The DX-4400-TI-4K - 3G-SDI Video Text and Graphics Overlay Inserter product is an upgraded version of the base DX-4400-TI-2K product with the addition of support for a single channel of video operating at resolutions of either 4K UHD or 4K Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) using Dual-Link 3G- SDI configured with Quad and 2SI mapping.
An integrated ARM SoC supports enhanced text, telemetry data, image overlay including graphic widgets, line/circle drawing and rotations. Up to 1,000 independent text fields, images and graphic elements can be overlaid (inserted) onto the video stream. An extensive command set allows for full control of size, font type, color, position, background color and full transparency control. The overlay data and user commands are delivered to the unit through the RS-232 (DB9 or USB) serial ports or via a TCP Ethernet connection. A Web user interface is available for configuration, management, maintenance and control.
The Interactive Graphic Overlay Designer user interface (UI) offers the user a WYSIWYG method to configure the video text and graphic overlay information using a USB mouse and keyboard attached to the DX-4400. Overlay text, images and graphical components can be placed, sized and their attributes (color, font etc.) configured and modified as required directly while the user observes the video overly display on the output video. RS-232 and UDP data streams can be parsed and dynamically overlaid onto the output video stream.
A YouTube video demonstrating the use of the Interactive Graphic Overlay Designer UI is shown below.
In the SD, HD, FHD, 2K and 4K Modes of Operation, the unit passes all video content* (on the primary video input) including audio channels and embedded metadata. For video resolutions up to 2K, either SDI input can be used for PiP and for a scaled dual (side-by-side) display. Secondary SDI outputs provide a clean loop pass-thru output of the respective SDI input. However, PiP is not supported at 4K resolutions since both 3G-SDI inputs are required for Dual-Link operation and Quad and 2SI mapping.
In this mode the product provides 2 video channels with separate text and graphics overlays for each channel. Each channel supports the SD, HD, and 3G video resolutions (listed below) complete with Ancillary (ANC) data pass through.
This mode also offers a low latency setting in which the video path has 1 to 2 lines of frame of delay. In this configuration, zoom, Alpha Blending and PiP functions are not supported.
This offers a zoom control for each channel for progressive video formats at SD, HD & FHD video resolutions. Ancillary data pass-through is not supported.
This mode provides a single channel text inserter with a main input and a secondary input. Both inputs have scaling capabilities to allow for use as Picture in Picture (PiP), split screen or side by side configurations. The unit has a single text and graphics overlay and supports the SD, HD, FHD (3G-SDI) modes listed in the product specifications. Ancillary data from SDI input 1 passes through the unit to the output.
This is a low-latency version of the PiP Text Overlay Inserter with less than one frame of delay from input to output. Input 1 does not support PiP or Zoom. Input 2 supports PiP and zoom. ANC data pass-through is supported on the SDI Input 1 port.
In addition to the above Modes of Operation, the 4K version has three additional user selectable 4K Modes of Operation, each offering a different set of features and functionalities.
The unit provides a Text & Graphics Overlay Inserter for one channel of 4K video transported as SMPTE Dual-link (Quad and 2SI mapped) 3G-SDI video. ANC data pass-through is NOT supported.
The unit provides text and graphics overlay for one channel of 4K (Quad and 2SI mapped) video transported in the SMPT Dual-link 3G-SDI modes without frame buffers in the video path. Ancillary data pass through is supported in this mode of operation.
The unit support text and graphics overlay for one channel of 4K (Quad or 2SI mapped) video transported in the dual-link 3G-SDI format. For 2SI mapped video only, the input can be digitally zoomed. Ancillary data pass-through is supported in this mode of operation.
Note: 4K uses Dual Link 3G-SDI operating with Quad and 2SI mapping to provide a single channel SDI Text & Graphics Overlay Inserter. The 4K capability can be added to the base DX-4400-TI-2K product via a License upgrade.
Note 1) Interlaced and PsF video frames consist of 2 sequential fields at twice the listed frame rate.
Note 1) Since the DX-4400 product only supports up to 3G-SDI, 4K video is supported using Dual-Link 3G-SDI with Quad or 2SI mapping.
*Note, not all features are supported across all video formats. Refer to the User Manual for more information.
Microtronix provides product customization and engineering design services to support your system integration requirements. Contact Microtronix Sales today with a block diagram of your setup and a brief outline description of your design requirements.
The DX-4400 is designed for use in broadcast, professional video recording, information displays, surveillance, security and embedded applications requiring live text and graphic overlay with no degradation of the video content. Applications include:
In this example a video source connects to SDI 1 on the DX-4400 and a computer generated overlay layer connects to SDI 2. The overlay is generated on a black background and the DX-4400 is configured to display the overlay layer on top of the main video with the black background treated as transparent.
The following example uses QML scripting to overlay time, date and a scrolling newsfeed from a RSS source. A graphic logo is displayed in the top right corner.
The product is optionally available to OEM’s as an open frame printed circuit board for incorporation into embedded video systems. Contact Microtronix Sales for pricing and availability.
Product customization and feature enhancements are available. Contact Microtronix Sales today with your application requirements.
The DX-4400 product includes:
The DX-4400 product firmware releases are available by emailing a request to Technical Support (support@microtronix.com).
The revision history of the DX-4400 product is posted under the Resources menu tab under Software Updates. The direct link is here.