAC IN connector on its rear panel.  
®
For a list of all the combinations of VGA and Mac display resolutions and  
vertical refresh rates that the ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II  
supports, see the Resolutions and Refresh Rates specification in Chapter 1.  
If the Converter does not detect one of these resolution/refresh rate  
combinations on its input, it will output a flat blue screen (see Section 4.3.1).  
4.2 Using the Front-Panel Controls  
TEST BUTTON: This button will force your Converter to generate one of two  
test signals on its COMPOSITE and S-VIDEO outputs. (These test signals are  
not available on the RGBS output.) When you press this button once, the  
indicator LED on the button will light up and the Converter will output a  
“color bar” signal. When you press this button a second time, its LED will stay  
lit, but the Converter will now output a “grayscale ramp.” When you press this  
button a third time, the LED will go off and the Converter will resume  
outputting images received from your computer.  
NOTE  
If the TEST button is pressed in continuously for 5 seconds,  
the Converter will automatically reset itself to its default power-up state.  
UNDERSCAN BUTTON: When this button has not been pressed, images that  
the Coverter outputs in composite, S-Video, and RGBS formats will fill the  
entire viewable screen area. But because some monitors “overscan” their  
screens, some desirable parts of your images could be cropped off the screen.  
If this happens, press this button to shrink the images, both horizontally and  
vertically, approximately 10% in size. (The button’s green LED will light.)  
Press the button again to restore the images to their original sizes; the LED  
will go dark.  
9
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
ANTI-FLICKER BUTTON: When this button has not been pressed, the  
Converter sends images using fully interlaced composite, S-Video, and RGBS  
video signals. However, thin horizontal lines in the images might appear to  
“flicker” on and off at a very fast rate. If this happens, you can use this button  
to activate one of two levels of flicker reduction. When you press this button  
once, its green light will flash once and stay lit, indicating that “level 1” of  
flicker reduction is active. Level 1 may still show some flicker but will preserve  
a greater amount of detail than level 2. Use level 1 unless you still find the  
flicker annoying.  
When you press this button a second time, its green light will flash twice  
and stay lit, indicating that “level 2” of flicker reduction is active. Level 2 will  
completely eliminate the flicker but will also reduce the detail in the image.  
Press the button a third time to turn off the anti-flicker filter; the LED will  
go dark.  
FREEZE BUTTON: If you want to freeze a frame of an image sequence on  
the screen without stopping your computer application, press this button:  
The image on the Composite, S-Video, and RGBS outputs will be frozen and  
the button’s green LED will light. When you press this button again, the  
Converter will resume outputting images received from your computer and  
the LED will go dark.  
IMAGE-POSITIONING ARROWS: TV monitors and video projectors may  
not always display the image in the center of the screen even when it is  
underscanned. The Converter has four buttons that allow you to move the  
displayed image up, down, left, and right to properly position it in the center  
of the screen.  
Each time you press one of these arrows, the image will be moved one  
increment in the corresponding direction. If you press and hold an arrow  
down, the Converter will move the image continuously, slowly at first, then  
quickly.  
MAGNIFY BUTTON (ProVideo Converter only): Pushing this button will  
magnify the image from your computer by approximately 160%. When you  
first press the button, the button’s green LED will light and the upper left-  
hand corner of the computer image will fill the full screen of the ProVideo  
Converter’s output.  
10  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
By using the four positioning arrows, you can show any magnified portion  
of the original computer image. You can also move the display by pressing the  
HOME (UNDERSCAN) button: Each time you press it, the display will move  
to a different portion of the image:  
First time: Center  
Second time: Upper left-hand corner  
Third time: Lower left-hand corner  
Fourth time: Lower right-hand corner  
Fifth time: Upper right-hand corner  
Sixth time, etc.: (Cycle repeats)  
To restore the image to its original size, either press the MAGNIFY button  
again or press the TEST button. The MAGNIFY LED will go dark.  
4.3 Other Features  
4.3.1 THE BLUE SCREEN  
From time to time the Converter might output a blue screen, either  
momentarily or continuously. The ProVideo Converter and Video Converter  
II automatically produce this blue screen under any one of the following  
conditions:  
• Output flashes blue briefly: Your computer temporarily changes  
resolutions while running a program.  
• Output continuously blue: There is no input signal from the computer.  
• Output continuously blue: There is a signal from the computer, but  
its resolution and/or refresh rate are not supported by the Converter.  
If you think you shouldn’t be getting a blue screen, make sure one of the  
above conditions is not occurring.  
11  
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
4.3.2 COMPUTER-DISPLAY RESOLUTION SUPPORT  
The ProVideo Converter and Video Converter II do their best to determine  
the pixel resolution (for example, 640 x 480) and the vertical refresh rate (for  
example, 72 Hz) of every image that comes from your computer. While there  
are published standards for most of the display modes, some manufacturers  
of older cards may have chosen to vary slightly from these standards.  
If you encounter a display mode that matches one of the Resolutions and  
Refresh Rates listed in Chapter 1, but the Converter does not respond to it,  
notify your supplier of the problem; tell them the make and model of the  
computer and video-display card, as well as the display resolution and vertical  
refresh rate you’re having a problem with.  
4.3.3 THE COMPUTER-INPUT CABLE  
The special cable that connects your computer to your Converter, included  
with your ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II package, is designed to  
be compatible with both VGA and Macintosh computers. It is specially wired,  
and DB15-to-DB15HD adapters cannot be used as substitutes. Until you are  
used to this cable, it might be a good practice to always plug it into the  
computer first when you connect or reconnect it, so that you are sure to  
use the right connector on the Converter.  
12  
 
CHAPTER 5: What to Expect from Converted Computer Images  
5. What to Expect from Converted  
Computer Images  
We have included this section to give you some insight into what you can  
and should expect computer images to look like once they are converted  
to standard video. People are sometimes surprised that computer images  
converted to video do not look as sharp and vivid as they do on the computer  
monitor. Although this might be somewhat disappointing, it should come as  
no surprise.  
Color TV and video monitors, and the conventional video standards they  
use (NTSC and PAL), have been with us since the 1940s and 50s. When  
high-resolution computer-graphics standards such as VGA and Mac II  
were introduced less than a decade ago, new display technologies had been  
developed to achieve higher detail and sharper colors. But, although many  
design improvements have been made to TV monitors and VCRs, they are  
still limited to basic technologies that are 40 years old.  
Scan converters like the ProVideo Converter and Video Converter II were  
created to bridge the gap between the dissimilar standards of computer video  
and conventional video equipment. They work, but the trade-off in the  
process is that you are taking computer images whose sharpness and detail are  
clearly visible on today’s monitors and displaying them on TVs, or recording  
them on VCRs, that can’t do them justice. But all is not lost. There are a few  
things you can do to get the best image possible on your TV/monitor or  
recorded on videotape. The tips that follow will all contribute to improved  
quality of your display and VCR recording.  
• In the world of video, black, white, and all the shades of gray are not  
processed the same way as “real colors.” TVs and VCRs process these  
shades with a minimum of distortion. When it’s possible, consider using  
grayscale images, because they’ll be much sharper than the equivalent  
colored images.  
• The “Christmas Effect” occurs with computer images created by artists  
who really like the green and red color combination. Nothing looks worse  
on a TV. Try to avoid saturated colors.  
13  
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
• Sometimes graphics look so impressive on a computer monitor that users  
assume that the process of conversion to TV can’t possibly make the  
graphics look bad. However, what TVs will actually show, especially if they  
are displaying a video signal that was “beat up” by a VCR recording, can  
be ugly. To avoid such nasty surprises, connect a Converter and TV to  
your computer and view your “televised” graphics while you create them,  
before you present them.  
• When you make VCR recordings, use either (1) a “Pro” or “Broadcast”  
grade, name-brand tape, or (2) an S-VHS (Super-VHS) tape (these will  
play in standard VHS machines). Also, record using the fastest speed  
(the speed corresponding to the shortest total time per tape—2 hours on  
a T-120 cassette). You will have less noise and tape jitter in your recording.  
• Almost all TVs and video monitors overscan images, resulting in some  
of the picture being “cropped” off the edges of the picture tube. The  
Converter’s UNDERSCAN mode will shrink images to compensate for this  
overscan, which will vary in amount from one TV or monitor to another.  
But even UNDERSCAN won’t entirely eliminate the problem on some  
TVs and monitors. To ensure that the useful parts of your images are  
visible on all normally operating TVs and monitors, keep all text and  
other informational content at least 5% in from the sides, top and  
bottom.  
• By far the most annoying effect that occurs when a computer image is  
converted to video is “flicker.” This rapid flashing of images’ brightness  
can appear to be pervasive throughout the screen or localized to one  
particular area. It is most noticeable on thin horizontal lines, particularly  
on bright lines against a dark background. It is not seen on computer  
monitors because all the horizontal lines that make up the image are  
drawn on the screen in one pass from top to bottom, 60 or 70 times a  
second. When the same image is converted to video, a single line will only  
be drawn on the screen either 30 (NTSC) or 25 (PAL) times a second.  
This rate is not rapid enough to make your brain register each drawing  
of the line as the same continuous line, so the line appears to flicker.  
The anti-flicker filter in your Converter employs an advanced design  
technique to overcome this problem with only a very slight loss in vertical  
detail.  
14  
 
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting  
6. Troubleshooting  
The first part of this chapter lists some concerns that commonly arise during  
operation af the ProVideo Converter and Video Converter II, as well as some  
possible causes and remedies. The other sections describe the steps you  
should take if a problem proves intractable.  
6.1 Common Concerns  
If your ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II is doing something wrong,  
the first thing to try is to press and hold the TEST button on the Converter’s  
front panel for five seconds. The Converter should turn off all of its special  
functions (TEST, UNDERSCAN, FREEZE, etc.) and reset itself to its default  
power-up state. If this doesn’t help, follow the directions under the approp-  
riate heading in this section. If there is no appropriate heading for the  
problem you’re having, or if the recommended procedures don’t help,  
call Black Box—see Section 6.2.  
Nothing works or No computer output or Continuous blue screen.  
1. Is the power supply connected and plugged into the AC wall outlet?  
Check the POWER LED. If it’s lit, go to Step 2.  
2. Are the cables running from your computer to the Converter and from  
the Converter to your video equipment properly connected? If they are,  
go to Step 3.  
3. Do you get color bars or a gray scale when you press the TEST button?  
If not, call your supplier. If you do, press the TEST button until its LED  
goes out, then go to Step 4.  
4. Is the computer sending out a proper VGA or Mac video signal?  
Check the green INPUT LED. If it’s lit, try replacing the Converter’s  
connection to your computer with a direct connection to a compatible  
monitor. If this monitor’s display looks OK, can the Converter support  
the resolution and refresh rate of the image the computer is sending?  
(Check the Resolutions and Refresh Rates spec in Chapter 1.) If the  
Converter should be able to support your image, call Black Box.  
15  
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
No video outputs.  
1. Is the LED on the FREEZE button lit? If it is, press the FREEZE button  
again to restore normal operation. If not, go to Step 2.  
2. Is your video equipment set or configured to the proper mode to accept  
direct video input? If it is, go to Step 3.  
3. Is the computer sending out a proper video signal? Check the green  
INPUT LED. If it’s lit, try replacing the Converter’s connection to your  
computer with a direct connection to a compatible monitor. If the  
monitor’s display looks OK, can the Converter support the resolution  
and refresh rate of the image the computer is sending? (Check the  
Resolutions and Refresh Rates spec in Chapter 1.) If the Converter  
should be able to support your image, call Black Box.  
The edges of the image are being cut off.  
Is the LED on the UNDERSCAN button lit? If not, press the  
UNDERSCAN button to shrink the image and use the arrow buttons  
to position it. If the LED is already lit, or if pressing the UNDERSCAN  
button doesn’t help, then your TV or monitor has an excessive amount  
of overscan. If possible, try a different TV or monitor. If this can’t be  
done or still doesn’t help, call Black Box.  
Only a closeup on part of the image is being displayed.  
Are the LEDs on the MAGNIFY or UNDERSCAN buttons lit? If not, or if  
pressing the button(s) with the lit LED(s) doesn’t help, call Black Box.  
The color on the TV monitor doesn’t match the color on the computer  
monitor.  
Since the picture tube in your computer monitor is different from  
the one in your TV or video monitor, you might see color differences  
with certain images. Adjust the COLOR, TINT, BRIGHTNESS, and  
CONTRAST controls on your TV to help match the colors to those  
on the computer monitor; the Converter’s built-in test patterns might  
be helpful.  
16  
 
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting  
6.2 Calling Black Box  
If you determine that your ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II is  
malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-  
serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.  
The problem may be solvable over the phone.  
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be  
able to provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete  
description, including:  
• the nature and duration of the problem.  
• when the problem occurs.  
• the components involved in the problem, including the makes  
and models of the computer, video card, and video equipment.  
• any particular application that, when used,  
appears to create the problem or make it worse.  
• the display resolution and vertical refresh rate of the images  
you are trying to display.  
6.3 Shipping and Packaging  
If you need to transport or ship your Converter:  
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.  
• If you are shipping the Converter for repair, include its power supply  
and its input and output cables. If you are returning the Converter, make  
sure you include everything you received with the unit. Before you ship,  
contact Black Box to get a Return Materials Authorization (RMA)  
number.  
17  
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
Appendix A: S-Video, the Improved-  
Quality Video Standard  
Most of us are familiar with two forms of TV video: (1) “RF,” which is how  
broadcast and cable TV comes into our homes, and (2) “Composite Video,”  
“Baseband Video,” or just plain “Video,” which is a single electrical signal  
(made up of brightness, color, and synchronizing components) used by most  
VCRs.  
A problem arises when your TV, monitor, or VCR has to break either of  
these signals apart to show it on the screen or record it on tape. A lot of  
processing is involved and distortions of the image occur. Several years ago,  
TV engineers devised a simple scheme which was not only relatively inexpen-  
sive to implement but very effective in reducing these distortions. It is called  
“S-Video,” and can be used with your ProVideo Converter or Video Converter II.  
In this TV-signal system, there are actually two signals. The “LUMINANCE”  
(“Y”) signal carries the sync and brightness components of the picture,  
while the “CHROMINANCE” (“CHROMA” or “C”) signal carries the  
color component. By feeding these two signals into your video equipment  
separately, S-Video eliminates the need for the equipment to do the work of  
separating the signals internally. The result is a displayed image that has more  
detail and less color distortion. If you were to compare two otherwise identical  
images, one displayed using Video mode and the other using S-Video, the  
difference in the quality of the images would be dramatic.  
Almost all of the new larger-screen TVs that have audio/video jacks also  
have an S-Video jack just like the one on the rear of your Converter. If it is  
available, use it! You will see a difference.  
18  
 
APPENDIX B: Connector Pinouts  
Appendix B: Connector Pinouts  
POWER (Inverted phono jack)  
Center +5 VDC In  
Outer Ground  
VGA OUT/MAC IN (DB15HD female)  
VGA OUT  
MAC IN  
1
2
Red  
1
2
Red  
Green  
Green  
3
Blue  
3
Blue  
4
N/C  
4
ID Bit LO-Res Out  
Ground  
5
Ground  
5
6
Red Ground  
Green Ground  
Blue Ground  
Ground  
6
Red Ground  
Green Ground  
Blue Ground  
Ground  
7
7
8
8
10  
11  
13  
14  
15  
10  
11  
13  
14  
15  
Ground (ID bit 0)  
H-Sync In  
V-Sync In  
ID bit 3  
Ground  
Composite Sync In  
V-Sync In  
H-Sync In  
VGA IN/MAC OUT (DB15 female)  
VGA IN  
MAC OUT  
1
2
Red  
1
2
Red  
Green  
Green  
3
Blue  
Ground  
3
Blue  
5
5
Ground  
6
Red Ground  
Green Ground  
Blue Ground  
N/C  
6
Red Ground  
Green Ground  
Blue Ground  
ID Bit LO-Res In  
Ground  
7
7
8
8
9
9
10  
12  
13  
14  
15  
Ground  
ID bit 1  
10  
12  
13  
14  
15  
N/C  
H-Sync Out  
V-Sync Out  
ID bit 3  
Composite Sync Out  
V-Sync Out  
H-Sync Out  
19  
 
PROVIDEO CONVERTER AND VIDEO CONVERTER II  
COMPOSITE (RCA phono jack)  
Center Video Out  
Outer  
Video Ground  
S-VIDEO OUTPUT (4-pin mini-DIN female)  
1
2
3
4
Ground  
Ground  
Luminance  
Chrominance  
RGBS OUTPUT (DB9 female)  
1
3
4
5
8
Ground  
Red  
Green  
Blue  
Composite Sync  
20  
 
© Copyright 1995. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746  
 

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