ClearColor3 and ClearVideo3 Video Converters
Color-space
converters have become a popular item for those consumers who have taken
the plunge into home theater. While not everyone finds the need for such
products, those who do can rely on companies like Key Digital Systems
to provide high performance converters. The company has an excellent reputation
for consistently delivering high performance video products in the ever-changing
video market. Several years ago we reviewed their first generation Component-to-VGA
and VGA-to-Component
converters called the KD-CTCA2 and KD-VTCA1 respectively. Since then,
they've introduced the new KD-CTCA3 (ClearVideo3) and KD-VTCA3 (ClearColor3)
products. Similar to their predecessors, the ClearVideo3 and ClearColor3
products have been refined to offer better video performance and features
than the earlier designs. The new products both have small enclosures,
making them easy to tuck away behind video components.
ClearVideo3
The ClearVideo3 is designed to convert a component video signal (YPrPb)
to an RGB format (also called VGA). It accepts a single set of component
inputs via three RCA connectors. The unit detects the sync signal on the
Y input and converts the component video signals to the VGA output. The
unit also provides a buffered pass-through of the component video inputs
so that the original component video can be used for another device. If
no signal is detected on the component inputs, the ClearVideo3 will pass
through the VGA input (also included on the adapter) directly to the VGA
output. This video switching feature has some great applications for those
with an RGB display and both an RGB and component source. The Clear Video
3 works with progressive scan DVD (480p) players and high definition sources
(720p and 1080i). There are two small switches on the unit for configuring
the drive syncs (separate HV for VGA or composite sync on H) and the RGBHV
or RGsB mode. This offers great flexibility for many users. In addition,
the unit is capable of driving video signals up to 50 feet. The
ClearVideo3 uses an HDTV colorimetry matrix to convert the color different
signals and has a video bandwidth of -3dB at 110MHz (linear-phase passband)
making it capable of passing high definition content without any substantial
degradation.
We tested the ClearVideo3 with a Marantz MV8300 D-VHS VCR connected to the adapter's component video inputs and displayed the converted RGB video on our 21" Viewsonic G810 monitor. The image was absolutely stunning with no hint of noise in the picture. Colors looked very accurate with natural flesh tones and good saturation. We also connected our HDTV tuner that sends RGB video out through a VGA connector. We connected the tuner to the VGA input on the Clear Video 3 and when the component video turned off, the adapter automatically switched the tuner input to the monitor with no degradation in the signal from what we could tell.
ClearColor3
The ClearColor3 performs the complementary function of the ClearVideo3
by converting a single VGA input to a component video output (YPrPb) via
three RCA connectors. Similar to the ClearVideo3 loop-though function,
the ClearVideo3 has a VGA output that provides VGA capability when converting
VGA to component video. The ClearColor3 unit works with progressive scan
DVD (480p) players as well as high definition sources (720p and 1080i).
The ClearVideo3 is ideal for systems that have a set-top box or HTPC (Home
Theater PC) with a VGA output when the display device requires component
video. The adapter is capable of driving video signals up to 50 feet in
length. Like the ClearVideo3, the ClearColor3 uses an HDTV colorimetry
matrix to convert the RGB signals and has a video bandwidth of -3dB at
110MHz (linear-phase passband).
The ClearColor3 adapter worked flawlessly in our system. We connected our HTPC to the unit and sent the processed component video signals to a Marantz VP-12S2 we were reviewing at the time. The 720p video signal looked excellent on this projector with superb color fidelity and low-noise in the black levels. We were also pleasantly surprised not to see any ringing in the signal even over a 20 foot cable.
Conclusion
Key Digital's color space converters not only perform well, but are reasonable
priced. Videophiles will be pleased with the quality produced by the ClearVideo3
and ClearColor3 units. Installation is very easy and the value-added feature
of video switching and loop-through functions make the product even more
attractive to consumers integrating new video products into their home
theater system. Without reservation, these new converters come highly
recommended.
- Kevin Nakano