Modular Video Synthesis 101

A video synthesizer is an electronic instrument which creates or processes video images in real time. A modular video synthesizer is comprised of one or more electronic modules. Each module performs a specific function, such as shape generation or color mixing. Modules are connected to each other with patch cables in an open ended manner which encourages experimentation and offers a wholly immersive creative experience. A large system of modules may be purchased at once, or it may be built up over time as modules are added according to an artist’s specific creative goals.

A list of facts about LZX Industries modules for EuroRack video synthesis systems:

  • LZX Industries offers a complete product line of EuroRack format video synthesizer modules.

  • Our modules are compatible with the same EuroRack cases, power supplies and patch cables used for audio synthesizers.

  • External video inputs and outputs follow broadcast video standards: 480i/576i YPbPr Component, NTSC/PAL Composite & S-Video. Additional timing formats are available with TBC2 and ESG3.

  • Signal levels are lower (1V) than most audio modules (5V-10V), but inputs are tolerant of any voltage produced by a EuroRack system. Level scaling between video and audio modules can be handled by the built in attenuators on the modules, or by a scaler module such as Bridge.

  • Our modules draw slightly more power on average than audio modules. A good budget for your EuroRack power supply is 10 mA per HP unit width of your case, per +/-12V power rails. The current (Gen3) series of modules offers an alternative to EuroRack power by including 2.1mm 12V barrel power inlets. This allows you to power modules directly with distributed +12V power.

  • Our modules use wideband video components throughout. This means voltage control inputs are capable of very high frequencies, allowing signals such as camera images to modulate oscillators or VCAs.

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