SignVideo DA8 Setup Manual

SignVideo™
Copyright © 2003 by Sign Video Ltd.
Video/Audio Distribution Amplifier
Video Duplication Set Up Manual
See your product manual for specific information about your model of distribution amp. Use this
.
manual to configure a set up for multiple recorder video duplication

Selecting Equipment

Master Playback Device

Choose a master playback device, such as a VCR, camcorder or DVD player that you will use to
play back the recording you wish to duplicate. For the best results use the device that will play
back the best quality master you have available. A miniDV tape, for example, is of much better
quality than a VHS tape, and it works fine to connect a miniDV camcorder directly to the input of
the distribution amp.

Slave Recorders

As much as possible, choose VCRs or other slave recording devices that are the same make and
model so that you can control them all with a single remote control. This way you can start them
and stop them and put them into record all at the same time. Of course, you can mix both VCRs
and DVD recorders and record DVDs and tapes at the same time. Then you will need to use at
least two different remote controls.

Cables

Use 75 ohm video cables for the best video. If you are using dubbing cables which group two
audio cables with one video cable, generally the video cable should be thicker than either of the
two audio cables. If the cables are all the same thickness, the video cable is probably not 75 ohm
cable (and don't use it unless the packaging states that it is 75 ohm video cable). Proper
audio/video dubbing cables are also available from Sign Video or your Sign Video dealer.

Television or Video Monitor

For viewing video it is best to use a video monitor or television that has direct audio and video
inputs, rather than a television that has only an antenna input. An antenna (or cable) input is a
single input, and there is a wire coming out of the center of the cable connector. Audio/video
inputs will consist of separate inputs for video and audio and often will be color coded (see cable
color codes below). With audio/video inputs your television or monitor will also work with the
video selector described below, permitting you to view each recorder output without swapping
cables, plus allow you to perform rapid quality control checks of your finished recordings.

Audio/Video Input Selector/ Dub Checker for Quality Control

In order to be able to quickly check the quality of your recordings, it is best to use an audio/video
input selector, also known as a dub checker. Outputs from all of your record decks are fed into
the inputs of the video selector. The output of the video selector is then fed into your TV/monitor.
This allows you to play back your newly finished recordings all at the same time (using a single
remote control as described earlier), and then to view the play back of each recording in rapid
succession by pushing the input select buttons one right after another. Audio/video input
selectors are available from Sign Video or your Sign Video Dealer.