Operating instructions
MCO-5211 | 1
1 Introduction and
Applications
1.1 Introduction
The MCO-5211 Master Sync Change-over is designed to be used with a pair of MSG-5300 Master Sync Generators.
The MSG-5300 is designed as a modular Sync Pulse Generator (SPG) which can be configured for use in all
environments, from the smallest edit bay to the largest studio. The MCO-5211’s design complements this modular
approach to ensure complete sync system reliability.
The basic version of the MCO-5211 includes four channels equipped with 75.Ω BNC connectors. These channels can be
used to switch both analog and digital video signals as well as unbalanced digital audio.
Factory-installed options can provide additional channels:
• The MCO-OPT-8617 BNC channel option adds two BNC channels. Up to four MCO-OPT-8617 options may be
used at the same time.
• The MCO-OPT-8618 XLR channel option adds two XLR channels for balanced signal switching. Only one MCO-
OPT-8618 may be installed, leaving space for two MCO-OPT-8617 options.
1.2 Applications
The MCO-5211 Changeover is designed for use in both serial digital and analog television environments, as well as
environments with AES/EBU digital audio signals. The use of the changeover unit greatly improves the reliability of a
single SPG by having a backup unit ready to take over in the event of an SPG breakdown. To improve the reliability of
the complete system, it is essential to have a simple changeover unit, so that system reliability will not be affected by the
complexity of the changeover unit.
The MSG-5300 Digital Sync Generator employs internal surveillance of its operation by means of hardware separate
from the rest of the SPG. This reduces the complexity of the changeover unit and results in two independent sets of
surveillance circuits, one for each SPG.
Information on each of the SPGs operating conditions is communicated in a simple and reliable way to the changeover
unit, which in turn uses this information to determine the status of both SPGs.
The MCO-5211 Changeover automatically switches serial digital video, composite video, composite black burst,
AES/EBU digital audio, and LTC signals from the primary to the backup SPG.
The switching is done by means of relays which switch all channels simultaneously. Latching relays ensure that the SPG
selection remains unchanged even in the case of power failure in the changeover unit.
Front panel control is provided to select which generator is to be the primary SPG (operating mode manual or automatic).
The front panel is secured against accidental operation by a "HOLD TO MODIFY" button which must be pressed
simultaneously with any other button.
Remote control is facilitated by a parallel remote interface. In emergency situations, the remote control can always be
overruled by the front panel controls.
A simple relay contact in the remote connector may be used to connect an external warning circuit. The contact is open
during normal operation and closes during failure. This relay may be used to activate an external alarm in the event of a
failure - even in the case of power failure in the changeover system.