FOR-A FA-9100
Description
The FOR-A FA-9100 is a multi-format HD/SD frame synchronizer and signal processor introduced in 2008 as the successor to the FA-9000. It accepts all major video signal formats — HD-SDI, SD-SDI, analog HD/SD component, composite, and Y/C — and performs 12-bit internal processing throughout, providing three simultaneous SDI outputs alongside analog outputs. An optional expansion card slot allows installation of up/down conversion, frame rate conversion, color correction, Dolby E codec, DV/HDV codec, and logo generation capabilities, making it a single-rack-unit all-in-one solution for broadcast signal processing. A redundant power supply variant, the FA-9100RPS, is also available.
Photos
Features
The FA-9100 supports all standard definition (525/60 NTSC and 625/50 PAL) and high definition (1080i, 720p, and 1080PsF) video formats. All input and output paths perform simultaneous A/D and D/A conversion, so every output format is always available regardless of the input type. Three SDI outputs are provided (usable as SD-SDI at 270 Mbps or HD-SDI at 1.5 Gbps depending on the active format), along with one composite, one Y/C, and one analog component output. The frame synchronizer correction range covers 2 fields with field inversion prevention.
A standard proc amp provides adjustment of video level, chroma level, chroma phase, and setup (black) level. A 2D or 3D comb filter is selectable for analog composite signal conversion. HD and SD system phases can be set independently, enabling simultaneous HD/SD simulcast output from a single input source.
Audio
The FA-9100 handles digital and analog audio with equal capability. Embedded audio and AES/EBU are supported at 8 channels (2 groups of 4-channel stereo), with 24-bit/48 kHz sampling. Analog audio uses a 9-pin D-sub connector providing 4 channels (2-channel stereo in and out), with selectable 600 Ω or high-impedance input termination. Individual level and delay adjustments are available per channel, allowing audio to be synchronized precisely with the video signal.
Remote Control and Monitoring
The FA-9100 includes a built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port (LAN1) for SNMP-based network monitoring, enabling remote checking of device status and signal errors. An RS-422 serial port and a GPI port (9-pin D-sub, 7 inputs/outputs, make contact) provide hardware remote control. Two BNC CONTROL ports allow connection to the optional FA-90RU remote control unit, with cascading supported for multi-unit configurations. The front panel can be locked to prevent accidental changes, and a bypass mode passes input signals directly to the outputs.
Expansion Options
The FA-9100 accepts optional expansion cards that plug into the unit's internal slots. The logo generator (FA-91LG) and auto level controller (FA-91ALC) cannot be used simultaneously but can both be installed; switching between them requires a passcode.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| FA-90CC | Color corrector (RGB balanced, YPbPr differential, sepia modes; gamma and clip control) |
| FA-90UD | Up/down converter (HD↔SD conversion) |
| FA-91FRC | Frame rate converter (59.94 Hz ↔ 50 Hz); requires FA-90UD to be installed |
| FA-90DE-D | Dolby E / Dolby Digital decoder (up to 8 discrete channels) |
| FA-91DE-ED | Dolby E decoder/encoder |
| FA-90DV | DV codec (IEEE1394, 525/60 and 625/50) |
| FA-90HDV | DV/HDV codec (IEEE1394, adds 1080i and 720p HDV support) |
| FA-91LG | Logo generator (bitmap, Targa, or PNG; up to 8 logo channels; Ethernet transfer via dedicated software) |
| FA-91ALC | Auto level controller (automatic white, black, and gamma correction) |
| FA-90RU | Optional hardware remote control unit |
| FA-90GUI | Remote control software |
FA-9100RPS
The FA-9100RPS is a variant of the FA-9100 featuring a redundant power supply for use in high-availability broadcast environments. Both power supply units are housed in the same 1RU chassis, which is 100 mm deeper than the standard model (525 mm vs 425 mm depth) to accommodate the second supply. The RPS model adds a DC POWER status indicator to the front panel and a second REMOTE connector on the rear panel. It ships with two AC cord sets rather than one. All signal specifications, expansion options, and front panel controls are otherwise identical to the FA-9100.
Specifications
| Video — SD | ||
|---|---|---|
| Video standards | 525/60 (NTSC), 625/50 (PAL) | |
| Processing | 4:2:2 component, 12-bit internal | |
| Frame sync range | 2 fields (field inversion prevention) | |
| SD-SDI input | 270 Mbps, 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| Composite input | 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| Y/C input | 1.0 Vp-p (Y), BNC × 1 | |
| Analog component input | Y: 1.0 Vp-p; PB/PR: 0.525 Vp-p (SMPTE) or 0.757 Vp-p (Betacam); 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| SD-SDI output | 270 Mbps, 75 Ω, BNC × 3 | |
| Composite output | 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| Y/C output | 1.0 Vp-p (Y), BNC × 1 | |
| Analog component output | 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| Video — HD | ||
| Video standards | 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 1080/23.98PsF, 1080/24PsF | |
| HD-SDI input | 1.5 Gbps, 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| Analog component input | Y: 1.0 Vp-p; PB/PR: 0.525 Vp-p; 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| HD-SDI output | 1.5 Gbps, 75 Ω, BNC × 3 | |
| Analog component output | 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| Genlock | ||
| Black burst | 0.429/0.45 Vp-p, 75 Ω, BNC × 1 | |
| Tri-level sync | 0.6 Vp-p, 75 Ω or loopthrough, BNC × 1 | |
| Audio | ||
| Digital standard | AES/EBU, embedded; 24-bit, 48 kHz | |
| Embedded audio | 2 groups (8 ch); BNC × 4 (AES/EBU in and out) | |
| Analog audio | 4 channels (2 × stereo); 9-pin D-sub (female); 600 Ω / Hi-Z input, <100 Ω output | |
| Interfaces | ||
| CONTROL | BNC × 2 (FA-90RU connection, cascading supported) | |
| REMOTE (RS-422) | 9-pin D-sub (female) × 1 | |
| REMOTE (GPI) | 9-pin D-sub (male) × 1; make contact; 7 inputs/outputs | |
| LAN (SNMP) | 10/100BASE-T, RJ-45 × 1 | |
| LAN (logo data) | 10/100BASE-T, RJ-45 × 1 | |
| Physical | ||
| Power supply | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz | |
| Power consumption | FA-9100 | 89 W (100–120 VAC) / 84 W (220–240 VAC) |
| FA-9100RPS | 88 W (100–120 VAC) / 86 W (220–240 VAC) | |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | FA-9100 | 430 × 425 × 44 mm (1RU) |
| FA-9100RPS | 430 × 525 × 44 mm (1RU) | |
| Weight | FA-9100 | 6.3 kg |
| FA-9100RPS | 7.5 kg | |
| Operating temperature | 0°C – 40°C | |
| Humidity | 30% – 90% (non-condensing) | |
FA-9000 Series
| Model | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FA-9000 | 2006 | Original all-in-one HD signal processor |
| FA-9100 | 2008 | Successor to FA-9000 (this model) |
| FA-9500 | 2010 | Industry standard, aluminum enclosure, web control |
| FA-9520 | 2012 | Dual FA-9500 in single 1RU enclosure |
| FA-9600 | 2017 | 4K/12G/HDR/WCG multipurpose processor |
