The ES-452 is a window dubber: a video character inserter that takes an external source of SMPTE/EBU LTC and burns it into the picture. Video loops through the unit on BNC (one input, two outputs), and eight digits of time data (hours, minutes, seconds, frames) plus eight User Bit digits are superimposed on the way past, in NTSC or PAL. It reads bi-directionally from 1/20 to 10x play speed, so the burn-in stays readable while an editor shuttles rather than dropping out the moment the deck leaves play.

How the window looks is set from on-screen menus and front-panel controls: character size and position, a mask mode that puts a black background behind the digits or leaves them transparent, and independent brightness for characters and background anywhere from black to white. The display can be stacked, laid out side-by-side, or limited to Time or User Bits alone, and it can be blanked entirely from the front panel. Settings survive a power cycle on battery back-up. An optional RS-232 interface with Windows control-panel software adds remote control of the display modes; black-color and UL-approved supply options are available on request. The unit occupies 1.75 in of rack space.

Function	SMPTE/EBU LTC reader and video character inserter (window dubber)
Video Standards	NTSC / PAL
Video I/O	One BNC video input, two BNC video outputs (loop-through)
Inserted Data	8 digits of Time (hours, minutes, seconds, frames) plus 8 User Bit digits
Reading Speed	Bi-directional, 1/20 to 10x play speed
Display Modes	Time and User Bits side-by-side or stacked, or Time or User Bits only
Display Control	Variable character size and position; switchable background mask, keyed or transparent; characters and background variable from black to white; display blanking
Memory	Battery back-up of settings
Rack Space	1.75 in rack mount
Options	RS-232 interface with Windows control panel software; black color; UL-approved power supply (call for pricing)