Troubleshooting Video Problems

The 1/2" VCRs display an empty blue blackground when there is no video signal on the tape being played. If you just recorded the tape then probably there was no input signal to the VCR. Check that the VCR's channel is set to "AU" (use the buttons on the VCR front panel or on the remote control to change the channel). If there is still no signal then check the video input connector on the back of the VCR. If the source you are recording also has sound then you should see the sound meter bars moving on the front panel while you are recording; if not, check the audio inputs too. (PGL 1/1/96)

The most likely problem is that the Lyon-Lamb isn't getting a sync signal. There are two important sync inputs. The first is a sync signal from the sync generator which goes to the "COMP VID IN" input on the back panel. If this signal is missing then the Lyon-Lamb won't produce a stable signal from any of its inputs, including the internal color bar generator. The second sync signal is the sync from the RGB video source (e.g. wavelet or lambert) which should be plugged into the "CH. A SYNC/HD IN" input on the back panel. If only this sync is missing then you should get clean color bars but a bad signal from wavelet/lambert. Both of the cables are labelled; check the rear panel to make sure they are plugged in. (PGL 1/1/96)

The back panel of the audio mixer has two kinds of inputs: three-pin audio jacks for the normal input signals, and a MIX BUS input that uses RCA jacks. The MIX BUS input should normally not be connected to anything. Internally, it is connected directly to the audio bus. If a device is connected to this input then it must be powered up and driving an audio signal, or else it will drain power from the output of the mixer and cause a buzzing noise. If you do connect something temporarily, remember to remove it as soon as you are done. (PGL 1/1/96)

When the SGI is in stereo mode, the scan converted image will be too dark even though the SGI monitor seems to have its usual brightness. You can check the status with the command
/usr/gfx/gfxinfo
If the output includes a line like Display 1025x768 @ 96Hz stereo
you will need to return to the mono configuration with the command
/usr/local/bin/regfx normal
Note that this will kill the window server, so make sure all your work is saved! (To return the machine to stereo mode for workbench use type /usr/local/bin/regfx workbench.) (TMM 1/31/96)

First check that both it and the 3/4" deck below it is powered on. The small monitor signals are routed through the 3/4" decks beneath them, so they won't work if those decks are off. Also check that you've selected the proper channel on the main editor switch, which is often left on "black" by default. (TMM 1/31/96)