Re: Kramer VDAs

"Cameron Dorrough" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> Hi all!  A quick question:  Has anyone has any experience with Kramer VDA's?
> 
> We have specified IRT in the past and are quite happy with them, but one
> client has a couple that have recently failed.  I was keen to replace them
> like-for-like but the client in question claims the Kramer ones are cheaper
> and do the same job, so hey - and I can't disprove them (yet).
> 
> What should I be looking for in a broadcast VDA (apart from the obvious like
> Gain & EQ control)??
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> Cameron:-)


Hey Cameron! We have been using the VideoTek VDA-16 (w/eq), and for
audio the ADA-16 for many years. They are small and can be racked in
groups of three, mix or match (VideoTek triple rack mount required).
They are small enough to fit anywhere you need them, have robust built
in power supply, and IMO, are very reliable. We also have used Kramer
and have a few around for multi-display type situations, but we don't
use them in a broadcast or production chain, wall rat power supply's
are common to them, however, I would not be bothered using them for
Sync distribution (black burst). You can look at Horita units, we
don't have the distribution units, but some inline logo inserters, and
they seem to be well made units, (uses rat supply also).

Comprehensive makes some too, but the AUDIO I/O's on some are RCA
adapted (space saving). The Comprehensive units can operate balanced
single channel audio, or unbalanced stereo. The only drawback ARE the
RCA type audio connectors, a little too "out of the norm" around a
facility. These are great for a dub rack with VCR's accepting RCA
connections. The video and audio portion of the larger Comprehensive
units have gain, and video eq, and in ignoring the audio section still
provide very good distribution. In addition they can be programmed
through front panel switches to provide multiple seperate A/V
distribution from a single unit. Nice for turning the video section of
a 1x20 into a 2x10, 4x5. The 4x5 would be great for component or RGB
distribution, or just suppling a multi-channel distribution point in
one rack unit. Comprehensive makes several DA's, and also provide the
balanced I/O connections, but then are getting more pricey too!

Hope this helps,
--Rick