NVIDIA Corporation
22 Quadro FX 4500/5500 SDI User’s Guide– Version 2.0
CHAPTER 3
Windows–Using the Graphics to SDI Control Panel
Synchronizing the SDI Output to an External Source
You can synchronize the SDI output with other equipment in a broadcast or post
production environment.

Genlock Versus Frame Lock

The Graphics to SDI page provides two methods for synchronizing the SDI output to a
common sync source—Genlock and Frame lock.

Using Genlock

Genlock synchronizes the pixel scanning of the SDI output to an external synchronization
source.
When using genlock, the SDI refresh rate is determined by the sync source, so any refresh
rates that you may have chosen in the SDI signal format list do not apply.

Using Frame Lock

Frame lock synchronizes the frame rate of the SDI output to an external synchronization
source.
When using frame lock, only modes that are valid for the frame rate of the sync source can
be used for the SDI output. The valid modes will appear in the SDI signal format list.

Supported Synchronization Signals

NVIDIA Genlock supports the following external synchronization signal types:
•SDI
• Composite Bi-level (NTSC or PAL sources use bi-level composite signals.)
• Composite Tri-level (HDTV sources commonly use tri-level composite signals.)