Introduction, General | Sun Microsystems DVC-3 instruction

Model DVC-3 Digital Video Coach

1. Introduction

1.1 General

Thank you for purchasing Hall Research Technologies’ Model DVC-3 (Digital Video Coach-3), a video test pattern generator for high- resolution display devices.

The unit provides DVI, PC (VGA through SXGA), and HDTV Component Video (Y, Pb, Pr) outputs. The DVC-3 features 28 static and dynamic video test patterns specially designed for testing, calibrating, and troubleshooting high end video gear and A/V installations.

In addition to all of standard PC resolutions and refresh rates (up to SXGA at 85 Hz), it is capable of providing HDTV outputs from 480p to 1080p both in DVI digital and in YPbPr formats. The OSD indicates output resolution and refresh rate settings. Among the available 28 test patterns are: color bar, multi-burst, circle, and crosshatch. The OSD will disappear from the screen, to prevent screen burn-in, after a time period of 8-20 seconds depending on the pattern being displayed.

The DVC-3 comes in a sturdy metal case and it includes DVI, VGA, and VGA-to-Component cables to handle most high-end testing and installation requirements. The DVC-3 is ideal to use with LCD, plasma, CRT monitors, and projectors that are equipped with PC, Component, or DVI inputs.

1.2Features

•3 devices in one. VGA, Component, and DVI video test pattern Generator

•Programmable PC output resolutions from 640x480 to 1280x1024 (VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA)

•Programmable HDTV output resolutions from 480p to 1080p (480p 576p 720p 1080p)

•28 typical and custom video test patterns (both static and dynamic)

•Easy-to-use push-button OSD menu control

•Includes all cables required

•Packaged in highly portable EMI shielded enclosure

DVC-3 specifications

Sun Microsystems DVC-3, or Digital Video Card 3, is a pivotal piece of hardware that played a significant role in the evolution of video processing and delivery in computing. Released during the early 1990s, the DVC-3 was particularly targeted at multimedia applications, aligning with the burgeoning demand for enhanced video capabilities in professional environments.

One of the main features of the DVC-3 is its ability to support high-quality video playback and capture, which was groundbreaking for its time. The card was engineered to handle various video formats, making it versatile for different applications. It provided users the ability to work with both analog and digital video sources, enhancing its utility in various multimedia projects.

The DVC-3 utilized advanced technologies such as motion JPEG, which allowed for efficient video compression and decompression. This technology helped ensure that video data could be processed quickly, enabling users to edit and create video content without significant delays. The DVC-3 also supported real-time video processing, which was essential for live video production and broadcasting.

Another characteristic that set the DVC-3 apart was its robust architecture that accommodated high-speed data transfer. This was crucial as video files can be substantial, necessitating a card capable of managing large volumes of data efficiently. The DVC-3 also featured multiple video outputs, allowing users to connect to various display devices, such as monitors and television sets, further enhancing its versatility.

The DVC-3 was designed with compatibility in mind, supporting industry-standard software applications for video editing and production. This ensured that users were not restricted in their choice of software, enabling a wider range of creative possibilities. In addition, the card was equipped with a dedicated processor which alleviated some of the computational burdens from the main CPU, improving overall system performance when handling multimedia tasks.

In summary, the Sun Microsystems DVC-3 was a landmark advancement in video card technology, bringing together essential features such as high-quality video processing, support for multiple formats, and robust data handling capabilities. Its introduction marked a significant step forward in the integration of video and computing, shaping the landscape for future developments in multimedia technology.