Glossary
Absolute Value
An absolute value function inverts all values below zero and forces the output to be positive.
Chroma Key Generator
processes the chroma components (PbPr) of a component video signal, allowing key extraction based on Hue and Saturation of the video source
Clipping Amplifier
Also known as a soft key generator or wide range contrast processor. The output is created by amplifying the video source to create a high contrast mask with variable edge width.
Comparator
Also known as a hard key generator or 1-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital converter) function. When the positive input voltage is greater than the negative input voltage, the output is 1 volt (White Level). Otherwise, the output is 0 volts (Black Level).
Component Key Generator
acts on one color channel at a time, but still includes the entire colorspace in its output function
Doubler
Also known as a saw-to-triangle waveshaper, the doubler is a combination of an absolute value function and clipping amplifier function.
Encoder
A video encoder takes 1 volt scale unipolar signals for Red, Green & Blue color channels, and performs all operations required to convert them into a video signal for display or recording.
Exponential Amplifier
An exponential amplifier changes a linear input voltage into an output with exponential scale.
Fader
a module which performs a transition between two video sources. typically it has a direct key input, without much local control over the key itself.
Frame Synchronizer
A frame synchronizer takes an external video feed and synchronizes it with the system's internal timing. A frame synchronizer is usually required to input multiple external video sources into your system like cameras and media players.
Hard Key
a boolean logic signal which switches between two signals.
Hard Key Generator
typically implemented as a differential analog comparator.
Key
any video signal used to control a transition between two or more other video signals
Key Generator
a module designed to condition an input for the purpose of keying operations
Keyer
a module which has both a key generator and a fader or switcher
Linear Colorizer
combines multiple faders with a multi level key generator function to produce a transition across more than two inputs
Logarithmic Amplifier
An logarithmic amplifier changes a linear input voltage into an output with logarithmic scale.
Luma Key Generator
processes the luma component (Y) of a component video signal, allowing key extraction based on the overall brightness of the video source
Maximum Value
A maximum value function compares two or more inputs, and passes the input with the most voltage to the output.
Minimum Value
A minimum value function compares two or more inputs, and passes the input with the least voltage to the output.
Multi Level Key Generator
produces multiple key signals from a single source, and are often used as the frontend for colorizers and sequencers
Negative
Also known as a voltage mirror. The output is equal to the input voltage is subtracted from 1 volt (White Level).
Ramp Generator
A ramp generator is a waveform generator which produces analog waveforms synchronous to the horizontal or vertical dimensions of the video screen. It is a common component of analog graphics modules, such as shape and pattern generators.
Soft Key
an analog voltage representing the mix ratio between two video signals
Soft Key Generator
typically implemented as a high gain differential amplifier with black and white level clipping
Summing Amplifier
Also known as a Mixer. A summing amplifier adds two or more voltages to each other. The voltages may be unipolar or bipolar scale.
Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
A voltage controlled oscillator is similar to a ramp generator, only its frequency may be changed or modulated. A voltage controlled oscillator may be free running, or reset in time with the video sync to synthesize a stable pattern.
Window Key Generator
has dual threshold controls, either Upper/Lower or Span/Center