VOLUME 2 NUMBER 2

NTSC/PAL VECTORSCOPE
Leader's Model 5212 represents the new
generation of vectorscopes. It is equally at home
in NTSC and PAL operations, and this will give
us an opportunity to compare monitoring aspects
of both systems in this issue. Other operating
features that will be covered include 3-channel
operation,
simplified,
high-resolution
measurements of differential gain and phase,
precise inter-signal phase measurements, Y/C
operation, and the use of the vectorscope in
stereo monitoring. Other aspects include menuselected calibration, the use of presets and
remote control.

3-Channel Operation
Despite a multi-fold increase in operating
functions, the front panel of the 5212 remains
simple and familiar. Look at Figure 2-1. The
INPUT selectors show a choice of three
channels plus an EXTernal reference. The latter
may raise a question because the sync REF key
also refers to INT/EXT. So what's EXT doing in
the INPUT group? The answer is that keying
EXT in the INPUT group causes the burst of the
external reference to appear on the vector
display. This means that you can overlay one to
three channels and also display the burst of the
external reference at the same time. Figure 2-2

Fig. 2-1 Front panel of Leader's NTSC/PAL 3-channel

vectorscope, Model 5212.
Teleproduction Test is produced by Leader Instruments Corporation, a manufacturer of video, audio and
industrial test instruments. Permission is granted to reprint part or all of the contents provided a credit line is
included listing the following:

Leader Instruments Corporation

6484 Commerce Drive
Cypress, CA 9060
1 800 645-5104 714 527-7490

Figure 2-2 Three-channel overlay with the burst of the

external reference on the (B-Y) axis.

Figure 2-3 Main menu called up by pressing the MENU key

allows four choices.

shows an example of three channel overlay

display using three genlocked sources. The
display includes the burst vector of the external
reference on the -(B-Y) axis at nine-o'clock. To
make this photo the phases of the three
genlocked sources were advanced about 10,
20 and 30. This is shown by the spread in the
four burst vectors.
Correct genlock phase adjustments are easy
when the signals are overlaid as shown in Figure
2-2. Subcarrier is adjusted at each genlocked
source to overlay all burst signals at -(B-Y). If
desired, each channel can be viewed alone with
the chosen reference, CH1 and EXT, for
example, to simplify the display.
The notice at the upper right of the screen
shows that the selected synchronization
reference is the EXT input. This selection is
made with the REF key, and repeated touching
causes the reference to step through INT CH1,
CH2, CH3 and EXT.

the screen zeros to 0.0. The PHASE/POS

button must be lit for the phase reading to
appear, and for the H POS/PHASE control to
affect phase adjustment. Once the phase
reading has been zeroed, the phase of any
vector can be read with respect to the burst of
the selected phase reference. More on this
shortly.
Return to Figure 2-2 for a moment to look at
the remaining on-screen notices. "NTSC"
appears at upper left. This notice appears
automatically when the unit is working in the auto
mode, and changes automatically when the
instrument recognizes NTSC or PAL signals.

Auto Phase
Just as a waveform monitor display needs a
proper vertical position adjustment (blanking put
at zero IRE) before readings can be taken, the
phase in the vectorscope must be set to place
the burst signal on the -(B-Y) axis. A routine
adjustment before the vector dots can be
examined quantitatively. The new button on the
front panel of the 5212 makes that routine job
instantaneous. When AUTO PHASE is pressed,
the burst signal for the selected phase reference
is automatically placed on the -(B-Y) axis. At that
instant, the phase readout at the lower right of

The Effect of Setup

An important notice for NTSC operations
appears at the lower left of the screen. It reads
SETUP 7.5% in Figure 2-2. This means that the
instrument is calibrated for NTSC signals with
the pedestal of 7.5% known as setup that is
standard practice in the U.S. Not all NTSC
countries have retained setup. Japan is an
example. But removing setup increases dynamic
range and the chroma signal grows accordingly.
Thus the vectorscope must be recalibrated for
signals without setup. This is a simple menu
selection in the 5212. Figure 2-3 shows the
MAIN menu and Figure 2-4 shows the SYSTEM
menu where calibration is chosen to match the
system in use. In Figure 2-4 the asterisk is
placed opposite 7.5%, which would be the choice
in the U.S. Figure 2-5 shows a vector display for
SMPTE color bars, which are 75% (amplitude)
bars with setup. The 5212 is shown calibrated for

Figure 2-4 The SYSTEM menu offers auto or manual system

selection, cal for 0% or 7.5% setup, and composite or Y/C
operation.

Figure 2-5 Normal vector display for SMPTE bars and the
vectorscope calibrated for signals with 7.5% setup.

signals with 7.5% setup. An example of

mismatch is shown in Figure 2-6. Here the 5212
has been recalibrated for signals with zero setup
using the 0% choice on the SYSTEM menu.
Since chroma signal amplitude is higher in
signals without setup, the gain of the
vectorscope is reduced for the vector dots to
land on the graticule targets. As you can see in
Figure 2-6, the dots fall short of the graticule
targets. The opposite is true of a vectorscope
calibrated for 7.5% setup driven from a source
with zero setup; the vector dots then appear
outside the targets.
It's Leader's practice to calibrate vectorscopes
intended for use in the U.S. for signals with
setup. The newer vectorscopes are switchable
(menu selected.) And many of the generators
(Models 408, 408NPS, 410C, 411, 411D, 425A)

include a SETUP 0/7.5% switch. Setup is not an

issue in PAL, so only one calibration is needed
for the 5212 for PAL operations. Note in Figure
2-4 that there is no setup choice for PAL.

Figure 2-6 Vectors fall short of the targets for SMPTE bars if
the vectorscope is calibrated for signals without setup.

Figure 2-7 Normal PAL color bar vector display. Note that
there are two vectors for each of the six colors as well as two
bursts.

How PAL Works

Vector displays in PAL look more complex
because there are twice as many vector dots.
Look at Figure 2-7. There are two vectors for
burst that straddle the -(B-Y) axis (called -U in
PAL parlance.) There are two vector dots for
each of the six colors in the standard color bar
display. Figure 2-8 makes this easier to see by
showing the vector display for a full red raster.
PAL means phase alternation line, and the part
that alternates from line to line is the R-Y
component, called V. During one line of the
raster, the V component for R is positive and the
R vector results from the vector addition of -U

Figure 2-8 PAL, vector display for red only. Note the R and r
vectors caused by + and - V (R-Y) components.

Figure 2-9 Simulated phase error with the +V switch on. Note
that the two vectors straddle the correct R target.

and +V components. The burst that precedes the

line lags -U and is at 180-45 or 135. On the
next line of the raster, the V component is
inverted and another vector labeled with a lower
case r is constructed of the same -U and a new V. Burst for this line leads -U by 45. (Vectors are
measured CCW from +U so the leading burst is at
180 + 45 = 225.) The two phases for burst also
tell the PAL decoder when the line should be +V
or -V.
The reason for phase alternation line is to
produce a system that effectively cancels the
effect of phase errors in the system. Consider, for
example, a phase error in Figure 2-9 that caused
R to shift a few degrees in the leading direction
(CCW) to the left of the R target. During the next
line r would shift the same amount, also CCW, to

the right of the r target. But the PAL decoder

senses the -V line and inverts V to make it
positive. The result is a new r vector to the right
of the R target. These two straddle R, and the
error in two lines cancels out. Figure 2-9 shows a
simulation of this situation causes by misadjusting the PHASE control to show a leading
phase error at R and then pressing the +V key.
(Refer back to Figure 2-1.) Note the two vector
dots that straddle R. (Burst shows the same split
effect in this simulation.) Cancellation of the
phase (hue) shift is visual in the original, simple
PAL system, but is effected electronically by
averaging alternate-line V signals through delayline storage. Note that when PHASE is set
correctly, the pairs of dots merge when +V is
selected, as shown in Figure 2-10. Also note the
automatic PAL and SETUP 0% notices in Figure
2-10. The use of the +V key also results in a
vastly simplified vector display for live video,
making it easier to match colors during editing
operations.

The Gain Group

Figure 2-10 Normal display for red only with the +V switch on.

Look back at Figure 2-1 for a moment and

notice the three controls in the GAIN group. The
BARS switch is familiar. It alters the gain of the
vectorscope for proper calibration for either of
two types of color bars: 75% or 100%. The
percentage refers to the amplitude of GBR into
the encoder, not color saturation. Both 75% and
100% bars are 100% saturated. Most color bar
signals used in routine practice are 75% bars.
The center, MAG button alters gain for three
uses. When OFF, the standard calibration for the

Figure 2-11 Step 1 of the DG measurement sets the lowest

"flat" on the reference line and the reading to 0.00%.

Figure 2-12 Step 2 of DG puts the highest step on the

reference line for a DG reading of +0.49%.

vectorscope applies. The BURST setting alters

gain to place burst on the large outer circle of the
graticule. This is an important first step in
calibrating the instrument for differential gain and
phase measurements. It is also useful to put
bursts on the graticule circle to make accurate
comparative measurements, as you will see. The
X5 setting multiplies vector gain by a factor of
five. High gain operation is extremely useful in
making precise camera balance adjustments, in
which GBR is equalized using the light source for
shooting, and the camera is framed on a white or
neutral test chart. GBR gain adjustments are
made to make chroma vectors collapse to zero
(the center origin of the vectorscope) and the
higher the vectorscope gain, the more sensitive
the error indication.
The VAR control in the GAIN group allows
continuous control over vector gain and is useful
for manual calibration purposes.

measurement purposes. But the "flats" between

the spikes represent the amplitude of subcarrier
at each step.
Two simple steps are needed for the
measurement. First, the V POS/DG/DP knob is
set to place the first flat (the floor of the staircase
on the reference line.) Press REF SET and the
notice DG 0.00% will appear at lower right. Then
reset V POS/DG/DP to place the highest (or
lowest) step on the reference line. A reading of
+0.49% is shown under DG at the lower right of
the screen. Keep in mind that resolution is to one
one-hundredth of a % but measuring accuracy is
specified as 0.5% or better. But the high
resolution of the reading is useful in comparative
measurements or in noting improvements or
modifications.

Differential Gain
A unique feature of the 5212 is a very easy
method measuring differential gain and phase.
The unit or system under test must be driven with
a modulated staircase or ramp signal, and the
output supplied to the vectorscope. To measure
differential gain, press DG in the MODE group.
You will see the instrument step quickly through
an automatic calibration procedure. That is, burst
expands to fall on the large circle, and in a split
second the display for DG and a horizontal
reference line appears. See Figure 2-11. The
positive and negative spikes are formed by the
transitions at the step edges, and are ignored for

Figure 2-13 Step 1 of the DP measurement puts the lowest

staircase step on the reference, and sets the reading to 0.00.

Figure 2-14 Step 2 of DP puts the "flat" that deviates most of

the reference line for a reading of -0.21.

Figure 2-15 Two synchronized bursts with AUTO PHASE set

to put the master burst on the -(B-Y) axis and the PHASE
reading to 0.0.

Differential Phase

12.)

Differential phase is measured in the same

way as DG. A rapid automatic calibration
procedure will be noted when DP is pressed, and
the display appears as shown in Figure 2-13.
Here again a simple two-step procedure is
followed. First V POS/DG/DP is adjusted to put
the first step "flat" in the reference line, and REF
SET is pressed for a 0.00 reading. Then V
POS/DG/DP is reset to put the flat that deviates
furthest from reference line of the reference line.
See Figure 2-14. Here a reading of -0.21 is
given.
DG and DP distortions of 10% or 10 can
be handled by the automatic procedures of the
5212. For larger values of distortion, conventional
methods should be applied. (Refer to
Teleproduction Test Volume 1, Numbers 9 and

Relative Phase Measurements

Figure 2-16 Presetting PHASE to put the slave burst on the (B-Y) axis show that it leads the master by 27.2.

It is sometimes useful to know the precise

phase difference between signal sources, either
genlocked sources or perhaps composite and
black burst feeds from a single source. The
procedure is easy using the digital phase readout
of the 5212. An example is shown in Figures 215 and 16. Here the reference signal is applied
to CH1 and that of the synchronized source to
CH2. AUTO PHASE sets the burst of CH1 on the
-(B-Y) axis and sets the PHASE reading to 0.0.
The MAG button has been set to BURST to
place burst from the two sources on the graticule
circle. Note that the second burst is advanced
(further counterclockwise) from the reference
burst. To measure the phase difference, adjust
PHASE to place the second burst on the -(B-Y)
axis. See Figure 2-6. The second signal is
advanced 27.2 as shown by the PHASE reading
in the lower-right corner.
Note that phase readings are with respect to
the burst of the designated reference. They do
not refer, directly, to the phase of color vectors,
which are measured CCW from the +(B-Y) axis
(180 away from burst.) For example, the yellow
color bar vector is at 167 (reference EIA RS189A.) If the yellow vector is placed on the -(B-Y)
axis after the unit is AUTO SET for burst, a
reading of 347 is obtained. Subtracting 180
from this reading yields 167, the correct phase
for yellow. For readings between 0 and 180, add
180. The green vector reads 60.8, for example,
as it is advanced (CCW) from burst 180 + 60.8

Figure 2-17 Vector display in the line-select mode is enabled

by control from the 5222. The vectors are those of the extra
band of magenta-blue-cyan of SMPTE bars.

Figure 2-18 Vector display of Y/C signal, Y applied to CH1, C

to CH2.

yields 240.8, the correct value for green.

amplitudes, and perhaps more important for TV

work, the relative phase of stereo audio signals.
For this application, the B-Y/R-Y signals from the
chroma decoder are disconnected from the
horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) amplifiers of the
instrument and the left and right stereo signals
take their places. This is accomplished in the
5212 by simply pressing the X-Y key in the
MODE group on the front panel.
Balanced (three-wire) stereo feeds are applied
to the 15-pin D-sub connector labeled X-Y INPUT
on the rear panel. Vector and X-Y operations are
isolated so it is possible to switch back and forth
from vector to stereo observations from the front
panel mode selectors.
Choosing the X-Y mode with stereo signals
applied calls up the display shown in Figure 2-19.
The balanced left and right signals applied in this

Line Select
The 5212 will display the polar display for
selected lines in the raster when used in
conjunction with the 5222 waveform monitor. All
that is needed is connection of a cable equipped
with 9-pin D sub-connectors between the
REMOTE connector on the 5212 and the
REMOTE A connector on the 5222. This cable is
supplied with the 5212. When the 5222 is placed
in the line select mode, the 5212 will then follow
to show the vector display for the selected
line(s). Figure 2-17 shows an example where a
line select window of 10 lines was placed in that
area of the SMPTE bar pattern that contains the
extra set of bars used for monitor setup. It
contains the color bars blue, magenta and cyan,
as shown.

Y/C Operation
Older vectorscopes could not handle separate
Y and C signals unless synchronized by a
composite or black-burst signal applied to a
second channel or an external sync input. The
5212 accepts Y/C signals if set up to Y/C
operation on the SYSTEM menu (look back at
Figure 2-4,) and Y is fed to CH1 and C to CH2.
Figure 2-18 shows the result. The Y/C notice with
REF CH1 and CH2 appears in the upper right
hand corner. This ties up two of the instrument
inputs, but CH3 is available for genlocked
composite or C signals.

Y/C (Stereo) Monitoring

The vectorscope is a natural for monitoring the

Figure 2-19 X-Y stereo display with in-phase signals at

0 dBm.

Figure 2-20 Lissajous pattern with 16 phase shift between

left and right channels.

Figure 2-21 Serious fault indicated by a 180 phase

difference between left and right channels.

case are in balanced form, at zero dBm level,

and in phase. The result is a Lissajous pattern
that forms a straight line at 45 slanting upwards
to the right. The electronic scale that's called up
in the X-Y mode is calibrated for in-phase zero
dBm signals at the crosses in the concentric
squares. The inner squares represent a spread
of 0.5 dBm, the larger squares a spread of 1
dBm.
Feeds that are not in phase cause the
Lissajous display to open up as shown in Figure
2-20. Here the phase difference between L and
R is about 16. Signals that are 90 out of
phase, but equal in amplitude, form a perfect
Lissajous circle. Total phase inversion, 180,
causes the Lissajous pattern to swing over to a
line that slants downward from left to right as
shown in Figure 2-21. Signal inversion, of no
consequence in monophonic operations, is

somewhat of a disaster if it occurs in one of the

stereo feeds. That is particularly true of TV
stereo because the result is the cancellation of
the vital L+R signal, and many TV viewers with
single-speaker TVs would lose sound if the L+R
(mono) signal disappears. Since it is easy for the
phase of one of the stereo signals to be
inadvertently inverted in STL links or temporary
hookups, it is vital to use test signals and the XY display to monitor for in-phase conditions.
Live stereo monitored in the X-Y mode looks
like a round and complex ball of string. Actual
audio is out of phase as often as it is in and
depends upon such factors as mic placement
and frequency. In some cases, stereo mode for
TV is tailored somewhat by mic placement to
ensure that the out-of-phase component is
minimized, and so protect the vital L+R signal.

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Cypress, CA 90630