The GT4500 accepts computer-generated video and converts it to standard NTSC or PAL TV formats. Computer-generated text and graphics can easily be superimposed over live images from a camera or other video sources. Composite and S-Video TV sources are supported. TV output is available in Composite, S-Video, and RGB formats. Numerous PC/Mac computer video input formats are supported (see tables). The "Plug and Display" GT4500 converts video entirely in hardware, making it software-independent. Use any convenient application program, such as QuickTime^tm or PowerPoint^tm, or use computer programming tools to create live or static text and graphics overlays. Single units sell for only $269, including remote control. 

Key Features:

• Pure hardware design; just "Plug and Display."

• Supports computer display resolutions up to 1600x1200.

• Powered from PS2 (keyboard) or USB port. No wall wart needed.

• Genlock functions: Overlay, Mix (dissolve), or both.

• On-Screen Display (OSD) for system setup.

• Convenient IR remote control for presentation applications.

• PAL/NTSC TV standards supported in one product.

• Built-in multistandard color bar generator.

Suggested Applications:

Character Generator	Remote Video Inspection
Lecture/Presentation	Home Automation
Video Titler	Robotics
Kiosks	MATV ~ Pay TV
CCTV Security & Surveillance	Electronic Signs
Law Enforcement	ATV ~ Amateur TV
Remotely Piloted Vehicles	Race Cars
Message Boards	Experiment/ Process Monitor
Information Display	Gaming

Physical:

7.8”(L) x 5.5”(W) x 1.3”(H). Weight is approximately 11.5oz (326g).

Power Supply:

5VDC nominal at 320mA operating, 220mA standby. Unit is furnished with cables to draw power from USB or keyboard (PS2 style) ports of host computer. IR remote hand unit is powered by two AAA or UM-4 cells.

Video I/O:

Computer video input is via standard VGA-style 15-pin high-density D series female connector. A "T-Bone" cable is provided, allowing computer video to pass through to the computer monitor while the GT4500 is in use. Baseband TV input is via an RCA jack for composite video, or a standard 4-pin mini-DIN connector for S-Video. Baseband TV output is via RCA jack for composite, 4-pin mini-DIN for S-Video, or 9-pin mini-DIN for RGB. RF input/output is not supported.

Rear panel view:

Supported television baseband formats:

• NTSC, NTSC-EIAJ (for Japan)

• PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL-Nc

• SECAM (via RGB output only)

Supported computer video input formats:

VGA display modes:

Pixels	720x400	640x480	800x600	1024x768	1152x864	1280x960	1280x1024	1600x1200
Vertical Rate (Hz)	70	60, 70, 72, 75, 85, 100, 120	56, 60, 70, 72, 75, 85, 100	60, 70, 72, 75	60, 70, 72, 75	60	60	60

Mac display modes:

Pixels	640x480	832x624	800x600	1024x768	1152x864
Vertical Rate (Hz)	60, 66, 72,75, 85, 100, 120	75	56, 60, 72, 75	60, 70, 75	60, 70

iMac display modes:

Pixels	640x480	800x600	1024x768
Vertical Rate (Hz)	117	95	75

 

Supplied Accessories:

• IR remote control hand unit.

• Two AAA power cells for remote unit.

• "T-Bone" computer video cable.

• Two power supply cables; PS2 (keyboard tap), and USB type.

• RCA/RCA composite video cable.

• S-Video cable.

• Owner's manual (English language only).

Control functions:

• Video source select.

• Video standard select (NTSC/PAL, etc.).

• Genlock mode select.

• Video mixing ratio (for mix/dissolve mode).

• Luma/Chroma key values (for overlay mode).

• Picture size, brightness, contrast, hue, saturation.

• Picture freeze, zoom, pan.

Owner's Manual:

This link points to a large (5MB) PDF file that was created by scanning the printed manual. Document quality is not as high as we would like, but it will help to answer a lot of questions about product capabilities!

Notes:

The GT4500 is not manufactured by Decade Engineering. As a quality Taiwan import, we believe it complements our own products and offers excellent value to our customers.

Although computer video input formats up to 1600x1200 are "supported," the GT4500 does not improve native TV display performance. For best results, avoid using fine detail in computer-generated images, and employ the best available TV display technology. If low-budget or small-screen TV monitors must be used, we suggest limiting text overlays to 40 characters per line or less.

DeBoard is an inexpensive PC character generator program that looks like a good match for the GT4500. We haven't tried it.

Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact Decade Engineering to confirm current status if any specification is critical to your application.