Tahoe Series

Tahoe Series routing switchers, developed especially for mid-sized professional installations, set industry standards for performance and reliability. These powerful signal distribution systems are an important part of live-to-air and post-production facilities, remote trucks, and corporate, scientific, military and educational installations. The Tahoe Series has a range of inputs from 16 to 48, and up to 256 outputs.

16-input systems.

These systems are based on 16x16 video, audio, and pulse switching modules. Several frames are available to house a combination of audio and video modules. Linking multiple frames to the same 3-port control system results in 16-input systems with even more capability.

20-input systems

20x10 video, audio, and pulse switching modules form the basis of our 20-input systems. You can create a 20x20 configuration by combining video or pulse modules or by adding a sub-module to the 20x10 audio module. As with all Tahoe Series routing switchers, combining multiple frames gives you systems with enhanced capabilities.

32-input systems

Offering the most variety of frame configurations, this is the most versatile member of the Tahoe family. A variety of 3RU, 4RU and 9RU frames can be used to configure composite or component video systems with 8 through 128 outputs. The video and pulse switching modules are increments of 32x8 and the high performance audio module is a 32x16.

48-input sytems

These are extraordinarily compact systems. Requiring a mere 3RU, the 48x48 video switcher can be used in mobile and other tight locations. A stereo audio 48x48 requires just 4RU. The video router is based on 48x8 modules. The audio module is a 48x16. Video and audio frames can be combined to build AFV and/or RGB+Sync routers with high performance and small size.

Rugged, High-Quality Construction

With solid stainless steel frames, Tahoe Series systems are nearly indestructible. There are no self-tapping screws or formed threads anywhere in our products, only the best threaded inserts. The power supply on all models uses high-quality toroidal line transformers and conservatively rated, current-limited regulators on each circuit board. Even with quality components throughout, our systems have a lower price than the competition. For reliable operation, Tahoe Series routing switchers have whisper-quiet fans to keep your system running cool even in the warmest conditions. There’s quality everywhere you look. For example, years of experience and tests have shown that not every BNC connector can meet our stringent requirements for reliability and physical integrity, so we use only high-grade BNCs for video inputs and outputs on the rear of the frame. We apply our high standards to every single part. That’s why you can depend on Sierra Video Systems for superb value and dependable service.

POWERFUL CONTROL SYSTEM

The Tahoe Series of routing switchers use a powerful and easy-to-use protocol for external host-computer control. This protocol is common to all Sierra Video Systems routing switchers from our smallest 5x1 up to our new 1,024x1,024 high performance serial digital video routers. This means most third party equipment manufactures of products such as touchscreens, event controllers, automation systems etc. already support Sierra Video Systems. It also means a Tahoe router can replace a smaller router or a Ponderosa router can replace a Tahoe router and no additional external software effort is required. The protocol supports salvo switching, delayed switching, links to our SMPTE RS-422 machine control router including mapping and many other features.

Control Panel Power and Variety

A wide selection of pushbutton and keypad panels are available. Panel connection is simple. Up to 64 panels can be daisy-chain connected using low-cost shielded, twistedpair cable. The RS-485 control panel interface is extremely robust, allowing you to place panels wherever you need them, even at distances up to 5,000 feet. To set up your system, you first assign a different address to each panel by means of a DIP-switch. Then, using the terminal port, you can assign personalities to each panel.

Pushbutton Control Panels

For control of just one router output, choose a single-bus control panel. A simple button push directs the selected source to the panel’s associated output. For quick control over all outputs, choose an X-Y control panel. With this easyto-use panel, you first choose the output you want to change. Then, to complete the process, simply push the button corresponding to the desired input. Additional versions of pushbutton control panels include Joystick Override and Chop versions. These panels can be quite useful in camera setup and quality control situations.

Keypad Control Panel

For flexibility, our keypad control panels with 80-character LCD displays are available in either desktop or rack-mounted versions. These provide total control over all inputs and outputs at every level in the router. They’re simple to use and i n e x p e n s i v e .

12 Memory Shot Control Panel

This panel is a combination of an easy-to-use keypad control panel, plus 12 memory registers. Each memory register can store a different panel setup. Applications include one button selection of complex audio breakaway situations, or presets frequently used combinations for quick recall during a live show.

Alpha/One Control Panel

This is the ultimate control panel. A 4" x 3" high contrast color LCD display is combined with a double width keypad and a menu based operating system to provide full control of up to 8 levels of Tahoe Series routing switcher. Inputs, outputs and switching levels can all be assigned complex alpha-numeric names up to 32 characters long.

Hub Controller

If your application calls for a number of single-bus control panels on any of the 16-input models, our unique Hub Controller can greatly reduce overall costs. The Hub Controller acts as a “gateway” between our RS-485 panel control loop and up to sixteen low-cost 16 button single bus panels. You can even add a local X-Y panel at the Hub Controller for additional versatility.

On-air-tally and Machine Control

In situations where on-air-tally is needed, our 1RU 48x48 tally router is a perfect solution. The tally router can be located near the Tahoe router or up to 5,000 feet from the router if the ost port is used in RS-422 configuration. The on-air-tally router has 48 separate enables which correspond to any router outputs you assign them to. In a similar fashion the on-air-tally router has 48 assignable "contact outputs" which can be assigned to any Tahoe router input. Sierra Video Systems SMPTE RS-422 machine control routers are ideal when the Tahoe switcher is used to route sources in an editing environment. Available in increments of 16, 64 and 256 port frame sizes, the 64 port system is the ideal companion to most Tahoe routing switchers. The Tahoe router's personality port is used to map the RS-422 router machine and editor connections to only those sources and destinations, which have SMPTE RS-422 machine control functionality. This design reduces the size of the RS-422 router needed. For smaller installations, the 64 port system can be configured as a 48 or 32 port router.

Tahoe 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: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ³40 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: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ³35 dB @ 5 MHz
DC on Signal: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±50 mV
Video System Performance
Gain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unity (±2 dB adj.)
Response: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±0.1 dB to 5 MHz; +0/-3 dB, 5 – 50 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 hostile): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ³60 dB @ 5 MHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ³80 dB to 5 MHz
Response, wide bandwidth option: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +0/-3 dB to 200 MHz
Crosstalk, (adjacent hostile) wide bandwidth option: . . . . . . . . . . . . ³45 dB @ 50 MHz
Audio Input Characteristics
Nominal Input Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +8 dBm (0 dBm = 0.775 Vrms)
Maximum Input Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +24 dBm
Input Impedance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15k ohms, balanced
Common Mode Rejection: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ³40 dB @ 60 Hz
Audio Output Characteristics
Nominal Output Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +8 dBm
Maximum Output Level: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +24 dBm into 150 ohms
Output Source Impedance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 ohms, balanced
Audio System Performance
Voltage Gain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unity ±0.1 dB (High-Z load)
Frequency Response: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Hz 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): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ³80 dB @ 15 kHz
IM & THD (20Hz to 20 kHz): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £ 0.05% to +24 dBm
Control Panel Port (Port 1): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS-485
Total Number of Panels Supported: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Up to 64
Cable Type: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-wire shielded (Belden 8451 or equal)
Maximum Total Cable Length: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 ft. (1,500 m)
Terminal Port (Port 2): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS-232C
Data Rates: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2Kbps, 2.4Kbps, 9.6Kbps or 19.2Kbps
Host Port (Port 3): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS-232C (RS-422 optional)
Data Rates: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2Kbps, 9.6Kbps, 38.4Kbps or 115.2Kbps
Mechanical & Operational Characteristics
Frame Height: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 4, or 9 RU, depending on model
Frame Depth: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16”/41 cm
Operating Temperature Range: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 - 40 degrees C
Input Voltage: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 VAC or 230 VAC ±10% (switch selectable)
Power Requirements: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 - 200 VA
Weight: . . . . . . . 3 RU, 35 lbs (15.9 kg); 4 RU, 45 lbs (20.5 kg); 9 RU, 70 lbs (31.8 kg)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Throughout the Tahoe Series, you’ll find upto-the-minute technology such as advanced monolithic IC video crosspoints and carefully designed CMOS audio crosspoint matrices. The standard video crosspoint has a -3dB bandwidth of over 60 MHz. Wide bandwidth version have a 200 MHz -3dB response. Sierra Video Systems uses a unique balanced highlevel CMOS audio crosspoint design to reduce crosstalk and switching noise to imperceptible levels. This all-balanced design is ideal when video and audio modules are in the same mounting frame. The embedded microprocessor control system eases the communications workload. The three-port processor coupled with battery backed RAM ensures that your system performs as expected, even after a power outage. State-of-the-art technology gives you state-of-the-art performance.

Flexible Control System

Built around a Motorola MC68302 three-port microcontroller, the Tahoe Series control system enhances operation and offers full system flexibility. Each unit has three separate control ports on the rear of the frame.

Contol Panel Personality Program

Facilitates the setting of router and control panel personalities. Using an ANSI terminal or terminal simulation on any PC, installers or t e c h n i c i a n s can configure the router in the following ways:

Name each switching level with a 6-character alphanumeric mnemonic. For example, audio channels on levels 2 and 3 can be named “Left” and “Right.”

Assign individual control panels to operate only certain levels, for instance, a panel for audio-only control for independent breakaway switching.
Assign outputs to each control panel, so that operators have control over only those outputs relevant to their task. This feature prevents unauthorized operation of protected outputs by operators in other locations.

Host Mode

For the ultimate in RS-232 or RS-422 serial control. We include our own interface application software with each router. You can even start with our source code to create your own control interface. For special applications, you can use third-party automation software or one of several popular audio-visual touchscreen systems. Port 2 or Port 3 can be used for host mode allowing two host controllers at the same time.

Control Panel Port

A robust port for interface with our control panels. This port supports up to 64 control panels, each linked to the frame via a daisy-chain of interconnecting cables. You can purchase these inexpensive, shielded pair cables with your system or make them on-site with readily available audio cable and miniature XLR connectors.

Tahoe Series

Analog Routing Switchers