Fast Forward Video mini dvr pro User manual

minidvrpro™
Compact Flash Model
Digital Video Recorder
User’s Manual
Revision 1.4
January 2006
18200 West McDurmott, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92614, USA
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Mini DVR Pro™Manual, Fast Forward Video, Inc. 2
http://www.ffv.com
The design of the mini dvr pro is proprietary.
No part of the mini dvr pro manual may be copied or modified without the written consent of Fast Forward Video, Inc.
Printed in the U.S.A.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
STANDARD FEATURES................................................................................................................................................................ 5
FRONT BEZEL BUTTONS AND FUNCTIONS...................................................................................................................... 6
PUSHBUTTON OPERATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
REAR PANEL ILLUSTRATION............................................................................................................................................... 7
COMPACT FLASH INSTALLATION PROCEDURE............................................................................................................ 8
LED OPERATION....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
USB OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
TRIGGER OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
NATIVE MODE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
BVW-75 MODE.......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
FIRMWARE UPDATING PROCEDURE............................................................................................................................... 11
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 12
MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................................................................................ 14
REVISION HISTORY............................................................................................................................................................... 14

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Overview
The Mini DVR Prois a standalone, handheld, pocket-sized digital video recorder with exceptional image
quality, featuring scalable motion-JPEG compression and an outstanding 720 x 486 pixel image
resolution. The dvr records up to 2 hours at a 20:1 compression with readily available compact flash
cards. It only uses multi-word DMA mode 2 compact flash cards. The recorder is equipped for
downloadable files via an on-board USB 2.0 port and is powered by either Alkaline or NiMH AA size
batteries. Extended operation during in-office playback or editing is assured using the supplied 9V power
supply. DVR is designed to develop and evolve as the industry changes. New features are implemented
regularly, most of which can be easily implemented by the DVR’s firmware, downloadable via FFV’s Web
site, http://www.ffv.com (see page 8 for instructions).
The M-JPEG compression settings on all versions of the Mini DVR Pro are user selectable from 4:1 to
20:1. In practice, it is advisable to set the compression to correspond with the best quality to storage
ratio. A setting of 7:1 is a good setting for general purpose Betacam images, 10:1 for S-VHS, 15:1 for
VHS. The rule of thumb for minutes of storage generally available is compression ratio time gigabytes
available, example : 10:1 compression ratio x 4 gigabytes = 10 x 1 + 40 Minutes recording time.
With single frame recording enabled, a frame will be recorded every time the record button is pressed.
The Loop record function continuously records material over the available space on the drive at the time
the recording starts. The loop never overwrites video on the drive prior to the start of a record. Two
drives function the same as one, the first drive is filled, then the second, then material is overwritten in the
order recorded until the record is stopped.
Standard Features
o Scalable Motion JPEG compression o Time-Lapse Recording
o Analog Composite & Y/C Inputs & Outputs o Loop Record
o Time/Date Stamp & Character Overlay o RS-232 Control Set Up
o PC Viewable Files or Secure Video Files o Slow Motion Playback via External Control
o Powered by 4 AA Batteries o 2 LED Outputs
o External DC power module ( International) o Bezel Controls with external trigger connector
o NTSC, NTSC Japan (0 IRE black), or PAL
o 2 Line Audio inputs (or optional 1 mic input)
o Stereo Audio Headphone Jack
o 2 Line Audio Channels out
o USB 2.0 Download Port

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Front Bezel Buttons and Functions
PASS-THRU: The red LED to the left of the record button will flash once per second indicating that it is
in digital pass-thru mode, which indicates it is record ready.
Pushbutton Operation
Function Req. State Keys Notes
Start Record Any but Record
Stop Record Record ►+ Hold Play/Stop and tap Record
Change to Pass-Thru Play or Stop ◄+ ►Simultaneous
Play forward – 1x Stop ►
Pause Play
►
Step Fwd 1 frame Play or Stop ►
Step Rev 1 frame Play or Stop ◄
Seek start next clip Play or Stop
Seek to end Play or Stop Hold for ½ second
Seek start previous clip Play or Stop
Seek to beginning Play or Stop Hold for ½ second
Scan Fwd – 5x Play ≠5x ►+ Simultaneous
Scan Fwd – 30x Play = 5x ►+ Simultaneous
Scan Rev – 5x Play ≠-5x ◄+ Simultaneous
Scan Rev – 30x Play = -5x ◄+ Simultaneous
Clear Disk Any but Record
+ +
Keys pushed and held in order (with 1 second
between each button press), released (LED flashes
Red and Green quickly), and repeated once. LED
should Stop while clearing disk, then flash Red.
Function changed in July 11, 2005 firmware.
Click Rev. button in DVR Master software to see firmware revision date.
Clear Disk Any but Record
+ +
Push and hold , then , then press and
release all three (LED flashes red and green
quickly), then press and hold for 5 seconds.
LED will flash fast red, until last two seconds of
format - it changes to fast green blink. Returns
to slow red blink when ready to record.

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Rear Panel Illustration
1. USB Port
2. Audio Jack - Stereo Line out
3. I/O Connector:
- Composite Video – In / Out
- Y/C Video – In / Out
- External Triggers - 1 & 2 In
- Reference Video – In
- 2 Lines Audio – In
- 1 Line Mic – In
- RS232 In / Out
4. Power Connector
5. Battery Door Locking Screw
6. Power Button - Button must be held 3 seconds to turn DVR “ON” or “OFF”.
Standard Cable configuration
Standard Cable P/N 302-SA103-1
HR Pin # Signal Name Cable Type Connector # Connector Pin
1 Composite Video In Comprehensive Center
5 Video Shield 75 Ohm Coax BJ-RGB Shield
6 Tx 2
7 Ground 3 wire twisted DB-9F w/ Hood 5
8 Rx 3
11 Mic In Signal
12 Ground 2 wire twisted Kubiconn 16PJ227 Ground
13 Line In Signal
14 Ground 2 wire twisted Kubiconn 16PJ227 Ground
19 CV Shield Comprehensive Shield
20 CV-Composite Out 75 Ohm Coax BJ-RBG Center
Connector Pinouts
1
2 3 4
56
DVR end = Hirose
HR 25-9P-20PC
Wiring side of the pin
insert.

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Connector Pinouts
Video, RS-232 I/O; Trigger, Audio In Headphone / Line Audio Output mini-jack…
The mating connector: HR25-9P-20PC.Standard 2.5mm Stereo connections
1 CV or Y In Tip Left Output
2 Trig 1 Ring Right Output
3 GND Shank Ground
4 C In
5 GND
6 RS-232 - Txd Power Connector
7 RS-232 - Gnd The mating connector: HR10A-7P-4S.
8 RS-232 - Rxd 1 +7 to +25 Vdc - We use +9V.
9 Trig2 2 +7 to +25 Vdc - We use +9V.
10 Ref In 3 Ground
11 Microphone In 4 Ground
12 GND
13 L Line In - Audio
14 GND USB Pinout is Standard mini-USB.
15 R Line In - Audio
16 Y Out
17 GND
18 C Out
19 GND
20 Composite Out
Compact Flash Installation Procedure
To install the Compact Flash Cards, follow the procedure below:
Be sure to have Power OFF prior to installing or removing Compact Flash parts. Grasp DVR in left hand
with the long metal door on the right side, grip the compact flash door with right hand and slide it toward
you to expose compact flash connector number one, slide door away from you to expose connector
number two. Insert the compact flash card and slide the door to the center (closed) position.
To remove cards, repeat the process above and depress the ejector button located at the extreme front
and rear of the compact flash door access areas.
The Mini DVR Pro uses multi-word DMA mode 2 compact flash only.

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LED Operation
The action described below occurs immediately when the button is pressed.
LED Operation
MODE ACTION LED DISPLAY
Pass-Thru Pause 1 High - 0.1 Sec. per Sec. - Single short blink per second.
Pass-Thru Record 1 High Output - LED On.
Playback Stop 2 High - 0.1 Sec. per Sec. - Single short blink per second.
Playback Play (1:1) 2 High Output - LED On.
Playback Forward - non 1:1 2 LED high in a pattern short, short, long, short
Playback Reverse - non 1:1 2 LED high in a pattern short, long, short
Confirm Video Delete 1 & 2 Alternate short blinks.
Pass-Thru At Record Start 3 High for 3 seconds.
Pass-Thru At Record Stop 3 High for (3) 0.3 second pulses separated by 1 second
USB Operation
The USB connection is used to view recorded video using the QuickTime player on a computer. The files
must be recorded using the FAT32 Disk format and the QT file format. The drivers are included in
Windows 2000 and Windows XP for the connection. The drive should show up as an external drive when
the USB cable is connected and the DVR is powered On, unless the unit is in Record. The DVR will not
allow USB access when recording since all data on the drive could be damaged / deleted by doing so.
Connecting the USB cable during Play will Stop the DVR because the DVR and the USB cannot access
the drive simultaneously.
The files containing video will have long filenames the same as the clip title and this numerical
information to separate multiple files of the same clip AAAABB, where the ‘AAAA’ and ‘BB’ are
hexadecimal numbers; the digits ‘BB’ increment from lower to higher for as many files as are in one clip.
All other files on the drive are not video files, and therefore, are not playable. The FAT32 format limits file
size to 2 GB. Long video clips will span file boundaries.
Video requires a fast computer to play smoothly in real time. If your video does not play smoothly,
QuickTime Pro has a setting under the Movie tab to Play all frames. This slows the video to the speed of
the computer, but shows all of the frames recorded.
Audio in QuickTime files is Single Channel from the Left Input.
Trigger Operation
External trigger connections (part of I/O connector) allow the user to start and stop the DVR by taking the
following action:
Input # Pin # Action Required DVR Response
1 2 Close Momentary Ground Start Record
2 9 Close Momentary Ground Stop Record

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Native Mode vs BVW-75 Mode
NATIVE MODE
Native mode is the most natural state for the DVR to operate in as it utilizes the random access
capabilities of the hardware most effectively. As you record material to the DVR, it stores the material
in available space on the storage media. When the media is full, the DVR stops recording and will not
start recording until video has been deleted.
RECORDING IN NATIVE MODE: Recording in native mode will place the recorded material in the next
available free space on the disk. Native mode will not allow you to record over previously recorded or
existing material. An error message will appear indicating that the disk is full when all available space
has been used at which time you will need to clear the disk to record.
BVW-75 MODE
Linear mode is a simulation of an existing VTR. The DVR in linear mode, is forced to adhere to strict
record guidelines as if it actually were a tape deck. If you would like to operate the DVR as a VTR,
make sure you have selected BVW-75 mode from the SETTINGS tab section. You can then record
over existing material as you would with a VTR.
The main feature of this mode is the ability to insert edit material over previously recorded material.
The mini DVR pro, in BVW-75 mode assumes that it has a 24 hour tape of “black” attached to itself
which has time code assigned from 00:00:00:00. If you were to tell the DVR to record a 10 second clip
at 00:01:00:00 for 10 seconds, it would record this and the machine would then assume it had 1
minute of black, 10 seconds of video from the 1 minute time code mark, and then 23:58:50:00 of black
after this. If you want to record over this clip and add new information, it will insert the video at the
same points and overwrite the data on the drive in the same way, always maintaining the 24 hours of
time code as the master reference. NOTE: Playlist functionality is NOT available in BVW-75 mode
RECORDING IN BVW-75 MODE: Recording in BVW-75 mode will allow you to record anywhere on
the disk regardless of whether or not it has previously recorded material. You can begin recording by
cueing to the point you wish to begin and pressing stop to end the recording. NOTE: Overwriting takes
place when the recording stops; therefore, space must be available for the new material to be recorded.
The space from the old video will become available after the new video is processed.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you record material in BVW-75 mode, the DVR uses the 24-hour time code as reference, which
is still visible to the machine when you switch to native mode. However, when you record
material in native mode and then switch to BVW-75 mode the machine does not recognize the
native source list. You should always record in BVW-75 mode if you intend to switch between
personalities.

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Firmware Updating Procedure
New features for the mini dvr pro are posted to our website as they become available. Our customers
have access to these features via firmware updates for the lifetime of the product. Please check this site
regularly to implement the newest changes.
Firmware updates are located at www.ffv.com in the Support page.
Locate the latest revision of firmware for the video board (CVXX.fud). Download and unzip the files.
Hook up the mini dvr pro to your computer:
Hook a DB9 straight through cable to the 9 pin serial port of your computer.
Hyper Terminal Set-up:
On your host computer, open up the Hyper Terminal folder from the Start Menu, there should be an icon
for setting up a new control called Hypertrm.
1. CONNECTION DESCRIPTION: FFV, choose an Icon, OK
2. PHONE NUMBER: Enter any phone number, choose a communication device, OK
3. CONNECT: Cancel
4. CONFIGURE /CONNECTION / CONNECTION PREFERENCES:
BAUD RATE: 38,400 DATA BITS: 8PARITY: ODD STOP BITS: 2
FLOW CONTROL: NONE
5. FILE / PROPERTIES / SETTINGS:
FUNCTION: terminal keys, EMULATION: ANSI, BACKSCROLL BUFFER LINES: 500

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Specifications
VIDEO INPUT
Analog Input: Composite and S-Video(Y/C).
Levels: 1.0Vp-p, 75 ohms
Standards: 525/60 (NTSC) or 625/50 (PAL)
VIDEO OUTPUT
Analog Output: Composite and S-Video (Y/C).
Horizontal Resolution: 550 TV lines (at 5:1 compression)
Levels: 1.0Vp-p, 75 ohms
Standards: 525/60 (NTSC) or 625/50 (PAL)
Connections: Multi-pin for component
VIDEO INPUT DECODER
Format: Digital 4:2:2 YCrCb
60 fields per second NTSC
50 fields per second PAL
Digital Color Space: YUV
Sampling: 13.5 MHz
Pixel Resolution: 720 x 486 pixels (525/60)
720 x 576 pixels (625/50)
S/N Ratio: 50 dB
Bandwidth: 7 MHz (-3 dB)
Differential Gain: 2%
Differential Phase: 2 deg.
ADC Differential Linearity: +/- 0.7 LSB
ADC Integral Linearity: +/- 1.0 LSB
VIDEO OUTPUT ENCODER
Digital Color Space: Digital 4:2:2 YCrCb
Analog Bandwidth: Y: 6.75 MHz
C: 1.3 MHz
Composite: 4.5 MHz (NTSC)
5.0 MHz (PAL)
DAC Resolution: 10 bits x 3
S/N Ratio: 60 dB
VIDEO COMPRESSION
Codec: Zoran
Method: JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts
Group)
Compression Ratio: Variable down to 4:1
MEMORY
Multi-port Frame Buffer: 32 MB DRAM
COMPACT FLASH
Multiword (DMA) direct
memory access, only.
Sandisk or equivalent.
MICROPROCESSOR
Type: Intel 80386EX
Clock Speed: 40 MHz
Local ROM/EPROM: 1MB Flash EEPROM
Local SRAM: 1MB 0 wait state
COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE
RS-232: Conforms to Sony “Remote
(9 pin)” protocol. 38400
baud, 8 data bits, odd parity,
1 stop bit.
AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Resolution: 16 bits
Sampling Rate, FS: 8.0 KHz to 52 KHz
Channels: 2 in, 2 out
Dynamic Range: 80 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 022%, -73 dB
Intermodulation Distortion: 90 dB
Crosstalk: -80 dB
Interchannel Gain Mismatch: +/- 0.5dB
Input Voltage: 1 VRMS nominal, 3V p-p
max
Input Impedance: 20K ohms
Input Programmable Gain Span: 22.5 dB
Full Scale Output Voltage: 0.707 VRMS, 2.0V p-p
Output Impedance: 600 ohms
Output Attenuation Range: 94.5 dB
Passband: 045 FS
Passband Ripple: +/- 0.1 dB
GENERAL
Size: 5.2” W x 8” L x 3.7” D
Power Consumption: 3 watts not including
storage device(s).
Input Voltage – 4*AA
battery or 9V DC Adapter
Warranty: 1 year
Specifications subject to change without notice

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MAINTENANCE
Cleaning
The Housing should only require dusting with a soft cloth.
Operation and Storage Environment
Precautions
The Mini DVR Pro has been built to meet the demands of a professional environment, however, the
hardware is subject to the same dangers from static as any other electronic device. Use care when
connecting or disconnecting cables.
IMPORTANT: Take care not to introduce any moisture into the unit. Electronic assemblies are sensitive to static
electricity, due to the electrostatic sensitive devices used within the circuitry. All semiconductors, as well as some
resistors and capacitors, may be damaged or degraded by exposure to static electricity. The video card must
receive adequate ventilation, and be kept as cool as possible. If you experience any problems with the unit please
call Fast Forward Video’s service department. DO NOT ATTEMPT to repair or modify the unit as this might
cause further damage, which could void your warranty. A technician can determine whether your problem is
caused by a faulty component, and whether you need to return it for evaluation and/or repair.
PACKAGE CONTENTS (May vary depending on model)
1 Mini DVR Pro
1 Multi Purpose Cable Assembly
1 9 VDC External Power Supply w/ 3-Pin Power Cable
1 Set (4) AA Batteries
1 USB Type A to Mini B 3’ Cable Assembly
1 Control Software CD
1 Users Manual
1 Trouble Shooting Guide
PLEASE RETAIN THE ORIGINAL SHIPPING CARTON AND FOAM INSERTS If you need to return the unit for
service or upgrade it is STRONGLY recommended that you use the original carton and foam, which were
specifically designed to protect it from damage while in transit. IF RETURNED IN A REGULAR CARTON IT WILL
BE REPLACED AT A FEE FOR THE RETURN SHIPMENT.
FCC Information to the user
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. 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. Notice to the end user: This device has been designed for use
with interconnect cables with an installed length of three (3) feet or less. Use of cables of greater length may cause undesired
behavior.

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Limited Warranty
12 – MONTH LIMITED WARRANTY
Fast Forward Video, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that the product (Hardware and components) shall be
free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase, If a defect covered
by this warranty occurs during this 1 year period, Fast Forward Video, Inc. will repair or replace the defective
product or component, at its option, free of charge.
WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY IF THIS PRODUCT: (a) IS DAMAGED BY NEGLIGENCE, ACCIDENT,
MISUSE, OR BY OTHER CAUSES UNRELATED TO DEFECTIVE MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP; OR (b) HAS
HAD THE SERIAL NUMBER ALTERED, DEFACED, OR REMOVED.
ANY APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE WARRANTY
PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE. IN NO EVENT SHALL FAST FORWARD VIDEO, INC. BE LIABLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE BREACH OF ANY IMPLIED OR
EXPRESS WARRANTIES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED
WARRANTY LASTS OR EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
REVISION HISTORY
Rev 1.3 – Added “Clear disk” keystroke per July 11, 2005 firmware change.
Added information about long filename and audio in USB section.
Rev. 1.4 – Added full pin-out information; removed single USB access limitation; made other minor changes.