Tektronix Adds New Automatic Changeover Units to Next Generation Master Sync & Master Clock System

BEAVERTON, Ore., Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix (www.tektronix.com), the market leader in broadcast video test, monitoring and analysis solutions, today announced the worldwide availability of its new automatic changeover units, the ECO8000 and ECO8020. Made to be deployed with the Tektronix SPG8000 Master Sync and Master Clock Reference Generator, together form the most advanced sync generator system for modern broadcast facilities, mobile trucks and post production facilities offering exceptional reliability, stability and high availability.

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The fully-featured SPG8000 comes standard with individually timeable black burst (with VITC support) and HDTV tri-level sync outputs, linear time code (LTC) outputs and network time protocol (NTP) server support – all of the timing and synchronizing signals required in a video broadcast or production facility.  The new ECO8000 and ECO8020 are designed to match perfectly with two SPG8000s to provide extra redundancy for the sync generator system, which demands ultra-high reliability for the most critical timing and synchronization system in broadcast facilities. The primary enhancements to the new generation of automatic changeover units include: 

• Hot-swappable redundant dual power supply system. Minimizing disruptions in operations, this power system virtually removes the risk of sync loss due to power supply unit failure, in addition to high availability of timing and synchronization signal sources from the sync generator system. Unique to the ECO8000 and ECO8020, the units periodically test the backup power supply to verify its performance. If the test fails, a fault will be indicated on the LED fault indicator as well as an error message for backup power supply replacement – providing extra assurance that the backup power supply will be ready when needed. Both primary and backup power supplies are hot-swappable which again supports minimizing operation disruptions.
• SNMP error reporting and Web UI support. With the growing use of automation, central monitoring and control systems within broadcast facilities there is an increased demand for  the ability to remotely monitor the status of the sync generator system. With SNMP support and the Tektronix Web UI, the ECO8000 and ECO8020, together with the SPG8000, can be seamlessly integrated into the facility control systems improving visibility and availability of the synchronization system.
• 3G-SDI support. In order to be "future proof" many new digital video facilities need to be able to support 3G-SDI workflows. The ECO8000 and ECO8020 are fully 3G-SDI capable, helping new digital facilities meet the requirements and protect infrastructure investments.
• Scalable product architecture from two products to fit various application needs. Equipped with scalable architecture, the ECO8000 and ECO8020 are designed to allow customers to configure their sync generator systems to fit specific application needs without paying more for unnecessary ECO channels. Additionally, the ECO8020 brings the industry its first high channel density changeover unit (maximum 20 BNC channels plus four LTC channels) in a 1RU height form factor which is ideally suited to  mobile trucks applications and where rack space is at a premium.

"As a leader in sync generator systems, we are continually developing new features and capabilities to enable our customers to significantly improve the reliability, stability and availability of these mission critical systems. Our newest models of ECO units are designed with this philosophy in mind," said Eben Jenkins, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. "When coupled with our  industry-leading SPG8000 master sync and master clock reference generator, the modern design of our new ECO8000 and ECO8020 ensures the complete sync generator system meets a wide variety of configuration needs, is reliable and protects our customers' investments in infrastructure. "

Availability
The ECO8000 and ECO8020 are available to order now worldwide.  For more information about the ECO8000 and ECO8020 visit http://www.tek.com/sync-pulse-generator-spg.

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About Tektronix
For more than sixty five years, engineers have turned to Tektronix for test, measurement and monitoring solutions to solve design challenges, improve productivity and dramatically reduce time to market. Tektronix is a leading supplier of test equipment for engineers focused on electronic design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix serves customers worldwide and offers award-winning service and support. Stay on the leading edge at www.tektronix.com.

Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Tektronix, Inc