The PatchAmp Distribution Systems simplify the design and construction of broadcast facilities, cable studios and production vehicles.

In the course of designing and installing new digital facilities, PatchAmp Distribution Systems are used to streamline connections. Sources are connected to a rear panel input connector on the PatchAmp system. Which is wired internally through a self-normaling jack to each module input. Outputs of each module are wired similarly to the rear panel output connectors. The connection is then made to the destination. (See Figure 1, right)

In a Production Control Room or a Production Vehicle, this setup allows sources, i.e. Cameras, File servers, VTRs and DVEs, to be connected through the PatchAmp Distribution Systems to typical destinations such as a Master Router, Production Switcher, Backup Switcher, Monitor Wall and Uninterrupted Test Jacks. (See Figure 2, below) shows an interconnection block diagram of such a Production Control Room.

The PatchAmp Distribution Systems were designed with these combinations of sources and destination in mind. PA- 5024 combines five 24-position patch panels & 24 high- end modules. And PA- 5032 combines five 32-position patch panels & 32 high- end modules for Analog, High Definition, Serial Digital Video, RF and AES applications. All elements are internally wired in a 14RU frame, with the sources oriented horizontally and the destinations arranged vertically. This permits grouping the patchpanels by inputs, which is typically what engineers prefer.

The design also reduces the racks needed for the core system and raised flooring height requirements. Another benefit of the setup is that it permits broadcasters to upgrade from SD to HD without rewiring the distribution system — only the module has to be changed. PatchAmp offers high-definition modules to meet this need.

The PatchAmp Distribution Systems provide true 75 ohm impedance high-definition frames, low insertion loss mid-plane design, low power consumption (less than 3W per module), high-density 24 high- end module or 32 high- end module frames, true hot-swappable circuit boards and hot-swappable, redundant power supply.

Reductions in cable and chip size together with surface mount technology were required before the PatchAmp Distribution Systems could be developed and patented. While the design is new, the components used are standards well respected in the TV industry. Gennum manufactures the chips in the main modules, the cable comes from Belden and Trompeter manufactures the jacks.

The PatchAmp Distribution Systems are designed to offer performance improvement, simplified engineering and installation, space savings, operating ease, studio standardization and cost savings to broadcasters planning their transition to digital.