Data Video DN-500 User manual

DN-500 HDV / DV Hard Disk Recorder
Instruction Manual
www.datavideo-tek.com
Rev 201109

2
Table of Contents
Warnings and Precautions .............................................................................................................................. 3
Warranty ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Disposal.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Packing List .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
How to fit a 2.5" SATA Hard Drive into the removable Caddy.......................................................................... 6
Connections & Controls .................................................................................................................................. 7
Front Panel.................................................................................................................................................. 7
Rear Panel .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Powering On ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Menu Options ................................................................................................................................................. 9
HDD Mode Menu .......................................................................................................................................11
Connecting to a PC / MAC .........................................................................................................................11
Record Formats Menu............................................................................................................................... 12
Input Video Standard Menu ....................................................................................................................... 12
NTSC Setup Level Menu........................................................................................................................... 13
Video Input Source Menu.......................................................................................................................... 14
GPI Mode & Functions Menus................................................................................................................... 15
Select the GPI Function ............................................................................................................................ 15
Set Date & Time Menu .............................................................................................................................. 16
Set Full Syt Menu...................................................................................................................................... 16
Format Hard Disk Menu ............................................................................................................................ 17
Erase Track Menu ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Convert DV to AVI Menu ........................................................................................................................... 18
Set Output Channel Menu......................................................................................................................... 19
Scan HDD Surface Menu .......................................................................................................................... 19
Operation with a DV Camcorder / Deck / Vision Mixer.................................................................................. 20
Recording a track ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Playing a DV Track.................................................................................................................................... 21
Operation with a HDV Camcorder / Deck...................................................................................................... 22
Recording a track ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Playing a M2T (HDV) Track....................................................................................................................... 23
Operation with an Analogue Video Source.................................................................................................... 23
Recording a Track ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Connecting the HDD Caddy / Enclosure directly to a PC.............................................................................. 25
Connecting the HDD Caddy / Enclosure directly to a MAC........................................................................... 27
Connection to PC when Caddy is still inside DN-500.................................................................................... 29
Connecting to a MAC when caddy is still in DN-500 ..................................................................................... 31
DV File Converter Software .......................................................................................................................... 32
DV File Converter Software .......................................................................................................................... 32
Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 32
Registration ............................................................................................................................................... 33
Operation .................................................................................................................................................. 34
RS 422 Command Set / Protocol.................................................................................................................. 37
Interface Overview .................................................................................................................................... 37
Command Block Format............................................................................................................................ 37
Connector Pin Assignment ........................................................................................................................ 38
Communication Protocol ........................................................................................................................... 38
Command Table (without Checksum byte) ................................................................................................ 39
Detailed Description of Commands (without Checksum byte) ................................................................... 39
Return Data (without Checksum byte)....................................................................................................... 40
Status Return Data.................................................................................................................................... 40
RS 422 Version History ............................................................................................................................. 40
DN-500 Firmware Version............................................................................................................................. 40
Specifications................................................................................................................................................ 41
Service and Support ..................................................................................................................................... 42

3
Warnings and Precautions
1. Read all of these warnings and save them for later reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on this unit.
3. Unplug this unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this unit in or near water.
5. Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious damage.
6. Slots and openings on the cabinet top, back, and bottom are provided for ventilation. To ensure safe
and reliable operation of this unit, and to protect it from overheating, do not block or cover these
openings. Do not place this unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface, as the ventilation openings on
the bottom of the cabinet will be blocked. This unit should never be placed near or over a heat
register or radiator. This unit should not be placed in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is
provided.
7. This product should only be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label
of the AC adapter. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your Datavideo dealer or
your local power company.
8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this unit where the power cord will be
walked on, rolled over, or otherwise stressed.
9. If an extension cord must be used with this unit, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the
products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord’s rating.
10. Make sure that the total amperes of all the units that are plugged into a single wall outlet do not
exceed 15 amperes.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this unit through the cabinet ventilation slots, as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind onto or into this unit.
12. Except as specifically explained elsewhere in this manual, do not attempt to service this product
yourself. Opening or removing covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you to
dangerous voltage points or other risks, and will void your warranty. Refer all service issues to
qualified service personnel.
13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:
a. When the power cord is damaged or frayed;
b. When liquid has spilled into the unit;
c. When the product has been exposed to rain or water;
d. When the product does not operate normally under normal operating conditions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating instructions in this manual; improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage to the unit and may often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the unit to normal operation;
e. When the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged;
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
To avoid any possible static damage to your equipment please ensure your camcorder / deck is switched off
when connecting or disconnecting the IEEE-1394 cable.
IEEE-1394 pin Power; ensure the connector is inserted the correct way around otherwise short circuit
damage may result to either the computer or the DN-500 port.

4
Warranty
Datavideo warrants that the equipment it manufactures shall be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of product purchased. If equipment fails due to such
defects, Datavideo will, at its option, repair or provide a replacement for the defective part or product.
Equipment that fails after the warranty period, has been operated or installed in a manner other than that
specified by Datavideo, or has been subjected to abuse or modification, will be repaired for time and material
charges at the Buyer’s expense.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights within the Country of purchase.
Disposal
For EU Customers only - WEEE Marking.
This symbol on the product indicates that it will not be treated as household waste. It must be handed over to
the applicable take-back scheme for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For more detailed
information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local Datavideo office.
Packing List
The following items should be included in the box. If any items are missing please contact your supplier.
Items Description Q’ty
1 DN-500 DV / HDV Hard Disk Recorder 1
2 Power Supply (12V 4.2A) 1
3 DV File Conversion software CD & S/N 1
4 AC cord 3P 1
5 2.5" Removable HDD ‘caddy’ * 1
6 IEEE 1394 6Pin -6Pin Cable 1.8m 1
7 S-Video Cable 1.2m 1
8 Y Type USB Cable 45cm 1
9 M3 x 4 mm Screws 10
10 2.0 x 8 mm Screws 2
11 HD Label 2
12 SD Label 2
13 Label 4
14 L Type Rack mounts 2
15 2 RCA to 2 RCA 1.5m 1
16 BNC to BNC Cable 1.2m 2
17 Instruction Manual 1

5
Introduction
The Datavideo DN-500 is a HDV / DV Hard Drive Recorder. It can record HDV via the IEEE-1394 (iLink,
FireWire) output from HDV Camcorders (.m2t), or DV from DV or Analogue video sources (.dv). The DN-500
can be used as an external firewire drive from which files can be dragged and dropped to a PC or MAC. The
DN-500 has a built in utility to convert .dv files to .avi files, and is also supplied with DV File Converter
software to allow conversion of .dv files to other file formats such Quicktime. The DN-500 has a removable
hard drive in a caddy, this can be ejected from the unit and connected to a PC or MAC via USB to transfer
the video files.
Features
Stand Alone DV / HDV Hard Drive Recorder / Player with Removable Hard Disk Drive caddy.
Front Connections: Headphone Mini Jack socket, IEEE-1394 socket.
Rear Connections: 2xIEEE-1394 ports, YUV (on BNC) In and Out, Black burst sync (on BNC),
S-Video,Composite Video and Stereo Audio In / Out and
2 x XLR Inputs and Outputs for Balanced Audio Connection.
Records .DV files from IEEE-1394 (iLink, FireWire) port or Analogue Video Inputs.
Records HDV(.m2t) files via IEEE-1394(iLink, FireWire) port only.
Full VTR playback functionality, including loop playback.
RS-422 control via rear panel Sub D 9pin port.
Simple GPI input to trigger play/pause play or record/pause record actions.
Drag and Drop file transfer to PC or MAC via IEEE-1394 connection in HDD mode.
Remove Caddy from unit then Drag and Drop file transfer to PC or MAC via USB connection.
N.B. The DN-500 cannot be operated as an AVC Device - The AVC Command set is not supported.
*The Drive Caddy may be supplied empty or with drive already fitted please check with your dealer.

6
How to fit a 2.5" SATA Hard Drive into the removable Caddy
If your DN-500 does not come with a hard drive already fitted inside the removable caddy please
follow these instructions to fit your own drive.
Please note the warnings on the removable caddy and only replace or install the hard drive from the
end indicated.
For up-to-date information about compatible hard drives contact your local Datavideo Office.
1. Carefully remove the two screws from the
the 2.5" removable caddy end, then pull out the PCB.
2. Push the 2.5” hard drive into the socket side of the PCB.
Turn the PCB over and use 4 supplied screws to secure.
3. Slide PCB and hard drive module into removable
caddy the right way up using the guide slots.
The USB and SATA connections should be visible
at the rear of the caddy.
4. Carefully replace the two screws to secure the
removable caddy end. Do NOT over tighten the screws.
Insert the caddy into the DN-500 USB and SATA connections first.
When fully in lock the caddy into place by pushing the lever to the left.

7
Connections & Controls
Front Panel
Power On / Off Button. This is a soft power on / off button which
powers the unit on from a state of standby; the main power on / off
switch is on the rear panel.
Display Panel. Displays the status of the DN-500. The display will
show Track Number, timecode, or if the Menu Button is pressed the
Menu Display.
Menu Button. This calls up the menu display which is navigated using
the Fwd / Rew Buttons and Previous / Next Buttons
Fwd / Rew Buttons. In playback mode these buttons will operate as
Fast Forward and Rewind Buttons. If the Menu Button is pressed these
buttons will navigate backwards and forwards between the various
menu options.
Video Input Button. Switches the DN-500 to Video Input (Component
YUV / S-Video Y/C / Composite CVBS) – Analogue Video Inputs can
only be recorded in DV formats. See Operation with an analogue
video source for more details.
Previous / Next Buttons. These buttons navigate up and down
between recorded tracks and menu options.
Record Button. Puts the DN-500 into Record Mode. To start
recording press the Record Button and Play Button simultaneously.
N.B. Unit will not record if no video signal is present.
Play / Pause Button. Starts playback of a track, or pauses playback of
a track- status will be displayed on the Display Panel. Also Starts /
Pauses a recording when unit is in Record mode.
Stop Button. Stops playback or record.
Audio Input Level LEDs
show the audio input levels from the incoming source.
The Audio Level Adjustment
allows you to adjust the headphones volume.
Accepts a stereo mini jack plug for stereo headphones. The
headphone volume is controlled by the Audio Level Adjustments.
6 Pin DV In/Out Port. This is a convenient front mounted DV / IEEE-
1394 Port for connection to a DV / HDV camcorder, or to a PC for file
transfer.
2.5" Removable HDD Rack, SATA & USB interface connecting to a PC
for file transfer.

8
Rear Panel
2 channels XLR Balanced Audio input & output.
Note: XLR and RCA Phono inputs can not be used at the same time.
Component YUV Video input & output, commonly used with Betacam,
DVC Pro, some DVD Players.
Black Burst Output Can be used as a video reference source when
synchronising other devices to the DN-500.
RS-422 Port. The DN-500 can be controlled via RS-422 from external
devices. The DN-500 uses standard Sony protocol. Connect the RS-422
control cable to this port.
6 Pin DV In/Out Ports. Ports for connecting to a DV / HDV camcorder, or
to a PC for file transfer.
S-Video / Composite Video and Stereo Audio In / Out. These are the
standard connections for analogue video and audio signals. You can
connect standard analogue video signals to the inputs and record them
in DV format. A standard analogue video monitor could be connected to
the output for simple record / playback monitoring of DV recordings.
See Video Input Source Menu for more details.
N.B. Analogue Inputs & Outputs are only suitable for RAW DV (DV)
operation - It is not possible to record or playback M2T (HDV) files
via the Analogue Inputs / Outputs
The GPI socket can be used for simple external control. The DN-500 can
accept pulse or level trigger inputs, which can trigger record or playback
and pause commands See GPI Mode & Function Menus for more
details.
RS-232 Socket. May be used for some firmware updates, or other future
uses.
DC In Socket. Connect the supplied 12V 4.2A PSU to this socket. The
connection can be secured by screwing the outer fastening ring of the
DC In plug to the socket
Grounding Terminal. When connecting this unit to any other component,
make sure that it is properly grounded by connecting this terminal to an
appropriate point. When connecting, use the socket and be sure to use
wire with a cross-sectional area of at least 1.0 mm2.

9
Powering On
Connect the DN-500 power supply to the DC In socket. Ensure the power cable is connected to a suitable
mains socket.
Switch the power On/Off
switch to the ON position Press the Power Button until it lights up
The LCD display panel should show DN-500 and after a few seconds the track display should appear and
the DN-500 is ready to go
Menu Options
The DN-500 is a menu driven unit; there are 23 menus which are used to initially set up the unit. The menu
settings are non-volatile (settings are stored even when the unit is switched off). So many of the settings,
such as date and time, will only need to be set once. We will look at each individual menu in more detail, but
here is a quick overview of them.
N.B. Not all menu options appear when the Video Input Button is illuminated – ensure this is off.
The 23 Menus are:
HDD MODE - This sets the DN-500 to HDD mode for drag and drop
file transfers to a PC or MAC. See HDD Mode Menu for more details.
SETUP LOOP PLAY - Sets the DN-500 to loop play a track, the track
will continuously loop until stopped.
RECORD FORMATS - Sets the DN-500 record format to .dv for DV
recordings or .m2t for HDV recording. See Record Formats Menu for
more details.
FREE SPACE - Displays how much HDD space is available on the
DN-500.
TOTAL SPACE - Displays the total available HDD storage on the DN-
500.
INPUT VIDEO STANDARD - Sets the DN-500 video input to NTSC to
PAL. See Input Video Standard Menu for more details.
NTSC SETUP LEVEL - Sets the ire to 0 or 7.5 for NTSC. 7.5 ire is
most commonly used in the U.S.A. and Canada and 0 ire in far eastern
countries such as Japan. See NTSC Setup Level Menu for more
details.
V
IDEO INPUT SOURCE - The DN-500 has three types of Analogue
Input - select between CVBS (Composite), Component (YPbPr) or S-
Video (Y/C). See Video Input Source Menu for more details.
SET GPI TRIGGER MODE - The DN-500 has two GPI trigger modes,
Pulse or Level trigger can be set. See GPI Mode & Function Menus
for more details.

10
SELECT GPI FUNCTION - The GPI function can be set to either Play /
Play Pause or Record / Record Pause. See GPI Mode & Function
Menus for more details.
SET DATE & TIME -Sets the date and time on the DN-500; the
setting is non-volatile so it is stored when the unit is powered off. See
Set Date & Time Menu for more details.
SET DV TC. STAMP – When enabled allows the unit to record the
Time Code stamp from a DV input.
SET FULL SYT - Occasionally DV devices can suffer from conflicts. In
the event of the DN-500 conflicting with another device Set Full Syt is
enabled to overcome the conflict.
FORMAT HARD DISK - Formats the HDD and removes all files and
tracks from the DN-500. See Format Hard Disk Menu for more
details.
ERASE TRAC
K
- Erases individual tracks from the DN-500.
See Erase Track Menu for more details.
CONVERT DV TO AVI - Converts DV files to .AVI files for greater NLE
compatibility.
See Convert DV to AVI Menu for more details.
SET OUTPUT CHANNEL - Allows the output channel of the DN-500 to
be switched to a different I.D. number. This is important if there are
any conflicts between DV Devices. See Set Output Channel Menu
for more details.
HDD SURFACE SCAN - Checks the HDD for errors / bad sectors.
This is only necessary if your DN-500 is not performing correctly, or
you install a new HDD. A result.txt file is created in the root directory of
the HDD, this can be viewed from a PC.
REC. 16:9 DV STREAM – Allows the user to enable or disable 16:9
recording from a DV stream or DV input. If disabled then the track
recorded will default to 4:3 aspect when viewed with other devices.
SELECT 16:9 MODE – Allows the user to choose between 16:9
Anamorphic and 16:9 Letterbox modes when recording tracks.
HDD MODE CABLE LEN.
The DN-400 unit has two types of cable mode that can be set when
connecting the DN-400 unit to either a PC or MAC.
LONG DISTANCE CABLE - If your IEEE 1394 cable length ≦20 M
SHORT DISTANCE CABLE - If your IEEE 1394 cable length ≦1.8 M
POWER ON DEFAULT – Allows the user to choose the default
recording mode at power on. The user can choose between DV/HDV
Input or an Analogue Input (Video Input button is On at start up).
FIRMWARE VERSION - Display the Firmware Version of the DN-500
for Mother Board (MB) and Front Panel (FP). Please register your unit
with your local Datavideo office for updates on new firmware.

11
HDD Mode Menu
In addition to ejecting the hard drive caddy and connecting it to a PC or Mac via USB you can also connect
the DN-500 directly to a computer via an IEEE-1394 FireWire connection.
Some important things to be aware of before using this feature of the DN-500. Connecting 2 or more
IEEE-1394 devices to a computer at the same time may cause problems with the FireWire communication.
To avoid this please remove any other IEEE-1394 connections from the DN-500 and the computer first. Also
FireWire connections do not work reliably over long distances so keep the cable length short, under 5m.
IEEE-1394 6pin Power; ensure the connector is inserted the correct way around otherwise short circuit
damage may result to either the computer or the DN-500 port.
HDD Mode Menu will set the DN-500 up as an external IEEE-1394 (Firewire) drive, for direct drag and drop
file transfer to a PC or MAC. The DN-500 drive will show up on the desktop of the MAC or the My Computer
window of a Windows PC. The recorded files appear in the root directory of the DN-500 drive, and are
numbered with the track number that appears in the LCD display when you are recording or playing back the
track.
The DN-500 uses a FAT32 file structure, so large tracks are broken down into 2 GB files which are named in
sequence. For example if Track 02 is 1 hour in duration it will appear as follows:
dv02.dv (2 GB) - dv02 is the file name for Track 02
dv02_01.dv (2 GB) - Each 2 GB section is given a sequential _xx numeric extension
dv02_02.dv (2 GB)
dv02_03.dv (2 GB)
dv02_04.dv (2 GB)
dv02_05.dv (2 GB)
dv02_06.dv (77 MB) - The last file in the sequence is likely to be smaller than 2GB.
Connecting to a PC / MAC
NB: Although your PC / MAC may see the DN-500 as an AVC compliant DV Device it is not intended
to be operated as such. The AVC command set is not supported.
Connect the DN-500 IEEE-1394 output to a PC or MAC.
To set the DN-500 into HDD Mode firstly press the Menu button so that it is illuminated.
You will see the display change to the HDD Mode Menu.
Press the Next (▲) Button to select ENTER and the display will show the HDD Enable Confirmation Screen
Press the Next (▲) Button again to confirm, after a few seconds HDD Mode will be enabled
The PC / MAC should recognise that an external IEEE-1394 (Firewire)HDD has been connected. The DN-
500 can then be used just like any external drive. See Connecting to a PC / Connecting to a MAC for
more details.
To return the DN-500 to Deck Mode either use “Safely Remove Hardware” with a PC, or with a MAC use
“Eject” or Drag the DN-500 Drive to “Trash”. Once un-mounted the DN-500 display will return to Track
Display.

12
Record Formats Menu
The Record Formats Menu sets the recording format of the DN-500, you can choose between RAW DV
(.DV) or M2T (HDV).
Raw DV can be recorded from a DV deck, camcorder, vision mixer with IEEE-1394 (iLink, FireWire, DV)
output, or from an analogue video signal (Composite (CVBS), S-Video (Y/C), Component (YUV (YPbPr)).
M2T (HDV) can only be recorded from a camcorder, deck with an HDV signal via IEEE-1394 (iLink,
FireWire), it is not possible to record or play M2T files from an analogue connection on the DN-500.
N.B. To view recorded M2T files set your HDV Camcorder / Deck to Recorder Mode. The DN-500 M2T
files can then be played back to the camcorder viewfinder / monitor.
To select the Record Format: Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until RECORD FORMATS is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the RECORD FORMAT set up menu
Press the FWD (►►) Button to select either RAW DV (DV) or M2T (HDV)
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) button.
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode
Input Video Standard Menu
The Input Video Standard Menu sets the DN-500 to receive either NTSC or PAL video signals.
To select the Input Video Standard:
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until INPUT VIDEO STANDARD is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the INPUT VIDEO STANARD set up menu

13
Press the FWD (►►) Button to select either PAL or NTSC
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) button.
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode
NTSC Setup Level Menu
The NTSC Setup Level Menu sets the DN-500 either 0 IRE or 7.5 IRE. This is not necessary for PAL
inputs. 7.5 IRE is most commonly used in the U.S.A. and Canada and 0 IRE in far eastern countries such as
Japan. If you are unsure which to set, please consult your dealer.
To select the NTSC Level:
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until NTSC SETUP LEVEL is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the NTSC level set up menu
Press the FWD (►►) Button to select either 0 IRE or 7.5 IRE
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) button.
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode

14
Video Input Source Menu
The Video Input Source Menu sets the analogue input mode of the DN-500.
The DN-500 has Composite (CVBS), S-Video (Y/C) and Component (YPbPr) analogue inputs.
N.B. It is only possible to record RAW DV (.DV) from the analogue inputs – HDV(.M2T) files can only
be recorded from a HDV source via the IEEE-1394 (iLink, FireWire) port.
To select the Video Input Source:
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until VIDEO INPUT SOURCE is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the VIDEO INPUT SOURCE set up menu
Press the FWD (►►) Button to select either Composite, Component or S-Video
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) button.
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode

15
GPI Mode & Functions Menus
The DN-500 can be set to receive either pulse or level GPI triggers, which can be set to activate Play /
Pause or Rec / Pause.
To select the GPI Mode:
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until SET GPI TRIGGER MODE is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the SET GPI TRIGGER MODE menu
Press the FWD (►►) Button to select either Pulse Trigger or Level Trigger
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) button.
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode
Select the GPI Function
Press the Menu Button, to enter the menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until SET GPI FUNCTION is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the SET GPI FUNCTION menu
Press the FWD (►►) Button to select either Pulse Trigger or Level Trigger
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) button.
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode

16
Set Date & Time Menu
To set the Date & Time on the DN-500
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the REW (◄◄) Button to navigate the menus until SET DATE & TIME is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the SET Date & Time menu
You will see a flashing cursor on the date value.
To set the date use the Play/Pause Button to increase the value or the Stop Button to decrease the value
Increases Value Decreases Value
Use the FWD (►►) Button to move the cursor to the next column to the right i.e. Month / Year / Hours /
Minutes or the REW (◄◄) Button to move the cursor back to the left.
Moves the cursor to the right Moves the cursor to the left
Once you have set the date & time press the Next (▲) Button to exit the menu
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode
Set Full Syt Menu
DV devices can sometimes conflict with one another, it is not a common occurrence but it can happen. When
conflicts occur one DV device may not recognize the other, or the output from one is switched off by the
other. “Set Full Syt” will overcome conflicts of this type, so if you have a conflict with another DV device
switch Set Full Syt to Enable. See also Set Channel Output menu.
Press the Menu Button, and use the REW (◄◄) Button to navigate to SET FULL SYT
Press the Next (▲) Button to select Enable and then press it again to exit the menu.
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode

17
Format Hard Disk Menu
Format Hard Disk will remove all tracks from the hard drive.
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the REW (◄◄) Button to navigate the menus until FORMAT HARD DISK is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the FORMAT HARD DISK menu
You will see ARE YOU SURE? displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button again to confirm that you want to format the hard disk.
After a few seconds the DN-500 will reboot and the display will return to normal
Erase Track Menu
Erase Track is used for deleting individual tracks from the DN-500.
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the REW (◄◄) Button to navigate the menus until ERASE TRACK is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the ERASE TRACK menu
Use the FWD (►►) or REW (◄◄) Button to select the track that you want to erase - (Track 01 in this case)
Press the Next (▲) Button to erase the selected track - The track duration will return to 00:00:00:00
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode

18
Convert DV to AVI Menu
The DN-500 has a built in file conversion utility which can convert .dv files to .avi files (type 1 or type 2). You
can choose the format that best suits your Non Linear Editing platform.
HDV (.M2T) Tracks cannot be converted to .avi files by the DN-500 or with the supplied software.
N.B. The DN-500 requires enough free drive space to create a similar size .avi file. For example a 1 GB
.dv file will require at least another 1 GB of free space on the DN-500 drive for the .avi file to be created. The
converted AVI file will not be displayed on the track list, but it will be available to drag and drop to a computer
for editing etc.
The conversion takes about 60% realtime, i.e. A 1 hour track will take around 36 minutes to convert.
N.B. You can convert files more quickly using the DV File Converter program that is supplied with the
DN-500, see page 32 for more details.
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the REW (◄◄) Button to navigate the menus until CONVERT DV TO AVI is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the CONVERT DV TO AVI menu
Use FWD (►►) or REW (◄◄) to select the track that you want to convert - (Track 01 in this case) - Then
press the Next (▲) Button to confirm the selection.
Use FWD (►►) or REW (◄◄) to select AVI Type-1 or Type-2 and then press the Next (▲) Button to
confirm the selection.
The conversion process will start - once complete CONVERSION DONE will be displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to select OK - and then press the Menu Button to exit.

19
Set Output Channel Menu
Occasionally DV device outputs will conflict. It is not a frequent occurrence but when it happens it is possible
to change the Output Channel of the DN-500 to overcome the conflict. For example if another DV device has
the same output channel as the DN-500 this will result in a conflict, which will mean that the DN-500 output is
blocked. Please change the output channel of the DN-500 to solve the problem.
The default output channel of the DN-500 is 1, this is fine for recording from a DV Device and monitoring /
playing back to an analogue monitor. However, if you want to output DV from the DN-500 into another DV
Device you may need to select channel 63 here instead.
N.B. When the DN-500 is set to channel 63 you cannot playback a track to analogue outputs, until the
connected DV device (camera, mixer etc) is switched off or disconnected.
Press the Menu Button, to enter menu mode
Press the REW (◄◄) Button to navigate the menus until SET OUTPUT CHANNEL is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button to enter the SET OUTPUT CHANNEL menu
Use FWD (►►) or REW (◄◄) to change the output channel number - in this case we have selected 1
Press the Next (▲) Button to confirm the setting
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode
Scan HDD Surface Menu
Hard Disk Drive Surface scan is a utility which checks the disc surface for errors and bad sectors. It is not
generally necessary to use Surface Scan unless your DN-500 is not performing correctly, or you have
changed the removable drive. This process can take a long time to complete depending on the drive
size.
To run Surface Scan press the Menu Button to enter menu mode.
Press the REW (◄◄) Button to navigate the menus until SCAN HDD SURFACE is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button twice to start the HDD Surface Scan.

20
The progress of the scan will appear in the LCD display. Once complete the Surface Scan Done message
will appear. Press the Next (▲) Button to exit the surface scan.
A txt file called Result will have been created in the root directory of the DN-500 HDD, this can be accessed
via a PC, by connecting the DN-500 as a HDD.
Operation with a DV Camcorder / Deck / Vision Mixer
Recording a track
To record from a DV Camcorder / Deck / Vision Mixer connect the DV device to the DN-500 via an IEEE-
1394 (iLink, FireWire) cable. You can connect to either of the rear 6 Pin ports, or to the front mounted 6 Pin
port. Remember to plug the IEEE-1394 cable connector in the correct way around and only connect one DV
device to the DN-500 at a time.
N.B. To avoid any possible static damage please ensure your camcorder is switched off when
connecting / disconnecting the IEEE-1394 cable.
Rear Mounted DV 6 Pin Ports Front mounted DV 4 Pin Port
Use the Next / Previous Buttons to select an empty track from the DN-500 track list, one that shows a
duration of 00:00:00:00 in the LCD display.
Not suitable - Track
has been recorded
Suitable - Track is
empty
Press both the Record and Play/Pause Buttons simultaneously and the DN-500 should start recording.
+
The counter should start counting and the REC
symbol should appear
To release pause press the Play/Pause button again.
The counter should start counting again and the REC symbol
should return
If it does not start recording check the following:
There is a DV signal coming from the DV device.
The Video Input Button on the DN-500 front panel is not illuminated.
The DN-500 Record Format is set to RAW DV (DV), and not set to M2T (HDV) see Record Formats Menu.
The track you have selected on the DN-500 is empty. The counter next to the Track Number on the LCD
display should be showing 00:00:00:00.
Go to the FREE SPACE Menu and check that the DN-500 drive is not full.
The IEEE-1394 cable is not too long, disconnected or damaged. See also Set full syt menu.