Designed for all television production, post and playout applications, Mentor XL is the
industry’s most advanced, reliable and scalable Master Reference Generator — the complete
solution for any analog, SD or HD facility. More than just a full featured Master Sync & Test
Signal package, Mentor XL redefines the approach to system timing and synchronization for
today’s multi-standard broadcast environments.
Building on the success of the previous Mentor series of SPG/TSGs, Mentor XL retains
the same intuitive user interface while employing a radically new processing engine and
system architecture. As a result, many of the Mentor XL’s options can be activated simply by
inputting the appropriate software key. This approach allows field units to be easily upgraded
without the need to install hardware cards while further enhancing overall reliability.
Analogue, SD, HD references and test signals can all be generated in any combination for
both 525 and 625 formats simultaneously with each output independently timeable. Similarly,
the dual audio generators output AES, wordclock , stereo audio and SD/HD embedded tones
without restriction. AES sample rates are selectable as 32, 44.1, 48 or 96kHz.
Free running clock accuracy in master mode is assured to <0.1ppm. Alternatively, signals
may be genlocked to black/burst, to an external 5/10MHz clock or referenced to GPS timing
via the optional internal receiver. Additionally, with the Network Time Protocol (NTP) option
enabled, Mentor XL can output, or lock to, time data in client/server modes. Two independent
linear time code (LTC) feeds are available as an option with provision for time code to be set
using the front panel controls & LCD display. VITC & DVITC may be added to analogue and
SD/HD outputs.
Virtually all HD and tri sync formats are accommodated with up to 7 SD/HD outputs available
when the 360-17-00 expansion card is installed, together with 4 independent tri sync feeds.
Aspect ratio checks are facilitated by specifying the full fi eld test pattern (FuBK) option.
The video test option includes a suite of conventional video test signals which may carry a
4 line x 20 character text ident superimposed with either crawl or scroll motion for signal
identification purposes.
For added security, a second redundant power supply connecting to a separate mains supply
may be included. Further resilience is achieved by configuring main & standby generators in
conjunction with the compatible MasterMind Changeover Unit.