SAFETY Installation. Unless otherwise stated TSL equipment may be installed at any angle or position within an operating temperature range of 5-30 C. All TSL equipment conforms to the EC Low Voltage Directive: EC Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)(OJ L76 26.3.73)(LVD). Amendment: (93/68/EEC) (OJ L220 30.8.93). In all cases the frame of the equipment must be earthed on installation. Where appropriate, the earth pin on the IEC mains inlet connector is connected to the metal frame of the equipment, to 0 volts on the internal DC PSU and to signal ground unless otherwise stated. All metal panels are bonded together. Check that the voltage selector setting (if fitted) and the fuse rating is correct for the local mains supply. Due consideration for cooling requirements must be given when mounting the equipment. It is recommended that a 1RU of rack space, or a vent panel, should be left above and below the unit.
Page 3 WARRANTY, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR All TSL products have a one year warranty period starting from the date it leaves the factory. A repair warranty is to apply. That is, the product is to be returned for repair with no replacement and an exchange shipping policy is also to apply. TSL offers a seven day DOA policy together with an exchange shipping policy. That is, if a product has been declared dead on arrival within a seven day period a warranty replacement will be shipped. A temporary replacement may be available where, for operational reasons, it is imperative that service is continued. The customer will be asked to enter into a loan agreement for the duration of repair. All faulty equipment returned to TSL for repair will, where possible, be returned to the customer within seven working days. TSL Returns Procedure Please telephone +44 (0)1628 6762221 (Fax: +44 (0)1682 676299) and ask for Customer Support, detailing the model and serial number of the equipment, who will provide a Returns Number. This will enable us to track the unit effectively and will provide some information prior to the unit arriving. For each item, this unique Returns Number must be included with the Fault Report sent with the unit. A contact name and telephone number are also required with the Fault Report sent with the unit. Fault report details required. Company: Name: Address: Contact Name: Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Returns Number: Symptoms of the fault (to include switch setting positions, input signals etc): Packing Please ensure that the unit is well packed as all mechanical damage is chargeable. TSL recommends that you insure your equipment for transit damage. The original packaging, when available, should always be used when returning equipment.
Page 4 This Page is Blank
Page 5 Contents Table of Contents 1. Introduction... 7 1.1.Different Product Versions... 7 1.2.In the Box... 8 1.3.Dimensions... 8 2. Operation... 9 2.1.Quick Start Guide... 9 2.2.Preset List... 10 2.2.1.Audio Global... 10 2.2.1.1.Analogue Reference... 10 2.2.1.2.Downmix Settings... 10 2.2.1.3.Labels... 11 2.2.1.4.Colour... 12 2.3.Input and Channel Order... 12 2.4.Scale and Loudness Setup... 13 2.5.Meter Text Read Out... 14 2.6.Backlight Level... 14 3. Controls... 15 4. Displays and Navigation... 16 5. Connectivity... 18 6. Mounting... 19 7. Signal Connections... 20 8. Preset Setup... 21 9. Labels Assign... 23 10. Loudness Preset... 24 11. Matrix Output Assign... 25 11.1.Meter... 26 11.2.Routing and assigning channels... 26 12. Meter Setup... 29 12.1.Scale... 29 12.2.Display Mode... 29 12.3.Bargraph Width... 30 12.4.Colour Normal... 31
Page 6 12.5.Colour Under... 31 12.6.Under Level... 32 12.7.Window Text... 32 13. Starfish Setup... 34 13.1.Colour... 34 13.2.Compressor... 35 13.3.Op-Mode... 35 13.4.Window Height... 35 14. Loudness Setup... 36 14.1.Filter... 36 14.2.Scale Mode... 36 14.3.Sliding Window... 36 14.4.Reference... 36 14.5.Peak Level... 36 14.6.Gate Level 1... 37 14.7.Gate Level 2... 37 14.8.Peak Mode... 37 14.9.Reference... 37 14.10.Capture... 37 15. Loudness Option... 38 16. Software Updates... 39
Page 7 1. Introduction The latest member of TSL s Precision Audio Monitoring (PAM) product family, PAM PiCo is a compact, yet comprehensively equipped, standalone audio and Loudness meter featuring the revolutionary Starfish surround sound display. Designed for use in any operational position where at a glance audio metering is required. PAM PiCo is available in three formats; to display stereo, multichannel or surround sound audio from analogue, AES or embedded SDI signal sources, all measuring Loudness to international standards and recommendations including ITU, EBU R128 and ATSC. Both simple to use and easy to configure, PAM PiCo puts high quality metering within easy reach of anyone involved in sound production, from operators working throughout broadcast production to music studio technicians and record producers. Features: Loudness measurement to EBU, ITU and ATSC recommendations Audio de-embedding from SDI input, maximum 16 channels (PiCo 3 and 4 only) AES and analogue audio inputs USB Powered (plug top PSU included) Stereo metering with EBU Digital, BBC and EBU PPM, DIN, Nordic, VU and many other regional and international scales Moving Coil Meter emulation Sum and Difference (MS) Meter emulation LKFS or LUFS loudness scales Sliding Loudness Histogram display Phase indication bargraph Starfish display Numerical indication of Loudness and loudness range LRA Adjustable reference level User selectable bargraph colours and indication Variable gate settings Loudness Reclaim value True Peak display (flying peak and numerical display) Simple and intuitive front panel controls Online upgrade and update capability via PC (USB connection) Desk stand or an adjustable mounting bracket 1.1. Different Product Versions The PAM PiCo is available in four versions; all of the versions are powered by USB: PiCo One Master Stereo Meter, 2 x AES Inputs (4 x audio channels) or 1 x AES Input (2 x audio channels) + 1 x Analogue Pair. PiCo Two Master 5.1 Surround Meter, 3 x AES Inputs (6 x audio channels) + 1 x Analogue Pair PiCo Three Master 5.1 Surround Meter, 3G HD-SDI (auto-sensing with loop-through) 16 channel audio de-embedder (simultaneous display of any 8 channels)
Page 8 PiCo Four Master 5.1 Surround Meter, 3G HD-SDI (auto-sensing with loop-through) 16 channel audio de-embedder (simultaneous display of any 12 channels), 3x AES Inputs (6 x audio channels), 1x Analogue Pair (2 x audio channels), FFT/Spectrum Analyser 1.2. In the Box After obtaining the Product, inside the box you will find: o A PAM PiCo (version 1 or 2) o o o 1.3. Dimensions Unit Height: Width: Depth: Weight: A 1.5m interface cable to connect audio and power to the unit A USB -> PSU converter An adjustable mounting bracket 132 mm 88mm 18mm 355g Shipping Weight: 1.5kg Dimensions: 310mmx 310mm x 160mm Mounting Hole Pattern: 35mmx 35mm Thread Size: 4mm
Page 9 2. Operation The PAM PiCo is designed to be easy to operate and navigate. The touch sensitive buttons below the screen form a swipe sensitive strip that is used to switch between the displays and the buttons themselves are used for menu navigation and to start / stop / pause loudness measurement When starting the unit up for the first time, depending on the model it will be automatically set in a certain user setting. PiCo 1 User setting 2: 2.0 digital with a meter scale of EBU IEC 268-18 PiCo 2 User setting 7: 5.1 digital with a meter scale of EBU IEC 268-18 The user preset and quick setup menu can be found by swiping the touch panel from right to left, or by pushing the button labelled Menu -> and is shown below. There is no need to select any save option to store operational parameters such as presets as PAM PiCo has an automatic save function that stores all of the presets for power down and automatically recalls them when re-powered. Please allow at least fifteen seconds before powering down after updating the last option. The menu is split into 6 subfolders: Quick Start Guide Preset List Input and Channel Order Scale and Loudness Setup Meter Text Read Out Backlight Level 2.1. Quick Start Guide The Quick Start Guide is a pre-programmed text file which explains some basic features of the unit. By un-checking the box at the bottom, this menu will be minimised on start up.
Page 10 2.2. Preset List The number of user presets for each product version is different: PiCo One: 5 presets PiCo Two: 11 presets The point of these presets is to configure different settings for varying operational function depending on the input and the required information and format for it to be displayed. This means you could switch quickly between two very different setups. If you swipe from right to left again it will take you to the setup menu. In this menu you will find 3 folders: About Preset [PRESET NAME] Audio Global 2.2.1. Audio Global In the Audio Global section, there are the following folders which are configurable by the user: 2.2.1.1. Analogue Reference Range: +12dBu -> +24dBu +15dBu is the DE standard +18dBu is the EBU standard +20dBu is the US standard The analogue reference folder allows you to set the FS (Full scale) Input, true peak voltage, reference level for analogue audio. 2.2.1.2. Downmix Settings
Page 11 This is the area of the PiCo where you can set the global output setting for any down mixed audio you want to monitor. You may wish to create a Downmix from your 5.1 selection in order to check stereo phase compatibility. This area is also designed for use when setting up a Sum/Difference meter mode. OUTPUT GAIN sets the output gain in db between -16 and +3. CENTR TO L/R allows you to adjust the gain in db of how much of the centre channel spills over to the left and right channels, also known as centre divergence. This can be set between 0dB and -6dB. MODE This allows you to set the Mode to either OFF, MS -3dB and MS -6dB. 2.2.1.3. Labels This folder allows users to rename both user presets and signal names. To change the name of any one item, use the MOVE and MOVE buttons to highlight the item. Then use the select button to select it. At this point an underscore symbol will appear underneath the far left symbol of the item s label. It is discernible by its colour change between white and purple. To move the underscore/selection symbol left, use the MOVE button while the symbol is flashing, to move right, use the MOVE button. When the underscore/select symbol is back at the far left symbol of the items label, pressing MOVE again will bring you back out of the individual symbol select cycle, to the item label select cycle. When you have found the individual symbol you wish to change press select. Next you can change the symbol in this area by pressing the MOVE and MOVE buttons. If the symbol in the selected position is blank, pressing the MOVE button will allow users to scroll through the list of symbols. Pressing the MOVE button will do nothing in this case.
Page 12 To move out of the symbol scrolling cycle, once the appropriate symbol has been chosen, pressing select will save the symbol and return the process to the individual symbol select cycle. On a PiCo 3 there are 32 signals which represent the 32 locations on the TDM bus, and each of these can have its own name. The surround channels are set as a default of 1-8. For more information see section 3.2 2.2.1.4. Colour This folder allows the user to configure the colour of the meters, the options are: Blue Green Light Blue Red Violet Yellow White The default is Green. The colour of the meter can be changed by highlighting the current colour and pressing select. Then use the MOVE and MOVE buttons to scroll through the colour options. 2.3. Input and Channel Order This short menu allows you to quickly configure the type of input coming into the unit as well as the type of loudness measurement. On the Pico 2 there are the Options of: 2.0 Analogue 2.0 Digital 5.1 LRC Digital 5.1 LCR Digital
Page 13 The Pico One only takes a stereo input as a maximum, therefore the 5.1 options aren t available. 2.4. Scale and Loudness Setup This short menu allows you to configure the amplitude scale the bargraphs display on the screen and measure the incoming signals with, the bargraph width and the loudness scale. The Scale Type and Loudness setup are explained in further detail later in this manual; please see section 12.1. and section 14.
Page 14 2.5. Meter Text Read Out This menu allows quick configuring of the four lines of text that the unit displays above the bargraphs. This menu is a quick link similar to the window text setup in Meter Setup however, fewer options are available here, as the choices are kept to the most commonly used displays. For a detailed list of all possible options please see section 12.7. 2.6. Backlight Level The Backlight Level option allows users to quickly set the brightness for the unit
Page 15 3. Controls At the base of the unit are three control buttons which use capacitive touch sensitive technology, which means that they will respond to physical contact by a finger, but not to devices such as a stylus or pen. The function of the buttons changes depending on which screen is displayed. The function of the button is indicated by the labels directly above them.
Page 16 4. Displays and Navigation The displays can be split in to two main categories; Meter displays and Setup or menu displays. Setup Displays: There are two main screens here; the first is the Preset and Quick Setup Menu, where users can select which preset they wish to select or quickly change some more basic settings of the unit s performance.
Page 17 The second is the detailed Setup Menu, this has three key setup folders which allows users to personalise the presets: ABOUT PRESET [preset name] AUDIO GLOBAL Meter displays: There are three main screens here all depicted in the images below: The first screen shows the labelled input signal levels and the phase correlation of the Downmix. The second screen gives a histogram of the loudness, allowing you to choose to monitor this using either a sliding window or integral measurement. The parameters of these measurements are configurable in the setup menu.
Page 18 The third screen gives the labelled input signal levels along with a phase and Starfish display. All of these displays provide a numerical loudness reading along with other configurable pieces of data. The text displayed on all the screens, is the text that can be set in the quick setup menu (see section 2.5) or the window text menu (see section 12.7.). The default settings are explained below: Loudness Select: This displays the value and measurement of the current loudness preset. It can be split up as follows I (or) S (or) M (Integral or Short term or Momentary) Number: Value of the loudness measurement LKFS, LU or LUFS: Type of loudness measurement Sliding Max: This shows the maximum short term, sliding-window loudness measurement. Loudness LRA: This displays the loudness range, measured in LRA Peak Level Max: This shows the Peak level relative to the current meter scale being used. 5. Connectivity The 1.5m interface cable for the PAM PiCo is supplied with the unit and is the same for each: 1.5m, 3xBNC for unbalanced AES3 and USB power/data The signals each unit can handle are slightly different for each version: PiCo 1: D-15 -> 2xAES3, 1x Analogue Stereo Input and USB PiCo 2: D-15 -> 3xAES3, 1x Analogue Stereo Input and USB PiCo 3: D-15-> 3xAES3 (optional extra), 1x Analogue Stereo Input (optional extra) and USB 1x HD/SDI BNC Input, 1x HD/SDI BNC Output (active loop through) PiCo 4: D-15-> 3xAES3, 1x Analogue Stereo Input and USB, 1x HD/SDI BNC Input, 1x HD/SDI BNC Output (active loop through)
Page 19 6. Mounting The unit comes with an adjustable mounting bracket that connects to the back panel of the PiCo. The end of the bracket with two holes should be connected to the PiCo and the end with four holes should be connected to the surface it is to be mounted on. When fixing the bracket to the PiCo, only the screws supplied should be used, this is because the screw holes on the unit are very shallow and using longer screws could cause damage. If using a thinner plate between the bracket and the unit, the supplied screws may also cause damage. If the unit is required to be fitted to a thin surface, use shorter screws, so that the screw is only engaging the case of the PiCo. As well as this there is the option to purchase a desktop bracket, pictured to the right. This stand can be placed on a flat surface and is good alternative if there is no convenient place to mount a wall bracket. Part Number: PAM PiCo B1
Page 20 7. Signal Connections The pin-out for the back of the unit is shown below Signal Name Type Pin Number USB GND 1 USB +5V 9 USB D+ 2 USB D- 10 AES-3id input 1 HOT 3 AES-3id input 2 (PiCo 2 +) HOT 4 AES-3id input 3 (PiCo 2 +) HOT 12 AES Ground GND 11 Analogue Left HOT 6 Analogue Left COLD 14 Analogue Right HOT 8 Analogue Right COLD 15 Analogue Ground GND 7
Page 21 8. Preset Setup Each preset comprises a set of configurable parameters including name, source, meter scale, loudness measurement and various other features. When initially entering the setup menu for any of the presets, if only the ABOUT folder is visible this means the USER MODE is set to RESTRICTED or NORMAL. Change to SUPERVISOR or ADMINISTRATOR to edit any of the settings of the presets. For regular use after all presets have been configured correctly for their use, make sure the USER MODE is set to NORMAL to avoid any accidental setting changes. The PAM PiCo comes with 11 factory presets : 1 2.0 ANALOGUE 2 2.0 DIGITAL 3 2.0 LU D 4 2.0 FS D 5 2.0,1 LU D 6 2.0,1 FS D 7 5.1 DIGITAL 8 5.1 LU D 9 5.1 FS D 10 5.1,1 LU D 11 5.1,1 FS D All presets are configurable in the setup menu and can be changed, renamed and stored in the unit when power cycling. IMPORTANT NOTE: When changing a setting, unit must NOT be power cycled for AT LEAST 15 seconds after a change is made or else the unit will not save any changes.
By swiping the row of buttons from right to left when the preset you wish to change is highlighted you enter the SETUP menu: Page 22 This will be confirmed by the PRESET tab in the setup menu listing the preset you have selected in square brackets: [preset name]. To open the preset menu, highlight the tab as shown in the above image, then press Select. This will display the following screen: All the tabs above are configurable aspects of the meter performance.
Page 23 9. Labels Assign The Label Assign tab allows users to change what the different signals represent. This is particularly useful if the signals you are monitoring are not coming in to the meter in a conventional manner, and is essential for proper routing through the use of the Matrix Output Assign. This is performed by selecting the signal channel you wish to change, then using the MOVE and MOVE buttons to change what the signal represents. Input represents the different types of signal coming into the unit or working throughout the unit: Internal internal signal processes that use the inputs to perform process such as Mixing, Turning off, Loudness output, Difference and more. Analogue this is where the stereo analogue inputs can be renamed from the list of labels. Digital This is where AES inputs can be renamed. Helpful particularly when changing between monitoring a 5.1 digital input and three stereo digital inputs. DeEmbedder Labels can be reassigned to the de-embedded audio coming into the unit via SDI. Output represents the labelling of the meters on the bargraph. N.B By assigning different channels to outputs via the matrix output assign, the meter labels that are chosen in the Output folder of Labels Assign are overridden and the meters will read the name of the channel you have assigned instead.
Page 24 10. Loudness Preset Beneath each preset are six commonly used sets of defaults. In addition a USER mode allows custom variations to be created. To define the loudness measurement parameters, go to: SLIDE \ SLIDE \ SYSTEM \ PRESET [name] \ LOUDNESS PRESET and select the required set of parameters. USER must be selected if custom settings are to be created and used. Some key Loudness measurement presets are: R128 - The EBU standard ATSC - The US standard LEQM - is a weighted true average of the audio power level calculated using an adapted A- weighting curve. BCAP - UK commercials/adverts regulation from 2008 ARIB - Japanese TV programme standard from Association of Radio Industries and Business ARIB TR-32B
Page 25 11. Matrix Output Assign The Matrix Output assign allows you to route physical signals from input sources to the TDM bus. Time-division multiplexing allows multiple physical signals to be routed seemingly simultaneously, when in reality they are actually split up on the high speed bus. This is how AES signals work. By changing the meter outputs you can reorder the signals on the output channel of the PiCo. There are 4 different types of signal which can be recognised and assigned in the matric output assign: Int Internal signal Ana Analogue signals Dig Digital Signal (AES) DeE De-Embedded Signals (HD/SDI) When using an SDI source make sure you have assigned the De-Embedded (DeE) signals to the output, otherwise the signals won t be detected. When using a digital audio source (AES) make sure that the outputs have Digital (Dig) signals assigned. When using an Analogue source make sure that Analogue (Ana) is selected as the source type. When using a SUM/DIFFERENCE or MIX from a combination of input signals make sure you select the relevant Internal signal.
Page 26 Using the MOVE and MOVE buttons, when a signal is selected in the matrix, you can route the signal to the different meter labels. 11.1. Meter The Matrix Output Assign option initially allows you, on each signal path, to choose between the following default signal labels: OFF: Int TONL: Int TONR: Int MIX: Int Internal signals DIFF: Int LOUD: Int INP: Int 1: Ana 2: Ana Analogue signals L: Dig R: Dig C: Dig LFE: Dig AES signals LS: Dig RS: Dig L: DeE R: DeE C: DeE LFE: DeE LS: DeE RS: DeE ML: DeE MR: DeE AUX1 : DeE AUX2: DeE 1: DeE 2: DeE 3: DeE 4: DeE 5: DeE 6: DeE DeEmbedded signals 11.2. Routing and assigning channels The basic method for simple routing is: 1. Assign the correct labels for sources and bargraphs 2. Link the two together
Page 27 To route the signal to the meter, from the menu; Labels Assign->Input folder->select input Input channel order is now displayed. The line structure in this menu is: [label, labelnumber, labeltype] labeladdress Once input channel order is set, there are two options: 1. Route the signals to the bargraphs 2. Configure the bargraphs to make routing easier If following the second option, from the menu: Labels Assign->Output folder->meter Bargraph Labels and states are now displayed. The line structure in this menu is: [label, labelnumber, labeltype] meteraddress The order can be easily changed, for example, if your input consists of a stereo signal followed by a discrete 5.1 signal spread over four pairs from an embedded source, you can set the list to read as per the image to the left. Again, the order can be easily changed to better suit the input type. This is also where channels can be turned OFF. To route signals to the bargraphs, from the menu: Matrix Output Assign->Meter The routing between inputs and bargraph labels will be displayed. The line structure in this menu is: [inputlabel, inputtype] -> meteraddress: meterlabel In this folder, the routing can be easily changed.
Page 28 N.B Make sure the input you are assigning to a destination is the right type for the input you are supplying to the unit i.e. if you are supplying an AES source, make sure the input name on the unit has Dig in it somewhere.
Page 29 12. Meter Setup 12.1. Scale A variety of different meter scales are offered and the one selected is stored as part of each preset. Use the MOVE button to get to the presently selected preset. SELECT the preset, opening the folder then use the MOVE button to go to the BARGRAPH OPTION folder then go down to the SCALE folder. The full process is: SLIDE \ SLIDE \ SYSTEM \ PRESET [name] \ METER SETUP \ SCALE The scale currently assigned to that preset is highlighted and the MOVE and MOVE buttons allow a different one to be selected. The change is made by clicking SELECT on the required one. If no other changes are needed to that preset, going to EXIT allows the meter to return to the audio level display screen. Some of the different scales are explained below: BBC IEC 268 II VU EBU IEC 268-18 - is the BBC PPM scale - is the Volume Unit scale - is the EBU Digital standard scale *IEC 268 refers to the audio filtering applied to the signal to calculate the value 12.2. Display Mode The bargraph display can be replaced by an emulation of a moving coil meter, or a combination of both moving coil and bargraph.
Page 30 To change this for any of the presents, first select the required preset. Use the navigation controls to select this folder inside METER SETUP. Select the style of meters using the MOVE to step to the required mode, then press SELECT. To return to the initial audio display mode from this, use the SLIDE function. The DUAL mode allows a single meter arc to display two signals by using a dual needle. 12.3. Bargraph Width The width of the individual bars can be changed between: NARROW NARROW + SPACE NORMAL NORMAL + SPACE WIDE WIDE + SPACE JUMBO JUMBO + SPACE
Page 31 Two examples of different bargraphs Narrow Jumbo 12.4. Colour Normal Changes the colour of the meter for when the signal is normal (above the under level mark). The options are: GREEN YELLOW BLUE VIOLET LIGHT BLUE WHITE RED 12.5. Colour Under This changes the colour of the meter for when the signal is below the under level. The options are the same as for the COLOUR NORMAL option.
Page 32 12.6. Under Level Sets the under level cut-off, the point at which the bargraph will begin to display its data in a different colour. This value is settable between -24dB and 0dB. Is useful to alert of nearly peaking channels. 12.7. Window Text Window Text changes the values displayed on the meter screen. It is possible to view up to four at any one time from a choice of: RESERVED - Reserved for future updates LOUDNESS PRESET - The name of the loudness preset currently being used VOLUME - The volume of the output (3&4 only) PRESET AUDIO - Gives the name of the preset currently being used FILTER TYPE - The filter type currently being used SHORTTM TIME - Indicates the Short Term loudness integration time RESUME TIME - Reserved for future updates STOP TIME - Reserved for future updates START TIME - Reserved for future updates SMPTE TIME - Reserved for future updates PEAK LEVEL MAX - Shows the maximum peak in the level GATE HOLD - indicates if the un-gated loudness is under the gate level SHORTTM MAX - Shows the maximum level reached using a short term window MOMNTRY MAX - Shows the maximum level reached using a momentary window RECLAIM FACTOR - The difference between gated and un-gated loudness LOUDNESS LRA - Shows the Loudness Range INTEGRT - The Integral loudness measurement SHORTTM - The Short Term loudness measurement MOMNTRY - The Momentary loudness measurement LOUDNESS SELECT - The currently selected loudness measurement
Page 33 Two examples of alternative text selections are show below:
Page 34 13. Starfish Setup The Starfish display provides a picture of a 5.1 surround audio field. The display has the front centre channel arranged towards the top with other directions as marked. Typical sound fields have energy in a variety of directions and more complex shapes are created which give an indication of the directions having significant amplitudes. The Starfish takes into account the summation occurs when there is coherent (in-phase) content between legs such as left and centre. Polarity inverted (out of phase) signals can cause the shape to be pulled inwards towards the centre point, reflecting the perceived cancellation that occurs. A yellow coloured trace indicates that there is a high degree of coherent signal content. When the signals are largely un-correlated, the trace becomes blue. When the predominant content is polarity inverted, a red section of the trace shows highlights that might have produced a phasing problem. The randomness of typical surround signals means an occasional glimpse of red should not be a cause for concern, though red showing for extended periods of time should be investigated as it can be a sign of a signal that will not fold-down well into stereo and mono. The first image shows a Starfish display, and the second shows the stereo equivalent Goniometer. 13.1. Colour Allows you to change the colour of the display between: BLUE GREEN LIGHT BLUE RED VIOLET YELLOW
Page 35 13.2. Compressor Allows the changing of the Starfish compression rate between: SLOW FAST It also allows you to turn the compression ON or OFF. 13.3. Op-Mode This allows you to change between Jellyfish display and Starfish display. The Jellyfish display shows the same signal but as a circle. 13.4. Window Height This allows you to select between OFF - The display isn t turned on NORMAL - The display takes up half of the screen LARGE - The display takes up two thirds of the screen The difference in relative size is shown below: Large Normal
Page 36 14. Loudness Setup In addition to the defaults offered in the presets, selecting USER as the loudness preset allows custom variations to be created. Beneath each preset are six commonly used sets of defaults. In addition a USER mode allows custom variations to be created. To define the loudness measurement parameters, go to: SLIDE \ SLIDE \ SETUP \ PRESET [name] \ LOUDNESS SETUP The variable parameters have options as follows: 14.1. Filter The filter you choose here can be a K-FILTER or an LEQM: 14.2. Scale Mode OR Two different scales have been adopted for displaying the loudness value. One of these is defined by the ITU in their document ITU BS1771 and that uses Loudness Units - LU. These have values ranging from -18 to +9 with the typical aiming point for signals being a specification close to the 0 point. The other commonly used scale has only negative values going down from a 0 LUFS mark at the very top of the scale. The required scale can be chosen by highlighting the parameter and using the MOVE and MOVE buttons followed by SELECT. OR 14.3. Sliding Window The currently displayed loudness value is based on the averaged loudness values over a defined time window. Setting the window to 0 provides a display of value that are as instantaneous as the system permits. The window can be adjusted to be 0, 3, 10 or 30 seconds. 14.4. Reference A range of REFERENCE levels can be chosen for the purpose of loudness measurement as part of the loudness measurement standard which your organisation (or client) has adopted. It can be set between -9 and -24 dbfs (1 db steps). OR 14.5. Peak Level The PEAK level is a user defined reference point and can be set between -1 to -10 dbfs (1 db steps).
Page 37 14.6. Gate Level 1 It is often the high level parts of a programme which are often of most interest for assessing compliance with broadcast criteria. To prevent an extended length of low level programme content reducing the averaged loudness value to a degree that affects the measured value, the meter has an optional gating function. Once the signal drops below the gate threshold, the meter will continue to hold, display and use for averaging purposes, the previous value that was above the threshold. The gate threshold can be adjusted from -8 to -20 db in 1 db steps. Setting it to -20 causes the gate to remain open and the unit displays the actual loudness for the vast majority of the time. 14.7. Gate Level 2 The gate level can be an absolute value or a floating one. Absolute values offer a degree of simplicity but at the risk of a high setting causing gating out quieter sections which might sometime comprise a significant part of material such as a feature film soundtrack. Adopting a low absolute value can cause background noise that is at a relatively high level (for example a documentary by a waterfall) not to be gated out, even though it is not a significant contributor to the perceived loudness. Making the gate level relative may then offer results that more closely reflect perceived programme loudness. 14.8. Peak Mode Selecting DIGITAL based the reading on individual sample values. TRUE PEAK measurements take the maximum value of the interpolated wave shape. 14.9. Reference This is the frequency chosen for the calibration alignment and is either 400 or 1000 Hz. 14.10. Capture The graph mode can be initiated automatically when the signal starts. The options are MANUAL START, AUTO RESUME and AUTO START.
Page 38 15. Loudness Option This allows customisation of the type of data being processed to get the loudness measurement. This can be selected to MOMENTARY, SLIDING or INTEGRT. To make a change select the line and it begins to blink between blue and black text. The MOVE and MOVE buttons allows scrolling through the options and when the required one is displayed, press the SELECT button. The MOVE buttons then resume their function of scrolling through other menu options.
Page 39 16. Software Updates Online software updates ensure that PAM PiCo can be kept up to date with the latest international standards and recommendations. The latest software for the PAM PiCo can be downloaded via the TSL download page on the website http://www.tsl.co.uk/support_updatedapps.aspx The PiCo updater program is available as a.zip file from the TSL PPL website. You need to unzip the folder to the desktop of the PC you are using. To use the updater program, upon opening the program for the first time you need to select extract drivers from the dropdown menu and then click proceed. The drivers for Windows Vista/7/XP are located in the.zip file that contained the updater program. To update the software connect the USB of the PiCo breakout cable to your PC while it is connect to the unit. This will power the unit on. Now on the select serial port dropdown menu select the port which the unit is connected to, then click find instrument. If the port you have connected to does not appear at first then click Refresh ports
Page 40 Once your unit is located, click Connect. This will display the following screen: Using the browse button, select the CDP file you wish to load. This could be either a new update or an older version of the software. By clicking Advanced you are given three options: Clone instrument (Save to file) allows you to create a backup file of the instrument and all its settings so that they can be cloned for multiple copies, or reloaded in an emergency where all the settings have been changed. Clone instrument (Load from file) loads a copy of the backed up setup data which is made from the above process. Install SWA licence is used to activate a licence for a selected PiCo to allow users to perform feature upgrades and other functions while interfacing with a PC.
Page 41 Once you have chosen the file you wish to load click next. After clicking yes on the screen above, the unit will begin to load the new software. When it is complete the PiCo will restart and it will then be usable with the new software version installed. Drivers - Please note that a set of PAM PiCo drivers are contained within the updater.zip file. You may need to install them in order for your computer to recognise PAM PiCo and for the updater programme to function properly.