evertz 5550 User manual

Model 5550
Universal Film Data Decoder
Operating Instructions
© Copyright 1998
EVERTZ MICROSYSTEMS LTD.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: Sales: [email protected]
Tech Support: [email protected]
Web Page: http://www.evertz.com
Rev. 1.0, August 1998
KeyKode is a trademark of Eastman Kodak
The material contained in this manual consists of information that is the property of Evertz Microsystems and is
intended solely for the use of purchasers of the model 5550 Film Data Decoder. Evertz Microsystems expressly
prohibits the use of this manual for any purpose other than the operation of the 5550.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of
Evertz Microsystems Ltd. Copies of this guide can be ordered from your Evertz products dealer or from Evertz
Microsystems.

INFORMATION TO USERS IN EUROPE
NOTE
CISPR 22 CLASS A DIGITAL DEVICE OR PERIPHERAL
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to the European Union EMC directive. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
INFORMATION TO USERS IN THE U.S.A.
NOTE
FCC CLASS A DIGITAL DEVICE OR PERIPHERAL
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
WARNING
Changes or Modifications not expressly approved by Evertz Microsystems Ltd. could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Use of unshielded plugs or cables may cause radiation interference. Properly shielded
interface cables with the shield connected to the chassis ground of the device must be
used.

Model 5550 Universal Film Data Decoder Manual
REVISION HISTORY
REVISION DESCRIPTION DATE
1.0 Preliminary issue August 98

Model 5550 Universal Film Data Decoder Manual
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Installing the Evertz Touchless Reader Head
The Evertz KeyKode touchless reader head system is capable of reading from 16mm and both edges of
35mm film. The touchless head is designed so that the film does not need to be in contact with the head for
proper alignment to the film path. Adjusting the knurled knob on the top of the head sets the film path
alignment.
Follow the instructions in the 5550 manual for mounting the bracket on your telecine. The mounting bracket is
typically fastened to the collar of the last roller on the telecine before the film enters the gate. The reader
head is fastened to the mounting bracket by a quick release thumbscrew.
When mounting the head on your telecine, the following procedure should be used to ensure that the head is
properly aligned with the film path.
1. Using the hex key tool provided, loosen the binding screw. Hold the bracket with the alignment
post facing towards you, and the adjusting screws towards the telecine deck plate.
2. Rank Cintel Telecines: Slide the large hole of the mounting bracket over the last roller before the
gate and onto the shaft that supports the roller. You will have to position the bracket on the gate
side of the roller. Tighten the binding screw finger tight to hold the bracket in place.
BTS Telecines: Remove the last roller before the gate, from its mounting shaft. Slide the large
hole of the mounting bracket over the shaft that supports the roller. Insert the adapter rings that
were supplied with the mounting bracket between the roller shaft and the mounting bracket.
Tighten the binding screw finger tight to hold the bracket and adapter rings in place. Re-install the
roller onto the shaft.
3. Slip the reader head over the alignment pin on the mounting bracket and tighten the plastic
thumbscrew to hold the head in place. The head should be positioned such that the film enters
and leaves the reader head rollers at approximately the same angle.
4. Thread some negative film into the telecine as you would normally, making sure that it passes over
the reader's rollers. If you will be using both 16mm and 35mm film, align the head with 16mm film,
as the 16 mm alignment is more critical. Set the height of the mounting bracket so that the film is
aligned approximately with the reader head rollers. Rotate the bracket such that the film does not
touch the rollers and is midway between the LED housing and the Sensor Housing of the head.
Once you are satisfied with the position, tighten the binding screw with the hex key tool supplied.
Using a small screwdriver, turn the adjusting screws so that they make contact with the deck plate
of the telecine. This ensures that the height can be guaranteed if the bracket needs to be moved
in the future.
5. After connecting the head to the decoder unit, set the decoder to the correct film gauge. Put the
film in play. You can turn the knurled knob, just below the hold down to adjust the height of the
head with respect to the film path. If the decoder is not reading KeyKode, turn the knurled knob
until it begins reading. Continue adjusting the height until it stops reading again, then turn the knob
the other direction until you find the mid point of the reading range. If desired you can use the KK
VALID READ display give you an indication of how well the KeyKode is reading. (Press
SHIFT+DISPLAY several times until the you see this display)

Model 5550 Universal Film Data Decoder Manual
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Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Tech Support: Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Internet: [email protected]
B_INTENS.DOC Page 1 of 2 94/8/25
Evertz Technical Bulletin
Dated: 94/8/09
Revised: 94/8/09
Filename: B_INTENS.DOC
Product Software Version:
Engineer: GDW
Product: 5500 KeyKode Reader
Topic: LED Intensity Control
Comments: Tutorial
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Evertz model 5500 Key Code Reader controls the brightness of the illuminating LED in order to
accommodate for the various exposure densities of the keykode on the film. The LED intensity control
can be either manually controlled by the user or automatically controlled by the 5500.
Manual control can be selected by:
1) Use the SETUP key to enter the SETUP menu mode.
2) Use the up and down arrows to find the item that shows either "KK AUTO INTENS" or "KK MAN
INTENS".
3) Use the left or right arrows to select "KK MAN INTENS".
4) Use the up and down arrows to find the item that shows something similar to "KK INTENS= 321".
5) Use the left and right arrows or the shift+left and shift+right arrows to alter the 3 digit intensity
value. These values will range from a maximum of 999 to a lower limit which will probably be
somewhere in the 100-250 range and will show as "KK INTENS =LIMIT". (See Note 1)
6) When the film is traveling over the pickup head, adjust the intensity setting until the 5500 beeps
or blinks to indicate keykode is being read.
7) Press the display key until the display shows something similar to "BARCOD ASYM +20%",
which stands for bar-code asymmetry. Adjust the KK INTENS value (as above) until the
asymmetry approaches 0%. The LED intensity is now at the optimum value for reading this
particular bar-code. Automatic control falls into two categories: 1) when the bar-code is
illuminated enough to be readable but not necessarily optimal and 2) when the keykode is not
readable at all (the 'hunt' range).
Whenever "KK AUTO INTENS" is selected (see above) the 5500 evaluates each bar-code that is read
and adjusts the illumination for the next bar-code in an attempt to find the optimal intensity setting. This
can be seen by watching the KK INTENS item of the SETUP menu. This value will wander around a
small range as it adjusts for variations in film density, film position, film direction and film velocity.
This auto activity can be enhanced by:
1) Use the SHIFT+SETUP key to enter the Engineering SETUP menu mode.

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Tech Support: Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Internet: [email protected]
B_INTENS.DOC Page 2 of 2 94/8/25
2) Use the up and down arrows to find the item that shows either "EXTENDED AUTO ON" or
"EXTENDED AUTO OFF".
3) Use the left or right arrows to select "EXTENDED AUTO ON".
With extended auto turned on, the 5500 can recover the optimal setting over a wider range of intensities.
When the keykode is no longer recognizable the 5500 may use one of two 'hunt' routines to search for
an illumination level which will produce readable bar-code.
The best 'hunt' routine is based on the biphase from the telecine to measure when a reasonable amount
of film has gone by with no keykode reads (typically 2 bar-codes worth). Provided that "TACH HUNT ON"
is selected in the Engineering SETUP menus, the 5500 will then adjust the intensity down to the next
major zone in search of readable bar-code. The 5500 will cycle through the entire intensity range within
approximately 6 to 8 feet of film and will continue to do so until bar-code is read.
When biphase is not available the next 'hunt' routine (edge hunt) will take over - provided the "EDGE
HUNT ON" item is selected in the Engineering Setup menus. This routine counts the changes in the
detectable image to 'guesstimate' when a reasonable amount of film has gone by with no keykode reads.
The 5500 will then adjust the intensity down to the next major zone in search of readable bar-code. The
biphase based 'tach hunt' is much more reliable than the 'edge hunt' routine.
Sometimes the 'hunt' routines can be activated inappropriately. The most obvious example is when the
film spools off the reels. The tach wheel on the telecine may keep spinning and fool the 5500 into hunting
for the correct intensity setting for the missing keykode.
Each 'hunt' routine can be disabled from the Engineering Setup menus while still leaving the main auto
routine enabled. When "KK MAN INTENS" is selected all auto and hunt systems are disabled. When
"KK AUTO INTENS" is selected the LED intensity can still be manually adjusted from the KK INTENS
menu, however the auto or hunt routines may change this value whenever they are triggered. This
feature can be used to manually adjust the intensity until a bar-code is read, whereupon the auto
routines (if "KK AUTO INTENS" is selected) will take over and find the optimal setting.
The 5500 measures the combination of the density of air and the
performance of each LED and sensor and sets the lower limit accordingly.
This occurs once after a factory reset and appears as a "AIR READY N<>Y ?"
prompt. If the right arrow is pressed, the 5500 will evaluate and remember
each lower limit. This will normally have been done at the factory and this
prompt will not be seen by the user.
------------------ NOTES ------------------
"

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
Tech Support: Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.evertz.com
B_KKODES.DOC July 18, 1997 Page 1 of 4
Technical Bulletin
Issue Date: October 23, 1996
Revision Date July 18, 1997
Revision Date: August 10, 1998
Product: 4015, 4025, 5500, 5550, 5150
Subject: Question Marks in the KeyKode
Author: Alan Lambshead
If you are seeing a question mark in place of the film manufacturer or film type when reading and
displaying KeyKode (see note 1), the reason is as follows. The film bar-code has a human readable
component which shows the film manufacturer as a letter ('A','K' or 'F' for Agfa, Kodak and Fuji) and the
film type as a letter (ex. 'J' for Kodak 5296 type film). The actual bar-code contains only numbers and so
the manufacturer and type must be encoded as a numeric code. For clarity and the convenience of the
user, Evertz has chosen to display these codes exactly as shown in the human readable portion of the
film. We translate the codes into the alphabetic characters as established by each film manufacturer.
From time to time new film types with new codes are introduced by the film manufacturers. When these
new films are read or displayed by existing Evertz software, they may show as a question mark ('?') in
place of either the film manufacturer or film type or both. The rest of the bar-code is read and handled
correctly. The actual codes are internally used by the software, and the KeyKode foot and frames are
completely accurate. Only the display of the codes is affected.
Evertz takes great pains to ensure that the code translation tables are up to date and accurate and we
endeavor to obtain the information from the film manufacturers in advance of the release of new film
products. The film manufacturers and film products currently supported are shown below on the
following chart.

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
Tech Support: Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.evertz.com
B_KKODES.DOC July 18, 1997 Page 2 of 4
Manufacturer Emulsion Film Type
Code Letter Code Char
Agfa 01 A 20 N XT 100
11 24 M XTR 250
83 F XT 320
84 S XTS 400
Kodak 02 K 00 P 5600
12 20 Y 5620 Prime Time
22 E 5222/7222
24 L 5224 (obsolete stock)
31 H 5231/7231
34 D 5234/7234
43 A 5243/7243 (obsolete stock)
44 V 5244/7244
45 K 5245/7245
46 I 5246/7246 Vision 250D
47 B 5247/7247
48 M 5248/7248
49 O 5249 (obsolete stock)
72 S 5272/7272
74 Z 5274/7274 Vision 200T
77 Q 5277/7277
79 U 5279/7279
87 W 5287/7287
89 R 5289 Vision 800T
92 N 7292 (obsolete stock)
93 L 5293/7293
94 G 5294/7294 (obsolete stock)
95 F 5295
96 J 5296/7296
97 C 5297/7297
98 T 5298/7298
Fuji 03 F 01 I FCI (8501, 8601, 8701)
13 02 I FCI (8502, 8602, 8702)
10 N F-64 (obsolete stock 05/95)
13 I FCI (obsolete stock)
14 N F-500 (obsolete stock)
20 N F-64D (obsolete stock 05/95)
21 N F-64D (8521, 8621, 8721)
22 N F-64D (8522, 8622)
30 N F-125 (obsolete stock 05/95)
31 N F-125 (8531, 8631, 8731)
32 N F-125 (8532, 8632)
50 N F-250 (obsolete 05/95)
51 N F-250 (8551, 8651, 8751)
60 N F-250D (obsolete stock 05/95
61 N F-250D (8561, 8661, 8761)
70 N F-500 (8570, 8670, 8770)
71 N F-500 (obsolete stock)
91 N RP (8691 16 mm B/W neg)
92 N FG (8592 35mm B/W neg)
Film Manufacturers and Film Types (as of August 10, 1998)

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
Tech Support: Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.evertz.com
B_KKODES.DOC Oct. 23, 1996 Page 3 of 4
If the question marks show up when you work with a certain film product, check the above table
to see if this code is currently supported. If it is, then you can obtain updated software for your
Evertz product which will correct the problem. You may arrange this by requesting that the
Software Upgrade Info form for your particular Evertz product be faxed to you. Alternatively,
you may download the form from the relevant area of our BBS.
Complete the form with the required information and mark it as a request for a software
upgrade. For clarity, add the words "KeyKode question mark fix for -- " and add the particular
manufacturer and film type you are having troubles with. This will allow us to ensure that this
particular code is in the current version of the software for your Evertz equipment. Fax the form
back to us and arrange shipment and payment (if any) details with our office staff. (Sorry, you
cannot upload the form to us.)
If it appears that you have stumbled across a new manufacturer code or type that is not in the
above table, try to determine the codes being used. The Evertz 5500 KeyKode reader provides
a display mode which will show the actual numeric manufacturer and type codes. Request or
download the form as above. Mark the numeric codes on the form if this information is
available. Fax the form back to us and contact Evertz to determine when the updated software
will be available.
The most current software for many of our products is also available via our web page and from
our BBS. This will provide a quicker update of your equipment and at no charge. The Evertz
models 5500 and 5150 can be updated by via a serial link from a PC which is running our loader
program. Other Evertz products such as the 4015 and 4025 require that you have a 'EPROM
burner' which can handle Intel Hex files and can program EPROMS of type 27512 and smaller.
The appropriate instructions are available in the relevant areas of our BBS.
1: KeyKode is a registered trademark of Kodak. This document uses KeyKode to refer to the
film bar-code of all film manufacturers.
------------------ NOTES ------------------

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
Tech Support: Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.evertz.com
B_KKODES.DOC Oct. 23, 1996 Page 4 of 4
This page left intentionally blank

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Tech Support: Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Internet: [email protected]
B_RESET.DOC Page 1 of 2 95/1/23
Evertz Technical Bulletin
Dated: 94/10/12
Revised: 94/10/12
Filename: B_RESET.DOC
Product Software Version:
Engineer: GDW
Product: 5500 Keykode Decoder
Topic: Factory Resets
Comments: Engineering Note
-------------------------------------------------------------
The 5500 Keykode Reader may be reset to factory default parameters by the following procedure.
1. Make sure that the reader head is connected to the 5500.
2. Turn DEBUG MODE ON. Use SHIFT + FORMAT keys to enter the engineering setup menus.
Use the DOWN arrow key until the display shows “debug mode on” or “debug mode off”. Use
the left or right arrow keys to select “debug mode on”.
3.
4. Find the NOVRAM debug display. Use the SHIFT + DISPLAY keys to cycle through the various
displays until something resembling “00n 040001FF0000” is shown. The actual numerical values
are unimportant but there must be a lower case letter “n” as the third character.
5. Trigger the factory reset. Press the SHIFT + UP ARROW keys to start the factory reset. The
message “!COMPLETE RESET!” will be displayed briefly and then the 5500 will start into the
normal power up sequence.
6. Evaluate the new limits. After completing the power up sequence of events the display will show
“AIR READY N<>Y ?”. Check that the reader head has no film or obstructions under the LED’s.
Use the right arrow key to trigger the evaluation of the LED’s and sensors. The software will
rapidly cycle through each sensor and determine a practical lower limit for the LED intensity. If
you choose to skip this test (by using the left arrow key) the lower limit will be set to 000 and the
“AIR READY...” message will be displayed on every power up. The lower limit must be properly
set to prevent the auto intensity routines from getting stuck at inappropriately low values.

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Tech Support: Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Internet: [email protected]
B_RESET.DOC Page 2 of 2 95/1/23
This page left intentionally blank

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Tech Support: Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Internet: [email protected]
B_ENGMNU.DOC Page 1 of 2 95/1/23
Evertz Technical Bulletin
Dated: 94/9/19
Revised: 94/9/19
Filename: B_ENGMNU.DOC
Product Software Version:
Engineer: GDW
Product: 5500 KeyKode Reader
Topic: Engineering Menu Items
Comments: Addendum to Manual
------------------------------------------------------------
The Evertz model 5500 KeyKode Reader has a number of Engineering controls which are accessed by
pressing SHIFT+SETUP. The following gives a brief description of the engineering controls which are
currently available.
1. log pos'n n< >y
If the right arrow is pressed, corresponding to the "yes" option, the 5500 will transmit the current
keykode number out the serial port. This can be used to verify the communications. The 5500
will flash the "comm" light. If the 5500 is correctly connected to an Evertz model 4015 or 4025
Film footage encoder, there will be a corresponding flash of the keykode light on the 4015 or
4025. If the 5500 is connected to a computer, a correct connection should result in the reception
of an ASCII string (example: "j0296123456123400") followed by a carriage return and linefeed
characters.
2. edge hunt on edge hunt off
This item controls how the automatic intensity system will operate. It is described in more detail
in Evertz Technical Bulletin B_INTENS.DOC.
3. tach hunt on tach hunt off
This item controls how the automatic intensity system will operate. It is described in more detail
in Evertz Technical Bulletin B_INTENS.DOC.
4. extended auto on extended auto off
This item controls how the automatic intensity system will operate. It is described in more detail
in Evertz Technical Bulletin B_INTENS.DOC.
5. biph: 10 p/frm 1 p/frm, 2 p/frm, 5 p/frm
The left and right arrows select which biphase frame rate (in cycles per frame) will be used for the
biphase inputs. See section 2.3.2 of the 5500 manual regarding the biphase inputs.
6. baud: 9600 bps baud: 38400 bps
This item controls the baud rate at which the 5500 communicates through the serial port. Most
connecting devices (such as the Evertz 4015 and 4025) expect a 9600 baud rate. The 5500 is
preset to 7 bits, even parity, regardless of the baud rate. The 38400 baud rate may be used
when loading new software from a computer into the 5500. This will result in a faster software
update.

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.
5288 John Lucas Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L 5Z9
Tech Support: Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Internet: [email protected]
B_ENGMNU.DOC Page 2 of 2 95/1/23
7. kk head compat'l ev head compat'l
This item sets the 5500 for compatibility with the keykode pickup head. The original Evertz
pickup heads were designated EV35 and EV16 etc., and were commonly used with the RIM
DIGISYNC. The new pickup heads are designated KK35 and KK16 etc. These heads typically
have fine slits cut into the body and were designed to work with the 5500. Use the right and left
arrows to select the operating mode which corresponds to your particular pickup heads.
8. debug mode off debug mode on
When debug mode is on, several debug displays are added to the extended displays. These are
listed in figure 3-4, in the manual. Debug mode should be left off unless you are otherwise
directed by Evertz staff.

Model 5550 Universal Film Data Decoder Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW..................................................................................................................................1-1
2. INSTALLING THE EVERTZ UNIVERSAL FILM DATA DECODER SYSTEM ...........................2-1
2.1. MOUNTING .................................................................................................................................2-1
2.2. POWER REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................................2-1
2.2.1. Selecting the Correct Mains Voltage.............................................................................2-1
2.2.2. Changing the Fuse........................................................................................................2-1
2.3. MOUNTING THE READER HEAD..............................................................................................2-2
2.3.1. Connecting the Reader Head to the Decoder Electronics
(Model UV-KK, UV-KK/AA, UV-KK/AR, and UV-3 Heads)............................................2-5
2.3.2. Connecting the Reader Head to the Decoder Electronics
(Model EV, KK, KR, and KD Heads).............................................................................2-5
2.3.3. Connecting Biphase from the Telecine.........................................................................2-5
2.4. CONNECTING THE KEYKODE DECODER TO THE FILM FOOTAGE ENCODER.................. 2-6
2.5. FIRST TIME SET-UP...................................................................................................................2-7
3. HOW TO OPERATE THE FILM DATA DECODER .................................................................... 3-1
3.1. AN OVERVIEW OF KEY AND DISPLAY FUNCTIONS.............................................................. 3-1
3.1.1. The Setup Pushbutton Group .......................................................................................3-1
3.1.2. An Overview of the Status Indicators............................................................................3-2
3.1.3. Front Panel Displays.....................................................................................................3-3
3.1.4. An Overview of the Front Panel Setup Menu................................................................ 3-4
3.2. PROGRAMMING THE BASIC OPERATIONAL MODES - SETUP MENU................................. 3-7
3.2.1. Selecting the Film Type.................................................................................................3-7
3.2.2. Controlling the Intensity of the KeyKode Sensor Light Source .....................................3-7
3.2.3. Manual Adjustment of the KeyKode LED Intensity........................................................3-8
3.2.4. Automatically controlling the KeyKode LED Intensity ...................................................3-8
3.2.5. Turning on the Film Time Code Reader........................................................................3-9
3.2.6. Controlling the Intensity of the Time Code Light Source.............................................3-10
3.3. PROGRAMMING THE ADVANCED OPERATIONAL MODES - ENGINEERING MENU ........3-10
3.3.1. Setting the correct Biphase Rate ................................................................................3-10
3.3.2. Adjusting the Front Panel Display Brightness.............................................................3-11
3.3.3. Setting the KeyKode Validation Beep.........................................................................3-11
3.3.4. Selecting the Counting Modulus for the Time Code Reader.......................................3-11
3.3.5. Selecting the Type of Reader Head Connected to the 5550.......................................3-11
3.3.6. Enabling the LED Saver..............................................................................................3-12
3.3.7. Adjusting the Sensitivity of the Matrix Detector...........................................................3-12
3.3.8. Adjusting the Sensitivity of the Matrix Detector...........................................................3-13

Model 5550 Universal Film Data Decoder Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS ii
3.3.9. Enabling Extra Debug Displays...................................................................................3-13
3.3.10. Resetting the 5550 to Factory Defaults.......................................................................3-14
3.3.11. Testing the Serial Communications to the 4025 .........................................................3-14
3.4. CHECKING THE OPERATION OF THE SENSORS IN THE READER HEAD......................... 3-14
3.5. INTRODUCTION TO MATRIX TIME CODE..............................................................................3-15
3.5.1. Problems associated with reading matrix code...........................................................3-16
3.5.1.1. Matrix Width .............................................................................................................3-16
3.5.1.2. Matrix Position..........................................................................................................3-16
3.5.1.3. Matrix Length............................................................................................................3-17
3.5.1.4. Matrix Contrast.........................................................................................................3-17
3.5.1.5. Distortion..................................................................................................................3-18
3.5.1.6. Other Data/Marks On Film .......................................................................................3-18
3.5.1.7. Code Breaks And Acquiring Time (splices and camera stops/starts) ......................3-18
3.5.1.8. Reel Short Ends Loaded Backwards........................................................................3-19
Figures
Figure 2-1: Reader Head and Bracket - Top View......................................................................2-2
Figure 2-2: Reader Head and Bracket - Side View.....................................................................2-4
Figure 2-3: Parallel I/O Connector Pinout................................................................................... 2-6
Figure 2-4: 4015 or 4025 to KeyKode Decoder Cable................................................................2-7
Figure 3-1: Front Panel Layout....................................................................................................3-1
Figure 3-2: Normal Displays ........................................................................................................3-3
Figure 3-3: Extended Displays.....................................................................................................3-3
Figure 3-4: Debug Displays .........................................................................................................3-4
Figure 3-5: SETUP Menu Items...................................................................................................3-5
Figure 3-6: Engineering SETUP Menu Items...............................................................................3-6
Figure 3-7: Universal Head Capabilities ....................................................................................3-12

Model 5550 Universal Film Data Decoder Manual
OVERVIEW 1-1
1. OVERVIEW
Latent edge numbers have been present on motion picture negative film
stocks for many years in human readable form. The edge numbering
format has been specific to various manufacturers and film stock types. In
1988, Eastman Kodak, in conjunction with the Society of Motion Picture
and Television Engineers devised a new edge print that not only
standardizes the numbering format, but is also printed as a machine
readable barcode. Kodak calls this numbering system KeyKode. Other
film manufacturers have adopted this numbering standard and have each
given their version a proprietary name. For the sake of clarity we shall
refer to all of these implementations as KeyKode.
The Evertz Universal Film Data Decoder system consists of a bar code
reader pickup head, and a decoder device. The pickup head transforms
the optical dark and light bar code into electronic signals and is designed to
mount on the telecine feed roller just before the film enters the gate. The
decoder receives these electronic signals from the pickup head, and
interprets them into the actual numeric equivalent of the barcode.
The decoder uses sophisticated algorithms to track varying film densities
and distortions in the film barcodes. Reader sensitivity is automatically
adjusted to give optimal reading.
The serial communications port allows it to communicate with remote
devices such as Evertz Film Footage Encoder, or other computer device.
The reader heads are available in four versions; one for ARRI, one for
35mm film, one for 16mm film and a combination head that reads KeyKode
from either 16mm or 35mm film. The reader heads are attached to the
telecine mounting bracket
The decoder uses the latest state of the art microcomputer technology to
provide the ultimate in functionality and flexibility. Electrically erasable
read-only program memory allows the decoder to be easily reprogrammed
when updated firmware versions become available. Updates are shipped
to the user on diskette or may be downloaded from our Customer Support
Bulletin Board system. A program is run on a personal computer to upload
the new firmware to the keykode decoder.
The following sections describe the installation and operation of the
Universal Film Data Decoder system. In addition to the physical
installation, there are calibration procedures for the KeyKode decoder
(Model 5550). If you are using the Universal Film Data Decoder with an
Evertz Film Footage Encoder, there are calibration procedures required in
order for the Film Footage Encoder to generate accurate KeyKode
displays. Consult the Film Footage Encoder manual for your for specific
information.

Model 5550 Universal Film Data Decoder Manual
OVERVIEW 1-2
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