Does SyncheckII come with everything I need? SyncheckII is self contained. As long as you can import one of our test file formats from our data CD, or download from our ftp server into your playback/editing system, the only other thing you need is a standard 9v battery. We include commonly used test files with your purchase, and more are always available via ftp download at no charge. For those unusual times when you cannot use the built in microphone, we also supply a cable that plugs into a jack on the side. The other end of that cable is unfinished so you will need to put the connector of your choice on it.
Do I need to buy your DVD? Not necessarily. We highly recommend it if you use a video DVD player regularly. Some DVD players introduce their own video/audio synchronization errors, in addition to those from image monitors and other system components. Our optional DVD allows you to check overall system errors and at the same time set audio channel playback levels accurately. If you are like many of our customers, though, you use a workstation that can import at least one of our included test file formats. We include many test movie files with your purchase, and all are available via ftp download at no charge. I have different kinds of monitors. Can I use SyncheckII with all of them? Yes. SyncheckII works well with all image monitors and projection systems. A tiny number of users report trouble using video projectors of low-moderate output (under 2000 max lumens) to screens larger than 15 feet (diagonal). Some recent projectors offer "high quality" modes that reduce light output, typically to below 1000 lumens, to improve image contrast. It may be necessary to hold Syncheck/SyncheckII directly in the projector light path, depending on screen gain and projector model. A modification to Syncheck/SyncheckII is available to slightly improve low-light performance in these conditions. The modification is not recommended for any other users. If you think a low-light modification is appropriate for you, you may order a SyncheckII with this modification or send in your unit. There will be a modest charge for this modification to cover costs. Please contact us for details.
I imported one of your movie files into Pro Tools, but the audio track seems to short! Earlier versions of our movie files used a short clip of audio and video that looped many times. This saved considerable download time and disc storage space. Some applications, including Pro Tools and Avid Media Composer, imported video of full length including loops yet imported audio that was not looped. The audio appeared to be short. A workaround is to duplicate the entire audio region enough times to match video length. No other trimming or editing should be needed. As of April 1, 2008 most of our movie files were re-authored without loops to eliminate the problem.
I have identified a sync problem. How do I fix it? That depends on your system, your workflow, and your needs. Digital picture monitors process image data, resulting in a delay before you see it. We recommend in most cases that you delay the audio to match the amount of image delay. Some workstations allow you to enter a compensation value to offset the problem. This works well within that particular application but the problem returns when you need to view other sources (such as video tape or DVD players). In professional audio and video systems, it is usually best to insert audio delays just ahead of your room speaker amplifiers, set to match the delayed image. SyncheckII will show you the correct setting.
Can I use an LCD screen and a plasma screen at the same time? The images will most likely not be in sync with each other. Plasma displays typicallysuffer from very high delay times between 3 and 5 frames. LCD screen delays are usually less, between ½ and 2 frames. You can achieve excellent audio/visual sync with one or the other, but probably not both at the same time unless you also incorporate a video delay processor on the monitor with less delay. Video delay processors range in price depending on quality and resolution. By the way, traditional analog CRT monitors do not suffer from significant visual latency, but they may suffer from processing delays of the video hardware they are connected to.
Is SyncheckII adjustable? You can change SyncheckII's SPL calibration with a small screwdriver. A small trimmer is accessible through the side of the case. This affects ONLY the microphone SPL reading, it does not alter sensitivity during flash/pip measurement. No adjustment for the light sensor is typically needed or provided.
How accurate is SyncheckII?s SPL meter? SyncheckII will match the performance of a type 2 SPL meter. Like all acoustic measurement devices, it is affected by temperature, atmospheric pressure, and mood swings. Microphone stability is the weak link of all acoustic meters. As part of our effort to give you a reliable and predictable device, we test each microphone element and throw out all that do not meet our needs for frequency linearity or output level. During final assembly we calibrate each SyncheckII with a Rion acoustic calibrator that is regularly verified for accuracy by an accredited lab. Each unit, when it leaves our hands, will be within plus/minus 1 db when compared to a calibrated C weighted type 1 (or better) meter. (There is an adjustment on the side of the case if you wish to recalibrate the unit to your own reference.)
What is C weighting? Also called "C curve", it is a primitive attempt to force an electronic meter to measure sound as our ears hear, in a non-linear way. The C curve is just one of many weighted curves. Weighted curves alter the sensitivity of SPL (sound pressure level) meters to one or more parts of the audible frequency spectrum. Sound recording and mixing studios use primarily the C curve to measure speaker volume. The C curve makes a meter less sensitive to very low frequencies (primarily below 80 Hz) and very high frequencies (above 4kHz).
Can I send audio directly into SyncheckII without using the microphone? Yes. The microphone will hear all sounds in a room. If you are trying to measure audio/visual synchronization errors in a noisy room, or with nearby conversation, SyncheckII may respond to those sounds and give you spurious readings. We include a cable that plugs into a jack on the side of the case, to allow direct measurement of the audio signals in noisy environments.
Click to return