Analog Way is proud to announce that its VIO 4K powerful multi-format converters will be used as part of the ground video processing for cameras mounted on the first, or core, stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. 

A specialized decoder, which has only DVI outputs, receives the video streams.  But DVI needs to be converted to HD-SDI so the video can be distributed at the Launch Control Center monitoring the rocket’s performance at the Kennedy Space Center and to feed other centers through NASA’s internal video network.

“NASA tried a variety of video converters and found the VIO 4K to be the only one that always works with the ground system decoder,” says Walter E. Lindblom at NASA.  “All of the testing done with the VIO 4K and the ground system decoder has been 100 percent successful.  Regardless of the video format, the VIO 4Ks have locked up as soon as a valid video stream is present at the inputs.”

Video feeds are recorded in both 1080p30 and 720p60.  During the launch, the 1080p cameras are used for the first part of the ascent phase.  Then both channels switch to 720p60.  The ground decoder takes several seconds to change formats, so those units are all equipped with four decoder channels so that the switch from 1080p to 720p doesn’t lose information.  

For distribution within NASA of both the live video feeds and the first playbacks, the VIO 4Ks will be set for 720p.  Full camera recordings played back for the image analysis groups will be done in native format with the video processing capabilities of the VIO 4K used to enhance the imagery.