Link Electronics Link ELectronics Analog CC Encoder and Data Recovery Decoder

The PDR-885 is a Closed Caption Encoder with an integral Decoder for inserting caption and text data on Line 21 of the NTSC signal. However, this important function is only the beginning of the PDR-885 capabilities. Caption and Text data may be inserted in either field of the Vertical Blanking Interval. In addition, data on the incoming video signal may be recovered from either field of the VBI. This incoming data may be displayed as Open Captions, using the built-in Closed Caption Decoder and captured by a computer utilizing the PDR-885's serial data port. Each of these important functions, Encoding, Decoding and Data Recovery may be done simultaneously. The Closed Caption Decoder's functions may be controlled from the front panel while the Encoder and Data Recovery functions are controlled via the serial data port. The video data path approaches perfection, with differential phase and gain errors less than 0.1deg. and 0.1% respectively. Video bandwidth is >26MHz while Signal to Noise exceeds 60dB. Inputs and outputs are provided for composite NTSC video as well as Component (RY/B-Y/Y) and S-Video. If composite video is used, a high performance relay provides power-off by-pass of the program video. For remote captioning applications, a second serial port is available as a modem input. Both serial ports may be configured for RS-232 or RS-422 I/O, with optional plug-in PCB. An internal jumper allows baud rate selections of 1200 to 9600 bps. A modem and computer may be connected simultaneously to process local and remote caption data, only one active at a time. Front panel LED's show the unit status and the presence of data on the incoming video. A pair of front panel push-buttons allow the user to run an encoded test message or to place the unit in bypass mode. The PDR-885 is ready for V-Chip technology. This technology will allow parents to block violent or otherwise offensive television programming from their TV sets. LINK ELectronics is incorporating this technology in the firmware of the PDR-885. The PDR-885 handles the automatic repetition of the "V-Chip" data and can interleave it with existing Line 21 Closed Caption data. An optional plug-in modem is available that operates at 1200 or 2400 baud.