The Video Palette II is a device for producing real time video effects of an analog nature on an existing video signal. It is designed for the NTSC system but can be modified for PAL. It is connected between a video source and monitor or VCR, and runs from a wall transformer. Interfaces are standard NTSC for both input and output. The device has six front panel pots, and four toggle switches. The circuit board will fit into our NC1575 case. No host computer or software is needed as this is a stand alone device.

The video effects possible with this low cost device are as follows:

• Straight amplification of input
• Video inversion to produce a negative image
• Posterization ("Cartoon" effects)
• Solarization or Sabbatier effect
• Fadeout to black, grey, or white
• Contrast reduction
• Combinations of any of the above
• Fade between normal and effects with mix

Some other features of this device are:

• Operates from 9-12 V AC 60 Hz wall Transformer
• Size 4.00 X 5.00 X 1.00 inch high, (Circuit Board)
• Fits our NC1575 plastic case
• Functions DC switched
• 1 V p-p neg sync 75 ohm video interface, NTSC
• Freq response to >4 MHz for excellent video quality
• Transparent. May be left in line when not being used
• Low cost, simple construction and setup
• Video clamp circuit for DC level (brightness) maintenance
• Individual DC level adjustments for normal and inverted video
• White level clipper
• Video level control
• Fader and separate effects controls
• Mixer control between normal and effects
• LED power indicator
• Excellent learning tool for video work.
  

The Video Palette II uses LSI ICs and only needs a DVM for a simple setup. It will simulate many photographic effects that are commonly done in a photo darkroom and should prove useful in conjunction with a video camera and monitor for generating interesting video effects, photo negative inspection and evaluation, or simply as a plaything for experimenting with video signals. It may be used as a tool in editing and production of videos at low cost and also where no specialized computer and software is available or out of the question, or as an introductory device before investing large sums of money in a more complex system. A case kit is available for this project

Illustrations of these effects are shown in the sample images