User manual GRASS VALLEY APEX DATASHEET

[. . . ] Central to the Apex system is its adaptability. Scaling to 1024x1024 via a unique Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) switching architecture, it offers the simplest expansion path available--for both studio and mobile users. It handles any data rate a facility could ever need, supporting simultaneous synchronous and asynchronous signals from 30 to 100 kHz. [. . . ] The multi-format support of the Apex router includes AES digital audio (75 unbalanced and 110 balanced), Multiple Audio Distribution Interface (MADI), and Dolby E formats. Adaptable to Any Large-Scale Audio Environment The Apex system uses an 11 RU 256x256 chassis housing a unique TDM routing core enabling both a dense and feature-rich product. The system features cost-effective, reliable linear expansion: you can interconnect multiple frames to create matrices as large as 1024x1024 using only a handful of interconnection cables and without the need for expensive distribution amplifiers. KEY FEATURES · 11 RU 256x256 frame with either: -- 75 unbalanced BNC connectors and MADI BNC ports -- 110 balanced DB25 connectors with MADI BNC ports · Up to four frames can be connected linearly to create routers up to 1024x1024 · Simultaneous synchronous/ asynchronous support for 30 kHz to 100 kHz signals · Conforms to AES75, AES110, MADI, and Dolby E specifications · All active components are frontloading and hot swappable. · Fan and power supply modules are redundant · Input or output expansion in 32 crosspoint increments · One video and one audio sync reference per chassis (each with redundant inputs) along with output monitor ports for quality control · Various audio modes supported, including normal, mix, reverse · AES pair breakaway for full mono routing · Silent Switching with programmable V-fade for noiseless switching www. grassvalley. com product data sheet The adaptability of the Apex system also extends to its signal support. Unlike other routing systems that force you to purchase separate board sets and sample rate converters to handle multiple signal types, the Apex system can automatically detect a signal's type (synchronous or asynchronous), its rate (from 30 kHz to 100 kHz), and then switch it properly--without any additional modifications or intervention. It can even switch a signal that has lost its reference. An Apex chassis features two sync references: one video and one audio, plus a redundant input for each. This design enables you to use a video reference for audio switching while also supporting the proper, uncorrupted switching of Dolby E signals. Unrivaled Audio Features Designed with audio professionals in mind, the Apex system offers an unrivaled set of signal-processing features. These features include a silentswitching design to minimize unwanted clicks and pops. You can turn this feature on or off as needed. For full mono routing, the Apex system offers an AES Pair Breakaway feature. While input and output signals are always tied together as a left/right pair, the internal routing engine separates the pairs--hence the term breakaway--to handle the signals independently. This independent routing allows a control system to view the router as either a single-level stereo system in which the pairs switch together, or in a singlelevel mono system with two levels of mono audio. This capability also allows the Apex system to support a full complement of audio pair manipulation modes, including normal, mix, and reverse. Ensuring High Reliability To maximize uptime and reliability, the Apex system uses redundant TDM matrix cards. Should the primary matrix card fail, a secondary redundant card will take over immediately. The system also employs redundant TDM expansion links between chassis-- and connects those links in a fully connected star topology. This topology ensures that every chassis is speaking to every other chassis, eliminating the weak-link pitfalls of serial or daisy-chain topologies. To ensure even, uninterrupted cooling, the Apex system uses a common air chamber and an N+1 fan arrangement-- the same high-performance cooling approach used in the Trinix NXT digital video routing switcher. Additionally, the Apex system design curbs overall power usage by minimizing circuit board and component counts. [. . . ] These services include call centers staffed around the clock, commissioning, professional training courses, and technical maintenance programs and service agreements. www. grassvalley. com/support © Copyright 2011 Grass Valley USA, LLC. Grass Valley, Encore, Jupiter, and NetConfig are trademarks of GVBB Holdings S. a. r. l. [. . . ]