Jerusalem, Israel – September 13, 2005 – Kramer Electronics, Ltd., a worldwide supplier of audio, video and computer graphics signal distribution, switching and processing equipment for the broadcast, production, security, education, home theater and ProAV presentation markets, is pleased to announce the introduction of the FC-20 SDI/DV bi-directional transcoder with embedded audio. The FC-20 is a portable device that is ideally suited for use with non-linear editing systems and broadcast SDI sources and destinations, such as Betacam™ cameras and decks.

The FC-20 is a portable, broadcast-quality, bi-directional DV (IEEE 1394a FireWire™) and SDI converter, with embedded AES/EBU digital stereo audio conforming to SMPTE-272M-A (audio at 48kHz, synchronous to the video). The unit will auto detect standards and supports both NTSC and PAL. The converter supports DVITC time code in the SMPTE 259M data stream, and also provides a separate SMPTE 12M Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC) input and output on BNC connectors. The FC-20 will also support linear time code via the RS-422 port.

“The FC-20 is a convenient, portable and powerful solution for broadcast professionals that require conversion from DV to SDI and SDI to DV,” states Chris Kopin, vice president of Product Development for Kramer Electronics USA. “When broadcast professionals are using source and destination devices such as Betacam decks and cameras along with non-linear editing systems, the FC-20 is the perfect solution. It is portable, can be powered by a standard XLR 12V battery pack in the field or via the 6-pin DV connector of non-linear editing systems, supports multiple time code formats and even offers machine control for devices conforming to the Sony protocol.”

The FC-20 can operate in two modes, DV Decode and DV Encode. By default the unit is shipped in the DV Decode mode. Selecting between DV Decode and DV Encode modes is done by the non-linear editing system if present and via front panel buttons when there is no non-linear editing system present. On the unit, audio group and channel are selected via convenient DIP-switches on the front-panel of the unit. Both 4-pin and 6-pin connectors are provided for the DV signal. The unit has RS-422 machine control (Sony protocol) and can control tape decks and other video sources that conform to the Sony protocol.

The FC-20 has a front-panel LED that indicates SDI lock status. The converter may be powered via the 12V DC power adapter, via an XLR 12V battery pack input, or directly from a computer via the 6-pin 1394a input. It is housed in a standard half 19” rack enclosure.

The FC-20 is now in stock and available through Kramer Electronics sales companies around the world.