Blackmagic Design Teranex Express

Blackmagic Design Teranex Express Overview

The Teranex Express from Blackmagic Design is a real-time SD, HD, and Ultra HD broadcast up/down converter. This lets you convert your SD and HD footage to Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160) for presentations on large high-resolution displays, or convert your Ultra HD footage for displaying on HD monitors.

With advanced processing technology developed and patented by Teranex, you get full 10-bit processing with high-quality de-interlace and Ultra HD scaling algorithms. You can also use the Teranex Express to synchronize non genlock external feeds or cameras into switchers for live production. Conversions retain timecode, include closed caption data, and maintain audio sync so your video is ready for real-time editing or broadcast.

The Teranex Express features two SDI input connectors -- one 12G and one 6G -- and matching output connectors, which support 12G-SDI and a Dual Link 6G-SDI signals. The in/out connections also support SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI signals, for compatibility with your existing SDI equipment. Loop outputs for each input and a genlock input are provided, as well as an industry standard socket so you can install an optional optical fiber module to run video up to 28 miles over fiber optic cable.

Using the same familiar control panel as the Teranex 2D and 3D, the Teranex Express puts all the controls you need at your fingertips. The built-in LCD monitor lets you navigate menus and see source format and frame rate with live video, so you don't need an external monitor for operation. The Teranex Express also features a machined metal front panel, compact 1RU size, and a built-in international power supply.

12G-SDI and Dual-Link 6G

12G-SDI provides 12 Gb/s of throughout, which is about 8 times faster than HD-SDI. The increased bandwidth lets you output Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) over a single cable and support Ultra HD 60p as well as other new formats as they become available. The 12G-SDI input/output connectors, along with the 6G-SDI input/output connectors (used for Dual Link signals), are also compatible with SD, HD, and 3G-SDI signals.

10-Bit Image Processing

With high-precision 10-bit image processing, you get four times the amount of colors than 8-bit, yielding smoother gradations and reducing color banding or other unwanted artifacts.

Control Panel with On Screen Menus

The Teranex Express features a logically designed front panel with back-illuminated buttons and an integrated LCD screen. You can use the soft buttons alongside the LCD screen and the control knob to fine tune settings and make precise adjustments with confidence during live broadcasts.

Deinterlacing

Using proprietary and patented PixelMotion deinterlacing algorithms, the Teranex Express creates progressive frames for conversion by adjusting the aperture on a pixel by pixel basis. This means you get improved image quality because the vertical resolution is maintained. PixelMotion deinterlacing preserves source detail and, when combined with multi-direction diagonal filters, helps eliminate jagged edges on conversion, yielding well-defined edges and sharp images.

Image Scaling

With all new real-time optical quality scaling algorithms that simulate an optical zoom, you get images with high detail and clarity. When converting between SD, HD, and Ultra HD resolution, sub-pixel processing and multi-directional diagonal filters to produce clean looking images.

Proc Amp Controls

A complete set of Pro Amp controls let you adjust luminace gain, black level, chroma saturation, chroma hue, R-Y/B-Y color difference values, and sharpness of source feeds and make correction in real time during conveersions.

Audio, Timecode and Subtitles

Video includes a lot more than images, and Teranex also supports conversion of up to 16 audio channels plus timecode and closed caption VANC data. This means timecode matches during conversion to the 0 frames, and subtitles are retained. The Teranex Express is also compatible with Dolby encoded audio, letting it be passed to the output without having to decode or re-encoded during up an down conversions.

Optional Optical Fiber Module

the Teranex Express can carry video signals up to 28 miles over fiber optic cables using the optional Optical Fiber Module.

AFD/WSS

Active Format Distribution (AFD) and Widescreen Signaling (WSS) are a standard set of codes that carry information about a video signal's aspect ratio and active picture characteristics. Ternanew Express preserves AFD and WSS information during the conversion process, so that means your screen will automatically select the correct aspect ratio for video playback.

Apects Ratio Conversions

The Teranex Express supports a wide range of fixed aspect ratios as well as color fill, letting you conver between 4:3, 16:9, and more.

Closed Caption

Now mandatory in many countries for broadcast distribution, captions are usually stored as ancillary data embedded into an SDI stream. The Teranex Express understands the different types of Closed Caption data found in SD and HD video streams, and will preserve and convert it into the proper CEA-608 or CEA-708 format for your output video.

Timecode

ATC/VITC timecode is passed through and retained during the conversion process so source timecode is always preserved. You also have the option to jam sync of generate new timecode for sources that have inconsistent or unusable embedded timecode.

Test Pattern Generator

For color calibrating monitors or aligning digital projectors, the internal test pattern generator can display black burst and test patterns, including SMPTE color bars, grids, and resolution charts.

Power

A built-in 110/240V international power supply with a standard IEC connection lets you use the Teranex Express anywhere in the world, when used with the appropriate power cord.