Avid Technology SYNC HD User manual

SYNC™HD Guide
Version 9.0

Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2010 by Avid Technology, Inc.,
(hereafter “Avid”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright
laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part
without the written consent of Avid.
003, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O, 888|24 I/O,
882|20 I/O, 1622 I/O, 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O, AudioSuite,
Avid, Avid DNA, Avid Mojo, Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS,
Avid Xpress, AVoption, Axiom, Beat Detective, Bomb Factory,
Bruno, C|24, Command|8, Control|24, D-Command, D-Control,
D-Fi, D-fx, D-Show, D-Verb, DAE, Digi 002, DigiBase,
DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign
Intelligent Noise Reduction, Digidesign TDM Bus, DigiDrive,
DigiRack, DigiTest, DigiTranslator, DINR, DV Toolkit, EditPack,
Eleven, HD Core, HD Process, Hybrid, Impact, Interplay, LoFi,
M-Audio, MachineControl, Maxim, Mbox, MediaComposer,
MIDI I/O, MIX, MultiShell, Nitris, OMF, OMF Interchange, PRE,
ProControl, Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD,
Pro Tools LE, QuickPunch, Recti-Fi, Reel Tape, Reso,
Reverb One, ReVibe, RTAS, Sibelius, Smack!, SoundReplacer,
Sound Designer II, Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYNC I/O,
Synchronic, TL Aggro, TL AutoPan, TL Drum Rehab,
TL Everyphase, TL Fauxlder, TL In Tune, TL MasterMeter, TL
Metro, TL Space, TL Utilities, Transfuser, Trillium Lane Labs,
Vari-Fi Velvet, X-Form, and XMON are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. Xpand! is Registered in the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and
availability are subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9324-65006-00 REV A 9/10
Documentation Feedback
At Avid, we are always looking for ways to improve our
documentation. If you have comments, corrections, or
suggestions regarding our documentation, email us at
[email protected].

Contents iii
contents
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SYNC Peripheral Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About www.avid.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2. Installation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hardware Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MachineControl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Synchronization and Time Code Connections to Machines, Decks, and Other Devices . . . . . . . . 9
Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Emulating a SYNC I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Configuring a SYNC Peripheral from Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MachineControl Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Software Configuration for the SYNC Setup Software Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 3. SYNC Peripheral Hardware and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SYNC Peripheral Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SYNC Peripheral Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SYNC Setup Software Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 4. Using SYNC Peripherals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SYNC Peripheral Controls in Pro Tools, SYNC Setup Software Utility, and the Front Panel . . . . . 34
Front Panel Generator/Parameter Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Clock References and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Positional Reference and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Compensating for Time Code Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

SYNC HD Guideiv
Generating & Regenerating Time Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Generating a Window Dub. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Chapter 5. Additional Operational Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Front Panel Generator/Parameter Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Using Fader Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Calibrating the SYNC Peripheral Oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Restoring Factory Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Managing and Selecting Video Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Appendix A. Additional Synchronization Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Video and VITC Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
LTC Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Auto-Switch LTC/VITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Digital Clock Signal Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Bi-Phase/Tach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Pilot Tone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Appendix B. Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Appendix C. Wiring Diagrams and Pin Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
LTC Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Bi-Phase/GPI/Pilot Pin Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Bi-phase/Tach OptoCoupler Input. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
GPI Relay Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
GPI (TTL)/MTC Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
GPI (opto) Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Connector Pin Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
SYNC Peripheral Cable Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Bi-phase/Tach/GPI/Pilot Port Interfacing Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Appendix D. Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
chapter 1
Introduction
This guide covers operation of the SYNC HD
and SYNC I/O, Avid’s multipurpose synchroni-
zation peripherals for Pro Tools HD systems.
SYNC peripherals support all Pro Tools sample
rates, and synchronize to most major time code
and clock reference standards used in audio,
video, film, and multimedia production.
SYNC peripherals can also be used as standalone
synchronization devices.
SYNC Peripherals with Pro Tools
Systems with Pro Tools HD Hardware
With a Pro Tools system running Pro Tools HD
hardware, SYNC peripherals provide highly ac-
curate lock to time code. Most SYNC peripheral
settings are available directly from within
Pro Tools.
SYNC Peripherals in Standalone Mode
SYNC peripherals can be used as standalone syn-
chronization converters, time code generators,
clock generators and time code character gener-
ators. Throughout this guide, the term standal-
one refers to systems using the SYNC HD or
SYNC I/O but not using Pro Tools. When used as
a standalone device (or in “Standalone mode”),
a SYNC peripheral is connected to time code or
clock signals, and is configured from the front
panel.
Optionally, while in Standalone mode, a SYNC
peripheral can be controlled remotely from a
Windows computer using the SYNC Setup
software utility.
SYNC Setup Software Utility
(Windows Only)
The SYNC Setup software utility can be used
with or without Pro Tools to control SYNC
peripheral features from any supported Win-
dows computer.

SYNC HD Guide2
SYNC Peripheral Features
SYNC peripherals support all Pro Tools sample
rates (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz).
The SYNC HD supports both industry standard
SD (standard definition) and HD (high-defini-
tion) video reference rates, while the SYNC I/O
supports SD video reference rates only.
SYNC peripherals provide the following features
with Pro Tools:
Supported Positional Reference Sources
•LTC
•VITC
• Serial Time Code
•Bi-phase/Tach
Supported Clock Reference Sources
• Loop Sync
•VideoReference
• SD reference rates
• HD reference rates (SYNC HD only)
• Composite Video Input
• Word Clock
• AES/EBU (DARS per AES-11 standard)
• Pilot Tone
• Internal Crystal
•Bi-phase/Tach
•LTC
Output and Generation
• Loop Sync
• Digidesign Super Clock (256x sample clock)
• Word Clock (1x sample clock)
• AES/EBU null clock (AES “digital black”)
• VITC (if a video input is present)
•LTC
• MIDI Time Code (MTC)
• Dual 9-pin Sony P-2 protocol ports (only one
can be active at a time), for limited serial deck
control with MachineControl software option
for Pro Tools.
Other Features
• Front panel controls and a large LED display
of time code and parameters
• Integrated control from Pro Tools
• Time Code Character Generator
• Fader start, provided through GPI output, for
remote transport control from select Pro Tools
fader movement
• Standalone remote control through SYNC
Setup software utility (Windows only)
• Field-updatable firmware
• SYNC I/O Emulation for legacy software sup-
port (SYNC HD only)

Chapter 1: Introduction 3
Controlling SYNC Peripherals in
Standalone Mode
If you are using a SYNC peripheral in Standalone
mode, you can control it with the SYNC Setup
software utility (Windows only), or with the
switches on the front panel of the SYNC periph-
eral.
The SYNC Setup software utility (Windows
only) gives you access to all SYNC peripheral
controls. The following SYNC peripheral param-
eters are accessible only through Pro Tools or
the SYNC Setup software utility:
• Variable Speed Override (VSO)
• Window dub parameters: While you can
turn the Window dub on or off from the
front panel, you cannot configure its dis-
play parameters without Pro Tools or the
SYNC Setup software utility.
System Requirements and
Compatibility
SYNC Peripherals with Pro Tools
To use a SYNC peripheral with Pro Tools, the
following is required:
• A qualified Pro Tools system with Pro Tools
HD hardware
• An available DigiSerial port on the system’s
HD Core card
• An 8-pin to 8-pin serial cable (included) to
connect the SYNC peripheral to the DigiSerial
port on a Pro Tools PCI or PCIe card
SYNC Setup Software Utility
(Windows Only)
The optional SYNC Setup software utility re-
quires the following:
A qualified Windows computer.
An available COM port or serial port on the
computer to connect to the SYNC peripheral.
(You cannot run the SYNC Setup software utility
through the DigiSerial port on Pro Tools cards.)
A non-standard 9-pin to 8-pin cable is re-
quired to connect the SYNC peripheral to a
COM port or serial port on a Windows com-
puter. Wiring instructions for making the re-
quired cable are in Appendix C, “Wiring
Diagrams and Pin Assignments.”
Compatibility Information
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide
support for hardware and software it has tested
and approved.
For complete system requirements and a list of
qualified computers, operating systems, hard
drives, and third-party devices, visit:
www.avid.com/compatibility
See “SYNC Peripheral Controls in
Pro Tools, SYNC Setup Software Utility,
and the Front Panel” on page 34.
If you use a custom serial cable between
Pro Tools and the SYNC peripheral, be sure
the cable supports hardware handshaking.
The maximum supported length for this
cable is 100 ft.
For more information, see Appendix C,
“Wiring Diagrams and Pin Assignments.”
The computer requirements for the SYNC
Setup software utility are different from the
computer requirements for Pro Tools. You
can run the SYNC Setup software utility
from slower Windows computers.

SYNC HD Guide4
Registration
Review the enclosed Registration Information
Card and follow the instructions on it to quickly
register your purchase online. By registering,
you become eligible to receive the following:
• Technical support information
• Software update and upgrade notices
• Hardware warranty information
About This Guide
This guide assumes:
• You understand the basics of synchroniza-
tion and time code
• You know how to operate devices that send
or receive time code, such as a video deck
• You have an understanding of the time
code requirements for your projects
This Guide covers use of the SYNC HD and the
SYNC I/O with Pro Tools version 9.0 and
higher.
Conventions Used in This Guide
All of our guides use the following conventions
to indicate menu choices and key commands:
:
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings
that appear on-screen are in a different font.
The following symbols are used to highlight
important information:
For versions of Pro Tools lower than 7.3,
the SYNC HD can be set to emulate a
SYNC I/O. See our website (www.avid.com)
for a version of the SYNC I/O Guide that
applies to your system.
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the
File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control key
and press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control key
and click the mouse button
Right-click Click with the right
mouse button
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most from your system.
Important Notices include information that
could affect your data or the performance of
your system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or
mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in
this guide and other Pro Tools guides.

Chapter 1: Introduction 5
About www.avid.com
The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best
online source for information to help you get
the most out of your Pro Tools system. The fol-
lowing are just a few of the services and features
available.
Product Registration Register your purchase
online.
Support and Downloads Contact Avid Customer
Success (technical support); download software
updates and the latest online manuals; browse
the Compatibility documents for system re-
quirements; search the online Knowledge Base
or join the worldwide Pro Tools community on
the User Conference.
Training and Education Study on your own using
courses available online or find out how you can
learn in a classroom setting at a certified
Pro Tools training center.
Products and Developers Learn about Avid
products; download demo software or learn
about our Development Partners and their plug-
ins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events Get the latest news from Avid
or sign up for a Pro Tools demo.

SYNC HD Guide6

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 7
chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
Hardware Connections
The following are the primary hardware connec-
tions on a SYNC peripheral:
•ACPower
• Serial to a DigiSerial port on a Pro Tools PCI or
PCIe card, or a serial port on the computer
• Clock to Pro Tools audio interfaces
(Loop Sync or Super Clock)
• 9-pin to external machines (requires the
Pro Tools MachineControl Software option)
• Synchronization, including positional and
clock references to and from remote machines
AC Power
SYNC peripheral AC connectors accept a stan-
dard AC power cable. SYNC peripherals are auto
power-selecting (100V to 240V) and will auto-
matically work with a standard modular cable to
connect to AC power receptacles in any country.
Serial Connections
Serial to Pro Tools Core Card
Pro Tools systems require a serial connection be-
tween the SYNC peripheral and an HD Core or
Accel Core card.
To connect a SYNC peripheral to an HD Core or
Accel Core card:
1 Make sure power is off on all equipment.
2 Connect one end of the included serial cable
to the SYNC peripheral Host Serial port.
3 Connect the other end to the DigiSerial port
on your HD Core or Accel Core card.
Do not use the DigiSerial port on any other
Pro Tools HD card in your system.

SYNC HD Guide8
Serial Connections for the SYNC Setup
Software Utility
(Windows Only)
Any system using the optional SYNC Setup soft-
ware utility requires a serial connection from
the SYNC peripheral to a supported Windows
computer. (For compatibility information, see
“System Requirements and Compatibility” on
page 3.)
To connect a SYNC peripheral to a Windows
computer for the SYNC Setup software utility:
1 Purchase or make the required 9-pin to 8-pin
cable. For wiring details, see “SYNC Setup Soft-
ware Utility Cable” on page 93.
2 Make sure power is off on all equipment.
3 Connect the SYNC peripheral Host Serial port
to an available serial or COM port on your com-
puter.
4 Restore power to the SYNC peripheral, and re-
start your computer.
Clock for Pro Tools
Audio Interfaces
The SYNC peripheral must be connected to all
Pro Tools HD interfaces in the Loop Sync chain.
Connecting Loop Sync for Pro Tools HD
Audio Interfaces
SYNC peripherals support Loop Sync, and can
serve as Loop Sync Master. Loop Sync is a
dedicated clock loop for synchronizing multiple
Pro Tools HD interfaces. Loop Sync should only
be used to connect multiple Pro Tools HD
interfaces.
To connect a SYNC peripheral to Pro Tools HD
interfaces:
1 Using a BNC cable, connect the Loop Sync
Out of the SYNC peripheral to the Loop Sync In
of your primary Pro Tools HD audio interface.
2 Using a second BNC cable, connect the SYNC
peripheral Loop Sync In to the Loop Sync Out of
your Pro Tools HD interface.
When using more than one Pro Tools HD audio
interface, make the SYNC peripheral the first
and last unit in the Loop Sync chain.
The SYNC Setup software utility will not
control the SYNC peripheral through the
DigiSerial port.
Loop Sync connections for SYNC peripheral and 96 I/O
Loop Sync in an expanded Pro Tools system
MTC OUT
HOST SERIAL
AC 100-240V, 50-60HZ, .5A 30W
VIDEO REF 9-PIN OUT 2
9-PIN OUT 1
WORD CLOCK (1x,256x)
VIDEO
L
T
C
I
N
A
E
S
I
N
A
E
S
O
U
T
L
T
C
O
U
T
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
LOOP SYNC
INTERNALLY
TERMINATED
BI-PHASE / TACH / GPI / PILOT
SERIAL NUMBER
964530300294856
Loop Sync
SYNC peripheral
96 I/O Interface
MTC OUT
HOST SERIAL
AC 100-240V, 50-60HZ, .5A 30W
VIDEO REF 9-PIN OUT 2
9-PIN OUT 1
WORD CLOCK (1x,256x)
VIDEO
L
T
C
I
N
A
E
S
I
N
A
E
S
O
U
T
L
T
C
O
U
T
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
LOOP SYNC
INTERNALLY
TERMINATED
BI-PHASE / TACH / GPI / PILOT
SERIAL NUMBER
964530300294856
SYNC peripheral
HD Interfaces

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 9
MachineControl
On MachineControl-enabled Pro Tools systems,
SYNC peripherals support limited Serial Deck
Control only.
Serial Deck Control Mode
(Non-Linear Decks Only)
A limited degree of Serial Deck Control mode is
available through a connection to the 9-pin
ports on the SYNC peripheral. For full Serial
Deck Control, a direct serial connection to the
host Pro Tools computer is required.
To connect an external deck to a SYNC peripheral:
Connect a standard 9-pin cable from one of
the 9-pin Out ports on the SYNC peripheral to
the 9-pin connector of the external deck.
As many as two decks can be connected to the
two 9-pin Out ports on the SYNC peripheral.
You can control one deck at a time, switching
between them from within Pro Tools. These
ports on the SYNC peripheral support all Machi-
neControl modes except 9-Pin Remote (Deck
Emulation) mode.
9-Pin Remote Deck Emulation
Mode
9-Pin Remote Deck Emulation mode requires a
direct serial connection to the host computer.
Synchronization and
Time Code Connections to
Machines, Decks, and Other
Devices
The following sections describe connections re-
quired for different applications. For more infor-
mation on time code applications, see
Appendix A, “Additional Synchronization In-
formation.”
Connecting a Video Source
This section describes connections required
when using house video reference (SD or HD).
To have the SYNC peripheral resolve to house
sync:
Connect the house video reference, black
burst, or tri-level sync source to a Video Ref port
on the SYNC peripheral.
To have the SYNC peripheral resolve directly to an
incoming SD video signal:
Connect the SD video signal to the SYNC pe-
ripheral Video In port.
Due to performance limitations, this
configuration should be used primarily
with non-linear decks.
For more information on MachineControl
connections and operation, see the
MachineControl Guide.
The Video Ref ports are a non-terminated
loop-through connection. If the second
Video Ref port is not used, then you must
terminate it using the included 75-ohm
BNC terminator.

SYNC HD Guide10
Character Generator for Time Code
Window Dub
SYNC peripherals can generate a time code win-
dow dub on SD signals coming into the Video In
port.
To use the SYNC peripheral Time Code Character
Generator to make a window burn:
1 Connect an SD video signal to the SYNC pe-
ripheral Video In port.
2 Connect the SYNC peripheral Video Out port
to other video devices, ensuring that the signal
is terminated by the last device in the chain.
Connecting LTC
SYNC peripherals provide LTC input and output
connectors.
To input LTC to a SYNC peripheral:
Connect the LTC signal from your machine,
synchronizer or other source to the SYNC pe-
ripheral LTC In port.
To output LTC from a SYNC peripheral:
Connect the SYNC peripheral LTC Out port to
your external devices.
Connecting Word Clock Devices
SYNC peripherals have Word Clock input and
output ports, which can be used simultaneously.
Use Word Clock when you want the SYNC pe-
ripheral to lock to 1x clock from DAT machines,
DA-88s, and similar digital devices.
Pro Tools|HD audio interfaces each have their
own Word Clock inputs, which provide addi-
tional clock options and flexibility. Refer to
Pro Tools documentation for details.
To input Word Clock to a SYNC peripheral:
Connect Word Clock from the master Word
clock signal or device to the SYNC peripheral
Word Clock In.
To supply Word Clock from a SYNC peripheral:
Connect the SYNC peripheral Word Clock
Out to the Word Clock input of a digital device.
Make sure the SYNC peripheral Word Clock Out
port is configured to 1x for Word Clock.
Word Clock contains no positional informa-
tion. If you want devices to play or record in
sync, you’ll still need to provide them with a
positional reference.
(SYNC HD Only) Even when you have an
HD video reference signal connected to the
Video Ref connector, you can still connect an
SD video signal to the Video In connector to
provide a window dub.
SYNC peripherals can generate time code to
provide positional reference to other devices.
See “Generating & Regenerating Time
Code” on page 49.

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 11
Connecting AES/EBU Devices
To input AES/EBU clock reference to a SYNC
peripheral:
Connect the device’s AES/EBU output to the
SYNC peripheral AES/EBU input.
To supply AES/EBU clock reference from a SYNC
peripheral:
Connect the SYNC peripheral AES/EBU out-
put to the AES/EBU reference input on a DAT
machine or other digital device. (AES/EBU clock
does not support 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz sample
rates.)
Connecting MIDI Time Code
Devices
The SYNC peripheral MTC Out port supplies
MIDI time code, derived from conversion (from
LTC, VITC or Bi-Phase) or from MTC generation,
to synchronize MTC-compatible consoles, se-
quencers, lighting systems, and other devices.
MIDI time code from the MTC Out port always
matches the time code address displayed on the
SYNC peripheral front panel. To supply MTC
from the SYNC peripheral to another MTC-com-
patible device, connect the device as described
below.
To connect an MTC-compatible device to receive
MTC from a SYNC peripheral:
Connect the SYNC peripheral MTC Out port
to the appropriate MIDI input on the device, us-
ing a standard MIDI cable.
Pro Tools and MTC
Pro Tools receives MTC from SYNC peripherals
through its connection to the SYNC peripheral
Host Serial port. This signal does not include
standard MIDI time code, but is instead a high-
quality, proprietary time code signal designed
for Pro Tools. A MIDI Interface is not required
for Pro Tools to receive MTC.
MTC is output whenever the SYNC peripheral is
generating time code. This MTC output can be
muted when time code (LTC) is idle. See “MTC
Output and Idle Muting” on page 56 for details.
Software Installation
The following sections provide instructions to
install software required to use a SYNC periph-
eral with Pro Tools or with the standalone
SYNC Setup software (Windows only).
SYNC Peripherals with Pro Tools
All software required to use SYNC peripherals is
installed with Pro Tools software.
The availability of SYNC peripheral features
depends on the version of Pro Tools software
you are running. For details on features
available with your version of Pro Tools,
visit www.avid.com.

SYNC HD Guide12
Updating SYNC Peripheral
Firmware
SYNC peripheral firmware is updated from the
DigiTest application.
To update SYNC Peripheral firmware:
1 Confirm that the SYNC peripheral is properly
connected to your computer in one of the fol-
lowing ways:
• If it is connected to a Pro Tools system, it
should be connected to a DigiSerial Port on
an HD Core card.
• (Windows Only) If it is connected to a com-
puter without Pro Tools, it should be con-
nected to the COM 1 port on the computer
with a standard serial cable.
2 Ensure that Pro Tools is not running.
3 Launch the DigiTest application.
4 Click SYNC Firmware.
5 If you are using a DigiSerial Port connection,
make sure you have selected the HD Core card
from the pop-up menu.
6 Select the type of port connection for the
SYNC peripheral (DigiSerial Port or COM Port).
7 Select the Synchronizer Type that you are up-
dating (SYNC HD or SYNC I/O).
8 Click Begin Update.
9 Locate the firmware file you want to use, and
click Open.
10 Follow the on-screen instructions to power
cycle the SYNC peripheral while holding the Set
button.
11 Wait for the firmware update to complete.
Do not power off the SYNC peripheral while the
update is in progress.
12 When the update is complete, follow any on-
screen instructions.
13 Click Quit to quit the DigiTest application.
SYNC Peripherals with SYNC
Setup Software Utility
(Windows Only)
When using a SYNC peripheral in Standalone
mode, it can be controlled remotely using the
SYNC Setup software utility. Updates to this util-
ity can be downloaded from www.avid.com.
To install the SYNC Setup software utility on
Windows:
1 Make sure the SYNC peripheral is connected
to a serial or COM port on your computer. See
“Serial Connections for the SYNC Setup Soft-
ware Utility” on page 8.
2 Insert the installer disc containing the latest
SYNC Setup software, or navigate to its location
if you downloaded an update.
3 Launch the installer and follow the on-screen
instructions.
DigiTest SYNC Firmware window

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 13
Emulating a SYNC I/O
(SYNC HD Only)
If you are using a SYNC HD with Pro Tools 7.4
or higher, Pro Tools will automatically recognize
the SYNC HD.
If you are using a SYNC HD with Pro Tools
version 7.3 or lower, set the SYNC HD to emu-
late a SYNC I/O.
To set a SYNC HD to emulate a SYNC I/O:
1 Press Set, and use the Up and Down switches
to display “Device ID” (dEuicE id).
2 Press Set. The LED Time Code Display shows
shows the current Device ID for the unit:
“SYNC HD” (SYnc HD) or “SYNC I/O”
(SYnc IO).
3 Press the Up or Down switches to toggle the
Device ID to read “SYNC I/O” (SYnc IO).
4 Press Set.
Configuring a SYNC
Peripheral from Pro Tools
Pro Tools HD software provides configuration
controls that establish communication between
Pro Tools and the SYNC peripheral.
Loop Sync
SYNC peripherals support the Loop Sync feature
for connecting Pro Tools|HD interfaces. A SYNC
peripheral can be configured as the Clock Source
(Loop Master) in order to provide Loop Sync
master clock to the rest of your Pro Tools|HD in-
terfaces.
Pro Tools automatically recognizes if a SYNC pe-
ripheral is connected to the DigiSerial port when
Pro Tools is launched. When Pro Tools recog-
nizes the SYNC peripheral, it automatically con-
figures the Device and Port settings for it in the
Peripherals dialog.
To check communication between Pro Tools and a
SYNC peripheral:
1 After installing Pro Tools and connecting the
SYNC peripheral, launch Pro Tools.
2 Choose Setup > Peripherals, and click the Syn-
chronization tab.
For system requirements and Loop Sync
connection instructions, see Chapter 1,
“Introduction.”

SYNC HD Guide14
3 Under Synchronization Device, select Enable
SYNC HD (for a SYNC HD) or Enable SYNC Periph-
eral (for a SYNC I/O).
Pro Tools scans the DigiSerial port and checks
the SYNC peripheral firmware.
If you need to update your firmware, use the
DigiTest application installed with Pro Tools.
See “Updating SYNC Peripheral Firmware” on
page 12.
Configuring a SYNC Peripheral in
the Session Setup Window
When a SYNC peripheral is connected through
Loop Sync and enabled in the Peripherals dia-
log, its settings become available in the
SYNC Setup and Time Code Settings sections of
the Session Setup window.
Clock Source
When connected and configured in the Loop
Sync chain, the SYNC peripheral appears along
with any Pro Tools|HD interfaces in the Clock
Source pop-up menu, located in the Session
Setup window.
SYNC peripheral settings in the Peripherals dialog
Session Setup window
See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for more
information on the Session Setup Window.
SYNC peripheral selected as Clock Source in the
Session Setup window
Session
settings
SYNC
Setup
Time Code
Settings
Clock Source
Clock Source

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 15
The Clock Source can be any device in the Loop
Sync chain. This lets you use any digital input
source available on any Pro Tools|HD interface
(including the SYNC peripheral) simply by se-
lecting that device and source from the
Clock Source pop-up menu.
Clock Reference
The selected Clock Source device determines
your choices for clock reference.
When Clock Source is a SYNC peripheral
When a SYNC peripheral is set to be the Clock
Source, it is the Loop Master. Clock, Positional
Reference, and Video Format selectors become
active in the SYNC Setup section of the Session
Setup window.
SYNC peripheral Clock Reference choices in-
clude:
• Internal/VSO
•VideoIn
• Video Reference (SD)
• Video Reference (HD) (SYNC HD Only)
•LTC
• Bi-Phase
• Pilot Tone
•AES/EBU
• Word Clock
• Loop Sync
When the SYNC peripheral is not the selected
Clock Source device, the Clock Reference menu
in the SYNC Setup section switches to Loop
Sync.
To choose a Clock Reference:
Select an available clock source from the
Clock Reference pop-up menu in the Session
Setup window.
The Clock Source pop-up menu follows your se-
lection of the SYNC peripheral for Clock Refer-
ence by automatically switching to the SYNC
setting. (You can also choose the SYNC periph-
eral as Clock Source first, then select a Clock Ref-
erence.)
SYNC Setup controls in the Session Setup window
For LTC clock reference, multiple choices
are available from the LTC sub-menu. See
“LTC and Clock Reference” on page 39.
Choosing a Clock Reference

SYNC HD Guide16
To choose a different Loop Sync device as the
Clock Source:
Select a different Loop Sync device and Clock
Source from the Clock Source pop-up menu in
the Session Setup window.
When Clock Source is an HD I/O
When a Pro Tools audio interface is providing
the Clock Source, it will be the Loop Master.
Clock Source options are available directly from
the Clock Source menu, based on the configura-
tion of that interface in the Hardware Setup dia-
log. Choices can include AES, S/PDIF, Optical, or
Word Clock.
Choosing a Clock Source (HD OMNI shown)
See the User Guide that came with your
system for more information on configuring
audio interfaces.