In Progress Guides

Digital AV Mixer WJ-AVE5 Disassembly

Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

Background and Identification

The WJ-AVE5 is a digital audio/visual mixer released by Panasonic. It can combine multiple streams of video, allowing you to jump between them using a fade or wipe. The top panel of the device has various buttons that allow you to adjust the direction of the wipe (horizontal or vertical), the shape of the wipe (square or diamond), or the number of simultaneous wipes to perform. You can see this WJ-AVE5 demonstration on YouTube for a visual explanation of the device.

You can identify this mixer easily by looking for the model name “WJ-AVE5” printed in the lower right corner of the device.

The back of the mixer sports a variety of inputs and outputs. The two main video sources (source A and source B) have matching stereo audio inputs and support video in both composite format and S-video. While the S-video input connector is standard between all versions of the WJ-AVE5, some revisions have an RCA connector for composite and some have a BNC connector. All models have two dedicated audio and video outputs with a third output supporting video only (usually for a monitor so you can watch your work real-time). The front of the device has an additional input for a microphone. You can mix all the audio signals with a separate set of sliders on the top panel.

While the WJ-AVE5 can be used well in conventional multi-camera video setups, many hobbyists also use it for video bending. As this YouTube video shows, you can use the WJ-AVE5 in interesting ways to make distorted video that still displays correctly on a monitor. You can see another example of video bending using the WJ-AVE5 on the Lush Projects blog.

Technical Specifications

Inputs

  • 2 sources
    • Component video (BNC or RCA connector) or S-video input
      • Component inputs have a direct monitor output for each source
    • Stereo audio (two RCA jacks)
  • Extra video only
    • Component video (BNC or RCA connector) or S-video input
  • Auxiliary audio
    • Stereo audio (two RCA jacks)
  • (Some models) microphone input
    • 1/4-inch TRS jack
    • Unbalanced input
  • (Some models) character generator input
    • 10-pin connector for external character generator

Outputs

  • 2 outputs
    • Component video (BNC or RCA connector) or S-video output
    • Stereo audio (two RCA jacks)
  • Extra video only
    • Component video (BNC or RCA connector)

Video effects

  • Multiple selectable wipe styles (wipe between source A and B)
    • Horizontal/vertical, square, diamond
  • Superimpose source A and B
  • Still, mosaic, strobe, paint
  • Picture-in-picture

Audio effects

  • Mix sources
  • Fade in/out

Additional Information

Panasonic WJ-AVE5 user’s manual on Manuals Lib

Panasonic WJ-AVE5 review by AgitatorStudios

Panasonic WJ-AVE5 video mixer showcase on YouTube

Panasonic WJ-AVE5 demonstration on YouTube