• TRANSCODER

VDIGI Electronics

VD-Z3
Component -> VGA Transcoder

USER GUIDE

Version 3.3
VDIGI Electronics

Revised Edition V3.3 JUNE 2004

DISCLAIMER
Information presented in this documentation has been carefully checked for reliability; however, no
responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. The information contained in this documentation is subject
to change without notice. In no event shall VDIGI Electronics Limited, its directors, officers,
employees or agents be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
(including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use or data, interruption of business and
the like), even if VDIGI has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or
error in this manual or product.

TRADEMARKS
VD-Z3 and VDIGI are registered trademarks of VDIGI Electronics Limited. All other products or
corporate names mentioned in the documentation are for identification and explanation purposes only,
and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

COPYRIGHT@2004 by VDIGI Electronics Limited. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language in any form by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser
for backup purposes, without the written permission of VDIGI Electronics Limited.

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CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
A. SAFETY INFORMATION…………………………………………………………...P.4
B. MORE INFORMATION….…………...…...………………………………………..P.5
C. LIMITED WARRANTY………………………………….…………………………. P.5

CHAPTER 1: Product Introduction

1.1 Welcome Message!……………………………………………….…………………..…P.7
1.2 Package Contents………………………………………………….…………………….P.7
1.3 Specifications
1.3.1 VD-Z3 Specification………………………………………….…………….…….P.8
1.3.2 VD-Z3 Overview………………………………………….…………………..…..P.9
1.4 Product highlights and Special features…………………..…………….……………P.10

CHAPTER 2: Installation and Setup

2.1 Installation…………………………………………………………….…………………P.11
2.1.1 LED Indicators…………………………………………………….…………….P.11
2.1.2 DIP switch configuration table…………………………………….…………..P.12
2.1.3 Details of DIP switch setting………………………………………….………P.12
2.1.4 Common setting for XBOX, GAMECUBE / PS2, Progressive
Scan DVD Player………………………………………………………….….…….…P.12
2.1.5 Common setting for HDTV Cable Receiver………………………….………P.13
2.2 Connecting to XBOX……………………………………………………….…………..P.14
2.3 Connecting to GAMECUBE / PS2……………………………………….……………P.16
2.4 Connecting to P.Scan DVD player or HDTV cable receiver………….…………….P.18

CHAPTER 3: Troubleshooting
3.1 Troubleshooting……………………………………………………………….………...P.20
3.2 Futher Support……………………………………………………………….………… P.21

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GENERAL INFORMATION

A. SAFETY INFORMATION

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments of procedures other than those specified in this
user guide may result in hazardous exposure. Always follow instructions on this user guide
under operating the product.

• Before installing the transcoder with your equipment, carefully read this user guide that
came with the package.

• Do not install or operate the transcoder in high temperature, humidity or dusty environment,
and avoid placing the product in any area where it may become wet or in a poor ventilated
environment.

• Do not place the transcoder on a unstable surface. The transcoder may fall causing serious
damage to it.

• Before connecting the power cable into the transcoder, make sure all signal cables are
correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged.

• Disconnect the power adapter from the electrical outlet when the transcoder is not in use.

• Do not push any objects into the openings of your transcoder. Doing so can cause fire or
electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• If you detect any damage on the transcoder or the power adapter. Contact your dealer
immediately. Do not attempt to repair by yourself, as opening or removing casing may
expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks, also, product warranty will be void
at once if you to do so.

• This transcoder should only be used with the power supply type specified on the marking
label, to help avoid damaging your transcoder, be sure the power adapter (if provided) is set
to match the power available at your location:
- 120 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some Far
Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan
- 100V/50Hz in eastern Japan and 100V/60Hz in western Japan
- 230V/50Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East

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B. MORE INFORMATION
Refer to the following resources for additional information, technical support and for product updates.
1. WebSite – www.vdigi.com
Check out www.vdigi.com for the latest news and other new products!

2. Sales Support
Email: sales@vdigi.com
For enquiry of any sales related issue, you may contact our sales representative by email.

3. Technical Support
Email: vdz3support@vdigi.com
For getting help of technical support, you have to supply your transcoder serial number,
date of purchase, and the name of the retailer. Technical support is available only to the
product that is under warranty.

4. Optional Documentation – your product package may include optional documentation,

such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.

C. LIMITED WARRANTY
VDIGI Electronics Limited warrants this product to be free of defects resulting from faulty
manufacture or components under the following terms:

WARRANTY LENGTH
Labour is warranted for (1) one year from the date of purchase.
Parts are warranted for (1) one year from the date of purchase.
Replacement products will be warranted for the remainder of the one-year warranty period or (30)
thirty days, whichever is longer.

WHO IS PROTECTED
This warranty is enforceable only by the first consumer purchaser.

WHAT IS AND IS NOT COVERED

Except as specified below, this warranty covers all defects resulting from faulty manufacturing of this
product. The following are not covered by the warranty.
1. Any product, on which the serial number has been defaced, modified or removed.
2. Damage, deterioration, or malfunction resulting from:
2.1 Accident, abuse, misuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning, or other acts of nature,
commercial or industrial use, unauthorized product modification, or failure to follow
instructions included with the product. Physically drop the product into the floor.

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2.2 Misapplication of service by someone other than the manufacturer’s representative.

2.3 Any shipment damages. (Claims must be made with carrier.)
2.4 Any other causes which does not relate to a product defect.
3. Cartons, box, cables or accessories used with product.
4. VDIGI does not warrant that this product will meet your requirement; it is your
responsibility to determine the suitability of this product for your purpose.

WHAT WE WILL AND WILL NOT PAY FOR

We will pay labour and material expenses for covered items under the warranty period. However, we
will not pay for the following:
1. Removal or installation charges.
2. Shipping charges.
3. Any incidental charges.

EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
THE MANUFACTURER’S SOLE OBLIGATION AND LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY
IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AT OUR
OPTION. THE MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT, IN ANY EVENT, BE LIABLE TO THE
PURCHASER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTAL
DAMAGE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM
INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE AND LOSS OF BUSINESS) OR LIABILTIY IN RELATING TO
THIS PRODUCT OR RESULTING FROM ITS USE OR POSSESSION.

LIMITATIONS OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES

No warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, is made with respect to the contents of this
documentation, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. Any
implied warranties are limited in duration to one year from the date of purchase.

CHAPTER 1: Product Introduction

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1.1 Welcome Message!

Welcome! Thank you for buying the VDIGI VD-Z3 Component -> VGA transcoder!
VD-Z3, a powerful VGA transcoder to convert HDTV (480p, 720p, 1080i) signals into your
monitor or projector, it delivers the best quality of pictures on your monitor or projector with
new features and latest technologies making it another standout in the video transcoder!

1.2 Package contents

Check your VD-Z3 package for the following items:

VD-Z3 Component -> VGA transcoder
XBOX component cable
Audio Y Cable
Power adapter
User Guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.

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1.3 Specification

1.3.1 VD-Z3 Specification:

Features Description

Input • Component In (Y, Pr, Pb)

• VGA In (Black colour, DSUB 15 PIN VGA FEMALE)
• DC Power Jack (Input voltage range: 7 – 9V; Input
current range: 350mA – 600mA)

Output • VGA Out (Blue colour, DSUB 15 PIN VGA FEMALE)

Video Bandwidth • 230MHz@-3dB

1
• Highest Supported PC Bypass signal 1920 x
1200@60Hz
Supported Component In • 480p, 720p, 1080i / 540p @60Hz
Video Modes • Automatic format
• Input and Output at same scanning format.
Supported Sync. Modes • Composite RGB sync (RGBs)
• Separate RGBHV sync
2
• Separate RGBHV sync Alternative
3
Supported Consoles and • XBOX, GAMECUBE, PS2, Progressive Scan DVD
Device (Progressive player, HDTV cable receiver, etc.
Output)
Input Source LED • Power / VGA Bypass LED (Orange when on)
Indicator • Component In (Blue when on)

Switches • Simple slide switch for Input source switching

• DIP switch for system configuration
• Brightness adjustment screw

o
Operating condition • Temperature: 0 ~ 40 C
• Humidity: 10 ~ 80%

Dimension & Weight • Dimension: 93mm (L) x 64mm (W) x 24mm (D)
• Weight: 83g

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1. For the best performance of VGA Bypass, the recommended resolution for 17’
monitor is 1024 x 768 @ 75 Hz; for 19” monitor, the recommended resolution is
1280 x 1024 @ 75Hz. In addition, VGA cable with ferrite core filter is highly
recommend. (Distortion may occur if you use normal VGA cable with no filter.)
2. Separate RGBHV sync Alternative only used if the display position is not in the
correct position.
3. For XBOX, GAMECUBE & PS2, only support for 480p, 720p, or 1080i games,
480i games are not supported on monitor.

1.3.2 VD-Z3 Overview:

Front:

Back:

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1.4 Product highlights and Special features

Product highlights
Ultimate Graphics. Convert the High quality HDTV output signal (480p, 720p,
1080i) to VGA signal; Users can use their monitor or projector to enjoy the high-
resolution graphics.
Platform Wide. Designed for game console which is supported the HDTV output,
*fully support high definition output of XBOX, GAMECUBE, PS2, HDTV set-top
box, & Progressive scan DVD player.
Easy Setup. Plug and Play VD-Z3 with your equipments, you can easily configure
the VD-Z3 to use with different Game Consoles, HDTV set-top box & Progressive
scan DVD player.
Flexible. Input source switching function, allow you to switch the display between
your PC and your progressive scan equipment by a simple push at any time.
High Compatibility. Support Standard VGA signal for the widest range of quality
CRT, LCD monitor & projector. Compatible with any p.scan ready devices such as
XBOX, GAMECUBE, HDTV set-top box, and progressive scan DVD player.

Special features
XBOX component cable & stereo Audio Y cable included in the package, ready to
play on XBOX consoles with your monitor or projector.
Auto Signal detection; automatically detect the input signal source and output to the
display.
High bandwidth and high compatibility provide the best performance on different
progressive supported equipments.

*Support for NTSC version of XBOX, GAMECUBE, PS2, not for PAL version.

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CHAPTER 2: Installation and Setup

2.1 Installation

1. VGA 15Male to 15Male cable (Optional) is used to connect your PC Display card
to the VD-Z3 VGA In.
2. For factory default settings, VD-Z3 is ready for any progressive scan device.

2.1.1 LED Indicators:

Power / VGA ByPass LED Component In / YPrPb Status Description
(Orange) LED (BLUE)
OFF OFF No power
ON OFF Source from VGA In
ON ON Source from Component In

• Orange LED light up, indicate that the power is available and the VD-Z3 is turned
on, and the input source is from the VGA IN.
• Both Orange LED and Blue LED light up, indicate that the input source is from
Component In.

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2.1.2 DIP switch configuration table:

1 2 3 4 5 6

OFF RGBHV RGBs RGBs or Brightness Brightness Mode

RGBHV screw disable Screw enable 1

ON RGBs RGBHV RGBHV Brightness Brightness Mode

Alternative screw enable screw disable 2

2.1.3 Details of DIP switch setting:

Switch 1, 2, To use RGBHV, turn switch 1, 3 OFF and switch 2 ON; for RGBs, turn
and 3: switch 2, 3 OFF and switch 1 ON. Switch 3 ON and switch 1 and switch 2
OFF (RGBHV Alternative) is used if the display position is not in the correct
position.

Switch 4: Adjust the brightness though the brightness screw when switch 4 is on and
switch 5 is off.

Switch 5: Brightness screw is disabled when switch 4 is off and switch 5 is on. (This
is the factory default setting, you are only need to adjust the brightness if
you want to set your own preference)

Switch 6: If you find that the 720p / 1080i picture is not correctly display, you may set
switch 6 to on for mode 2. For HDTV cable receiver, it is recommend turn
on to mode 2 for 1080i.

2.1.4 Common setting for XBOX, GAMECUBE / PS2, Progressive scan DVD player
(RGBHV, brightness screw disabled)
1 2 3 4 5 6

OFF ON OFF OFF ON OFF

Switch 2, 5 are turn On, and the others turn OFF.

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2.1.5 Common setting for HDTV cable receiver deliver 1080i signal (RGBHV,
brightness screw disabled)
1 2 3 4 5 6

OFF ON OFF OFF ON ON

Switch 2, 5, 6 are turn On, and the others turn OFF.

Component input source and VGA input source switching function.

• A small slide switch located next to the DIP switch on your right hand side of your
VD-Z3, Factory default setting is on the Component input source position, if you
want to switch to your VGA input source, just simply push the switch to the other
position.

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2.2 Connecting to XBOX

1. Firstly, you need to ensure that the 480p is enabled in your XBOX. If it is not
enabled, please follow the below steps to enable the HDTV video mode in your
XBOX.

1.1 Connect the XBOX component cable into the XBOX; on the other side,
connect the Y signal cable (green connector) into a regular TV video in
(yellow RCA jack), turn on your XBOX and you will see a black and white
dashboard screen.

1.2 In the dashboard, go to the Video Option; enable 480p, 720p, or 1080i. (For

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the most widely compatibility support for the display, 480p will be the best
choice, to enable 720p, 1080i, just depends on your own desire, as there are
only a few games support 720p and 1080i.)
[Remark: Only NTSC version XBOX has these HDTV modes for selection.]

XBOX Dashboard Setting Video Mode setting

1.3 After the above steps, you may now connect the XBOX component cable to
the VD-Z3. In order to get your Audio output for your XBOX, you may
connect the Audio Y cable between the component cable and your PC
speaker. Beside, if you have a 5.1 sound system with optical input, you may
use an optical cable (optional) connect between the XBOX component cable
optical output to your 5.1 sound system optical input. Also, connect your
Monitor cable into the VGA output of VD-Z3.

1.4 After connected all your cables probably, you may plug in the power and
switch your input source to component input. And then insert your game disc
(480p ready) to play on the monitor or projector.

2. Make sure that your game is HDTV ready (support 480p, 720p or 1080i). You may
refer to your games menu for this information.

3. VD-Z3 will automatically display the highest supported resolution, for example, if
the game support all the HDTV format 480p, 720p, 1080i (assume you have
enabled all these mode), then VD-Z3 will automatically output the 1080i, if you don’t
want to use 1080i, you need to disable this mode in the XBOX dashboard.

4. For latest version of dashboard, Microsoft has added a feature in the dashboard
which can allow users to switch the dashboard from 480i to 480p at any time, you
may need to get the latest dashboard updates from XBOX live though the Internet.
(You don’t need a XBOX live account to do the update! Just connect your XBOX to
the Internet, and go into the XBOX live section and access the XBOX live, it will
automatically update your XBOX to the latest dashboard version, for the set up of

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the Internet connection of XBOX, please refer to your XBOX user menu.)

5. After you have updated your XBOX to the latest dashboard version, hold and press
the Left & Right triggers together without releasing them, then press down on the
Left & Right thumb sticks together to enable the dashboard to be seen. If you like to
disable the 480p dashboard, all you need to do is repeat the process.

NOTE: If you haven’t update and enable your dashboard in 480p, you will only see
the game play screen after you entered the game. (480i dashboard may not able to
display on most of the monitors)

2.3 Connecting to GAMECUBE / PS2

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For GAMECUBE:
1. Before you insert the game disc into the GAMECUBE, Make sure that your game is
480p supported. You may refer to your games menu for this information.
2. Please insert the game disc into the GAMECUBE, and then turn it on, (this is
important since if you turn on your GAMECUBE before insert the game disc, then
you will be enter the dashboard, as the dashboard only support 480i, the monitor
cannot display.
3. Hold down button B immediately after you turned “ON” the power unit the game
screen display.
4. If no display show, please turn off the power and try again

For PS2:
Please refer to your PS2 games menu for how to enable the progressive output of the game.

NOTE: FOR setting the GAMECUBE / PS2 to enable the 480p, please refers to the
corresponding games menu or instruction guide for the details step.

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2.4 Connecting to P.Scan DVD player or HDTV cable receiver

For P.Scan DVD player:

• Set your DVD player to the component output

• Connect your DVD player with component cable to the VD-Z3
• Check up your DVD player instruction menu for how to enable the P.Scan output
(different DVD player have different operation procedures, please check the
instruction menu for how to config your DVD player), most of the P.Scan DVD
players require you to manually enable the P.Scan output. By default, P.Scan DVD
player will only show 480i picture, and this 480i picture is not able to display on

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most of the monitors. So, in order to display 480p DVD pictures, you must enable
the P.Scan output of your DVD player.

For HDTV cable receiver:

• Check up your HDTV cable receiver instruction menu for how to enable the P.Scan
output, in order to correctly display the 1080i from your receiver, it is recommend to
turn on the switch 6 for mode 2. Mode 2 is useful for any p.scan device output its
1080i signal.

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CHAPTER 3: Troubleshooting

This chapter provides some troubleshooting guidelines for most of the problems you may
encounter with your VD-Z3 either during installation or normal use.

3.1 Troubleshooting

Q1: No picture show when I hooked up the VD-Z3 with my GAME Console or P.Scan
DVD player?

1.1 Make sure the component cable; power supply and Monitor cable are connected
properly. Ensure the input source switch is in the YPrPb position and the “Blue” LED
should indicate on.

1.2 For XBOX users, make sure 480p is enabled under the Video Option in XBOX
dashboard. Also, ensure the game is 480p supported.

1.3 For GAMECUBE / PS2 users, please ensure the games is 480p compatible, and make
sure you have enabled the GAMECUBE / PS2 progressive output before the game
started to load.

1.4 For P.Scan DVD player, please ensure that you have enabled the progressive mode.

1.5 Some Monitors will only accept the Composite Sync, try SW1=ON, SW2=OFF.
1 2 3 4 5 6
ON OFF OFF OFF ON OFF

1.6 Turn switch 4 ON and switch 5 OFF to enable the brightness adjustment screw. Adjust
the brightness slowly to check that if the image is there.

Q2: The picture looks too bright or too dark.

2.1 Turn switch 4 ON and switch 5 OFF to enable the brightness adjustment screw. Adjust
the brightness slowly to your preference.

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2.2 Some Monitors will work better in Mode 2, change the switch 6 from Off to On.

Q3: The picture is not stable.

3.1 Try to use the RGBs instead of RGBHV.

3.2 Turn on switch 6, use mode 2.

Q4: The 720p / 1080i game on XBOX does not work.

4.1 Make sure you had enable the 720p / 1080i in the dashboard.
4.2 Some games may required to enable the widescreen in dashboard to get 720p work.

Q5: The 720p/1080i picture is not showing the widescreen correctly in monitor.

5.1 Most of the monitor is not support widescreen 16:9 because the aspect ratio is 4:3, so
you will have to adjust your monitors vertical (top and bottom) adjustments to display the
black bars on bottom. Then you will have a widescreen image.

Q6: The picture in 720p/1080i has some rolling line distortion

6.1 Turn switch 6 ON, use mode 2.

Q7: The picture has distortion when I use PC by pass.

7.1 The highest VGA resolution can only up to 1920 x 1200@60hz, don’t use the resolution
higher then it.
7.2 Please use the VGA cable with ferrite core filter.

3.2 Further Troubleshooting

If you have tried all the troubleshooting hints from section 3.1 and your problem still exist,
please feel free to contact our technical support. For the latest updates and information,
please refer to our official website.
Go to our official site http://www.vdigi.com, register as our forum user and raise the question
inside our support forum
Send email to our VD-Z3 technical support team.
Email address: vdz3support@vdigi.com

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