Sync-Generator

A front-of-camera AV test generator for broadcast and live events. Produces synchronised audio and light pulses – accurate, repeatable, and measurable.

±0.1 ms timing accuracy
9 frame rates
Battery or USB powered
144 × 90 × 30 mm

Available directly from the Harkwood online store. Ships worldwide.

Harkwood Online Store

Need help? Documentation and support

WHY IT EXISTS

The problem with laptop and phone sources

A laptop or mobile app is a quick test source, but the quality is generally poor. Playback timing is unsynchronised and varies between runs – which makes it impossible to reliably measure AV delay further along the chain.

A precise, repeatable reference

Sync-Generator produces synchronised audio and light pulses with ±0.1 ms timing accuracy. Every pulse is the same. That repeatability is what makes downstream measurement with Sync-One2 meaningful.

OPERATING MODES

1 Hz mode (default)

Pulses once per second. Pulse duration is two frames at the configured frame rate — for example, 83.3 ms at 24 fps or 33.3 ms at 60 fps. Switch modes with the Mode button.

Variable mode

The gap between pulses cycles through 13, 12, 11, 10, and 9 frames before repeating. Timing is dynamic based on frame rate. Ideal for detecting frame rate mismatches within the system.

SUPPORTED FRAME RATES

23.976
24
25
29.97
30
48
50
59.94
60

FEATURES

  • Ready to use in seconds — no setup required
  • 3.5 mm stereo line out at 0 dBu (0.775 V RMS)
  • USB Mini-B for configuration and as a power source
  • Low battery warning with auto-shutdown
  • API available for serial integration
  • Highly accurate internal timing reference
  • Bright white light output, ~5000K, CRI 85
  • Windows and Mac configuration application
  • Configurable auto-off timer
  • Reverse battery protection
Full Specifications
Audio
  • The audio source is internal and operates at a frequency of 2,730 Hz.
  • 3.5 mm stereo audio line out at 2,730 Hz, set at 0 dBu (0.775 V RMS) output.
  • Audio will automatically switch between internal and external but may be overridden to force internal, external, or both.
Light
  • Bright white diffused light output, nominally at 5000K with a CRI of 85
Accuracy
  • Timing accuracy is +/- 0.1 ms nominal, or 0.006 frames at fps.
General
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 144 mm x 90 mm x 30 mm (5.6″ x 3.5″ x 1.2”).
  • 165 g (5.8 oz), excluding batteries.
  • The operating temperature ranges from 5 to 50 degrees Celsius (41 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit).
Power
  • 2 x AA (LR6) 1.5V batteries; rechargeable AA batteries are fine too.
  • Reverse battery protection.
  • A tiny current of less than 0.1 µA is used when off. Therefore, removing the batteries when not used for a while is always best.
  • The device displays a low battery indicator and automatically shuts down when the batteries are no longer sufficient to sustain operation.
  • When powered via the USB Mini-B port, batteries can remain installed.
Management application and API

Settings may be changed manually too. A separate manual contains the API commands available.

You can establish a connection using the USB Mini-B port.

The Sync-Generator manager application enables the setting of all the parameters. The serial number, firmware revision, and support code are also provided.