Belden Grass Valley NV8900 User manual

www.grassvalley.com
User’s Guide
VERSION 1.4
UG0056-04
2015-07-09
NV8900
MADI INTERFACE

ii
Copyright and Trademark Notice
Copyright © 2015, Grass Valley USA, LLC. All rights reserved.
Belden, Belden Sending All The Right Signals, and the Belden logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and
other jurisdictions. Grass Valley USA, LLC, Miranda, NV8900, Kaleido, NVISION, iControl, and
Densité are trademarks or registered trademarks of Grass Valley USA, LLC. Belden Inc., Grass
Valley USA, LLC, and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used
herein.
Terms and Conditions
Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. By using MADI interface
documentation, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Grass Valley hereby grants permission and license to owners of MADI interfaces to use their
product manuals for their own internal business use. Manuals for Grass Valley products may
not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, for any purpose unless specifically authorized in
writing by Grass Valley.
A Grass Valley manual may have been revised to reflect changes made to the product
during its manufacturing life. Thus, different versions of a manual may exist for any given
product. Care should be taken to ensure that one obtains the proper manual version for a
specific product serial number.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Grass Valley.
Warranty information is available in the Support section of the Grass Valley Web site
(www.grassvalley.com).
Title NV8900 User’s Guide
Part Number UG0056-04
Revision July 9, 2015 9:50 am

iii
NV8900
User’s Guide
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection
Electrostatic discharge occurs when electronic components are improperly
handled and can result in intermittent failure or complete damage adversely
affecting an electrical circuit. When you remove and replace any card from a frame
always follow ESD-prevention procedures:
• Ensure that the frame is electrically connected to earth ground through the power cord
or any other means if available.
• Wear an ESD wrist strap ensuring that it makes good skin contact. Connect the
grounding clip to an unpainted surface of the chassis frame to safely ground unwanted
ESD voltages. If no wrist strap is available, ground yourself by touching the unpainted
metal part of the chassis.
• For safety, periodically check the resistance value of the antistatic strap, which should
be between 1 and 10 megohms.
• When temporarily storing a card make sure it is placed in an ESD bag.
• Cards in an earth grounded metal frame or casing do not require any special ESD
protection.
Protection contre les décharges électrostatiques (DES)
Une décharge électrostatique peut se produire lorsque des composants
électroniques ne sont pas manipulés de manière adéquate, ce qui peut entraîner
des défaillances intermittentes ou endommager irrémédiablement un circuit
électrique. Au moment de remplacer une carte dans un châssis, prenez toujours les
mesures de protection antistatique appropriées :
• Assurez-vous que le châssis est relié électriquement à la terre par le cordon
d'alimentation ou tout autre moyen disponible.
• Portez un bracelet antistatique et assurez-vous qu'il est bien en contact avec la peau.
Connectez la pince de masse à une surface non peinte du châssis pour détourner à la
terre toute tension électrostatique indésirable. En l’absence de bracelet antistatique,
déchargez l’électricité statique de votre corps en touchant une surface métallique non
peinte du châssis.
• Pour plus de sécurité, vérifiez périodiquement la valeur de résistance du bracelet
antistatique. Elle doit se situer entre 1 et 10 mégohms.
• Si vous devez mettre une carte de côté, assurez-vous de la ranger dans un sac
protecteur antistatique.
• Les cartes qui sont reliées à un châssis ou boîtier métallique mis à la terre ne
nécessitent pas de protection antistatique spéciale.
Précautions pour les écrans LCD et TFT
Regarder l’écran pendant une trop longue période de temps peut nuire à votre
vision. Prenez une pause de 10 minutes, après 30 minutes d’utilisation.
Si l'écran LCD ou TFT est brisé, manipulez les fragments de verre avec précaution au
moment de vous en débarrasser. veillez à ce que le cristal liquide n'entre pas en contact
avec la peau ou la bouche. En cas de contact avec la peau ou les vêtements, laver

iv
immédiatement à l'eau savonneuse. Ne jamais ingérer le liquide. La toxicité est
extrêmement faible, mais la prudence demeure de mise en tout temps.
Recycling
Visit www.grassvalley.com for recycling information.
Certification and Compliance
Safety Compliance
This equipment complies with the requirements of CSA/UL/IEC/EN 60950-1, 2nd
Ed. + AM1, Safety of information technology equipment.
The power cords supplied with this equipment meet the appropriate national
standards for the country of destination.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This equipment has been tested for verification of compliance with FCC Part 15,
Subpart B requirements for class A digital devices.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of
the EMC directive 2004/108/EC:
• EN 55022 Class A Radiated and conducted emissions
• EN 61000-3-2 Limits for harmonic current emissions
• EN 61000-3-3 Limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker
• EN 61000-4-2 Electrostatic discharge immunity
• EN 61000-4-3 Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity
• EN 61000-4-4 Electrical fast transient immunity
• EN 61000-4-5 Surge transient immunity
• EN 61000-4-6 Conducted disturbances immunity
• EN 61000-4-8 Power frequency magnetic field immunity
• EN 61000-4-11 Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations
immunity
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

v
Table of Contents
1Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The PDF Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Terms, Conventions and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2NV8900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
AES Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Analog Audio Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Analog Audio to MADI Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Other LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Signal Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MADI to Analog Audio Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Other LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
AES Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Analog Audio Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3Misc. Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Obtaining Software and Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Channel Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Audio Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Reference Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

vi
Audio Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Serial Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Balanced AES Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Analog Audio Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Power Cord Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

1
Preface
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the NV8900 Series User’s Guide.
Summary
Chapter Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The PDF Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Terms, Conventions and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter Structure
The following chapters provide information regarding the NV8900 MADI Interface:
•Chapter 1, Preface, (this chapter) tells you how to use this guide.
•Chapter 2, NV8900, describes the NV8900, from a user’s standpoint and from a
technical standpoint.
•Chapter 3, Misc. Topics, provides a connection, maintenance, and other information.
•Chapter 4, Specifications, presents the electrical, mechanical, and other specifications
for the NV8900.
An Index is also available for your reference.
The PDF Document
This guide is provided in PDF format, allowing you to use Acrobat’s “bookmarks” to
navigate to any desired location. You can also easily print a hardcopy. Please note:
•Use the Table of Contents or the bookmarks page to jump to any desired section.
•Many hyperlinks are provided within the chapters.
•Use the Index to jump to specific topics within a chapter. Each page number in the
index is a hyperlink.
•Use Acrobat’s ‘Go to Previous View’ and ‘Go to Next View’ buttons to retrace your
complete navigational path.
•Use the ‘First Page’, ‘Previous Page’, and ‘Next Page’, and ‘Last Page’ buttons to go to the
first, previous, next, or last page within a PDF file.
•Use Acrobat’s extensive search capabilities, such as the ‘Find’ tool and ‘Search’ tool to
perform comprehensive searches as required.
Note:
To display the navigation buttons, right-click the Tool Bar area, and check ‘Navigation’.

2
Preface
Terms, Conventions and Abbreviations
The following conventions are used throughout this guide:
•The symbol denotes either an example or a special message.
•Entries enclosed in single quotes denote the names of control panel buttons and
knobs, or menu items.
Choose ‘Aux’ to ...
Press ‘Keyer 2’ button ...

3
NV8900
Chapter 2 provides a functional description of the NV8900 Series interfaces.
Summary
AES Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Analog Audio Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The NV8900 product family includes 6 MADI interfaces:
•MADI to AES, unbalanced •AES to MADI, unbalanced
•MADI to AES, balanced •AES to MADI, balanced
•MADI to analog audio •Analog audio to MADI
By AES we mean AES-3 and by MADI we mean “multi-channel audio digital interface,”
governed by standard AES10-2003.
The two analog audio interfaces are quite different from the AES interfaces and are
discussed under Analog Audio Interfaces on page 5.
AES Interfaces
The two MADI-to-AES interfaces are demultiplexers that have one MADI input and 32 AES
outputs. The unbalanced outputs use 75WBNCs; the balanced outputs use 110W shielded
twisted pairs on DB25 connectors.
The two AES-to-MADI interfaces are multiplexers that have 32 AES inputs and one MADI
output. The unbalanced inputs use 75WBNCs; the balanced inputs use 110 W shielded
twisted pairs on DB25 connectors.
The MADI inputs and outputs are 75WBNCs.
The AES-to-MADI interfaces accept up to 64 audio channels. The MADI-to-AES interfaces
produce 64 audio channels. The individual MADI channels are paired on the AES inputs or
outputs. AES connector 1 corresponds to MADI channels 0 and 1; AES connector 2
corresponds to MADI channels 2 and 3, and so on. AES connector 32 corresponds to MADI
channels 62 and 63.
The AES interfaces are 1RU and about 2″in depth. The following photographs are
representative:
This is a front view of the AES (balanced) to MADI interface. The other AES units resemble
this one, where the difference between the models is the legend.

4
NV8900
This is a rear view of the AES (balanced) to MADI interface:
It has 4 DB25 connectors supporting the AES inputs. The MADI to AES (balanced) interface
is similar, except for the legend.
This is a rear view of the AES (coax) to MADI interface:
Here, there are 32 BNC connectors supporting the AES inputs. Here, too, the MADI to AES
(coax) interface is similar, except for the legend.
Functions
The AES models convert discrete AES signal pairs to MADI format or vice versa.
The MADI-to-AES interfaces interpret the incoming framing data and preserve VUCP data.
The AES-to-MADI interfaces preserve VUCP and also generate the framing data (in the first 4
bits of each MADI subframe).
Each interface has a video reference input (loop-through). Each interface has a serial port
(DE9) that is reserved for future use. Each interface has an Ethernet port (RJ-45) for a
connection to MRC (the Miranda Router Configurator).
Each interface has two power connectors (for PS0001 power supply) and a grounding
terminal.
Rates
The MADI interfaces send and receive AES at exactly 48.0 kHz (samples per second).
Configuration
You can use MRC (Miranda Router Configurator) to change an NV8900’s IP address and also
to upload firmware.
The NV8900 has a 16-position rotary switch (Frame ID) on the front. This switch exists so
that different NV8900 frames can be distinguished (by MRC) on a network. The switch is not
required for operation.
Operation
The NV8900 AES interfaces function on their own and do not require an operator.
It is sufficient to rack-mount the devices and connect cables to your inputs and outputs.

5
NV8900
User’s Guide
Analog Audio Interfaces
The NV8900 analog audio interfaces are larger, and more complex than, the AES interfaces
and provide a number of status LEDs:
The MADI-to-analog-audio interface is a demultiplexer that has two MADI inputs and 64
analog audio outputs (32 pairs). The outputs use 110W shielded twisted pairs on DB25
connectors.
The MADI-to-analog-audio interface interprets the incoming framing data and preserve
VUCP data.
The analog-audio-to-MADI interface is a multiplexer that has 64 analog audio inputs (32
pairs) and two MADI outputs. The inputs use 110W shielded twisted pairs on DB25
connectors.
The analog-audio-to-MADI interfaces generate VUCP and also generate the framing data
(in the first 4 bits of each MADI subframe).
The MADI inputs and outputs are 75WBNCs.
The analog-audio-to-MADI interface accepts 64 audio channels. The MADI-to-analog-audio
interface produces 64 audio channels. The MADI channels are paired on the analog inputs
or outputs.
There are 4 analog audio connector pairs on each of 8 DB25s at the rear of the unit, totalling
64 channels (or 32 channel pairs). Each channel corresponds to 3 pins on a DB25; each
channel pair corresponds to 6 pins. The analog channels are numbered consecutively on
the 8 DB25s: 1–8, 9–16, 17–24, and so on, up to 57–64. See Analog Audio Connectors, on
page 22.
Each MADI unit has a video reference input (loop-through). Each interface has a serial port
(DE9) that is reserved for future use. Each interface has an Ethernet port (RJ-45) for a
connection to MRC (the Miranda Router Configurator).
Each unit has two power connectors (for PS0001 power supply) and a grounding terminal.
Each unit is 1RU and 17″in depth.

6
NV8900
Analog Audio to MADI Interface
This is a front view of the analog-audio-to-MADI interface:
This is a rear view of the analog-audio-to-MADI interface:
Function
The AA-to-MADI interface receives 64 analog audio inputs and produces two MADI outputs,
both identical. The second output is for redundancy.
The 64 inputs are paired internally and are represented by 32 LEDs at the front of the panel,
one for each pair. Each of these LEDs acts as a primitive level meter for the pair, according to
the following scale:
LED state Audio Level Range
Off < –50 dBfs
Green –50 to -4 dBfs
Red > –4 dBfs to 0 dBfs
The unit accepts video reference. It derives its internal clocks from the video reference. It
can free-run, but it is advisable to use an external reference, especially when used with an
NV8500 hybrid router.
Other LEDs
Each MADI output is represented by an LED at the front of the unit. The LED is green when
the MADI output is good. Otherwise, the LED is off.
The reference signal is represented by an LED. This LED is green when the reference is good
and red when it is not.
An alarm LED is off under normal operation but turns red for the following conditions:
•Overtemperature
•MADI output failure
•Reference is bad or missing
Alarm LED
Ref. LED
Rotary Switch
Channel LEDs
Power Supply LEDs
MADI LEDs
Video Reference
(Loop-Through)
Ethernet
Serial Analog Audio Inputs (DB25)
Fan
MADI Output (2)
DIP Switches
Power (2)

7
NV8900
User’s Guide
Signal Connectors
At the rear of the AA-to-MADI interface are signal connectors. There are 2 MADI outputs
(BNCs), two video reference connectors (BNC, loop-through), and 8 DB25s for analog audio
input.
Each DB25 supports 8 analog audio inputs. The 8 inputs on a connector correspond to an
enclosed section of the labeling on the front of the unit. For instance, first DB25 connector
is for inputs 1 through 8 and the corresponding markings on the front of the unit are pair
1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8.
The power connectors, serial port, and Ethernet port are described under Installation on
page 13.
Each power connection is represented by an LED at the front of the unit. When the LED is
green, its power supply circuit is good. If the LED is off, the power supply is bad.
The MADI outputs are identical.
The video reference connectors are “loop-through” allowing you to “daisy-chain” a
reference signal to multiple devices. See Reference Specifications on page 19.
DIP Switches
There are 8 DIP switches in a recess at the rear of the unit:
The first 3 switches control the overall audio level of the unit:
Switch Switch
3 21Level 321Level
0 00+24dBu 100+16dBu
0 01+22dBu 101+14dBu
0 10+20dBu 110+12dBu
0 11+18dBU 111+10dBu
Switches 4–7 are reserved for future use. It does not matter which way these switches are
set.
Switch 8 is for factory testing. Leave it off.
1
ON
2345678
SDO8
CTRL
PS1
PS2
DC IN
+12V
E146905
ETHERNET
MADI OUT VID REF
CONFIG
41-48 49-56
ANALOG AUDIO
INPUTS
25-321 -249-161-8
5 -6433-40
Analog Inputs (DB25)
Video Reference
(Loop-Through)
MADI Output (2)
DIP Switches (8)
1
ON
2345678
SDO8
CONFIG

8
NV8900
MADI to Analog Audio Interface
This is a front view of the MADI-to-analog-audio interface:
This is a rear view of the MADI-analog-audio interface:
Function
The MADI-to-AA interface accepts one or two MADI input streams. If it receives two MADI
signals, they should be identical. Only one of the MADI streams is active. The other if it is
present, is stand-by. The stand-by input becomes active if the active input fails.
A failure occurs when the active input has 1 or more bit errors per second for 3 seconds
or more and the stand-by input has no bit errors.
The unit extracts 64 audio channels From the active MADI stream.
The 64 outputs are paired internally and are represented by 32 LEDs at the front of the
panel, one for each pair. Each of these LEDs acts as a primitive level meter for the pair,
according to the following scale:
LED state Audio Level Range
Off < –50 dBfs
Green –50 to -4 dBfs
Red > –4 dBfs to 0 dBfs
The unit accepts video reference. It derives its internal clocks from the video reference. It
can free-run, but it is advisable to use an external reference, especially when used with an
NV8500 hybrid router.
Other LEDs
Each MADI input is represented by an LED at the front of the unit. The color of the LED
represents the state of the MADI input:
•Green—the MADI input is good and active.
•Amber (or orange)—the MADI input is good and stand-by (inactive).
•Red—the MADI input is bad.
Alarm LED
Ref. LED
Rotary Switch
Channel LEDs
Power Supply LEDs
MAD I LEDs
Video Reference
(Loop-Through)
Ethernet
Serial Analog Audio Outputs (DB25)
Fan
MADI Output (2)
DIP Switches
Power (2)

9
NV8900
User’s Guide
These LEDs behave differently from those of the AA-to-MADI interface.
The reference signal is represented by an LED. This LED is green when the reference is good
and red when it is not.
An alarm LED is off under normal operation but turns red for the following conditions:
•Overtemperature
•MADI output failure
•Reference is bad or missing
Connectors
At the rear of the MADI-to-AA interface are signal connectors. There are 2 MADI outputs
(BNCs), two video reference connectors (BNC, loop-through), and 8 DB25s for analog audio
input.
Each DB25 supports 8 analog audio outputs. The 8 outputs of a connector correspond to an
enclosed section of the labeling on the front of the unit. For instance, first DB25 connector
is for outputs 1–8 and the corresponding markings on the front of the unit are pair 1/2, 3/4,
5/6, and 7/8.
The power connectors, serial port, and Ethernet port are described under Installation on
page 13.
Each power connection is represented by an LED at the front of the unit. When the LED is
green, its power supply circuit is good, and when the LED is off, the power supply circuit is
bad.
The MADI inputs are identical.
The video reference connectors are “loop-through” allowing you to “daisy-chain” a
reference signal to multiple devices. See Reference Specifications on page 19.
DIP Switches
There are 8 DIP switches in a recess at the rear of the unit:
1
ON
2345678
SDO8
CTRL
PS1
PS2
DC IN
+12V
E146905
ETHERNET
MADI OUT VID REF
CONFIG
41-48 49-56
ANALOG AUDIO
INPUTS
25-321 -249-161-8
5 -6433-40
Analog Inputs (DB25)
Video Reference
(Loop-Through)
MADI Output (2)
DIP Switches (8)
1
ON
2345678
SDO8
CONFIG

10
NV8900
The first 3 switches control the overall audio level of the unit:
Switch Switch
321Level 321Level
000+24dBu 100+16dBu
001+22dBu 101+14dBu
010+20dBu 110+12dBu
011+18dBU 111+10dBu
Switches 4–6 are reserved for future use. It does not matter which way these switches are
set.
Switch 7, when it is OFF, enables both MADI inputs. When switch 7 is ON, only the primary
MADI input is enabled. (Switch 7 overrides the unit’s failover behavior. When the switch is
ON, the unit ignores the secondary input and the secondary MADI LED is dark.)
Switch 8 is for factory testing. Leave it off.
Installation
AES Interfaces
The AES interfaces are small and lightweight. It is sufficient to mount them in a 19” rack
with suitable screws.
Analog Audio Interfaces
The analog audio interfaces are large and somewhat heavy and require special hardware
that attaches to, and supports, the rear of the units. There are two metal pieces for each side
of the NV8900:
•ME1714-xx—an 8” extension plate, with screw holes, that attaches to the side of the
NV8900.
•ME1745-xx—a small (1.72”) metal plate that attaches to the rear frame posts.

11
NV8900
User’s Guide
The extension plates fit in the slots of the small plate, and the small plate supports the
weight of the NV8900, as shown:
The (4) metal plates, and screws, are attached to the NV8900 during shipment. Keep them
in a safe place until you are ready to install the NV8900.
The extension plates provide an additional 6.3” of depth, for a total extension of 22.64”. You
can adjust the position of the plate if your rack has less depth.
If your rack does not have rear posts, or if your rack is deeper than 22.64”, consider
mounting the NV8900 just above another device in the rack (say, a router). The other device
then supports the NV8900. Place a non-metal spacer (0.03”) between the NV8900 and the
other device.
ME1714-xx
ME1745-xx
ME1714-xx
ME1745-xx
Attach to rear
rack posts.
(front of unit)

12
NV8900

13
Misc. Topics
Chapter 3 provides the following:
Summary
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Obtaining Software and Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Channel Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Audio Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Package Contents
If you have ordered one or more NV8900 products from Grass Valley, inspect the shipping
container for damage. If you find any container damage, unpack and inspect the contents.
If the contents are damaged, notify the carrier immediately.
As you unpack the shipping container, look for the packing slip and compare it against the
contents to verify that you received everything as ordered. If anything is missing (or if you
find equipment damage unrelated to shipping), please contact technical support.
Depending on your order, the NV8900 items that can ship include:
•One or more NV8900 devices.
•One or more power supplies (PS0001) with power cord retention straps.
The package does not contain network cables, serial cables, or mounting screws.
You do not need to take any special precautions regarding ESD.
This document does not address the shipment or installation of any other equipment or
software that can be used in conjunction with the NV8900 (including the NV9000 system
controller, NV915 system controller, and configuration programs such as MRC or NV9000-SE
Utilities).
This document does briefly address the use of MRC as it pertain to setting the interfaces’ IP
addresses.
Installation
The NV8900 interface(s) are designed to mount in a standard 19 in. equipment rack. This is
not a requirement, but we assume a 19 in. rack for the sake of simplicity.

14
Misc. Topics
Follow these steps to install an NV8900 interface:
1 Set the position of the 16-position rotary switch on the front of the interface.
Set the switch to any non-zero position.
Although the switch is not used at present, in the future MRC will use the switch
position to distinguish multiple NV8900s on an Ethernet LAN.
Use a small screwdriver to turn the rotary switch.
In a network, all devices must have unique IP addresses. An IP address is deter-
mined (at least initially) by the rotary switch at the front of the MADI interface. The
rotary switches must (at least initially) be distinct.
2 Mount, and secure, the MADI interface in the rack.
For the 1 RU interfaces, the mounting holes are spaced 1.25 in (31mm) vertically and
allow approximately 1/8 in (3mm) of movement horizontally.
For the 2 RU interfaces, the 3 mounting holes on each side are spaced 1.25 in (31mm)
and 1.75 in (44mm) (3 in, 76mm, overall) vertically and allow approximately 1/8 in
(3mm) of play horizontally.
You might not have enough space to reach behind the MADI interface and make
connections. In that case, leave this step until last.
3 If you are using the MADI interface on a network (for MRC), connect an Ethernet cable
(RJ-45) from the network switch to the Ethernet port of the MADI interface. Also
connect an Ethernet cable from your PC running MRC to the Ethernet switch.
4 Connect your video reference.
Each MADI interface has two video reference BNC connectors. You can connect a
reference source to either one. You can “daisy chain” the output of one reference
connector to the input of another. The output of the last connector in the series should
be terminated with a 75ΩBNC terminator.
Your MADI interfaces must use the same video reference as your router (especially an
NV8500 family hybrid router).
5 Optionally connect the ground lug to earth ground. Use copper wire from 14 to 6 AWG.
Grounding decisions are left to you or your facilities manager. Failure to connect the
ground will not affect normal operation, but connecting the ground will protect you
and your equipment in a power anomaly such as a lightning strike.
6 Connect one or both power supplies. First connect the 4-pin connector to PS1 or PS2
on the rear of the router. The connectors are keyed and snap into place. There is only
one way they fit. Do not force them. Then connect the power supply to AC power.
The second power connection is for redundancy only (protection against failure) and is
not a requirement for operation.
7 Connect input devices and output devices. No particular order or combination is
required.
Some of the MADI interfaces use standard 75ΩBNC connectors.
2
1
4
3
Receptacle
n.c.
n.c.
GND
12VDC
4
3
2
1
GND
12 VDC
n.c.
n.c.
Plug