Re: Kramer VDAs

"Cameron Dorrough" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> "Rick Hammang" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > "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).
> 
> Thanks, Rick.  Wall rat supplies are annoying but not (unfortunately) enough
> reason technically to trash the unit.
> 
> Is there any reason *why* you wouldn't use the Kramer units in the broadcast
> chain?  Are they unreliable or noisy or something??
> 
> I have come across the Horita's before somewhere, but that's another can of
> worms..
> 
> > 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!
> 
> I haven't been given a lot of options to choose from - basically whatever is
> "off-the-shelf" over here - and Comprehensive isn't one of the options
> unfortunately.  My choices are IRT or Kramer.  If I don't like the Kramer I
> need to have some reasons why..
> 
> Yes, RCA audio connectors are a bit cheesy.  We have had some corrosion
> (dissimilar metals I think) already on some of the audio DA's - but this
> application is composite video only (4x1:5) before the switchers (old GVGs
> and Sonys).
> 
> Thanks again. :-)
> 
> Cameron:-)

Hey again Cameron, no trashing, just application. If you are to use
the Kramer, placement might require some isolation, especially around
monitors, crude power supplies, like the kind used for pan tilt
systems, and monitors. Also, be sure no heavy digital procesors are
nearby the unit. Check your scope for any artifacts. You should be
fine. You do get bang for the buck with Kramer. Hum and noise
rejection issues IS the main concern. What is the main failer fault on
the IRT brand, power, or internal amplifier parts?

--Rick