Genlock Commodore A2300 (NTSC)

The Commodore A2300 is an internal genlock card designed for Amiga computers, specifically the Amiga 2000 model. This card allows synchronization and overlay of Amiga-generated graphics with an external NTSC video signal. For the European market, the A2301 variant was available, which also supported the PAL standard.

Main functions and features:

    Graphics overlay: allows graphics from the Amiga to be combined with an external video signal, useful for creating captions, special effects or presentations.

    Video inputs and outputs: has a composite video input and output (two RCA connectors) for connecting external video devices.

    RGB output: includes a 23-pin RGB connector for connecting an Amiga monitor.

    Controls: a small switch on the rear panel allows you to switch between video input, overlaid video and graphics from the Amiga.

The card plugs into the video slot of the Amiga 2000 and was introduced in 1990.

For technical details, see the August 1988 document "A2300 Genlock Technical Specifications (NTSC)".

Interestingly, the A2300 can be modified for use in PAL mode, making it equivalent to the A2301.

Genlock cards such as the A2300 were key to professional video production and post-production at the time of their introduction, allowing the integration of computer graphics with live video.

As this is historic hardware from the early 1990s, it is difficult to find these cards in mainstream sales today. Occasionally, however, they may appear on specialist retro computer e-shops or auction platforms. On the Retro 8Bit Shop website, for example, an Amiga 2300 Internal Genlock card was offered for between €19.00 and €25.00.

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