Data Video HDR-55 User manual

HD/SD Recorder
HDR-55
Quick Start Guide
www.datavideo-tek.com

1
Table of contents
Warnings and Precautions ............................................................................................................................. 2
Warranty ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Disposal............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Packing List...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Features............................................................................................................................................................ 4
How to Assemble 2.5" HDD in Removable Rack.......................................................................................... 5
Connections & Controls.................................................................................................................................. 6
Front Panel ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Rear Panel.................................................................................................................................................. 7
Powering On..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Menu Options................................................................................................................................................... 8
HDD Mode Menu.......................................................................................................................................11
Connecting to a PC / MAC ........................................................................................................................11
HD MPEG2 BIT RATE Menu.................................................................................................................... 12
SD MPEG2 BIT RATE Menu .................................................................................................................... 13
SET 1080i H-RES. Menu.......................................................................................................................... 14
GPI Mode & Functions Menus ................................................................................................................. 15
Select the GPI Function ........................................................................................................................... 15
Set Date & Time Menu ............................................................................................................................. 16
Format Hard Disk Menu ........................................................................................................................... 17
Erase Track Menu .................................................................................................................................... 17
HDD Surface Scan Menu ......................................................................................................................... 18
Playing a Track ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Recording a track ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Connecting to a Computer ........................................................................................................................... 21
Connecting to a PC .................................................................................................................................. 21
Connecting to a MAC ............................................................................................................................... 23
RS-422 Protocol Reference V1.0.................................................................................................................. 24
Dimension ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
Specifications ................................................................................................................................................ 36
Service & Support.......................................................................................................................................... 37

2
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.

3
Warranty
Datavideo warrants that the equipment it manufactures shall be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 2 years 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.

4
Packing List
The following items should be included in the box. If any items are missing please contact your supplier.
1 x AD Switch DC12V / 3A
1 x USB Cable (Y type)
2 x 2.5" Removable HDD Enclosure
2 x L Type Rack
10 x M3 X 4 m/m Screws
2 x 2.0 X 6 m/m Screws
2 x HD Label
4 x Label
1 x Instruction Manual
Introduction
The Datavideo HDR-55 is a hard drive based video recorder & player, with a removable hard drive enclosure.
The HDR-55 records from standard and high definition video via SDI with a convenient loop through / pass
through for monitoring. RS-422 & RS-232 remote control interface are standard.
The HDR-55 provides a choice of recording formats in MPEG-Ⅱincluding 1080i, 720p, 576i and 480i with a
choice if IBP or Intra-frame(i-frame).
The recorded files are compatible with a wide range of NLE and play out solutions. The compatible 2U
design can be easily integrated with other equipment or can be used as a stand alone recorder / player in the
studio or on location.
Features
HD-SDI & SD-SDI video input (with loop though)
HDMI output and SDI output
Video record format:
SD: 5Mbps-15Mbps.IBS.4:2:0 colour sampling
SD: 50Mbps-IBS.4:2:2 colour sampling
HD: 20Mbps-60Mbps.IBS.4:2:0 colour sampling
HD: 100Mbps-I frame 4:2:2 colour sampling (1080i only)
M2t recording format (Compatible with most NLE systems)
Audio record format:
MPEG-ⅠLayer 2
Sampling rate: 48KHZ
Bit rate: 384 Kbps
Hard drive enclosure includes convenient USB 2.0 connector and SATA connector
2U Height-Half 19’’ standard rack mount size
Audio monitor function
XLR balanced audio input
Support RS-422, RS-232 & GPI control interface
DC In 12V

How to Assemble the 2.5” HDD in a Removable Rack
1. Remove the screws from the back cover of the enclosure and pull out the PCB board.
NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE THE SCREWS ON THE FRONT COVER.
2. Place the 2.5” hard drive on the PCB board and slide the drive towards the rear SATA
connectors on the board. Turn the PCB over and secure it with four Philips screws (included).
3. Slide the PCB board into the enclosure with the SATA connectors facing outward.
4. Close the back cover and secure it with the two Philips screws (black).
5. Push the hard drive enclosure into the hard drive slot of the recorder and turn the latch to the left
(locked position).

6
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 HDR-55. 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.
The HDR-55 has "auto Rewind and Playback" function. You just need to
press "Rew" key first +"PLAY" key then the HDR-55 will replay the last
segment just recorded (2G file size maximum).
Video Input Button. Switches the HDR-55 to Video (HD/SD-SDI) Input
mode.
Previous / Next Buttons. These buttons navigate up and down between
recorded tracks and menu options.
Record Button. Puts the HDR-55 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.
The Audio Input Level LEDs show the audio input levels from the incoming
source.
The Audio Level Adjustments allow you to adjust the headphone volume.
Accepts a stereo mini jack plug for stereo headphone. 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.

7
Rear Panel
The GPI socket can be used for simple external control. The HDR-55
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-422 Port. The HDR-55 can be controlled via RS-422 from external
devices. The HDR-55 uses standard Sony protocol. Connect the RS-422
control cable to this port.
2 channels XLR Balanced Audio input.
HDMI Out Ports. Ports for connecting to HDMI external devices.
HD- SDI Output. 4:2:2 SDI Video data supports SMPTE 292M standard
at 1.5G Mbps.
SDI transfers professional level video signals and it’s can connect to long
distance transmission systems.
HD - SDI input and pass-through output connectors.
DC In Socket. Connect the supplied 12V / 3A PSU to this socket. The
connection can be secured by screwing the outer fastening ring of the
DC In plug to the socket
Power On/Off Switch. Switches the power On / Off
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.

8
Powering On
Connect the HDR-55 power supply to the DC In socket. Ensure the power cable is connected to a suitable
mains socket.
Press the Power Button until it lights up
The LCD display panel should show HDR-55 and after a few seconds the track display should appear and
the HDR-55 is ready to go
Menu Options
The HDR-55 is a menu driven unit; The menu settings are non-volatile (they are stored even when the unit is
switched off), so many of the settings, such as date and time, you will only need to set once. We will look at
each individual menu in more detail, but here is a quick overview of them. N.B. Not all menus appear when
the Video Input Button is illuminated.
The Menus are:
HDD MODE
This mode is setting the HDR-55 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 HDR-55 to loop play a track; the track will continuously loop
until stopped.
FREE SPACE
Displays how much HDD space is available on the HDR-55.
TOTAL SPACE
Displays the total available HDD storage on the HDR-55.
AUDIO INPUT SOURCE
The HDR-55 has two types Audio Input can be set.
- Select ANALOG AUDIO is from Mini XLR audio input.
- Select SDI EMBEDDED AUDIO is from SDI input.
HD MPEG2 BIT RATE
The HDR-55 has nine modes HD MPEG2 Bit Rate
( 20,25,30,35,40,45,50,55,60 Mbps ) can be set.
See HD MPEG2 BIT RATE Menu for more details.
SD MPEG2 BIT RATE
The HDR-55 has Three modes SD MPEG2 Bit Rate (5, 10, 15 Mbps)
can be set.
See SD MPEG2 BIT RATE Menu for more details.
SET I-FRAME ONLY
Set HDR to encode Intra frame only.

9
SET 1080i H-RES.
To select the encoding horizontal resolution while input source is 1920x1080i
- Select 1920, the record format is 1920x1080i.
- Select 1440, the record format is 1440x1080i.
See SET 1080i H-RES. Menu for more details.
SET SD ASPECT RATIO
To select the aspect ratio.
- Select 16:9, the record aspect ratio format is 16:9.
- Select 4:3, the record aspect ratio format is 4:3.
SET GPI TRIGGER MODE
The HDR-55 has two GPI trigger modes, Pulse or Level trigger can be
set.
See GPI Mode & Function Menus for more details.
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 HDR-55; the setting is non-volatile so it
is stored when the unit is powered off.
See Set Date & Time Menu for more details.
FORMAT HARD DISK
Formats the HDD and removes all files and tracks from the HDR-55.
See Format Hard Disk Menu for more details.
ERASE TRACK
Erases individual tracks from the HDR-55.
See Erase Track Menu for more details.
HDD SURFACE SCAN
Checks the HDD for errors / bad sectors. This is only necessary if your
HDR-55 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.
HDD MODE CABLE LEN.
The HDR-55 has two types cable mode can be set when connect the
HDR to PC or MAC.
- If your IEEE 1394 cable length≦20 M, please select cable mode:
LONG DISTANCE CABLE.
- If your IEEE 1394 cable length≦1.8 M, please select cable mode:
SHORT DISTANCE CABLE.
SELECT HDV TYPE
Select the HDV type (via IEEE-1394 input)
- 1440x1080 59.94i
- 1440x1080 50i
- 1280x720 59.94p
- 1280x720 50p
Note: Please check input source is the same with this setting.
SET HDV MONITOR
This mode is set HDV monitor Enable or Disable.
When set this mode to enable, HDV input source will pass through to
HDMI output.

10
D-SUB H/W INTERFACE
The 9 pin D-SUB can be set to either RS-422 (differential) or RS-232
(single end) transmission mode
- Select RS-232 mode, you can control HDR-55 via RS-232 from PC.
- Select RS-422 mode, you can control HDR-55 via RS-422 from
external devices.
UPDATE FP FIRMWARE
When this mode set enable, HDR-55 will into the BOOT Loader mode
for upgrade FP firmware.
FIRMWARE VERSION
Display the Rev No. and Firmware Version of the HDR-55

11
HDD Mode Menu
These Datavideo Recorder are FAT32 based, giving an approximate 2G file limit.
There can't be clips longer than 2Gs, resulting in multiple files per track.
The Open GOP structure of the 1080 stream requires information that contained in these multiple files to
have a truly contiguous video/audio file, because of the nature of Open GOP compression.
Some NLE systems do not combine the m2t files when imported, so this needs to be done prior to import.
Hence Datavideo provide a utility (M2T_FileCombine.exe) to combine the m2t files.
How to use M2T_FileCombine.exe to combine the .m2t or .dv files
Step1 - Please connect HDR-40 to PC via IEEE1394 or USB cable
Step2 - Open M2T_FileCombine.exe
Step3 - Select source from hard disk (HDR-40)
Step4 - Select file DV_TRACK01(01) or M2T_TRACK02(01) …
Step5 - Click START to edit file name and then press SAVE combine the files.
The HDD Mode Menu will set up the HDR-55 as an external IEEE-1394 (Firewire) drive, for direct drag and
drop file transfer to a PC or MAC.
The files appear in the root directory of the HDR-55 hard disk, and are numbered with the track number that
appears in the LCD display when you are recording or playing back the track.
The HDR-55 uses a FAT32 file structure, so large tracks are broken down into 2 GB files which are
sequentially named:
For example if Track 02 is 1 hour in duration it will appear as follows:
hdv02.m2t(2 GB) - hdv02 is the file name for Track 02
hdv02_01.m2t (2 GB) - Each 2 GB section is given a sequential _xx numeric extension
hdv02_02.m2t (2 GB)
hdv02_03.m2t (2 GB)
hdv02_04.m2t (2 GB)
hdv02_05.m2t (2 GB)
hdv02_06.m2t (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 HDR-55 as an AVC compliant DV Device it is not intended
to be operated as such.
Connect the HDR-55 IEEE-1394 output to a PC or MAC.
To set the HDR-55 into HDD Mode firstly press Menu button so that it is illuminated.
You will see the display change to the HDD Mode Menu
Press the Next (▲) Button(right) to select ENTER and the display will show the HDD Enable Confirmation
Screen
Press the Next (▲) Button(right) (right) 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 HDR-
55 can be used just like any external drive.
To return the HDR-55 to Deck Mode either use “Safely Remove Hardware” with a PC, or with a MAC use
“Eject” or Drag the HDR-55 Drive to “Trash”. Once un-mounted the HDR-55 display will return to Track
Display.

12
HD MPEG2 BIT RATE Menu
To select the HD MPEG2 encoding BIT RATE:
Press the Menu Button, to enter the menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until HD MPEG2 BIT RATE is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button(right) to enter the HD MPEG2 BIT RATE menu
Use the FWD(►►) or REW(◄◄) Button to select the desire bit rates (20,25,30,35,40,45,50,55,60)
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) Button(right).
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode
For example, the table of 120 GB HDD is the reference of Bit Rate mode selection.
HDD Type Bit Rate Mode Maximum Recordable Time
120GB 20 Mbps 810 minutes 760
120GB 40 Mbps 405 minutes 390
120GB 60 Mbps 270 minutes 260

13
SD MPEG2 BIT RATE Menu
To select the SD MPEG2 encoding BIT RATE:
Press the Menu Button, to enter the menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until SD MPEG2 BIT RATE is displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button(right) to enter the SD MPEG2 BIT RATE menu
Use the FWD(►►) or REW(◄◄) Button to select the desire bit rates (5,10,15)
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) Button(right).
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode

14
SET 1080i H-RES. Menu
Press the Menu Button, to enter the menu mode
Press the FWD (►►) Button to navigate the menus until SET 1080i H-RES. is displayed.
Press the Next (▲) Button(right) to enter the SET 1080i H-RES. menu
Press the FWD (►►) Button to select either 1440 or 1920.
To confirm your selection and exit the menu press the Next (▲) Button(right).
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode
1080i is the shorthand name of a format of high definition video modes. 1080 is number of horizontal scan
lines, and the letter i stands for interlaced.
1080i is a high-definition television (HDTV) video mode. The term usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio
of 16:9, implying a horizontal resolution of 1920 pixels and a frame resolution of 1920 × 1080 or about 2.07
million pixels.

15
GPI Mode & Functions Menus
The HDR-55 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(right) 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(right).
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(right) 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(right).
Then press the Menu Button to leave menu mode

16
Set Date & Time Menu
To set the Date & Time on the HDR-55
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(right) 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(right) 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(right) to enter the FORMAT HARD DISK menu
You will see ARE YOU SURE? displayed
Press the Next (▲) Button(right)again to confirm that you want to format the hard disk.
After a few seconds the HDR-55 will reboot and the display will return to normal
Erase Track Menu
Erase Track is used for deleting individual tracks from the HDR-55.
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(right) 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(right) 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
HDD Surface Scan Menu
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 HDR-55 is not performing correctly, or you have changed the
HDD.
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(right) twice to start the HDD Surface Scan.
The progress of the scan will appear in the LCD display. Once complete the Surface Scan Done message
will appear. Press the Next (▲) Button(right) to exit the surface scan.
A txt file called Result will have been created in the root directory of the HDR-55 HDD, this can be accessed
via a PC, by connecting the HDR-55 as a HDD.

19
Playing a Track
It is playback M2T tracks to analogue monitors or recorders via the HDMI video outputs.
Use the Previous (▲) / Next (▲) Button(right)s to select the track you want to play, and then press the Play
(►II) Button.
It is also possible to set the HDR-55 to loop play. In loop play the track will looped until stopped.
To set up loop play press the Menu Button to enter menu mode and then the FWD (►►) Button until SETUP
LOOP PLAY is displayed.
+
Press the Next (▲) Button(right) to enter the setup loop play menu, and then press the FWD (►►) Button to
select ENABLE
Press the Next (▲) Button(right) to select SET and then press the Menu Button to return to track display.
When you press play the selected track will start playing, and will loop until the Stop (■) Button is pressed.
To cancel loop playback, follow the above procedure but select disable instead of enable.