Sierra Series

The Sierra Series are a range of small and intermediate-size routing switchers especially suited for stand-alone signal switching and distribution. Offered in many sizes and configurations, there’s a Sierra Video Systems routing switcher for nearly every application. Developed for the professional, these compact systems provide superb signal handling performance and reliability. Sierra Series routing switchers are ideal for a wide variety of analog signal formats:

Composite and component analog video in a broad range of scan rates and signal formats: Monochrome, NTSC, PAL, SECAM, Y/C (SVHS or S-Video) RGB, YUV and HDTV, including wide bandwidth video graphic formats
Video synchronizing pulses
Monaural or stereo audio
SMPTE/EBU time code distribution
Sierra Series routing switchers provide superb durability and better-than broadcast levels of performance—at a price you can afford.

A Variety of Models—Small & Intermediate-Size Routers

Sierra Video Systems offers a broad range of models within the Sierra Series lineup. In our smallest (1 RU) model, we offer a number of single-bus models from 5x1 to 32x1, as well as 8x2 dual-bus and 4x4 quad-bus versions. All models have a single plug-in circuit board, optional remote control panels, and can be serially interfaced for computer control. With the exception of the 32-input models, small Sierra routers have an optional local control panel that fits on the front of the frame. The Sierra Series of intermediate-size routers employ the same technology as the smaller models but are expandable. Starting with basic video, audio, and pulse crosspoint modules, you can specify the system you need by adding multiple plug-in circuit modules to your choice of rack mounting frames. The Sierra Series models are available in 8x8, 16x8, 12x12, and 16x16 configurations with an optional serial interface and remote control panels.

Tops in Technology

Sierra Series routing switchers employ the same high-quality, state-of-the-art technology used in our larger Tahoe Series routing switcher systems. While differing somewhat in the control system, Sierra Series routing switchers take advantage of the latest in semiconductor and integrated circuit components. To protect your investment, we use only off the-shelf components that are readily obtainable throughout the world. Our video and audio crosspoint designs provide transparent performance, conforming to the highest performance standards in the industry. The standard video crosspoint used in the Manzanita and Sierra Series has a -3 dB bandwidth of 60 MHz. For audio switching, we use balanced, high-level CMOS crosspoints. This unique approach reduces crosstalk and switching noise to imperceptible levels. It is also a particularly desirable approach when mixing audio and video circuits in the same frame or on the same circuit board. With a Sierra Video Systems’ routing switcher in your facility, you get crystal clear pictures and sound—what goes in comes out.

Modular Design

Unlike some other brands, all Sierra Series routing switchers employ modular, plug-in construction for easy maintenance in the field. Printed circuit boards have gold-plated edge connector fingers for reliable day-in and day-out performance. This kind of quality construction simplifies in-the-field service, should it ever be required. Now repairs are as simple as unplugging, repairing and re-inserting a module. With spare or replacement boards on-hand, you can eliminate system downtime altogether.

Quality Pushbutton Control Panels

Sierra Series routing switchers are available with local and/or remote control panels fitted with either incandescent or economical LED pushbutton switches. Panels are shipped with numbered inserts in each switch. You can easily create legends for these switches with an ordinary desktop computer laser printer and clear plastic overhead transparency materials. The incandescent pushbutton switches, with their larger viewing area, are especially suited for adding your own easy-to-read source and destination legends. This makes your operators’ job easier and improves the appearance of your installation. Sierra Series routing switchers support multiple control panels up to 200 feet from the frame with no loss of performance.

Easy-To-Use Serial Protocol

All Sierra Video Systems routing switchers employ a simple ASCII-character serial protocol with an easy-to-implement interface. All you need is an RS-232 serial port on a PC or similar controller such as a thirdparty touch screen or dedicated remote control system. With each system, we furnish an MS-DOS® compatible disk with our own straight-forward serial control application. This disk contains original source code and document files to help your installer customize your system to meet specific needs. The printable character syntax is easy to understand and implement. And, because of the wide popularity of Sierra Video Systems’ routing switchers, you will find that many third-party vendors and system integrators are already familiar with our protocol. Interfacing to a Sierra Video Systems’ routing switcher is a snap.

Compact 1 RU Single-Board Models

The small routing switchers offer a great deal of flexibility at low cost. They are ideal if you need to route just a few signals, or if an operator at a single location needs access to many video and audio sources. Here are some typical applications for our small routing switchers:

Source selection for videotape machines and monitors
Signal routing in a desktop computer editing environment
Editor control (RS-232 interface) of sources in post-production
Quality control monitoring in dub rooms or master control

Many different local and remote control panel options are available. An RS-232 serial interface is standard on most models. On the 16x1 and the 8x2 version, an external serial interface adapter is optional.

Composite Video & Stereo Audio Models

For routing monochrome (B&W) or composite video signals with or without stereo audio, these routing switchers offer unexcelled value. Available in 4-, 8-, 16- or 32-input models, each offers high-quality stereo audio-follow video routing as a standard feature. This ensures that you always get the correct audio with your video selection.

Our intermediate-size routing switchers offer greater flexibility and significant expansion capability. These routers have the same reliable, straight-forward technology as our smaller 1 RU models, but offer more functionality. Because of their size and configuration (8x8 and 12x12), these routing switchers are ideal choices for a wide variety of applications such as:

Small editing and graphics production suites
Remote production vehicles (OB vans & remote trucks)
Corporate meeting rooms, classrooms and other facilities with audio/visual requirements
Video walls and presentation systems
Computer graphics routing

Unlike the small Sierra Series routers, our Sierra Series models employ separate circuit modules for each switching channel or level in the system. Because of their flexible, expandable frame design, you can configure a variety of models from the same basic set of high-quality circuit modules. You can specify the configuration best suited to your current requirements, with space for future growth. With our Sierra Series routing switchers, you have the control flexibility you need. Independent control of each channel or level makes tasks such as audio breakaway very easy. You can also intermix a variety of control panels–up to 10 in conjunction with our optional serial interface. With third-party support for our popular serial interface protocol, you get everything you need when you purchase a Sierra Series routing switcher.

As your system grows, you can add audio or component video levels (time code or another audio channel, for example), with a maximum of 5 switching levels. You can also specify a serial interface adapter when you purchase the system, or you can add it later as your needs increase.

Sierra Series Performance Specifications

Video Input Characteristics
Nominal Video Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 V p-p
Maximum Video Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.5 V p-p
Input Impedance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 ohms
Return Loss: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = 40 dB @ 5 MHz
Superimposed DC: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±5 V
External Sync: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Color Black to 4 V p-p
Video Output Characteristics
Nominal Video Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 V p-p
Maximum Video Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.5 V p-p
Impedance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 ohms
Return Loss: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 dB @ 5 MHz
DC on Signal: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±50 mV
Video System Performance
Gain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unity ±2 dB
Response: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±0.1 dB to 5 MHz; +0/-3 dB, 5-60 MHz
Diff. Phase Error: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =0.1 degree @ 3.58 or 4.43 MHz
Diff. Gain Error: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =0.1 percent @ 3.58 or 4.43 MHz
Crosstalk Isolation (All inputs hostile): . . . . . . . . . . = 60 dB @ 5 MHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = 80 dB to 5 MHz
Responce, wide bandwidth option: . . . . . . . . .+0/-3 dB to 200 MHz
Crosstalk, (adjacent hostile) wide bandwidth option: .=45 dB @ 50 MHz
Audio Input Characteristics
Nominal Input Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . +8 dBm (0 dBm = 0.775 Vrms)
Maximum Input Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +24 dBm
Input Impedance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 kohms, balanced
Common Mode Rejection: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =40 dB @ 60 Hz
Audio Output Characteristics
Nominal Output Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +8 dBm
Maximum Output Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +24 dBm into 150 ohms
Output Impedance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 ohms, balanced
Audio System Performance
Voltage Gain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unity ±0.1 dB (High-Z load)
Frequency Response: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB
Bandwidth: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 kHz
S/N Ratio (20Hz to 20 kHz): . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 dB ref. to +24 dBm
Crosstalk Isolation (All inputs hostile): . . . . . . . . . . = 80 dB @ 15 kHz
IM & THD (20Hz to 20 kHz): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . =0.05% to +24 dBm
Control System Characteristics
Serial Interface Control Port: . RS-232 (RS-422 optional on some models)
Data Rates: . . . . . . . . . . . . 300bps,1.2Kbps, 9.6Kbps or 19.2kbps**
Frame Mechanical Characteristics
Frame Height: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 or 3 RU, depending on model
Frame Depth: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5”/22 cm or 12”/31 cm
Operating Temperature Range: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-40 degrees C
Input Voltage: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 VAC or 230 VAC ± 10%
Power Requirements: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Hz - 60 VA
Weight: . . . . . . . . . . . 1 RU, 10 lbs. (4.5 kg); 3 RU, 30 lbs. (18.2 kg)
** For Model 88, Model 168, Model 1212 and Model 1616V; all others are fixed at 9.6Kbps