Review: Magni WV560

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE "MAGNI WV560 COMBINED WAVEFORM & VECTORSCOPE" July 18/91

This review is based on a quick initial look and use of this unit. It does not pretend to be complete, infallible or to mention all of the unit's features. It is intended to highlight notable findings or thoughts that came to mind when I was testing it. More thorough reports than this can be commissioned on a paid product evaluation basis. These comments are copyright & may not be used in any publication or for advertising without written permission.

*Having the ability to finally scope a Y/C signal in loop through mode with it's chroma in proper position was a feature I really appreciated. This is currently the only scope available from any manufacturer that is designed to measure Y/C in loop through. Being able to A/B compare the original signal on channel 1 & the processed signal on channel 2 for any signal format was a real treat & made tune up of equipment possible & easier. This unit does composite, component and Y/C.

*The multifunction uses of the buttons made the scope much more versatile than it appeared, but it did take a little getting use to.

*I feel a scope of this expense should come with 6-7 75 ohm BNC terminators or termination switches or automatic terminators.

*6-7 short BNC cables (approx. 1 ft) should also be provided for the cross loop throughs described in the manual.

*The graticule illumination seems to need to be up all the way for the best setting.

*Optional breakout cables for Y/C & Betacam/MII dub jacks should be available from Magni. All terminals are BNC so I had to make my own breakout cables.

*The 2% IRE gradicule markings should extend all the way down the centre of screen, not just to the 80 IRE level.

*This scope seemed to have an intermittent 2-3 IRE luma drift in reading on what I believe to be a very stable signal.

*On the vectorscope, it was difficult to get a horizontal & vertical position that would stay put all day. Perhaps an electronic superimposed gradicule would eliminate this type of drift.

*The self calibration mode was very handy & reassuring.

Yours truly, Doug Hembruff  Product Evaluator