The MicroImage PIX/2 family of controllers is designed to combine the images from two video cameras into a single picture. The two images can either be split on the screen showing a portion of each image or mixed (faded) together as an overlay. Only the second camera must have full genlock capability, camera A does not need to have genlock capability and can be virtually any video camera that has the proper video signal output.

The images can be split in the horizontal or vertical direction. A lower right corner insert mode is also available. The A camera is always displayed on the left or top and the B camera is always displayed on the right or bottom. For the corner insert mode, the B camera is within the insert area in the lower right corner. The split portion can typically be adjusted over 100% of the screen area with the front panel control.

The Fade mode allows the two images to be added together. The mix can be adjusted over the entire range from a full camera A image to a full camera B image. The unit remembers all settings when turned off or when power is lost. Below is an example of the modes.

Two simultaneously displayed images allow comparisons that are necessary in Bio-Medical and in industrial production. Side-by-side comparisons, especially in Forensics, can now be made with ease. For example, in pathological or oncological situations, changes in tissue development can be compared to monitor a patient’s progress over time.

Making comparisons in industrial production runs, especially in the semi-conductor industry, allows the manufacturer to check if the process is accurate or needs improving, and can help detect a problem before it becomes a costly error.

Forensic medicine and criminal forensics are areas where side-by-side or overlay comparisons hold the utmost importance. Items such as tissue and blood cells, ballistic samples and fibers can all be displayed for comparison on a video monitor to help eliminate doubt in many cases.

The PIX/2 family consists of several products to work with a variety of cameras, both Black & White and Color. Each unit provides the proper signals and connectors to work correctly with the intended camera type. The units are designed to work with color and B&W cameras and are not just B&W units that happen to function "OK" with color cameras.

The model PX101EX is designed to work with NTSC composite color cameras and RS170A Black and White cameras. The camera A, camera B, Output and Genlock connectors are the BNC type. The H&V connector is a 6 pin mini-DIN type.

The model PX201EX is designed to work with S-Video (YC) cameras. The camera A, camera B and output connectors are 4 pin mini-DIN types (the standard S-Video connector). The Genlock connector is a BNC type and the H&V output is a 6 pin mini-DIN.

Power is provided by a Wall Unit power supply (included) or the unit can be powered from +12VDC (negative ground). DC power consumption is about 2.5 Watts. The unit is packaged in a metal enclosure with plastic bezel assemblies. 

The PIX/2 series is also available as a board level product. These can be provided with the standard connectors listed above or small single row "header" connectors. The switches and the mix control can also be replaced with off board counterparts through optional single row headers. The mix can be controlled by a 0 to +5VDC voltage. MicroImage Video Systems can also provide custom units to meet unique requirements. Please contact MicroImage Engineering for additional information.

The PX101EX and PX201EX carry a one year parts and labor warranty.

• For PIX/2 units that operate WITHOUT GENLOCK cameras, click here...

For the PX101 and PX201 units to operate properly, the correct cameras MUST be chosen. Camera A can be virtually any camera with the proper output signal (composite for the PX101EX or S-Video for the PX201EX) but camera B MUST have full Genlock capability. Camera B cannot be a consumer camcorder or any other basic camera

For B&W applications, the B camera must have a genlock input or H&V inputs to lock its timing to the A camera.

For color applications, the B camera must have a Genlock input and must provide an SC or Subcarrier Phase control. This phase control is necessary to match the colors between the two cameras.

Please keep in mind that there are a number of cameras on the market that provide a semi-Genlock, these provide the sync lock capability but do not provide the SC phase control and color lock. These cameras are not compatible with the PIX/2 series, they will produce a random color or in some cases a rainbow color image.