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Knowledge Base > Discontinued Products > SSG192 High Definition Studio Sync Generator

Where can I find a User's Guide for the SSG192 High Definition Studio Sync Generator?

What is video blackburst?

Blackburst is an analog video signal that contains sync information (frame rate) but no picture information. It serves the same function as Word Clock, but for video devices. It serves as a timing reference for VTRs and non-linear editors so that they can achieve frame-accurate locks during edits and transfers.

What is Superclock?

Superclock is a format used exclusively by Digidesign in their ProTools series of software and hardware. It is a clock reference that is 256 times the sampling rate. In theory this makes the clock more accurate because there are so many more pulses in the data stream. When interfacing with a ProTools system, make sure the output of the clock generator is set to Superclock. When incorporating regular Word Clock devices along with a ProTools system, it is necessary to support both formats simultaneously. The Lucid GENx6 will only do one at a time, but can be locked together with another GENx6. The GENx6-96 and SSG192 can support both formats simultaneously.

What are the jitter specifications for the SSG192 High Definition Studio Sync Generator?

25ps rms, 80ps peak jitter; ppm drift less than 5ppm typical, 20ppm max.

Where can I find a Data Sheet for the SSG192 High Definition Studio Sync Generator?

How do the SSG192 High Definition Studio Sync Generator and Lucid Distribution boxes fit into a modern studio setup?

There are a variety of scenarios where the combination of one or more of these products will improve or even stabilize the performance of a modern digital recording/editing system. Some examples are:

Simple digital audio setup – GENx6 will generate word or superclock through its 6 outputs to synchronize multiple generic or Digidesign devices (either/or, not both simultaneously).

Post production – the SSG 192 functions as the master timing reference for a video editing suite where digital audio needs to be integrated into and resolved to the video. It delivers video sync to VTRs and non-linear editors, word clock to digital audio devices, and superclock to Digidesign products. It can also reference to incoming blackburst from video gear.

Audio recording – the SSG delivers word clock and superclock to the appropriate digital audio devices. It can be configured via internal jumpers to provide 3 word and 3 superclock outputs simultaneously. The most direct and reliable solution for a scenario that includes Pro Tools and other digital audio gear in the same system. A alternative solution would be to use 2 GENx6 units sync’d to each other with one generating word clock and the other generating superclock. Less expensive than a single SSG.

Multiroom facility – the SSG provides audio sync via AES11 output (audio equivalent of blackburst) that is stable down a long cable run (200+ feet). CLKx6 or GENx6 can receive the AES sync and distribute it as word clock or superclock to the local rack. AESx4 can be placed in between the SSG and distribution boxes to create up to 4 streams to address 4 separate rooms. SSG has 2 AES outputs for 8 possible sync streams from 2 AESx4 units, to 8 CLKx6 or GENx6, to 48 peripheral devices.

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What is varispeed?

Any linear deviation in playback speed. The sample rate is affected because the playback is either sped up or slowed down. The applications are primarily for video and occur during format transfers either between PAL and NTSC, and/or film to video. The values are 4% and .1% and can be applied in a positive or negative direction. 4% is the difference between NTSC at 29.97 fps and PAL at 25 fps. The .1% value is often used during layback of audio to video.

Is the SSG192 a time code (LTC, VITC, etc.) generator?

No. A time code generator creates a linear stream of addresses that can be interpreted by a time code reader (stand-alone, embedding into picture, or incorporated into a device) as an absolute location. It is used to synchronize transports when lockup of multiple machines is desired. The SSG192 does not support this function or synchronize in this context.

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