Kramer Electronics 123V user manual Introduction, A Word On Distribution Amplifiers

1 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of this Kramer Electronics Differential Line Amplifier. Since 1981, Kramer has been dedicated to the development and manufacture of high quality video/audio equipment. The Kramer line has become an integral part of many of the best production and presentation facilities around the world. In recent years, Kramer has redesigned and upgraded most of the line, making the best even better. Kramer’s line of professional video/audio electronics is one of the most versatile and complete available, and is a true leader in terms of quality, workmanship, price/performance ratio and innovation. In addition to the Kramer line of high quality format interfaces, such as the one you have just purchased, Kramer also offers a full line of high quality distribution amplifiers, switchers, processors, controllers and computer-related products. This manual includes configuration, operation and option information for the 123V.

2 A WORD ON DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS

Distribution amplifiers distribute one signal to several users. They vary in the number of inputs, looping capability, number of outputs, operating format, bandwidth and input/output coupling. Distribution amplifiers are used to distribute one video and/or audio source to several video/audio acceptors for simultaneous recording or monitoring one source.

A quality distribution amplifier amplifies the incoming signal (video and audio), pre-compensates the signal for potential losses (resulting from the use of long cables, for example) and generates several identical buffered and amplified outputs. Often, a signal processor is inserted between the source and the distribution amplifier for correction and fine-tuning of the source signal before multiplication, so that all copies are corrected in the same way.

There are many factors effecting signal quality when it is transmitted from a source to an acceptor:

!Source and acceptor signal handling capability. Since different equipment offer different degrees of quality, the final result is determined by the performance of the lowest quality item. Using a low quality source will always result in low quality duplicates.

!The connection cables should be of the best quality you can afford. Low quality cables are susceptible to interference, deteriorate signal quality due to poor matching and cause elevated noise levels.

!Sockets and connectors of the sources and acceptors, so often ignored, should be of best quality, as "Zero Ohm" connection resistance should be assured. Sockets and connectors should match the required impedance (75 ohms is used in video). Cheap connectors tend to rust, causing breaks in the signal path.

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