LZW Industries has introduced the Visionary Modular Analog Video Synthesizer, a new line of Eurorack modular synthesizer modules designed for video.

The modules can be integrated into existing modular synthesizers, but with limitations on the range of voltages they can accept:

Our modules expect 1Vpp CV and signal levels. This means control ranges will be limited when fed 5Vpp or 10Vpp CV sources without some sort of external attenuation. Our External Voltage Processor module can be used to fine tune external voltage or audio source signal levels.

We are also working on a special 1/8″-to-1/8″ adapter plug that will attenuate signals to the correct range.

Why do it this way?

Analogue video signals demand up to 50 times as much bandwidth as audio to maintain fidelity. With circuitry designed for such high frequency signals, 10Vpp signal levels would have excessive power requirements, making the system less compatible and far more expensive.

Two modules have been announced. A total of 6 are expected to be available in March.

Here’s a demo of the output of one video synthesizer patch:

It will be interesting to see demos that combine audio and video synthesis.

Here are the details on the first two modules that have been announced.

Video Waveform Generator

What your ear may hear as a subtle difference, your eye may see as a huge one. Since the end results in video synthesis are visual: texture, pattern, and shape instead of audio, there are a number of features and controls in this VCO design that take into consideration this unique application.

Features:

• Wide range VCO with 6 selectable frequency ranges from LFO to 750KHz, coarse and fine tuning controls.
• Expanded hard sync circuit designed for accurate synchronization to video sync signals. Selection switch allows normalization to sync bus signals distributed through the power header from the LZX Visionary Video Sync Generator module.
• Precision video op-amps used in all circuitry for accurate high speed frequency and waveshape modulation.
• Five simultaneous waveform outputs: Triangle, Sawtooth, Square, Pulse (Rectangle) & Shaped Sine.
• Two independent waveshapers with CV inputs, CV attenuverters and bias controls: Pulsewidth Modulator & Sine Shaper. Control pulsewidth and sine shape from 0% to 100%.
• Two exponential frequency CV inputs with CV attenuverters.
• Attenuversion controls on all signal inputs allow attenuation and inversion of any input signal.
• Frequency notification LED.

Specifications:

• Format: EuroRack
• Width: 16HP
• Depth: 30mm
• Power: +/-12V
• Power Header: 16-pin Dual Row IDC Connector (Doepfer standard)
• Frequency Range: LFO to 750KHz
• Waveform Output Level: 1Vpp DC Coupled
• CV Input Range: 1Vpp expected, 10Vpp tolerant

Color Video Encoder

Features:

• Three color channels with signal inputs, signal attenuverters and bias controls: Red, Green & Blue.
• Three video outputs: two Composite Video (separately buffered) and one S-Video.
• Green and Blue inputs normalled to Red input, allowing flexible colorization of a single input signal.
• Precision video op-amps used in all circuitry for crisp, accurate output image.
• Precision clipping and blanking circuitry for each color channel ensures final output video is within valid signal range.
• Attenuversion controls on all signal inputs allow attenuation and inversion of any input signal.
• User configurable jumper allows selection between PAL or NTSC video standard.
• No external +5V power rail necessary, user configurable jumper allows selection between onboard +5V regulator or +5V rail on standard power header.

Specifications:

• Format: EuroRack
• Width: 10HP
• Depth: 30mm
• Power: +/-12V, +5V
• Power Header: 16-pin Dual Row IDC Connector (Doepfer standard)
• Sync Header: 14-pin Dual Row IDC Connector, for connection to LZX Visionary Video Sync Generator module or distribution bus. (Module will not function without this connection.)
• Video Output Level: Composite & S-Video standard, AC coupled, 75R terminated
• Signal Input Range: 1Vpp expected, 10Vpp tolerant
• Black Clipping Level: 0V
• White Clipping Level: 1V