Convergent Design Flash XDR User manual

Flash XDR™
User Manual
For Firmware Version 1.5.55
6 – April – 2010
4465 Northpark Drive, Suite 400
Colorado Springs, CO 0907 USA
http://www.convergent-design.com
Support: ++(720) 221-3 61
“cd” -- “support” -- “at” -- “convergent-design” -- “.com”

Flash XDR User’s Manual
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Table of Contents
1) Welcome and Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2) The Essentials: Required Reading (Quickstart) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3) Input / Output Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4) Front Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5) LCD Screen Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6) Menu Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7) System Configuration: Date/Time, Time-code, Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
) Video Setup: Data-Rate, CODEC, PSF I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9) Audio Setup: Embedded/Analog, Line/Mic, Gain Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
10) Compact Flash: Capacity, Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
11) File Naming Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
12) Viewing Options / Software Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13) NLE Support (FCP, Avid, Vegas, Premiere, Matrox Axio). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14) Firmware Update Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
15) Applications: Multi-Cam Recording, Multi-Display Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . 23
16) Accessories: Cables, Covers, Remote Switches, Mounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
17) Tips and Troubleshooting: Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
18) Safety and ESD Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
19) Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
20) Connector Pin-Outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
21) Mounting Plate Dimensions and Hole Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
22) Warranty and Obtaining an RMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
23) Version History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
©2009 Convergent Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission.
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Welcome and Thank You
Congratulations on selecting Convergent Design HD/SD Portable Recorder, Flash XDR. It is
manufactured in the USA and shipped from the factory in the most secure packaging available.
Please inspect the contents of the package. In the unlikely event that you find any shipping damage
or missing components, please contact us.
Shippin Contents
Your Flash XDR shipping container should come packaged with the following:
1. Flash XDR recorder/player
2. Power Supply (100 to 240 VAC Input; 12V DC @ 1.5A Output)
3. USB Compact Flash Reader with USB Cable
Flash XDR Overview
Flash XDR is a revolutionary new solid-state HD/SD recorder/player that uniquely utilizes the very
high-quality Sony XDCAM 4:2:2 CODEC to write native Quicktime, MXF (video/audio/time-code), or
MPG files onto affordable Compact Flash media. Flash XDR breaks new ground in terms of weight,
power, size, ruggedness and ease of use. We are confident you will agree that the video quality is
indistinguishable from uncompressed (at 100+ Mbps Long-GOP or 1 0+ Mbps I-Frame modes).
Product Support Contacts
1. Support E-Mail: “cd” -- “support” -- “at” -- “convergent-design” -- “.com”
2. Sales E-Mail: “cd” -- “sales” -- “at” -- “convergent-design” -- “.com”
3. Main Telephone: ++(720) 221-3 61
4. Sales Telephone: ++ ( 03) 27 -0941
5. Web Site: http://www.convergent-design.com
6. Forum: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/convergent-design-flash-xdr/
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
The Essentials (Quickstart)
1. Re ister your Flash XDR by sending a simple e-mail to “cd” -- “support” -- “at” --
“convergent-design” -- “.com” with your name and the serial number off the right side of the
Flash XDR. You will get automatic notification of firmware updates and service bulletins.
2. Use only the qualified Compact Flash cards for the specified bit rates:
1. *SanDisk Extreme 3 32/16/ Gb CF cards up to 140-180 Mbps (ver1.5.25)
2. *SanDisk Extreme 4 16 Gbyte CF cards up to 220-280 Mbps (ver1.5.25)
3. SanDisk Extreme 32 Gbyte CF cards up to 280 Mbps
4. SanDisk Extreme Pro 64/32 Gbyte CF cards up to 280 Mbps
5. *Delkin UDMA 16/ 64 Gbyte CF cards up to 180-220 Mbps
6. Lexar /16 Gbyte 300x CF cards up to 280 Mbps
7. *Transcend 400x 64 Gbyte CF cards up to 180-220 Mbps (ver1.5.55)
*Please note that card performance may vary from card to card. The bit rate will
automatically be clipped during record for under-performing cards. (ver1.5.25)
3. Check http://www.convergent-design.com/ for any updates. See page 20 for details on how to
update the firmware. Use a reliable power source durin updates! Run a short test after
every firmware update, capture 1 minute of audio / video and play back out of the Flash
XDR and on a computer.
4. Update your NLE to the latest version and check compatibility (page 19)
5. Connect a power source to the 4-pin XLR and press the red power button on the Flash XDR.
6. Set the time and date (page 11)
7. Set the file format to Quicktime (MAC) or MXF (PC) (page 11)
. Select the Record Trigger Source (page 11)
9. Select the Time-code source and set the initial value (if needed) (page 12)
10.Set the compressed bit-rate and choose I-Frame or Long-GOP CODEC (page 12)
11.Set the PSF In and PSF Out options, depending on your video format (page 12)
12.Set up the audio source, line/microphone input and gain (page 13)
13.Connect a valid HD-SDI source and time-code source (as appropriate). Connect the HD-SDI
output to a compatible monitor. You should see valid video output.
14.Insert a qualified Compact Flash card into CF slot #1 (manufacturer’s logo side up) and format
by pressing <F2> and <F5> simultaneously. Warning: all files will be erased off the card!
15.For a simple test, do a 60-second recording and playback from Flash XDR.
16. As a precaution to protect your video, please consider backin up your data before
insertin CF card into a computer. We suggest using a Nexto 500Gbyte Backup Drive for
this purpose (see accessories, page 21).
17.Insert CompactFlash card with recorded video in USB or Firewire CF reader for transfer to
your NLE system for review / editing. (See other viewing options, page 17).
1 .Charge your batteries or use a reliable AC source to prevent loss of data.
19.Do not remove or insert Compact Flash cards while in record or playback.
20.Enjoy some fantastic video/audio!
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Input / Output Connections
Left Side Connections
Ri ht Side Connections
Rear Side Connectors
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Left Side Connections
1. CompactFlash Slots (4): Insert (at least 1) solid-state Compact Flash card(s) face up for
record and playback.
2. CompactFlash LEDs: Compact Flash Status:
> No Light means no card inserted or the card has not been properly recognized.
> Solid green means card is OK and ready for use.
> Flashing Red means card is being written to during a record session (do not remove card).
> Flashing green means card is being read from during playback (do not remove card).
> Solid Red means the card is full (may be removed).
Ri ht Side Connections
3. Ch. 1-2 Balanced Line Out: Analog audio output, 5-pin XLR. (See Connector Pin-Outs, page
2 )
4. Mic/ Balanced Line Inputs: Analog left and right (Ch.1 and Ch.2) audio inputs.
Rear Connections
5. Power: 4-pin XLR DC power in, range +6.5V to +20V, 14 to 16 Watts; either from external
battery or included AC adapter.
6. HP Out: Unbalanced headphone audio output (3.5 mm jack). Also, headphone out provides 2
rising beeps at record start, 2 falling beeps at record stop. (ver1.5.25)
7. Remote Control: 4-pin hirose locking connector for external trigger and tally light control.
Close the switch once for record trigger and once again for record stop (see page 2 for pin-
out). Tally light flashes once a second during normal record, twice a second during record with
less than 5 minutes total record time remaining, 4 times per second with less than 1 minute
total record time remaining. (ver1.5.25)
8. RS-422/RS-485: For RS-422 based deck control and time code, external control of the Flash
XDR and for communications with external devices such as remote controls and/or laptops. (in
development)
9. On/Off (Red): power button. In idle mode, the button responds immediately to turn off/ on the
unit. This button is not responsive to a brief push during a record, nor is it responsive during a
firmware update. However, holding the power button down continuously for 5 seconds at any
time will always power down the unit, regardless of the circumstances.
10. LTC In: Linear Time-Code Input.
11. 1394: 4-pin Firewire connection. Currently not operational.
12. SDI-Out: SDI only, re-clocked stream with embedded audio and time code.
13. SDI/ASI Out: SDI and ASI re-clocked output stream.
14. SDI/ASI In: SDI or ASI video source for recording.
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Front Panel
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Front Panel Details
1. LCD Display: Shows the status of the Flash XDR in the various operating modes. Also
displays warning and errors in correspondence with flashing LED error lights. (see p. 10)
2. Navi ation Buttons: Allows the user to navigate the menu. (see p. 11)
3. Function Keys: Programmable function keys for various configurations. Currently, the only
keys that function are <F1>, <F2>, <F4> and <F5>, which can be used for updating and
formatting. In the future, the user will be able to customize these keys with a Configuration File
editor tool which we will provide.
a. <F1>: Allows Mic gain adjustment during record for analog audio channel-1 when the
audio input is set to Analog -> Mic. Press once to turn off the capability (and make the
arrows on that side disappear), and once again to enable adjustment during record.
b. <F4>: Performs the same function on audio Chan-2 as the <F1> key does on Chan-1.
c. <F2> & <F5>: These two keys are used together to perform a firmware update or
format of the cards in the unit.
4. Indicator LEDs: Status LEDs for the various play and record mode: Bright red indicates that
data is being recorded to this CF card. Steady green indicates that the card is ready for record
or playback operation. Solid white indicates a playback operation.
5. Record, Stop, Play Buttons: <REC>, <STOP>, and <PLAY> buttons for control of respective
modes. The Flash XDR, when powered on, is in a ready mode. Record or Playback can be
activated by pressing the appropriate buttons, as described below:
a. REC: Press <REC> to start recording a clip to the card. The unit will record to CF slot
one initially and proceed in order if record time exceeds the amount of time available for
one card, allowing the clip to span several cards. If there is no card present or the card
is full, an error message will appear.
b. STOP: Press <Stop> button until the blue LED turns on to terminate record or playback
mode. Also used to cancel a card format.
Note: the STOP button is immediately responsive upon being pressed. To prevent
accidentally stopping a record, see alternative record trigger options (timecode trigger,
remote trigger)(page 11), which de-activate the REC and STOP buttons.
c. PLAY: Press once to enter Playback mode. By default, Play will start with the last
recorded clip. Use the left and right arrow keys to advance / backup to the next /
previous file. You can hold down these keys to move very quickly from file to file.
6. Other button functions:
Delete Last Clip: Press and hold the Stop key, then press left arrow key, to delete last
clip off of currently inserted card which was last recorded to. (ver1.5.25)
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
LCD Screen Layout
The LCD screen will change in appearance depending on the operating mode. Below is the essential
layout information:
1. Compact Flash Card levels: 0 to 100% full
2. Individual Compact Flash Level Indicators
3. Time-code Display
4. Play Menu Line with current file name displayed
5. Audio Gain adjustment indicators (Mic input only). During record, allows Mic input gain
adjustment using up and down arrow keys. Activate with F1 (CH1) and F4 (CH2). (You can
also adjust Mic gain via the Audio menu. This is just a mechanism to adjust during record.)
6. Audio Channels 1-2 Level Indicators
7. Audio level markers (-60dB to 0dB)
. Current Video Source Format
9. Recording (compressed) bit-rate
10.Total remaining record time (minutes) across all cards
11.Audio Over-Range Indicator
12.Microphone Phantom Power (+4 V) Indicator.
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Menu Navi ation
Use the up, down, left, right and the center (enter) buttons to navigate through the various menus on
the Flash XDR. Press the right arrow button to go to the next menu level and the left arrow to ascend
up to the previous menu. Use the up/down arrows to modify a selection and (very important) press
the center (enter) button to apply the selection, or else your selection will not be entered.
Below is a detailed explanation of each of the menus:
System
Time (HH:MM:SS / Temperature)
Sets time in Hours: Minutes: Seconds (24 hour format only) and displays internal temperature
(in degrees C)
Date (YYYY MM DD)
Sets the current Year Month Day
File Format (QT/MXF)
Sets the file format: QT (Quicktime / .mov file), MXF (.mxf file format), or MPG
Max File Size (100% to 20%)
For long records, set Max File Size to a value ranging from 100% (3.5 Gbytes each) to 20% (~
750 Mbytes each).
(This option is not available at the bit rate of 1 0 Mbit I-frame or above – at this rate the file
size is 100%.)
Unit ID (01 to 99) (or AA to ZZ) (ver1.5.25)
Allows the user to uniquely identify a Flash XDR unit in a multi-unit video shoot. The default is
01, although you can number them up to 99. This unit ID is then put into the first two digits of
the file name. (See File Naming Conventions, p. 16, for more details). If your shoot involves
multiple Flash XDR units, be sure to set unique IDs for each box.
Pre-Record Buffer
Enables 4-7 seconds of internal storage of video before a record session starts. When the
record session is started, recording will begin 4-7 seconds in the past. (For bit rates up to 100
Mbit, pre-buffer = 7 seconds. For 140 Mbit bit rate, pre-buffer = 4 seconds. )
> The record will begin 4-7 seconds in the past and then will catch up to the present
moment over the course of 10 to 30 seconds recording. When the recording is stopped,
there may be a delay of up to 25 seconds, particularly for very short clips on slower CF
cards, while the internal buffering is being cleared out. This delay is minimized by using
a faster CF card or recording for a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds.
> When turning on the Pre-Record Buffer or changing inputs, allow a few seconds for
the internal buffer to fill before beginning a record.
> *** Pre-Record buffer can only be used with bit rates up to and including 140 Mbit.
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> An additional 1.5 Watts of power will be consumed while the Flash XDR is in idle
(non-recording) mode when using pre-record buffer. There will be no effect on power
consumption during record.
> It is suggested to turn off Pre-Record Buffer when playing back off the CF cards.
Tri er
Selects the record/ stop trigger source. Note that each trigger is mutually exclusive (i.e. only
one trigger is active at a time). This means that, for example, in timecode trigger mode the
Record and Stop buttons will be disabled – only the behavior of the incoming embedded
timecode will start and stop a record.
•Remote Play – Unit will play (but not record). Formatting is also disabled. Remote tally
also becomes a Play mechanism: start (1 press) / pause (1 press) / stop (double press).
In this mode, Remote tally can also be used for Cue Play (in the main menu). (ver1.5.25)
•Timecode – Recording will start when incrementing time-code is detected from the HD-
SDI input and will stop recording when time-code is not incrementing. This is particularly
useful when wanting to trigger a record session from the camera's record. To use
Timecode Trigger, in addition to this setting System->Trigger->Timecode :
> Set System->Timecode->Source to “Embedded” or “LTC” as appropriate.
> Set the camera's timecode to “Record Run”.
> Most cameras require a tape or solid-state media within the camera to enable
the record function. Also, note that when the media in your camera becomes full,
the time-code will cease to increment and the nanoFlash will stop recording.
> Time-code increment may also take place on some cameras when playing
back from the camera's media, or inserting or ejecting a tape or powering on/off
the camera, causing the recording of very short unexpected clips in these cases.
Use “TC > Last TC”, below, to help minimize unexpected recordings.
•TC > Last TC – Same as Timecode Trigger, above, except that the nanoFlash will only
trigger to record if the incoming timecode is greater than the ending timecode of the last
recorded clip. This helps to minimize unexpected recordings, for example when inserting
or removing media in the camera, or playing back video off of the camera's internal
media. Be aware, however, that if the camera's timecode is re-set to a smaller value, the
nanoFlash may not trigger from the timecode unless the nanoFlash is then turned off and
back on. (ver1.5.55)
•Remote switch – Recording is triggered by a remote control switch. Special note: the
keypad is locked out when recording is triggered by the remote switch; this prevents
accidentally pushing the stop button when the Flash XDR is in a backpack (for example).
Also, the remote switch must be held down approximately 1 second to stop the
recording. (See remote switch pin-out, or a cable can be purchased from Convergent
Design.)
•Remote level / hold – Again via remote control, except that Record is initiated by
pressing and holding Remote Tally, Record is stopped by releasing Remote Tally.
•Record button – Recording is started by pressing the Record Button on the unit, and
stopped by pressing the Stop button.
• Remote & Record button – Remote switch and Record button can be used to start /
stop Record. (ver1.5.55)
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•Power up – Recording is automatically started by applying power and video source,
Record is stopped by removing video source.
Duration HH:MM:SS
If this feature is enabled, each record session will last for the specified HH:MM:SS duration.
Timecode
Sets the time-code source, and (for internally generated timecode only) the drop-frame flag
and the initial value (seed)
Source (Embedded, Internal, LTC)
•Embedded – time-code is extracted from HD/SD-SDI stream from the source
•Internal – time-code is generated internally in the Flash XDR
•LTC – time-code is taken from external LTC input
•Jam Sync - provide momentary timecode jam sync (via the LTC input port)
while unit is in idle mode with a valid input source. If video source is lost,
timecode must be re-sync'ed after video source returns.
Dropframe – [ ] enable (checked) if drop-frame time-code should be generated (only
valid for internal time-code generation and 59.94/29.97 frame rates)
Seed – initial value for internal time-code generating only:
oSet 01:00:05:19 – Allows you to manually set the initial time code. Use
the left and right arrows to navigate to the various settings
(HH:MM:SS:FF) and then use the up and down arrows to increase /
decrease the values. Press the center (Enter) button to save the value
oTime of day – Use time of day time code. A new time of day value is
captured each time a record session is started.
oReset – set the initial time-code to 00:00:00:00.
Create Settin s.txt: Primarily a tech support diagnostic tool, creates a file settings.txt with all
current settings. Preferably write to an inserted CF card which is formatted, blank. (ver1.5.25)
About
Displays the current firmware version number.
Video
Bit Rate
This option allows the user to set the compressed bit-rate of the video being recorded. Note
that most NLE's place a 50 Mbit label on high bit rate files, but nevertheless accept the high bit
rate files natively. The actual bit rate of a file can be seen in Quicktime Player by using
Window->Movie Inspector, which has a bit rate field. For MXF, the bit rate can be seen in the
XDCAM Viewer (an MXF Player), Product / Version fields (under View->Metadata).
(ver1.5.25)
HD Bit Rate (Qt, MXF)
•1 /35 Mbps = Full-Raster (1920x10 0/12 0x720) 4:2:0 Long-GOP (EX1/EX3)
• 1 /35 Mbps = (1440x10 0/12 0x720) 4:2:0 Long-GOP (XDCAM HD) (ver1.5.25)
•50/ 0/100/140/1 0 Mbps = Full-Raster (1920x10 0/12 0x720) 4:2:2 Long-GOP
(XDCAM HD 422)
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
•100/140/1 0/220/2 0 Mbps = Full-Raster (1920x10 0/12 0x720) 4:2:2 I-Frame
SD Bit Rate (Qt, MXF)
•for Standard Def: 50, (40, 30 ver1.5.25) Mbit IMX 4:2:2 (720x4 6/720x576)
HD Bit Rate (MPG)
1. 19/25/35 Mbps (1920x10 0/12 0x720) 4:2:0 Long-GOP
SD Bit Rate (MPG)
1. 5/9 Mbps 4:2:0 Long-GOP
CODEC (Lon GOP / I-Frame)
This option selects the XDCAM 422 CODEC format. Long GOP is the standard, and supports
the bit rates at 35, 50, 100, 140, and 1 0 Mbps. I-Frame only allows recording at 100, 1 0,
and 220 Mbps. The Flash XDR utilizes the high quality Sony XDCAM 4:2:2 CODEC for video
compression. The data rates of 100 Mbit or greater Long GOP and 1 0 Mbit or greater I-
Frame are generally considered to be Master Quality video. The highest quality video from the
Flash XDR is the 1 0 Mbit Long-GOP video, due to the greater efficiency of Long GOP
recording vs. I-Frame.
Record PSF->Pro ressive [ ]
Turn “On” to record PSF input video or progressive input video as progressive. Turn “Off” to
record PSF input video or interlaced video as interlaced.
Play Pro ressive->PSF [ ]
Turn “on” to play 10 0p progressive video off of a CF card as PSF video to the video outputs.
( Note: some SDI monitors only accept 1080PSF video, not pro ressive. In this case,
set “On”.)
Turn “off” to play 10 0p progressive video as 10 0p. ( Note: HDMI monitors do not support
1080psf23.98 . In this case set “Off”. )
SD Aspect Ratio
For Standard Definition Video input only: select the pixel aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3). This
setting needs to match the camera's aspect ration setting for SD.
Remove 3:2 Pulldown
Preserves 10 0p239 frame rate from a 10 0p239 source which is outputting as 10 0i59.94
with 3:2 pulldown, such as Canon cameras in 24F mode. Be sure this feature is turned off if
not needed. Now works with 720p60 sources (to 720p24) (ver1.5.25).
E to E Direct (SDI Output loop-throu h only)
Sets the SDI loop-through output to the exact same format as the incoming video format (such
as psf). This is particularly useful for looping through a PSF input. However, in E to E mode,
only embedded video/audio/timecode are looped to the output (not analog audio, nor
LTC/internal timecode). ( Note: some SDI monitors only accept 1080PSF video, not
pro ressive. In this case, set E to E “On” to loop out PSF from a PSF input.)
Time-Lapse
Records individual video frames (as I-Frame only) based on a set time interval
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
(Hours:Minutes:Seconds). Special points to consider:
> the hour glass on the lcd screen will only change on the selected time interval that we write a
frame.
> when a time-lapse record is stopped, there may be a delay up to the selected time interval to
close the clip. In addition, the clip will end with under a half second of regular speed footage,
which will need to be edited out.
> Use a reliable power source so as not to lose power and lose footage.
> Time-Lapse mode can support all bit rates (up to 220 Mbit) during record on approved CF
cards (including slower CF cards), due to the lower data rate; however, not all CF cards can
play back high bit rate recordings.
> Time-lapse is always I-frame only recording.
Crank [ ] [Recorded Frame Rate] [Crank Frame Rate] (ver1.5.55)
Allows frame rate overcrank / undercrank to provide slow motion / fast motion effects. The
recorded format corresponds to the incoming video format – for example, if 720p60 is the
incoming format, and recorded rate is set to 24, the recorded format will be 720p24. In this
example, if the crank rate is set to 60 then this provides a 2.5x slow motion effect.
Recorded Rate: 24, 25, 30, 50, or 60. Can not exceed incoming video frame rate.
Crank Rate: Frames per second to preserve from the incoming video: 1 to 60. Can
not exceed incoming video frame rate.
> Crank is I-Frame only recording, 50 Mbit minimum, the audio is not for use in this mode.
> In Crank mode, incoming 720p60 can only be used with 60, 30, or 24 recorded rates (and
10 0p30 with 30 or 24 recorded rates) .
> Incoming 720p50 can only be used with 50 or 25 recorded rates (and 10 0p25 with 25 only).
> Press right or left arrows during record to dynamically adjust crank rate.
> The recorded bit rate of cranked recording is reduced based on the ratio of the recorded
frame rate to the incoming frame rate. For example, a 720p60 incoming signal @ 2 0 Mbit,
with record rate of 24 (yielding 720p24 recording) will adjust the bit rate by a ratio of 24/60,
giving a recorded bit rate of 112 Mbits /sec. This is necessary due to the way the Flash XDR's
codec handles cranking.
> For best results, set your camera to the full frame rate. For example, for cranking in 720p
PAL set the camera to 720p50 (not 720p25), for cranking in 720p NTSC set the camera to
720p60 (not 720p30 nor 720p24).
> 720p24 / 25 / 30 can not be played out of the Flash XDR at this time.
720p60->30, 50->25 (ver1.5.55)
Cuts the frame rate in half for incoming 720p60 or 720p50 signals. Useful, for example, with
cameras with a 720p30 or 720p25 mode which then double the frame rate of the camera's SDI
output. The nanoFlash bit rate in this mode is applied to the reduced frame rate. For example,
@ 2 0 Mbit from a 720p50 source reduced to 720p25, the 2 0 Mbit applies across 25 frames.
35 Mbit 1080 Width
Choices are: 1920 (for 35 Mbit 1920x10 0 4:2:0 XDCAM EX) or 1440 (for 35 Mbit
1440x10 0 4:2:0 XDCAM HD). This setting only applies when Video->Bit Rate->CF HD Rate
is set to 35 Mbit. Bit rates of 50 Mbit and above are always 1920x10 0 4:2:2 (for 10 0
sources). (ver1.5.25)
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Audio
In (Embedded / Analo )
This menu option allows the user to select between embedded HD/SD-SDI audio input or the
analog audio inputs (on the right side of the Flash XDR).
Out [] Bal [] HdPh
This menu option enables analog audio outputs (embedded SDI audio output is always
enabled). If the user selects (checks) “Bal”, then the 5-pin two channel analog audio output is
enabled. If the user selects “HdPh”, then the 3.5mm unbalanced headphone jack is enabled.
Both can be selected at the same time.
Analo Settin s
This menu option lets the user specify more detailed audio settings.
Note: Analog audio input is not active unless there is also a valid video source.
Src (Line / Mic)
This is the source selection for the analog audio channels 1 and 2, the user can
individually select between Line level (Line) or Microphone level (Mic) inputs. If the
selected source is “Line”, the phantom power is automatically turned off.
Phantom (off/on)
If you are using a +4 V phantom powered microphone on an input channel, then you
should turn on phantom power on that channel. Otherwise it must be off to prevent
damage to your equipment. If in doubt, leave it off. Never use phantom power on a
wireless microphone receiver, a ribbon microphone or a T-Powered microphone or for
a 12 Volt microphone.
When the message “4 V to Mic on ChX?” appears, if you want +4 V phantom power
on, confirm by pressing the Center Key twice. Otherwise press the STOP button to
cancel.
Mic Gn 1 (xx)dB 2(xx)dB
The user can also choose the gain with the microphone input, in a range of 10-65dB.
(Generally, most microphones require a gain of 30 to 50 dB for proper levels).
Additionally, Mic gain levels can also be adjusted during a record session. Pressing
<F1> and <F4> will enable channel 1 or 2 to be adjusted (and produce arrow symbols
on the status line), and the gain level is displayed during a record session. Use the up
and down arrow keys to adjust selected Mic channels during record.
Note that the Gain is always fixed at 0dB (unity gain) for line level inputs. If the selected
input is “Line”, then an error message will appear “Line input on ChX” if the gain or
phantom power is attempted to be adjusted.
Audio Channels Recorded: 0, 2, 4, or channels. (ver1.5.25)
Audio Channels Monitorin : Choose audio channels to monitor on headphone output: 1
and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, or 7 and . (ver1.5.55)
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Play (filename)
Select the file to begin play.
Note: you can mix and match file formats / bit rates / video formats on the same card for
recording, but for playing back all files need to be the same video format and file format.
Note: Play of 720p24 / 25 / 30 is not supported at this time. (ver1.5.25)
During play, the following navigation tools are available: (MXF, QT files only)
> File Skipping: press the right key to jump to the next file, press the left key to jump to the
previous file. Press up key to jump to next clip, press down key to jump to previous clip.
(ver1.5.55) Jumping between files using the arrow keys will cause a very brief distortion of the
video output.
> Pause: press Play (during play or fast forward) to Pause. Press Play again to resume play.
> Fast Forward: press and hold Play for ½ second for 2x, 1 ½ seconds for 4x, 2 ½ seconds for
6x. A fast forward rate bar is displayed on the lcd screeen. Maximum fast forward rate
depends on bit rate and card type. In general:
> to 50 Mbit bit rate: max rate = 6x (SanDisk Extreme 3: 4x)
> 100 Mbit: max rate = 4x (SanDisk Extreme, Extreme 3: 2x)
> 140 / 1 0 Mbit: max rate = 2x (SanDisk Extreme 3: 1x)
> 220 / 2 0 Mbit: 1x only
Fast forward beyond a tolerable rate can result in distortion, play may need to be re-started.
Play proceeds forward to the last file on the last card, and then loops back to the 1st file on the
1st card (unless Loop (below) is turned off).
Flash XDR can also play XDCAM EX or XDCAM 422 Quicktime files exported from Final Cut
Pro, by running the files through our converter tool to make a Flash XDR compatible MXF copy
of the files. See converter tool in Software Accessories for details.
If you have original Flash XDR files which exist on a computer or other hard drive (not on its
original CF card), and would like to play these files on the Flash XDR, do the following:
> format a compatible CF card on the Flash XDR.
> record a short clip (in the same video format and file format as the soon to be copied
files) – for example, place the lens cover on your camera and record 5 seconds of black.
> copy the desired files into the }CLP{ folder on the card, alongside your just recorded
short clip.
> set the trigger (System->Trigger) to “None” - during record, externally copied files are
ignored by the Flash XDR and overwritten, so this prevents records from happening and
overwriting your copied files.
> In the Play menu, choose the file to begin playing.
> Press “Play” - the clips will play through, and then loop back to the beginning and
repeat indefinitely til stopped.
Cue Play: Allows playing from a cued frame (based on entered timecode), via Remote Tally only.
Press Remote Tally once to cue to selected timecode + 1 in the play file, press Remote Tally again to
continue playing from cued point. Additionally, set System->Trigger to “Remote Play”. (ver1.5.25)
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Loop Record: In this mode, the nanoFlash will record continuously to card 1, then to card 2,
then back to card 1 (overwriting previous contents), then back to card 2 (again overwriting previous
contents), etc til stopped. The current card is completely erased before any files are written. Do not
use this mode unless willing to have older material overwritten by newer material in a record session.
(ver1.5.25)
ompact Flash apacity and Usage
Formattin CompactFlash cards
Pressing <F2> and <F5> while in the main menu will bring up the options for formatting all of the
cards present in the Flash XDR. Press <F2> and <F5> a second time to proceed with the format or
press the Stop button to cancel the format. Formatting is a very fast operation on the Flash XDR,
requiring under 10 seconds to format four cards. Note: all data will be deleted during a format
operation! During Format, the 1st 7 characters of the CF card Volume name are preserved. If the last
4 characters of the Volume are digits, they will be incremented automatically (to help indicate card
usage). (ver1.5.25)
Important Operatin Notes
Use only the qualified Compact Flash Cards: see pg 4 for a list of qualified cards.
1. The Compact Flash card levels (0 to 100% full) are displayed on the upper line of the LCD.
The total remaining capacity across all cards (in minutes) is shown in the lower right corner.
2. NEVER remove a card while Flash XDR is in record or playback modes
3. Treat the card as READ ONLY outside of the Flash XDR. Do not defragment, change the
file structure or file names, change directories, add or delete individual files with any card
used by the Flash XDR.
4. Do not mix video formats (10 0p / 10 0i etc) or file formats (.mov and .mxf) on the same
card. However, it is permissible to change the bit-rates and the CODEC type (I-Frame /
Long-GOP) on the same card as long as the video format and file format do not change.
5. All CF cards must be formatted in Flash XDR before usage. After all files have been
copied to another drive for safe keeping, the CF cards can be reused by performing a
format operation on the Flash XDR. All data will be erased during a format operation.
6. Never force the card into the CompactFlash slot. Cocking the card or forcing it in could
damage the contact pins and render the slot useless.
7. Typical record capacities are shown below. Note that the record capacity does not depend
on the video format, only the selected bit-rate and the capacity of the CF card(s)
Compact Flash Record Capacity (Minutes)
50 Mbps 100 Mbps 1 0 Mbps
One 16 GB Card 36 1 12
One 32 GB Card 71 36 24
Four 32 GB Cards 2 4 144 96
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
File Namin Convention
The video/audio file naming convention is shown below. The file name follows an .3 format, where
characters identify the file name and 3 characters the extension (.mov or .mxf)
1) Unit ID Number: Unit ID is assigned under the System Menu, and is used to identify
multiple Flash XDR units if needed. The default is 01.
2) Clip Number: The clip number is incremented every time a recording is started. If the Unit
ID number is incremented, the clip number resets to 001.
3) File Number: File number is incremented whenever the file being recorded for a particular
clip reaches the max file size (~3.5GB). It is reset to 001 if the clip number or Unit ID is
incremented. During a record, the clip number and Unit ID will remain constant as the file
number increments. This will go across several card slots if the record time is long enough.
4) File Name Extension: the possible extensions are .mov (Quicktime) or .mxf (MXF files). In
general Quicktime files are used on the Mac and MXF files on the Pc.
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Flash XDR User’s Manual
Viewing Options
To view Quicktime files on the Mac:
> from Quicktime Player with Final Cut Pro 6.0.3 or better installed. (HD/SD files)
> from Quicktime Player with Calibrated Software's XD Decode (HD files):
http://calibratedsoftware.com/QXD.asp
To view Quicktime files on the Pc:
> from Quicktime Player with Calibrated Software's XD Decode (HD files) :
http://calibratedsoftware.com/QXD.asp
> from Quicktime Player with Calibrated Software's IMX Decode (SD files) :
http://www.calibratedsoftware.com/QIMX.asp
To view MXF files on the Mac:
> Sony XDCAM Transfer software combined with Final Cut Pro 6.0.3+ or Calibrated XD Decode:
https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-software-model-PDZKP1.aspx
http://calibratedsoftware.com/QXD.asp
> VLC Media Player: http://www.videolan.org/vlc
> MXF4Mac (also for editing in Final Cut Pro) : http://mxf4mac.com/
To view MXF files on the Pc:
> Sony XDCAM Viewer software:
https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-software.aspx?model=PDZVX10
> VLC Media Player: http://www.videolan.org/vlc
> Open Cube: http://www.opencubetech.com/
Flash XDR MXF files (50 Mbit only) are also now compatible with XDCAM Optical Equipment. The “Free”
naming convention may need to be set on the XDCAM equipment to accept Flash XDR files. SD files are now
also compatible with XDCAM Optical (ver1.5.25).
To view MPG files on the Mac: use VLC Media Player or Quicktime Player.
To view MPG files on the Pc: use VLC Media Player.
** See NLE Support, below, for more viewing options.
Software Accessories
Free QT MXF Converter (XDCAM EX or XDCAM 422 .MOV Files only) (Mac version only) –→
also makes non-fragmented file copies back to CF cards:
http://www.convergent-design.com/downloads/FileConverter.zip
Free MXF QT Converter (XDCAM 422 .MXF Files only, 50 Mbit and above, at least 2 channels→
audio (ver1.5.55)) (Mac version only): Sony XDCAM Transfer 2.10.0 or better (combined with
Final Cut Pro 6.0.3+ or Calibrated XD Decode) – also for importing MXF files into Final Cut Pro:
https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-software-model-PDZKP1.aspx
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