Sync-One2

Sync-One2 Accurate AV Synchronisation measurement made easy

Poor AV sync is one of the most annoying and complained about problems. Trying to check any system manually isn’t accurate, wastes time, and relies on guessing with trial and error adjustments.

Sync-One2 gives you, in real-time, the audio-video (lipsync) delay/error/offset in a system such as AVID ProTools, Adobe Premiere Pro, Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve, Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), a digital or home cinema, an installed AV system, or anywhere where the audio and video take different paths.  You see the error/offset in milliseconds and frames.  Automatically calculated statistics show a system’s actual status and can highlight errors such as frame rate mismatches.

Using a Sync-One2 is simple, fast, and accurate. A system can be checked and corrected in just a few minutes. The FAQ details common sync problems.

• Post Production or film editing, excellent AV sync is essential to the production process.
• Professional AV ensures your clients’ systems are installed correctly.
• Digital Cinema or Home Cinema, when installing or checking a cinema, ensuring the sync is accurate is very important.
• Offer System Calibration services, then complete the job by ensuring correct sync.
• Looking for Sync in Live or Broadcast events, use a Sync-Generator in front of the camera and a Sync-One2 to take the measurements.
• If you are looking for a replacement for the discontinued Syncheck3™, Sync-One2 is the more capable and lower-cost alternative.

Sync-One2 is the tool you need if you care about accurate audio-video sync.

Sync-One2 is the reference tool of choice for professionals. It is trusted worldwide in post-production, digital cinema, professional system calibration, equipment manufacturers, TV networks, streaming service providers, and many other industries that rely on accurate AV sync. Sync-One2 is embedded within the test and compliance suites of many equipment manufacturers and test houses worldwide.

At its core, Sync-One2 measures the time between an audio beep and video flash, such as a 2-pop/flash frame or similar. Displaying the delay/offset and if the audio leads or lags with reference to the video. The delay/offset is displayed in milliseconds (1/1000th of a second) and, if desired, in frames, all in real-time.

Sync-One2 doesn’t rely on a camera, so it is not limited by any frame rates or processing that may occur with camera-based detection used in Apps.

You can enable a running average of readings displayed in milliseconds or frames, which can average 1000’s of readings.  A memory buffer holds the most recent 60 readings to check overall system stability or drift. Statistics are calculated for average and span, available in milliseconds or frames.

Speaker polarity testing was added to Sync-One2 v2 units from firmware v2.3.0 or above.  All firmware updates, including new features, are free.

Sync-One2 will work with any resolution or type of display, so it is 4K / UHD / HDR-ready, OK with LCD, OLED, Plasma, and Projectors.

Features

• Simple one-handed operation
• Easy to read OLED display
• Internal microphone and external audio input via a 3.5mm audio jack
• A simple menu system to adjust settings and set options
• Settings and options are retained, even if the batteries are removed, although the memory buffer is cleared at shutdown
• Self-calibrating to help reduce false readings from ambient light and noise.
• Additional support for testing in spaces with long reverberation times.
• Real-time output in milliseconds/frames, You can also display a rolling real-time average in milliseconds or frames.
• Statistics are calculated automatically on the last 60 readings taken for average and span, in milliseconds and frames.
• Fast startup, ready to take measurements in just a few seconds.
• USB Mini-B port for data logging.
• API interface via the USB port to enable remote control and supply power.
• The ability to add a custom startup splash text via the API interface or Sync-One2 can be ordered with permanent startup splash text.
• Firmware is upgradeable for new features with bespoke customisation available.

Audio

• Internal dynamically adjusted microphone for audio pickup.
• 3.5mm stereo (downmixed to mono internally) audio jack for connecting to a headphone or line level output as a direct audio feed.  Supports up to 3v RMS (9v peak to peak) maximum line input.
• External audio detection is automatic but may be overruled via a menu option.

Accuracy

• Measurement of audio-visual delay up to ±750 milliseconds (±3000 milliseconds in extended mode).
• The display is rounded to the nearest 1 millisecond or 1/100th of a frame, with an internal timing resolution of 0.01 milliseconds.  The minimum resolution between light and sound pulse is 0.05 milliseconds.
• Self-calibration adjusts for ambient noise and light, including fluorescent/ LED light flicker.
• Automatic microphone gain adjustment during the calibration process.
• Adjustable audio trigger level (default is high sensitivity).
• Adjustable video trigger level (default is high sensitivity).
• Adjustable Mask Time (the minimum time before Sync-One2 re-arms for the next reading) to help with spaces with long reverberation times.
• Memory buffer of the most 60 recent readings, with automatic calculation of statistics for span and average in milliseconds and frames.

General

• Dimensions (H x W x D), 144mm x 90mm x 30mm (5.6″ x 3.5″ x 1.2”).
• 165g (5.8oz), excluding batteries.
• 16 x 2 OLED display for easy viewing, fast response, and low power consumption.
• Operating temperature from 5 to 50 Celsius (41 to 122 Fahrenheit).
• System firmware is upgradeable to enable upgrades for new features or bespoke customer requirements.
• The ability to add a custom splash text message on startup.
• The ability to order Sync-One2 v2 with a permanent splash text message, so it’s easy for companies to add a brand or bespoke identification.

Power

• 2 x AA (LR6) batteries, rechargeable AA batteries are fine too.
• Reverse battery protection.
• Battery life from standard AA batteries is around 50 hours of continuous operation.
• 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.
• Low battery indication and auto shutdown when batteries become too low to maintain accuracy.
• When powered via the USB Mini-B port, batteries can remain installed.

Data logging and API interface

• Via the USB Mini-B port, the default is to output real-time logging of readings.
• An API interface enables remote control of Sync-One2 v2 to automate testing/system adjustments or gather data for system compliance reporting.
• A separate manual contains the API commands available.
• An example Python script for API control is available on GitHub.