Vector software enables remote configuration and status monitoring of Mentor RG units within a broadcast facility across a standard Ethernet network. All of Mentor RG’s parameters, including output formats, test patterns and timings can be modified with immediate effect. The browser is password protected to prevent unauthorized access. The current configuration of any unit can be instantly verified and amended: alternatively, preset configurations can be downloaded to any Vector enabled Mentor RG system. Vector also provides a convenient means of copying a configuration from one Mentor RG to another, simplifying both initial installation and unit upgrades.  The browser allows the operator to:

• Change multiple settings.
• Enable features.
• Upgrade the unit.
• Import new logos and proprietary patterns.
• Delete unwanted pattern files.

Users can also access information on version numbers and enabled features using the browser. Vector also indicates the unit’s status, allowing visual confirmation of Genlock, GPS operation and power supply integrity. Remote access through the browser enables Trilogy engineers to provide full diagnostics support via a direct connection to your Mentor RG unit.

The Mentor CX changeover unit provides manual, GPI, or automatic changeover between a pair of Mentor RG sync generators for the maximum possible availability for on-air applications. Capable of switching up to 22 channels of mixed video, audio and timecode signals, the Mentor CX will cover many applications where more than one main sync and test generator needs to be backed up. The base unit has a total of ten channels comprising of four unbalanced channels of monitoring and switching of any combination of analog signals, two unbalanced channels of monitoring and switching SDI video, and four unbalanced channels of AES or LTC signals with format detection. Analog signals include Black Burst, Tri-Level Sync, AES/DARS, Word Clock 10 MHz or 27 MHz. SDI video includes SD/HD/3G. Option cards add two channels of monitoring and changeover of analog signals or two channels of monitoring and changeover of SD/HD/3G video with format detection. A passive card is available to follow changeover events triggered by active cards that can switch digital or analog formats. Using option cards, a Mentor CX can support up to 22 channels.

The Mentor RG is a 1RU signal sync, test and clock generator for SDI and IP-based mixed environments. It provides IEEE-1588 PTP references alongside more traditional Black Burst and Tri-Level sync signals. The signal reference generator references a GPS antenna system to establish timecode, which is then passed on to the mission-critical automation system. Two Mentor RG generators and a changeover are used for redundancy to assure accurate reference signals. Utilizing GPS provides an extremely stable and robust method for accurately locking multiple SPGs and also for governing the unit’s LTC, VITC and NTP outputs. Accurate GPS referencing is managed by the Mentor RG internal receiver module, or by locking to an external source of 1pps and NMEA serial data. All SD and HD reference and test signals are generated simultaneously for both 525 and 625 standards, with independent timing control for all outputs to meet the most demanding requirements. The Mentor RG pays special attention to multiple audio generators assignable for AES audio and DARS; embedded audio in the SD/HD channels; Wordclock; and Analog stereo audio. Up to ten Tri-Level Sync outputs for all 720 and 1080 standards. Two TLS outputs come as standard in the base unit and two option cards can bring this to ten. Tri-level sync is the analog video sync pulse which is typically used for the locking of HD video signals and preferred in HD environments over black and burst. Intuitive front panel controls allow immediate access to all important settings while Vector Editor software offers in-depth management of all parameters from any network connected location in your organization.