Data Video DN-60 User manual

1
.HDV / SD CF CARD VIDEO RECORDER.
DN-60
Instruction Manual
www.datavideo-tek.com

2
Contents
Warnings and Precautions...............................................................................5
Warranty.............................................................................................................6
Standard Warranty .....................................................................................................................6
Two Year Warranty.....................................................................................................................6
Disposal......................................................................................................................................6
Packing List ................................................................................................................................7
Product Overview..............................................................................................7
Features......................................................................................................................................7
Connections & Controls ...................................................................................9
Front Panel.................................................................................................................................9
Rear Panel..................................................................................................................................9
CF Card Slot ....................................................................................................10
Powering On.............................................................................................................................11
DN-60 Power Sources..............................................................................................................11
DN-60 Status LED and Error Messages ..................................................................................11
DN-60 Menus ...................................................................................................12
Main Menu................................................................................................................................12
Setup Mode......................................................................................................13
Play Setup Options...................................................................................................................13
Record Setup Options..............................................................................................................13
System Set Up..........................................................................................................................14
Save Set Up .............................................................................................................................14
Recall Set Up............................................................................................................................14
DN-60 General Setup Notes............................................................................15
Choose a file operating system, FAT32 or NTFS.....................................................................15
Set the CF card volume ID.......................................................................................................15
Set the Signal Type..................................................................................................................15
Set File Type ............................................................................................................................15
Format the CF card ..................................................................................................................15
Select which time code to display ............................................................................................15
Set up Synch to Tape...............................................................................................................16
Set the Audio Sampling Rate in the source equipment............................................................16
Set the record date (optional)...................................................................................................16
Before starting to Record..........................................................................................................16
Starting the Record Process ....................................................................................................16
Pausing the Record Process....................................................................................................16
Marking the Recording .............................................................................................................17
Stop a recording before powering off.......................................................................................17
Power on auto record .....................................................................................17

3
Time Lapse Recording....................................................................................17
Using Pre-trigger Set Up.................................................................................17
Playback...........................................................................................................18
Set up loop play........................................................................................................................18
Play out.....................................................................................................................................18
DN-60 Playout to a Camera LCD Panel..........................................................18
Before transferring the CF card to a computer ............................................18
CF Card Connection to a Computer.........................................................................................18
DN-60 File naming scheme......................................................................................................18
Qualified DN-60 CF Cards and Max Recording Times .................................19
Updating DN-60 Firmware ..............................................................................20
DN-60 RS-232 Controller Command Set........................................................21
Connector Pin Assignment.......................................................................................................22
System Control.........................................................................................................................22
Sense Request.........................................................................................................................23
Transport Control......................................................................................................................24
Free DV File Converter Software CD ....................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Software Overview ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Software Registration................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
PC Software Installation and Removal....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Software instructions .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Specifications..................................................................................................27
Service and Support .......................................................................................28
Disclaimer of Product and Services
The information offered in this instruction manual is intended as a guide only. At all times, Datavideo Technologies will try to
give correct, complete and suitable information. However, Datavideo Technologies cannot exclude that some information in this
manual, from time to time, may not be correct or may be incomplete. This manual may contain typing errors, omissions or
incorrect information. Datavideo Technologies always recommend that you double check the information in this document for
accuracy before making any purchase decision or using the product. Datavideo Technologies is not responsible for any
omissions or errors, or for any subsequent loss or damage caused by using the information contained within this manual.
Further advice on the content of this manual or on the product can be obtained by contacting your local Datavideo Office or

4
dealer.

5
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 slightly damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this unit in or near water.
5. Do not place this unit on an unstable surface, cart, stand, or table. The unit may fall, causing
serious damage.
6. Any slots and openings on the case 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 may become blocked. This unit should never be placed near or over a
heat source 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, damaged 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 case 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 case has been damaged;
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for
service.
Care must be taken when connecting a 6pin DV/IEEE-1394 cable into the DN-60 when the other end
is already connected to a computer. Do not attempt to insert the connector backwards as DC power
from the computer is present on the cable and can damage the receiver circuits in the DN-60.
Use the supplied power adaptor to power the unit reliably. Alternatively use a charger specifically
designed to charge the rechargeable AA batteries in use. The DN-60 unit can accept voltages of 6 to
24 volts (Max) via its center positive DC input.
Please choose to switch power sources or insert 4 fresh AA batteries before extended use. Switching
between internal battery and external power (or vice versa) may cause the unit to restart and thus
interrupt the normal Record or Playback operation already in progress.

6
Warranty
Standard Warranty
•Datavideo equipment is guaranteed against any manufacturing defects for one year from the
date of purchase.
•The original purchase invoice or other documentary evidence should be supplied at the time
of any request for repair under warranty.
•Damage caused by accident, misuse, unauthorized repairs, sand, grit or water is not covered
by this warranty.
•All mail or transportation costs including insurance are at the expense of the owner.
•All other claims of any nature are not covered.
•Cables & batteries are not covered under warranty.
•Warranty only valid within the country or region of purchase.
•Your statutory rights are not affected.
Two Year Warranty
•All Datavideo products purchased after 01-Oct.-2008 qualify for a free one year extension to the
standard Warranty, providing the product is registered with Datavideo within 30 days of
purchase. For information on how to register please visit www.datavideo-tek.com or contact
your local Datavideo office or authorized Distributors
•Certain parts with limited lifetime expectancy such as LCD Panels, DVD Drives, Hard Drives are
only covered for the first 10,000 hours, or 1 year (whichever comes first).
Any second year warranty claims must be made to your local Datavideo office or one of its authorized
Distributors before the extended warranty expires.
Disposal
For EU Customers only - WEEE Marking
This symbol on the product indicates that it should not be treated as household
waste. It must be handed over to the applicable take-back scheme for the
recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. For more detailed
information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local
Datavideo office.

7
Packing List
Item No.
Description
Quantity
1
Instruction Manual
1
2
DN-60 Recorder
1
3 12V DC 500mA Switching Adaptor 1
4 IEEE1394 6-4pin cable 50CM 1
5 IEEE1394 6-6pin cable 50CM 1
6
DV File Converter CD
1
Product Overview
The DN-60 is a small and portable video recorder/player capable of recording to certified removable
Compact Flash (CF) cards. It can record up to 4.5 hours* of video depending on the recording format,
settings and CF card size. The unit can easily be set up for FAT32 or NTFS file systems; as well as
DV PAL, DV NTSC, DVC Pro 25, DVC Pro 50 and HDV (1280x720p or 1440x1080i) also.
This unit is capable of recording from digital IEEE-1394B sources. It can also be set up to record SD
PAL or SD NTSC Time Lapse sequences at a variety of intervals. Set it up to buffer live video and
when you press record within 8 seconds of an event you can be confident that you have recorded that
must have shot.
Once recorded Drag and Drop your chosen video files directly to the time-line of your Non-Linear
Editing program using popular DV file types such as Microsoft AVI type 2, Canopus AVI, QuickTime
MOV and MXF (OP 1A) as well as M2T in HDV mode. With this many useful features the DN-60 is
ideal for a variety applications within broadcast, education, animation, science, medical, construction
and security.
*See page 17
Features
•Small, easy to carry and camera mountable Compact Flash recorder
•Input Video Connections:
IEEE-1394 supports DV25, DVC Pro 25, DVC Pro 50 and HDV only
•Embedded External or Internal Time Code
•Output Connections:
IEEE-1394 in playback can supply DV, DVC Pro and HDV signals to the camera
•IEEE-1394 connection supports AVC command set via PC and Mac FW400 connections
•Allows recording to Microsoft AVI, Canopus AVI, QuickTime DV MOV, MXF OP1A and M2T
file formats directly (M2T converts to QuickTime via downloaded utility)
•Auto power on of unit when connected camera is switched on
•Default 48KHz (16bit) audio sampling rate for best quality audio recording
•Time-lapse with single or multi frame recording at user defined intervals
•4 or 8second pre-trigger buffer, useful in recording unexpected events especially in science
research, wildlife recording, Health & Safety or security applications
•Loop playback of video from a selected video bin
•Can be set to Auto record to the current empty video bin when the unit is powered on
•Backlit LCD panel allowing quick confirmation of the recorders status
•RS-232 interface for computer trigger and control

8

9
Connections & Controls
Front Panel
1. LCD Panel – Shows the status and menu options of the DN-60
2. Menu Navigation Button – Rotate to change options and press in to select
3. DC Power input – Connect the DN-60 power adaptor here
4. Status LED
5. Power On / Auto / Off switch
6. CF Card Protection Cover – Slide down then lift up carefully to gain access
Rear Panel
1. Battery Compartment Cover – Press in gently and slide up to access
2. Camera Mount screw thread – Attach DN-60 camera mount here
3. DV/DVC Pro/HDV i/o Port – Attach 6pin IEEE-1394 cable connector here
4. RS-232 Port – Connect 3.5mm Jack for RS-422 control by computer

10
CF Card Slot
1. CF Card Protection Cover – Slide down then lift up carefully to open this cover and get
access to the CF card slot and the card eject button.
2. CF Card Eject Button – Press in to eject the fitted CF card. When the slot is empty (no CF
card inserted), this button is normally in the depressed position. Upon inserting a CF card, the
button moves out again.
NOTE: CF cards need to be inserted the correct way up so that the pins inside the unit
marry correctly with the card otherwise damage to the pins may happen.
Do not force a card into the slot or force the card protection cover.
See page 17 also.

11
Powering On
Connect the DN-60’s own power adaptor to the right hand side DC In socket. Ensure the power
adaptor unit is connected to a suitable mains socket. Switch the power ON/OFF switch on the Left
hand side of the unit to one of 3 positions.
1. Manual power ON position
A. Auto power ON/OFF position (when camera is switched on/off)
0. Manual power OFF position
The LCD display panel will show “Datavideo DN-60 Loading…” after a few
seconds the Home Display will be shown. The DN-60 is now ready for set
up or use as a recorder or playback device.
DN-60 Power Sources
Use the supplied DN-60 power adaptor to reliably power the unit. Alternatively, you can use AA or
rechargeable AA batteries. Use a compatible charger with the rechargeable AA batteries being used.
However, please pay close attention to the battery indicator on the DN-60 LCD panel during battery
powered operation and change over batteries before they become exhausted.
Please choose to switch to the power adaptor or insert 4 fresh AA batteries before any extended use.
Switching between internal battery power and the external power adaptor (or vice versa) will cause
the unit to restart and thus interrupt the normal Record or Playback operation already in progress.
The DN-60 unit can safely accept voltages of 6 to 24 Volts DC (Max) via its centre positive DC input
socket.
Note: Not all AA labelled batteries are manufactured to the same dimensions so care must be taken
when selecting batteries for use with the DN-60. Some batteries because of their non-standard
dimensions prove difficult when fitting or removing them from the DN-60 standard AA battery
compartment. Care must be shown in order to avoid user related damage to the DN-60.
DN-60 Status LED and Error Messages
The DN-60 has a red status LED just below the Menu Navigation Button. This can be used as a quick
way of confirming that the unit is working correctly or is requiring user attention.
LED constantly OFF DN-60 is idle or the unit is waiting to be powered on.
LED constantly ON Indicates the DN-60 unit is recording a camera/source input.
LED Slowly Dimmed OFF and ONIndicates record pause, formatting card, or making media file.
LED Flashing ON and OFF The LCD panel will also indicate that there is:
No Media CF card is not detected by DN-60. Check CF card.
No Input Video signal is lost from DN-60. Check cabling and source equipment.
Bad Input Video signal received does not match the DN-60 settings.
Unsafe Battery level Usually indicates low battery level. Change batteries or power source.
Wrong Format Media!! CF card does not match the format settings of the DN-60.
User can choose
"RESTORE SETTING": Reset DN-60 configuration to accept the CF card inserted.
Or
"FORMAT MEDIA": Format the CF card according to current DN-60 configuration.
Caution: All content on the CF card will be erased by selecting "FORMAT MEDIA"

12
DN-60 Menus
Pressing the Navigation Button in will select the menu option or confirm a value. Rotating the
Navigation Button in either direction will change the menu option or set a value. If all options have
been displayed then the menu display will only scroll options in one direction. Choose EXIT to return
to a previous menu level or to return to the initial Home screen.
The DN-60 is a menu driven unit; there are several menus which are used to set up the unit. The
menu settings are non-volatile (settings are stored even when the unit is switched off). So general
settings, such as Signal and File types, may only need to be set once. We will look at specific set ups
in more detail later on in this manual, but here is an overview of the available menu options.
Main Menu
There are 5 initial main menu level options at the Home screen and they are:
Menu Option Action taken
This will take the DN-60 into record mode when the menu
navigation button is pressed in. At this point the DN-60
checks for the chosen input signal (DV, DVC Pro or HDV)
at the IEEE-1394 connector. Use Status mode to check
that the unit has the correct settings first. If not, use Setup
mode to modify the DN-60 settings before recording.
This will take the DN-60 into playback mode when the
menu navigation button is pressed in. At this point the
DN-60 checks for existing media files in the currently
selected bin or CF card. Note loop playback can be
selected from within setup mode.
Tools mode allows the user to perform selected tasks to
prepare files for transfer to an edit system or to erase
existing video files on the card. This menu also allows a
user to update the DN-60 firmware.
Setup mode enables various record and playback related
parameters and modes to be setup, saved or recalled
including Sync to Tape, Signal Type, File Type and
Battery Type.
Status mode allows the user to confirm the current
settings in use. These parameters are displayed across
several screen changes using the menu navigation
button.

13
Setup Mode
Entered from the Main Menu, this set of options enables various record and playback related
parameters and modes to be setup.
Menu Option Action taken
PLAY SET UP
Here Loop Playback Mode can be switched ON or OFF.
RECORD SET UP
Here settings for File Type, Sync to Tape, Pre-Trigger, Time Lapse,
Record at Power ON and Record Date can be changed.
SYSTEM SET UP
Here settings for input Signal Type, File System, Volume ID,
Timecode and Battery Type can be chosen.
SAVE SET UP
The DN-60 allows current settings to be saved as USER1 or USER2
to allow time efficient set up of the unit when in the field.
RECALL SET UP
Used to quickly adopt user stored settings in USER1 and USER2 or
adopt a factory default for PAL DV, NTSC DV or HDV.
Play Setup Options
Entered from the SETUP Menu, this set of options enable various record related parameters and
modes to be setup.
Menu Option Action taken
Exit
Will return you to the SET UP menu.
SET PLAY MODE
Allows user to choose playback of whole bin or just one clip within a
bin.
SET LOOP PLAY
When enabled the DN-60 will loop play the current clip selected, the
playback will continuously loop until stopped. Note that the chosen
mode is indicated by an asterisk.
Record Setup Options
Entered from the SETUP Menu, this set of options enable various record related parameters and
modes to be setup.
Menu Option Action taken
Exit
Will return you to the SET UP menu.
SET FILE TYPE
The file options change depending on the Signal Type chosen in
System Set Up.DV and DVC signals can be recorded to Microsoft avi,
Canopus avi, QuickTime mov or MXF OP1A files. HDV signals can
only be recorded to m2t files at present.
These file options may be expanded in later firmware revisions.
SET SYNC TO TAPE
Allows the feature to be turned ON or OFF. ON allows the unit to
record in step with the camera. OFF allows the unit to record
independently of the camera.
PRE-TRIGGER SETUP
Allows the feature to be turned ON or OFF. ON allows the unit to
constantly hold the latest 4 to 8 seconds of video in its memory until
the record action is started. The initial 4-8 seconds of video from
memory is stored to the bin first and then the rest of the video after the
record trigger is then added to the bin. This feature is NOT available in
HDV mode. See page 15
TIME-LAPSE SETUP
Set the Time Lapse interval and then the number of frames to be
captured at the interval. Now turn the feature ON or OFF. This feature
is NOT available in HDV mode. See Time lapse section on page 15.
RECORD ON POWER UP
Allows the feature to be turned ON or OFF. ON allows the unit to start
recording using the current settings at power on provided the incoming
signal is correct and the currently selected video bin is empty.
SET RECORD DATE
Allows date of recording to be set if not already provided by source
equipment.

14
System Set Up
Entered from the SET UP Menu, this set of options enable file system, signal and power related
parameters and modes to be setup.
Menu Option Action taken
Exit
Will return you to the SET UP menu.
SET SIGNAL TYPE Where the recorder is set to operate in one of three modes,
DV+DVC 60Hz, DV+DVC 50Hz or HDV 50/60Hz. The current
selection will be marked with an asterisk.
SET FILE SYSTEM
This option will set up the CF card file system type seen by the
computer as either NTFS or FAT32. The current selection will be
marked with an asterisk.
SET VOLUME ID
When reading a DN-60 CF card the volume name is shown on the
computer as Datavideoxx. This option sets the xx value between 0
and 99. A useful feature when ingesting multiple CF cards at the
same time from a multi-camera shoot.
TIMECODE DISPLAY
During recording and playback, this option allows display of either
the Internal or the External time code. Note that the current
selection will be marked with an asterisk.
SET BATTERY TYPE
This option allows the proper display of remaining power from
Alkaline, NiMH-1, NiMH-2 or Lithium type battery cells.
SET DV HIDDEN MODE
Allows user to enable or disable this DV mode. When enabled
conflicts with other DV devices are avoided.
Save Set Up
Entered from the SET UP Menu, this set of options enable file system, signal and power related
parameters and modes to be setup.
Menu Option
Action taken
Exit
Will return you to the SET UP menu.
SAVE AS USER #1
The current user settings will be stored for later Recall as USER1
SAVE AS USER #2
The current user settings will be stored for later Recall as USER2
Recall Set Up
Entered from the SET UP Menu, this set of options enable easy recall of previous and standard DN60
configurations.
Menu Option Action taken
Exit
Will return you to the SET UP menu.
USER #1
USER1 saved settings will be adopted by the unit
USER #2
USER2 saved settings will be adopted by the unit
FACTORY HDV 50/60Hz
The factory HDV settings will be applied
FACTORY DV NTSC
The factory DV/DVC 60Hz settings will be applied
FACTORY DV PAL
The factory DV/DVC 50Hz settings will be applied

15
DN-60 General Setup Notes
Before using your DN-60 for the first time, there are a few basic operational settings that must be
chosen. These are found under the Setup Mode options (see Tables 3, 4 & 5 on pages 11 and 12).
Choose a file operating system, FAT32 or NTFS
Set up the file system type seen on the CF card by the computer when transferring files. The FAT32
file system is compatible with both Macs and PCs. However, this format limits the size of a file to a
maximum of 2GB, in DV25 that translates to approximately 9 minutes of video. A clip or recording that
lasts longer than 9min is broken into multiple files, each 2GB long, with the last file in the sequence
making up any remainder time. If this sequence of 2GB files are placed in the correct order and end to
end on an editing time line the recording will play through as one whole take again.
The NTFS format is fully compatible with PCs and is read compatible with Macs. Its main advantage
is that it does not impose a file size limitation to the DN-60 files resulting in one file per take.
Note: When using 64GB cards, if you plan on shooting one continuous take greater then 3 hrs (using
NTFS setup) please note that some Non-Linear Editing Software cannot accept file sizes greater than
40GB, please make sure your NLE is not one of them before you plan to shoot.
Set the CF card volume ID
When transferring files the DN-60 CF card volume name is shown as Datavideoxx.If your
application calls for multiple DN-60 CF cards to be connected to the edit computer, it becomes helpful
to have a unique volume name for each CF card. This option allows the xx value to be set between 00
and 15.
Set the Signal Type
Select between DV+DVC 60Hz, DV+DVC 50Hz or HDV 50/60Hz. If the standard chosen is DV+DVC
60Hz, then the NTSC IRE LEVEL is dictated by the source equipment or camera.
Set File Type
The choices for file types are dependent on the Signal Type chosen. Types available are Microsoft
.avi (Type II), Canopus .avi, both commonly used in PCs. The QuickTime .mov format used in Macs
and .mxf (OP1A) files for use with other systems such as Avid. In HDV mode, the only file type
available is .m2t and this may need conversion before being edited, depending on your computer’s
specifications and its editing software.
Note: The file System and Type started within one CF card will apply to all subsequent recordings
within that card and can only be changed after the content is erased or the card is formatted.
Format the CF card
The DN-60 is primarily a capture device, as opposed to an archiving device, and it is best to start out
with freshly DN-60 formatted CF card(s) on each project. Formatting your card in another device may
cause issues later on. If you are re-using your CF cards just remember to backup any existing content
already on the card(s) to computer first before formatting the card(s). Formatting will not only clear the
DN-60 CF card but it will also reset the file system to FAT32.
Select which time code to display
With DV or HDV, whilst recording or playing, the time code displayed can be either externally or
internally generated. If the input signal is External and no time code is supplied then the External
Time Code generated by the DN-60 is in the dropped-frame format. The internal time code referred to
here is the absolute frame number of the recording in the selected bin and is in the non-dropped-
frame format. The absolute frame number starts from 00:00:00:00 in each bin. When the content is
changed to files, the time code presented to the editing system starts with the External value of the
first frame of the content; if this value is invalid then 00:00:00:00 is substituted.

16
Set up Synch to Tape
DN-60 recording sessions can be synchronized to the camera’s record button by turning Sync to Tape
ON. Whenever the tape deck in the camera is rolling, so will the DN-60 time code. The DN-60
recognizes this information and will record along with the camera deck. When the deck stops, the DN-
60 will pause the recording automatically. To record continuously without regard for tape or deck
motion, switch Sync To Tape off. Some cameras control the DN-60 directly through the IEEE-1394
interface and in these cases use Sync To Tape off and let the camera control the DN-60 unit.
Set the Audio Sampling Rate in the source equipment
The DN-60 can only record audio at the 48KHz (16bit) audio sampling rate. Please ensure the source
camera or equipment is set to output at the 48KHz (16bit) rate as the 32KHz (12bit) setting is not
supported by the DN-60.
Set the record date (optional)
As the source is digital the record date from the cameras digital stream can be used. This feature is
available in non HDV modes under Setup mode, Record Set up, Record Date.
Before starting to Record
Select an empty Bin. An empty Bin will display as 00:00:00:00 on the DN-60. Before using your DN-
60 for the first time, there are a few basic operational settings that must be chosen. These are found
under Setup Mode (see Tables 3, 4 & 5 on pages 11 and 12).
Starting the Record Process
Common ways of starting to record with the DN-60 are:
1) Manually, by switching the units Sync to Tape feature off and selecting Record mode whilst
connected to a camera that is already switched on.
2) Automatically, the camera or device connected to the IEEE-1394 port controls the record action
either through the AV command set or because the Sync to Tape feature is switched on.
3) Issue a record command via the Remote Serial interface or RS-232 port. The DN-60 RS-232
command protocol is listed in this manual from page 19 onwards.
NOTE: The IEEE-1394 output signal on the camera/source device must match the DN-60 input Signal
Type for the recording to start. If the DN-60 or source device do not match then the DN-60 will stay at
00:00:00:00 as it cannot automatically recognise the signal presented to it.
Pausing the Record Process
The DN-60 will automatically pause recording if time code from the tape deck is not moving and Sync
to Tape is ON.
It is also possible to pause a manual recording by pressing in the Menu Navigation key when Pause is
shown on the DN-60 LCD panel. Manual recording is resumed by pressing in the Menu Navigation
key when Record is selected on the DN-60 LCD panel and a new clip is then created within the same
bin.
Warning: If power is interrupted whilst the recording is paused, all clip numbers added during the
current record session may be lost. No content however will be lost. Future firmware upgrades may fix
this behaviour.

17
Marking the Recording
Whilst recording to the DN-60 an option labelled MARK is available. Selecting this option whilst
recording will start a new clip number within the current bin, no frames are lost in doing this. Each
time a recording is Marked a new clip is created within the same bin. A single recording can be
marked up 99 times within the current bin.
Note: Recording is started in an empty bin. A clip is automatically started at the beginning of
recording to the bin. A clip can never be inserted in between other clips already in the bin. Marking or
Pausing a recording forces clip numbers to be incremented, each clip is written to the current bin.
Stop a recording before powering off
It is best to stop a recording session before turning the DN-60’s power off, otherwise the whole
recording or part of it may be lost.
Power on auto record
When this option is enabled and the unit is powered on the DN-60 will attempt to begin recording
immediately to the current bin using the latest stored settings for source, file type etc.
NOTE: The IEEE-1394 output signal on the camera/source must match the DN-60 input Signal Type
for the recording to start. If the DN-60 or source do not match then the DN-60 will stay at 00:00:00:00.
Time Lapse Recording
In this Record Set Up option a DV recording can be set up using the following flexible settings.
Select SET TIMELAPSE and press in the Menu Navigation Button.
Set the Interval minutes value between 0 and 59 minutes.
Set the Interval seconds value between 0 and 59 seconds.
Set the Frames to record value between 0 and 15 Frames.
Once set select TIMELAPSE ON and press in the Menu Navigation Button. Now exit to the Main
menu and choose RECORD MODE. Select an empty bin using the folder icon and then select the
RECORD option. Press in the Menu Navigation Button and if the connected camera is live then the
recording will start. Ensure the Camera is supplying the DN-60 with DV25, DVCPro25 or DVCPro50.
The DN-60 display will change from 00:00:00:00 to show the current amount of video hours, minutes,
seconds and frames captured after each interval point is reached.
Note: If power is interrupted and then restored the unit will need to be restarted.
Note: A new clip is created only at the beginning of a time lapse recording. Frames are then added.
Note: This recording option is not available with HDV sources.
Using Pre-trigger Set Up
When this option is switched ON the DN-60 is always in a record-ready mode when it is not in Play
Mode. In this mode it is continuously storing live IEEE-1394 data in its internal buffer which is 4 to 8
seconds in length. 4 seconds in DVC Pro 50 and 8 seconds in DV25 and DVC Pro 25. In this manner,
when a recording is started the last 4 to 8 seconds of history prior to the trigger is then captured to CF
card and video after the trigger is then added into the file after it in the normal way.
Note: This mode is not saved when power is interrupted and the Pre-trigger video buffer is flushed.
Note: This recording option is not available with HDV sources.

18
Playback
Set up loop play
When loop play is Enabled under Setup mode and the last frame of the clip being played is reached
the DN-60 will start over playing from the first frame of the first clip in the same bin seamlessly.
Play out
Play out mode can be entered by one of three ways, the most common is to select the manual Play
Mode; the other two are by issuing a PLAY command through the IEEE-1394 interface using the AV
command set or via the RS-232 serial port interface if it is connected.
When playing, the timecode displayed is controlled by the Timecode Display menu option. When
play back is stopped or paused, the time displayed is the time code of the last frame displayed.
DN-60 Playout to a Camera LCD Panel
By placing the connected camera into VCR/playback mode some cameras can accept a video stream
from the DN-60 whilst the DN-60 is playing content from a bin. This can be a useful way of confirming
the composition of DN-60 captured shots in the field in-between takes.
Before transferring the CF card to a computer
Prior to using the DN-60 CF card with a computer and seeing your video as files instead of clips the
MAKE MEDIA FILES menu process under TOOLS mode must be undertaken otherwise the
computer may see a blank card.
This menu operation prepares the recorded video content on the CF card to be seen by a computer
by building pre-selected file wrappers around the recorded content and emulating the chosen
computer file system. It takes roughly 1 minute to prepare 1 hours worth of video.
CF Card Connection to a Computer
When the DN-60 CF card is presented to a computer it appears to the computer as a drive volume
and not as a video device. The connection to the computer is via the computers own CF card slot or
an attached CF card reader. When the DN-60 CF card is seen the volume name is shown as
Datavideoxx were xx is a value between 0 and 99. See Set Volume ID also on page 11.
DN-60 File naming scheme
After the Make Media Files conversion is performed, all bins that contained video on the CF card will
appear to the computer as folders named BINxx where xx represents the DN-60 BIN number ranging
from 01 to 99.
Inside each BIN folder, each clip will be represented as a file with a file extension depending on the
type chosen prior to recording (eg .avi, .mov .mxf and .m2t). Each file will be named BxxCnnyy
where xx again represents the bin number and nn represents the Clip number ranging from 01 to 99.
The number yy is the number of the spilt file caused by the FAT32 2GB limitation.

19
Qualified DN-60 CF Cards and Max Recording Times
Not all CF cards on general sale are optimised for video applications. Certain cards may look to be
compatible but may provide un-reliable results when reading or writing DN-60 video data.
Datavideo have tested and recommend using only CF media that has been qualified for use with this
product.
For the latest list of qualified cards, see http://www.datavideo.info/specs/CF_Card_Compatibility.pdf
Below for convenience is an initial list of CF media that you may wish to consider.
Brand CF Card
Name Data Rate Size
Max Record Time Approx
DV25, HDV
DVC Pro 25
DVC Pro 50
SanDisk
Extreme III 30MB/sec 2GB 7 mins 3 mins
SanDisk
Extreme III 30MB/sec 8GB 30 mins 15 mins
SanDisk
Ultra 30MB/sec 16GB 1 Hour 30 mins
SanDisk
Extreme 60MB/sec 32GB 2 Hours 15 mins 1 Hour 7 mins
SanDisk
Extreme Pro 90MB/sec 64GB 4 Hrs 30 mins 2 Hrs 10 mins
Example: 133x relates to a transfer speed of 133 x 150 KB/sec = 19,950 KB/s or approx 20 MB/sec.
For further advice on qualified CF media please contact support at your local dealer or Datavideo
office.

20
Updating DN-60 Firmware
From time to time Datavideo may release new firmware to either add new features or to fix reported
bugs in the current DN-60 firmware. Customers can update the DN-60 firmware themselves if they
wish or they can contact their local dealer or reseller for assistance should they prefer this method.
This page describes the firmware update process, it should take approximately 15 minutes total
time to complete.
Once started the update process should not be interrupted in any way as this could result in a
non-responsive unit.
As well as a working DN-60 you will need:
The latest Firmware update for the DN-60.
This can be obtained from your local Datavideo office or dealer.
The DN-60 power supply.
A blank qualified* CF card with capacity up to 32GB
A CF card reader if your computer does not already have CF card slot fitted.
A PC or Mac computer.
*See page 17 also
The DN-60 formatted CF card appears to the computer as a disk volume and not as a video device.
The connection to the computer is done via the CF card slot in the computer or an attached CF card
reader. The DN-60 CF card volume name is shown as Datavideoxx (xx is a value between 0 and 99).
To update the DN-60’s firmware:
1. Use a CF card that is smaller than 64GB to update the DN-60.
2. Disconnect any IEEE-1394/DV/HDV cable from the DN-60.
3. Ensure the DN-60 power adaptor is supplying power to the DN-60 during the upgrade
process.
4. Unzip the DN-60 2010.XX.XX.zip folder and copy the file flash to your computer desktop so it
is easy to locate.
5. Use the DN-60 to format the CF card to FAT32, once formatted switch off the DN-60.
6. Eject the CF card from the DN-60 using the button next to it and attach it to the computer
using a CF card reader or slot
7. Copy the file now called flash from your computer desktop to the DN-60 formatted CF card.
8. Insert the CF card back into the DN-60 and then turn the unit on.
9. At the DN-60 menu enter the Tools menu and choose the Upgrade Firmware option.
10. Confirm yes at the question are you sure?
11. The unit should now update itself. Please wait until the process ends and the units display
has returned to the Home Screen showing the Record Mode option.
12. Now look at the Firmware Revision option under the DN-60 Tools menu to confirm the new
firmware number is now shown.
*WARNING: Once the option has been selected, DO NOT turn power off until the firmware has been
updated. If the update is prematurely ended the recorder will be made inoperable.