Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will the YCS SW6 MX both encode S-video and decode composite video?

   Yes. The YCS SW6 MX has both a high quality encoder and decoder. This unit is a 6 x 1 composite switcher with four S-video inputs in parallel with four of the composite inputs. The result is four of the inputs accept either composite video or S-video. The YCS SW6 MX outputs provide composite video and S-video simultaneously, regardless of whether the input signal is composite video or S-video.


2. Does Extron sell RS-232 extensions?

   Yes. We provide a number of standard, stripped-ended, and null-modem RS-232 cables in various lengths--up to 250' (76m).


3. What does the term "system switcher" mean?

   The term system switcher (such as the Extron System 8/10 Plus, 4LDxi, 5cr Plus, and 7SC) describes a switcher that has projector control. In other words, the projector can be conveniently controlled from the switcher. This includes controlling display power, display mute, RGB mute, and audio mute. Also, the switcher can be set up to inform the projector what type of signal (composite, S-video, or RGB) it is directing to the projector. This way the projector will switch to the appropriate input card according to the type of signal that is selected at the system switcher. The System 5cr Plus and 7SC also offer room control.


4. What is video loop back?

   Video loop back is a feature of Extron system switchers that allows selected inputs to be looped out of the system switcher to a scaler or scan converter and then looped back into the System. The result is the switcher and the scaler or scan converter essentially operate as one unit. Therefore, even if several composite sources need to be scaled, then only one scaler will be needed instead of a scaler at each input to the switcher.


5. How far can I run a signal out of the P/2 DA 2 Plus?

   Approximately 200' (60 m) for resolutions up to 1024 x 768 providing good quality cable is used.


6. Can I use either output on a P/2 DA 2 Plus to take to my display?

   Yes. Both outputs are fully buffered and capable of driving the signal the entire distance.


7. What is "rooming" on a matrix switcher?

   Most matrix switchers have presets. Presets allow the user to store the switchers I/O configuration in memory for quick reconfigurations. The only problem with presets is they reconfigure the whole switcher. Rooming allows you to break the switcher into multiple groups of output--each having its own set of presets. One use for rooming is to allow specific outputs to be grouped together for one room. Extron's Matrix 3200/6400 Series switchers can be used for up to 10 rooms with 10 presets each. Add that to the 32 global presets and they have a total of 132 presets.


8. What is an MBC cable?

   An MBC cable stands for "Monitor Breakout Cable." It is a splitter input cable that allows you to connect a computer to an Extron interface and still use the computer's local monitor simultaneously. Extron offers these as Y cables (up to 1024 x 768) or buffer cables (up to 1600 x 1200).


9. Can you run a digital audio signal on the BNCs of a matrix switcher?

   Some digital audio signals will pass through the video or RGB input and output channels of the Extron CrossPoint and Matrix Series switchers. A Dolby Digital AC-3 signal is an example of a digital audio signal which can be used with these switchers


10. Can the horizontal and vertical sync connectors on an Extron switcher or DA be used for composite video or S-video?

    Not as a general rule. Horizontal and vertical sync channels on Extron products are usually designed to switch TTL type signals, which are approximately 4-5 volts peak to peak. Video is approximately 0.7 volts and will not pass correctly on these channels. The exceptions to this rule are passive switchers, such as the System 8/10 Plus or the SW6 AR MX HV. Note that Extron manufactures no passive DAs or matrix switchers.


11. Does Extron make S-video to BNC adapters?

    Yes. The SVHSM-BNC cables are available with gender selection on the BNC side.


12. Does the System 7SC scale the computer signals that are input to the switcher?

    No. Only interlaced video inputs are processed by the scaling circuitry. RGB computer signals are passed through without processing.


13. What is the advantage of using an interface over a P/2 DA2 Plus?

    An interface provides many features that a P/2 DA2 Plus does not. Extron interfaces are designed to enhance the computer video signals with level and peaking adjustments that compensate for the loss of brightness and sharpness (fine detail). An interface also has the ability to change the outgoing sync signals as well as convert sync polarities and remove serration pulses. Additionally, an interface can utilize Advanced Digital Sync Processing (ADSP™ to help ensure a stable image on digital displays while allowing the image to be horizontally and vertically shifted. Lastly, interfaces provide ID bit termination to ensure video output from various computers and laptops, and many accept PC audio and output an unbalanced or balanced audio out. (Note: The P/2 DA2 MT and P/2 DA2 WM have peaking and level, audio and ID bit termination).


14. Can I switch a composite video or S-video signal through a CrossPoint matrix switcher?

    You certainly can, but you must dedicate an output to that type of signal. You would use a single color channel (red, green or blue) for a composite video signal, two colors for S-video, and three for component video. The key is to be consistent on the outputs. The CrossPoint switcher does not do any transcoding--whatever signal type comes in is what comes out. By incorporating our DVS 150 scaler or VSC line of scan converters, we can loop them back in and streamline our signal types.


15. Why can't I just use a cable between my computer and a projector?

    You can if you are within 15' (4.6 m) and don't require a local monitor display, such as in the case of a laptop. Extron recommends 15' although we realize that computer signals are being run longer distances to displays. The reason we recommend 15' is because all the variables can't be controlled, such as signal interference when additional equipment is added. Another variable is that the customer may swap computers, and the new computer could have a lower voltage output than its predecessor. Also bear in mind that some computers may require video or ID bit termination.


16. Does Extron have anything that will convert component to RGB?

    Yes. The CVC 200 provides high quality conversion from component to RGB.


17. If an Extron scan converter loses power, can the computer's local monitor still view the loop-through?

    Yes. Since it is just a loop-through and doesn't require power, the loop-through can be viewed.


18. Does Extron make adapters that are RGBHV BNCs on one end and a VGA/XGA (15-pin HD) on the other end?

    Yes. They are called SY-VGA/XGA cables and SY-15HDM-RGBHV cables, and they come in a variety of lengths and genders.


19. Is the Extron CAT 5 video output signal digital?

    No. The signals are differential analog signals.


20. Can I switch a composite video or S-video signal through a CrossPoint matrix switcher?

    You certainly can, but you must dedicate an output to that type of signal. You would use a single color channel (red, green or blue) for a composite video signal, two colors for S-video, and three for component video. The key is to be consistent on the outputs. The CrossPoint switcher does not do any transcoding--whatever signal type comes in is what comes out. By incorporating our DVS 150 scaler or VSC line of scan converters, we can loop them back in and streamline our signal types.


21. Why won't my laptop output a video signal?

    Many computers need to see termination before they send out a video signal. Laptops tend to be a little more demanding in this area and typically need to see proper termination on the external video output in the form of a computer monitor or termination adapter. Using a splitter or interface will allow connection of a monitor/terminator while providing the proper buffering. A laptop may also require a keyboard command to activate the external video output. Extron provides a list of many of these commands on our web site at: http://www.extron.com/technology/archive.asp?id=lapkey


22. How far can I run composite video from a VCR/DVD player?

    This depends on the type of cable used. Low quality cable will considerably limit the range. Extron recommends running no farther than 100' (30 m) with Extron MHR (mini high resolution) and 300' (90 m) with Extron SHR (super high resolution) cable. Running farther than this is possible; however, longer cable runs may result in a noticeable loss of video quality.


23. What is the distance a video signal can be reliably sent before an amplifier is needed to boost the signal?

    There are many factors which can affect a video signal, such as the quality of the cable being used, the output characteristics of the video signal, and the horizontal frequency or resolution of the signal. In some cases the signal can be extended for a long distance with very little visible degradation. In other cases the distance must be very short. Some guidelines to use for determining the need for an amplifier are: PC and Mac: 10-15' -- use an Extron RGB interface or DA to increase distance. Sun and SGI: 6-10' -- use an Extron RGB interface or DA to increase distance. Composite video: 100' (30 m) -- use an Extron CVDA 6 MX to increase distance. S-video: 50' (15 m)-- use an Extron SVDA 6 MX to increase distance. It also recommended that any time a signal is split, it should be split with a distribution amplifier. With computer video signals of 48 kHz and above, we recommend the use of a MBC buffer (instead of an MBC Y cable) for the input to an interface. This will assure that the signal is of the highest quality possible.