Uncompromising Redundancy for Master Broadcast Timing

The Evertz 5601ACO2 is an enterprise-grade 2RU Automatic Changeover unit engineered to work alongside two Evertz 5601MSC Master Clock and Sync Generators. Built to eliminate single points of failure in television station automation, production hubs, and OB trucks, the 5601ACO2 employs ultra-reliable latching relay technology. In the event of a power drop or signal degradation, the system seamlessly transfers the entire facility's reference architecture to the backup master clock without disrupting downstream broadcast equipment.

Intelligent Voting Engine and VistaLINK Management

At the core of the 5601ACO2 is an advanced automatic voting system that continuously checks signal health from both 5601MSC units. The system evaluates coaxial and timecode lines for level drops below key thresholds (e.g., video level below 70 IRE, LTC below 0.3V p-p, 10MHz level drops, or DARS sync word errors). If an anomaly is detected on the active master, the 5601ACO2 instantly switches output banks to the healthy backup unit. Through VistaLINK control, engineers can customize voting criteria by selectively including or excluding individual input lines from triggering auto-failover.

Comprehensive Coaxial, Audio, and Timecode Routing

Designed to accommodate all output channels of a fully loaded master clock system, the rear panel provides 16 groups of coaxial inputs/outputs supporting 3G/HD/SD-SDI, Tri-Level Sync, Color Black, Word Clock, 10MHz, and AES audio. In addition, dedicated 3-pin male XLR and DB15 connectors handle two balanced LTC timecode outputs. Inter-unit timing synchronization is ensured via DB15 "Syncro" ports that link both 5601MSC units, maintaining identical phase and offset adjustments across both sources.

High-Availability Hardware and Secure Operation

The 2RU chassis is built for continuous 24/7 operation, featuring dual redundant auto-ranging power supplies, hot-swappable cooling fans, and a hot-swappable main circuit board. Behind the front panel are three recessed, protected switches (AUTO/MANUAL, GPI/FRONT PANEL, and A/B SELECT) to prevent accidental manual switching. Diagnostic status LEDs deliver real-time operational feedback, while a front-panel query button immediately identifies the exact trigger behind the most recent changeover event.