Description
The FOR-A FA-310 is a digital time base corrector and frame synchronizer introduced in February 1989. The unit became one of FOR-A's most successful products, with over 13,000 units sold—breaking the FA series sales record.
The FA-310 built upon the digital technologies developed for previous FA series products, offering time base correction, frame synchronization, and signal processing capabilities for professional video applications. An optional Y/C (S-Video) output expansion was available, designated Y/C35S.
The FA-310 series gained fame when a customized FA-310P unit was sent to the Mir space station in August 1990. Japanese broadcaster TBS commissioned FOR-A to prepare equipment for recording footage during a crewed spaceflight. The requirements were demanding: the equipment would be subject to intense vibration during launch, and TBS was paying for cargo by the gram. FOR-A delivered a specially modified FA-310P (along with a spare) housed in a lightweight aluminum enclosure, with components mounted using silicone adhesive for vibration resistance. The unit performed flawlessly on the mission.
Variants
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| FA-310 | NTSC version |
| FA-310P | PAL version |
FA Series Timeline
The FA-310 was part of FOR-A's long-running FA series of signal processors:
- FA-410P (1982) - First model in the FA series
- FA-300 (1987) - Predecessor model
- FA-310/310P (1989) - This model; over 13,000 units sold
- FA-330 (1991) - Successor model
- FA-350 series (2001) - Digital era redesign
