ITS Telecom 6520 User manual
OPERATION MANUAL
MODEL 6520x-NN
HD-SDI VIDEO INSERTER/RECORDER
October 13, 2015
19360 Business Center Drive ●Northridge CA ●91324 ●(818) 886-2034 ● FAX (818) 886-7573
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page i
ITS MODEL 6520x-NN
HD-SDI VIDEO INSERTER/RECORDER
Table of Contents
1.0 CHANGE HISTORY..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................. 2
3.0 CHARACTERISTICS .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 VIDEO INSERTER CHARACTERISTICS ..........................................................................................................................4
3.1.1 Video Format ....................................................................................................................................4
3.1.2 The Overlay Process .........................................................................................................................4
3.1.3 Alphanumeric Character Generator (ACG) ......................................................................................4
3.1.4 Movable Crosshair............................................................................................................................4
3.1.5 Boresight Crosshair...........................................................................................................................5
3.2 TIME STAMPING AND SYSTEM CLOCK .......................................................................................................................5
3.2.1 Master Clock.....................................................................................................................................5
3.2.2 IRIG Time Reference........................................................................................................................5
3.2.3 GPS Time Reference.........................................................................................................................5
3.2.3.1 GPS Dynamics Mode .................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.3.2 Time Zone Offset.......................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.4 NTP Time Reference (Not implemented at this release)...................................................................6
3.2.5 Stratum Clock (Option S) .................................................................................................................6
3.2.6 Rack Mount LCD Time Display.......................................................................................................7
3.2.7 Rack Mount and Remote Control Panel Controls.............................................................................7
3.2.8 Video Overlay Time Message...........................................................................................................7
3.2.9 Metadata Time Message ...................................................................................................................8
3.3 RECORDER CHARACTERISTICS..................................................................................................................................8
3.3.1 Event Record (ER)..........................................................................................................................10
3.3.1.1 ER: DDR3 Only............................................................................................................................................ 10
3.3.1.2 ER: DDR3 & SSD (only with SSD option) ..................................................................................................... 11
3.3.1.3 Rack Mount/Remote Control ER Operation............................................................................................... 11
3.3.2 Continuous Record (Only with SSD option)...................................................................................12
3.3.3 Continuous Record with RM or Remote Panel...............................................................................12
3.3.4 Save DDR3 Clips to SSD automatically (requires SSD option) .....................................................12
3.3.5 SSD Operation ................................................................................................................................13
3.4 STATUS SCREEN .................................................................................................................................................13
3.4.1 Clip List ..........................................................................................................................................15
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page ii
3.4.2 Live Monitor ...................................................................................................................................16
3.4.3 Playback..........................................................................................................................................16
3.4.3.1 Playback using the Rack Mount or Remote Control Panel......................................................................... 17
3.4.3.2 Selecting previously recorded clips............................................................................................................ 17
3.4.4 Memory Clear .................................................................................................................................18
3.4.4.1 DDR3 CLEAR ............................................................................................................................................... 18
3.4.4.2 SSD CLEAR .................................................................................................................................................. 18
3.5 DDR3 OPTIONS.................................................................................................................................................19
3.6 SOLID STATE DISK (OPTION).................................................................................................................................19
3.6.1 SSD File Names..............................................................................................................................19
3.6.2 Assembling your own SSD.............................................................................................................20
3.7 ETHERNET CONTROL/STATUS INTERFACE FUNCTIONS................................................................................................20
3.7.1 Multi-Client Capability...................................................................................................................20
3.7.2 IP Keep Alive..................................................................................................................................20
3.7.3 UDP Discovery Capability..............................................................................................................21
3.8 CAMERA SYNC (CS OPTION).................................................................................................................................21
3.9 USER DEFINED KLV PACK.....................................................................................................................................22
4.0 MECHANICAL CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................. 22
4.1 INSTALLATION INFORMATION................................................................................................................................23
4.1.1 Cooling............................................................................................................................................23
4.1.2 Rack Mount.....................................................................................................................................23
4.1.3 Shelf Mount ....................................................................................................................................23
4.1.4 AC Power........................................................................................................................................24
4.1.5 DC Power........................................................................................................................................24
5.0 CONTROLS, INDICATORS, AND CONNECTORS......................................................................................... 25
5.1 POWER ON/OFF...............................................................................................................................................25
5.2 LC DISPLAY .......................................................................................................................................................25
5.3 SHELF MOUNT STATUS DISPLAY ............................................................................................................................25
5.4 CONTROL BUTTONS ............................................................................................................................................25
5.5 IRIG IN............................................................................................................................................................29
5.6 ETHERNET.........................................................................................................................................................29
5.7 CAMERA SYNC (OPTIONAL)..................................................................................................................................29
5.8 REMOTE ...........................................................................................................................................................29
5.9 DISCRETE/SERIAL ...............................................................................................................................................29
5.10 VIDEO IN..........................................................................................................................................................29
5.11 VIDEO OUT .......................................................................................................................................................29
5.12 POWER (AC).....................................................................................................................................................29
5.13 POWER (DC).....................................................................................................................................................30
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page iii
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 31
6.1 VIDEO IN..........................................................................................................................................................31
6.2 VIDEO OUT .......................................................................................................................................................31
6.3 TIMING ACCURACY .............................................................................................................................................31
6.4 GPS PERFORMANCE ...........................................................................................................................................31
6.5 GPS ANTENNA ..................................................................................................................................................31
6.6 IRIG BINPUT ....................................................................................................................................................31
6.7 METADATA TIMESTAMP ENCODING FORMAT ..........................................................................................................31
6.8 USER DEFINED METADATA...................................................................................................................................32
6.9 ETHERNET PORT.................................................................................................................................................32
6.10 ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS...............................................................................................................................32
6.11 PACKAGE AND ENVIRONMENT ..............................................................................................................................32
6.12 POWER INPUT ...................................................................................................................................................32
7.0 OPERATION............................................................................................................................................ 33
7.1 GENERAL ..........................................................................................................................................................33
7.2 MANUAL CONTROLS ...........................................................................................................................................33
7.3 WEBSERVER ......................................................................................................................................................34
7.3.1 About the 6520 Webserver..............................................................................................................34
7.3.2 Home...............................................................................................................................................34
7.3.3 Login (software option) ..................................................................................................................35
7.3.4 Change Login..................................................................................................................................35
7.3.5 Communications .............................................................................................................................36
7.3.5.1 NTP Server Settings ................................................................................................................................... 37
7.3.6 Recorder..........................................................................................................................................37
7.3.6.1 STATUS....................................................................................................................................................... 37
7.3.6.2 RECORDER CONTROL ................................................................................................................................. 38
7.3.6.3 SETUP......................................................................................................................................................... 40
7.3.7 Inserter ............................................................................................................................................42
7.3.7.1 Record Channel.......................................................................................................................................... 42
7.3.7.2 Playback Channel ....................................................................................................................................... 45
7.3.8 Administrative.................................................................................................................................48
7.3.8.1 Date Format ............................................................................................................................................... 48
7.3.8.2 Time Source ............................................................................................................................................... 48
7.3.8.3 Time Zone .................................................................................................................................................. 48
7.3.8.4 Login required frame ................................................................................................................................. 48
7.3.8.5 Login Timeout frame.................................................................................................................................. 49
7.3.8.6 Show Status Screen.................................................................................................................................... 49
7.3.8.7 Reboot System ........................................................................................................................................... 49
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page iv
7.3.8.8 RESTORE FACTORY DEFAULTS.................................................................................................................... 50
7.3.8.9 Format SSD................................................................................................................................................. 50
7.3.8.10 Clear DDR ................................................................................................................................................... 50
7.3.8.11 Clear SSD.................................................................................................................................................... 50
7.4 GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) UTILITY. ...........................................................................................................51
7.5 GLOBAL GUI FUNCTIONS.....................................................................................................................................51
7.5.1 System Functions............................................................................................................................51
7.5.2 The ADR.........................................................................................................................................52
7.5.3 Save Setup.......................................................................................................................................52
7.5.4 Load Setup ......................................................................................................................................52
7.5.5 Send Setup ......................................................................................................................................53
7.5.6 Send All ..........................................................................................................................................53
7.5.7 Restore Factory Defaults.................................................................................................................53
7.5.8 Save Screen.....................................................................................................................................53
7.5.9 Clear Form......................................................................................................................................53
7.5.10 Clear Screen ...............................................................................................................................53
7.6 INSERTER TAB....................................................................................................................................................53
7.6.1 Common Controls...........................................................................................................................54
7.6.1.1 Embedded Fields........................................................................................................................................ 54
7.6.1.2 Free Text Fields .......................................................................................................................................... 54
7.6.1.3 Annotation Parameters.............................................................................................................................. 55
7.6.1.4 Graphics Control ........................................................................................................................................ 55
7.6.2 Record Channel Inserter..................................................................................................................56
7.6.2.1 Metadata Time........................................................................................................................................... 56
7.6.2.2 Metadata Option Packs.............................................................................................................................. 56
7.6.2.3 Merge Embedded Field Data into Metadata ............................................................................................. 57
7.6.3 Playback Channel Inserter...............................................................................................................58
7.6.3.1 MISB Metadata Timestamp ....................................................................................................................... 58
7.6.3.2 KLV Option Packs ....................................................................................................................................... 59
7.6.3.3 Creating A Field Display ............................................................................................................................. 59
7.6.4 Recorder Functions .........................................................................................................................61
7.6.4.1 DDR3 Frame ............................................................................................................................................... 61
7.6.4.2 SSD Frame .................................................................................................................................................. 62
7.6.4.3 Record Mode Frame .................................................................................................................................. 62
7.6.4.4 Record Frame............................................................................................................................................. 63
7.6.4.5 Switched SDI Frame ................................................................................................................................... 63
7.6.4.6 Play Frame ................................................................................................................................................. 64
7.6.4.7 Stop............................................................................................................................................................ 64
7.6.4.8 Rewind ....................................................................................................................................................... 64
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page v
7.6.4.9 Save............................................................................................................................................................ 64
7.6.4.10 Status ......................................................................................................................................................... 65
7.6.5 Recorder Setup Functions...............................................................................................................66
7.6.5.1 Loop Length ............................................................................................................................................... 66
7.6.5.2 STOP DELAY................................................................................................................................................ 66
7.6.5.3 PING-PONG ................................................................................................................................................ 67
7.6.5.4 Clear DDR ................................................................................................................................................... 67
7.6.5.5 Select a clip ................................................................................................................................................ 67
7.6.5.6 ERASE A CLIP .............................................................................................................................................. 68
7.6.5.7 FORMAT ..................................................................................................................................................... 68
7.6.5.8 CLEAR SSD .................................................................................................................................................. 68
7.6.6 SDI Switch......................................................................................................................................68
7.6.7 KL metadata....................................................................................................................................69
7.6.7.1 Record Metadata- No Monitoring (Record Channel Metadata Write) ...................................................... 69
7.6.7.2 Record Channel Metadata Write with monitoring .................................................................................... 69
7.6.7.3 Starting Transport (metadata write in record channel) ............................................................................. 70
7.6.7.4 Display/Extract Metadata .......................................................................................................................... 71
7.6.7.5 Metadata display/extract setup................................................................................................................. 71
7.6.8 GUI Configuration..........................................................................................................................73
7.7 RECORDER CONTROLS VIA KEYBOARD.....................................................................................................................73
7.7.1 Camera Sync (-CS Option) .............................................................................................................75
7.7.1.1 Timestamp Event ....................................................................................................................................... 75
7.7.1.2 Sync Format ............................................................................................................................................... 75
7.7.1.3 Rates .......................................................................................................................................................... 75
7.7.1.4 Delay .......................................................................................................................................................... 76
7.7.1.5 Time offset ................................................................................................................................................. 76
8.0 PROGRAMMING/SETUP ......................................................................................................................... 77
8.1.1 PROGRAMMING CONVENTION...............................................................................................78
8.1.2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS.............................................................................................78
9.0 KL (METADATA) PACK .......................................................................................................................... 101
9.1 KLV METADATA VALUE DATA ITEM TYPES ............................................................................................................101
9.2 KLV PACK INTERNAL INSERTION FIELDS ................................................................................................................102
10.0 BINARY CODE UPLOADS ....................................................................................................................... 103
APPENDIX A: CAMERA SYNC OPTION SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................... 105
APPENDIX B: AVAILABLE OPTION COMBINATIONS ........................................................................................... 106
APPENDIX C: REPRESENTATIVE PANEL DRAWINGS ............................................................................................ 107
APPENDIX D: CALCULATING FRAME CAPACITIES ............................................................................................... 108
APPENDIX E: DATA REQUEST ............................................................................................................................. 109
APPENDIX F: KL SOFTWARE TOOLKIT ................................................................................................................. 113
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page vi
KL OPTION OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................................113
TRANSPORT DATA WITHIN THE HD-SDI VIDEO STREAM.......................................................................................................115
ABOUT THE KLV METADATA TOOLKIT ................................................................................................................................115
6520-nxHD Operation Manual Page 1
1.0 CHANGE HISTORY
Release Date
Change
12/18/2014
First Draft Release
4/29/2015
Added RM button functions and other updates, added paragraph 3.2.7 Rack Mount and Remote Control
Panel,3.3.4 Save DDR3 Clips to SSD automatically (requires SSD option), 3.4.3.1 Playback using the
Rack Mount or Remote Control Panel. Paragraphs have been added throughout to describe the rack
mount and remote panel button controls. These are found with images of the appropriate button to the
right of such paragraphs.
5/18/2015
Engineering Release
Added prototype Webserver and Configuration Utility forms and controls. Updated the event record
modes and updated the KLV Metadata reference information.
6/17/2015
Added 7.5 RECORDER CONTROLS VIA KEYBOARD section and promoted Programming and
Setup to a major paragraph (8.0)
Added Event Record after an event.
Added Event marker overlay command and descriptions (^Y??RRCCCL).
7/72015
Revised Input Channel and Output Channel references to Record Channel and Playback Channel
respectively. Added XHair controls to Webserver Inserter page and their explanations. Corrected
Metadata Timestamp controls to only permit writing metadata on Record channel.
7/8/15
Revised ^YTQ return message, changed recorder keyboard RECORD control to 0 and +
9/9/15
Updated specifications removed 2022-6 Ethernet download, updated webserver and GUI sections, added
new commands and completed command prototypes.
9/30/2015
Updated based upon DVT and details of controls that have changed.
10/13/2015
Added in Webserver updates and changes.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 2
HD-SDI Video Inserter/Recorder
2.0 GENERAL
The Model 6520 integrates the overlay, timing and metadata insertion capabilities of a 6055C-nGHD with
the capability of recording uncompressed video to volatile DDR3 or a non-volatile solid state disk (SSD).
Features include:
Accepts SD, HD and 3G SDI video sources per SMPTE 259M/292M/424M
Auto-detects and formats insertion for 480i, 576i, 720p and 1080i/p for both NTSC and
PAL field/frame rates
Records continuously to SSD (1TB) up to 172K Frames 1080p/60 Uncompressed
Event/Loop record up to 5.8K Frames 1080p/60 Uncompressed
Save more than 32 event clips to SSD
Live Monitor Video while recording
Plays back HD-SDI
Inserts, decodes and can overlay MISB 0605.3 format compliant timestamp and up to 2
SMPTE 291M Type 02 KLV metadata packs of user formatted data in VANC space
1
Inserts up to 3000 characters of alphanumeric data on each video frame
Inserts movable and fixed boresite crosshairs independently in color.
HD-SDI playback speeds: 1/32x-1x slow motion, single-frame stepping, or search 2x-32x
Extracts data of KLV metadata to Ethernet data file frame x frame with/without timestamps
Clear DDR3 and/or SSD compliant with DOD 5220.22-M
Camera Sync (optional); GPS/IRIG phase locked with adjustable offset
TTL strobe aligned with Camera Sync with adjustable delay
Disciplined Stratum 3 (Optional) clock delivering < 5µs/hr unlocked drift
Synchronizes time to within 25±20 ns of the GPS time mark generated by an internal 12
channel GPS receiver or 5±3µs of and applied IRIG.
Samples time to 3±2µsec of any vertical sync (EAV) detected in the SDI video stream.
Inserts time as collected from GPS, IRIG or read from previously recorded metadata in a
selectable resolution from 1second to 1µs.
Records collected time to a 1 µs resolution into the MISB Microsecond Timestamp when
processing 720 and 1080 formats
Remotely controlled via Ethernet port by commands, ITS GUI or embedded webserver.
There are four modes of recording possible; Event Record (ER), ER and-save event clips to SSD, event
record to DDR (pre-event) and SSD (post event) or Continuous Record to SSD. An internal DDR3
facilitates ER where 6520 can be set to continuously record incoming HD-SDI video in a “loop”. The loop
length is programmable from 10 frames to the capacity of the DDR3. When in ER mode, the recorder will
1
Metadata is not supported for SD/SDI (480i/576i) video.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 3
continuously record the number of frames set by the user (up to 26,000; 480i). On trigger, either a discrete
input or command via Ethernet, the recorder will continue to record the number of post event frames
previously specified by the user. The result is a clip surrounding the event. Another event mode will
continuously record to the loop length as before, but when the event is marked, the entire loop as recorded
prior to the event marker will be saved to SSD and recording will continue until a STOP is commanded or
the capacity of the SSD is exhausted. The clip may played back and presented as SDI to the output video
port. Event recording has many benefits including the capture of important video sequences with a
minimum of control input and highly efficient use of the SSD capacity.
The 6520 includes a live monitor channel that is active while recording. Video presented at this port while
recording is less than 8µsec behind real time. The live monitor channel includes a metadata decoder and
overlay engine. These capabilities enable one to monitor not only the video, but the data being captured in
the metadata. The record and playback channels have the capability to independently overlay text, time and
crosshairs.
The 6520 records and plays back all HANC (payload, AES audio and other metadata) and VANC metadata.
Text and crosshairs may be overlaid at record time. More importantly MISB format metadata timestamps
and up to two user defined KLV metadata packets may be recorded with each frame1. At playback the
metadata may be decoded and overlaid if desired and concurrently extracted to the Ethernet port as a data
stream. This data set may include the timestamps permitting exact identification of the frame with which
each block of data was collected.
During any playback, the video may be stopped, played back 1 frame at a time or at 1/32xFR to 1xFR in 32
in either direction where FR is the original frame rate of the recorded video. Search may also be
accomplished at 2xFR to 32xFR in either direction. Playback speeds greater than the originally recorded
frame rate is accomplished by frame skipping.
Metadata packs are SMPTE 291M type 02 structures the content of which may be designed using ITS KLV
SOFTWARE TOOLKIT or software supplied by others. The ITS toolkit is currently delivered at no
additional cost with all of our HD-SDI video products having the KLV capability.
Source video may be 720p or 1080p at 25, 30, 50 and 60 frames/sec (also at the NTSC comparable rates).
Source video may also be 480i/60 or 1080i/60 also at the NTSC comparable rates. Frame formats supported
comply with SMPTE 274M (1080) SMPTE 296M (720) and SMPTE 125M (480); ITU 709 10-bit 4:2:2
sampling. The 6520 will detect the format and synchronize to any of these formats automatically. No user
intervention is required. Clips may be of different formats as well.
When the camera sync option is purchased, the 6520 may be programmed or if the camera always outputs
SDI, will auto detect the camera format (must be one of the supported formats) and set the tri-level sync
(TLS) to match. TLS may be phase locked to either GPS or IRIG. TLS may also be delayed in 1µsec steps
to 32 msec in order to synchronize actual picture taking across a variety of imaging technologies (e.g. CCD,
CMOS, IR). Supporting data collection time coherent to imagery, the camera sync option also provides a
TTL strobe output that may be adjusted ±16ms in 1µ steps to help align data acquired with each image.
The 6520x-NN may be ordered in a shelf mount or 19” 2U rack mount enclosure. Input power
may also be specified at order to support 10-36 VDC (power adapter is available), or by 100 to
240VAC 50/60 Hz.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 4
3.0 CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 Video Inserter Characteristics
3.1.1 Video Format
The 6520 will accept and automatically synchronize to 480i/60, 576i/50, 720p and 1080i 10-bit
4:2:2 encoded video (ITU 709 or ITU 601 for 480i/576i). Serialization formats (SDI) supported
are defined in SMPTE 259M for SD, 292M and 424M for HD, i.e. 720p/1080i HD and 1080p
respectively at 25 (576i), 29.97 (480i, 1080), 30 (576i, 1080),50 (576i), 59.94 (720,1080) and 60
(720,1080) frames per second.
3.1.2 The Overlay Process
The ITS SDI Insertion Engine stages the bit maps necessary to represent the characters to be
displayed on the video. As the input SDI is decoded, picture elements
(pixels) are substituted in real time placing characters at the selected
color into the video. There is no image buffering, prescaling or other
image modification performed within the engine. The total end-to-end
latency is less than 4 frames from source input to recorded media. The
pixel substitution process only replaces the source video where needed
to represent the characters or graphic being overlaid on the video. Since
text and graphics (crosshairs) colors may be independently chosen from a palette of eight (black,
white, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta and yellow), there is no need for a background field to offer
high contrast to render text and graphics readable over a wide range of video scenes. The result is
little obscuration of the source video.
3.1.3 Alphanumeric Character Generator (ACG)
The 6520 includes an ACG that provides the capability of placing ASCII character strings in the
video frame. The characters are described on a 7x9 matrix where each aspect is two image pixels
high/wide. This is the base size. The character size may be doubled horizontally, vertically or both
by the user. The character colors of black, white, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta and yellow are
selectable independently for each channel (record and playback).
The system uses "column, row" coordinate addressing. The range of rows is from 12 to 36 and the
range of columns is from 20 to 110. The limits of each range depend on the character size selected
and the incoming video format. Intensity of the overlay color may also be adjusted from full
saturation to black. Size selection is made either remotely, or GUI, or embedded webserver.
3.1.4 Movable Crosshair
A crosshair is inserted and positioned as selected by the operator. The crosshair may be inserted
into the live monitor channel while recording, the recording channel or both. The color and
position of the crosshair is controlled via Ethernet port (commands or GUI) or the RS-232
(commands or GUI) port and will remain displayed until disabled.
The crosshair format is selectable as full screen, medium or small. When small is selected, the
crosshair will occupy approximately 20% of the vertical size of the video frame. The movable
crosshair color is selectable by the user and may be different from the fixed crosshair and the color
selected for text overlay. The movable crosshair can be positioned at two-pixel resolution x
(horizontal) and y (vertical) relative to the center of the picture area (i.e. 0,0 is the center pixel).
The crosshair is two pixels wide and two lines high.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 5
3.1.5 Boresite Crosshair
A fixed boresite crosshair may be inserted in the live monitor channel, recording channel or both.
It is located in the precise center of the video frame under command of the operator via the
Ethernet port (GUI, webserver or commands). The boresite crosshair format is selectable as full
screen, medium or small. When small is selected, the crosshair will occupy approximately 20% of
the vertical size of the video frame. The color of this crosshair is user selectable and may be
different than either the movable crosshair or text overlay.
3.2 Time Stamping and System Clock
3.2.1 Master Clock
The 6520 incorporates a disciplined master clock which uses the interval between one-second
marks decoded from a GPS, IRIG B or NTP source to calibrate the master clock. Assuming there
are sub-millisecond differences between these time references sources, jam sync only occurs
once
2
. That is the clock is jam-synchronized to time after power up on first lock to the selected
time reference or when the time reference is changed.
The master clock when not locked to a time reference (GPS, IRIG B or NTP) will keep time but
will drift from the time of last synchronization. The rate of drift will be approximately 1.1
millisecond/hr when the TXCO oscillator is present and approximately 4µs/hour when the S3
option is purchased (see 3.2.5 Stratum Clock (Option S) page 6 for details).
3.2.2 IRIG Time Reference
The 6520 may be synchronized to an external IRIG B time reference. This source may always be
connected. The time reference selection is made with the GUI, webserver or command.
When locked to IRIG, the 6520 master clock is disciplined by the IRIG B source and synchronized to
5±3 microseconds of the encoded one-second time mark. The time display will be preceded by an
uppercase “I” when locked. When a lowercase “i” is present it indicates that IRIG is the selected time
reference source but the system is not currently locked.
If IRIG lock is lost and the NTP client is enabled (see NTP Time Reference (Not implemented at
this release)), the 6520 master clock will attempt to lock to NTP. If the 6520 successfully locks to
NTP, the time display will be preceded with “N”.
When IRIG B lock is reestablished, the master clock will resume synchronization with IRIG B
automatically. If the NTP client is not enabled and IRIG lock is lost, the master clock will keep
time and may drift from the last synchronized time as described earlier.
3.2.3 GPS Time Reference
The internal GPS receiver is always active. This time reference is selected by command remotely.
When GPS is selected and GPS is locked, the master clock is disciplined by the internal GPS
receiver and synchronized to 30±20 ns of the GPS time mark when GPS Dynamics Mode is set to
FIXED and the unit is in a fixed location.
If GPS lock is lost and the NTP client is enabled (see NTP Time Reference (Not implemented at
this release)), the 6520 master clock will attempt to lock to NTP. If the 6520 successfully locks to
NTP, the time display will be preceded with “N”.
2
Other jumps may occur after long periods of free run without clock to a time reference.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 6
When GPS lock is reestablished, the master clock will resume synchronization with GPS
automatically. If the NTP client is not enabled and GPS lock is lost, the master clock will keep
time and may drift from the last synchronized time as described earlier.
3.2.3.1 GPS Dynamics Mode
The GPS has a programmable Dynamics Mode feature that may be set by the operator using a
command. This provides the maximum time accuracy achievable for the given application by
optimizing the GPS receiver for a fixed installation or one in motion. Mode values of, 1 for “Fixed
Base Station” or 2 for “Man Walking”, 3 for “Land Vehicle”, 4 for “Marine Vehicle” and 5 for
“Airborne” environments are possible. The mode is selectable by command via the Ethernet port.
Mode 1, Fixed Base Station, provides the maximum time accuracy. Once entered the value is
stored in non-volatile memory.
3.2.3.2 Time Zone Offset
In order to display local time, when locked to GPS, a time zone offset of ±12 hours in 15-minute
increments may be entered by the user by the ^YTZ command via Ethernet. This value is saved in
internal FLASH memory and thus survives power cycling. The time zone offset is not applicable
when using an IRIG B or NTP reference.
3.2.4 NTP Time Reference (Not implemented at this release)
An NTP client function is integrated into the 6520 Inserter-Recorder. The system intent is that NTP is
a “fail-over” function in that if no GPS lock or IRIG lock is achieved, the NTP client (if enabled) will
attempt to lock to the NTP server address entered by the operator. If GPS and/or IRIG lock is lost for
30 seconds or more, and the NTP client is 6520 NTP Client function will attempt to connect to an
NTP server. The 30 second delay prevents temporary lost lock conditions from cause multiple time
jumps in the time master
The NTP client function is enabled by entering a valid Stratum 1 NTP server TCP/IP address into the
system. This is accomplished by command or the webserver. This value may be saved to internal
FLASH such that this address survives power cycling. The NTP server selected must be a Stratum 1
time reference.
If the NTP server addressed is qualified as a Stratum 1 and the baseline round trip of time messages is
consistent, the NTP client will begin the synchronization process automatically. This may take
30 seconds to accomplish.
When locked to NTP, the time accuracy is held to within 3µ seconds of the NTP server time.
The NTP Client function is disabled when an NTP Server Setting (address) value is set to 0.0.0.0.
Any address set must, of course, be a valid and available NTP Server in order for the 6520 Client to
connect and synchronize to it.
In the absence of a GPS signal, IRIG signal or NTP server, 6520 master clock may be set by the user
via command over Ethernet. Any such manually set time will be overridden by the GPS, IRIG or
NTP time value when lock is achieved.
3.2.5 Stratum Clock (Option S)
An available option replaces that standard 0.3 ppm crystal oscillator with a 10 ppb oven
temperature controlled stratum 3 oscillator. When installed, time drift of the disciplined master
clock from a previously locked (either GPS or IRIG reference for at least 20 minutes after oven
temperature stabilization) condition is less approximately 4 µsec per hour over the full operating
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 7
temperature range. There is a minimum 10 minute warm up time. The minimum power on time
to achieve the total 10 ppb stabilization is approximately 2x the off time for periods of 24 hours or
less. For extended off times the stabilization time required is 48 hours + ¼ of the off time but not
longer than 6 days.
This option is not field upgradable and must be selected at the time of order. This option is
included with the Camera Sync Option at no additional cost.
3.2.6 Rack Mount LCD Time Display
In the rack mount package, time displayed in the LCD on the front panel may be left at UTC. The
default format is xDDD:HH:MM:SS.ssss, where a lower case value of x (“g”, “i” or “n”) that the
system is not currently locked to neither GPS, IRIG B or an NTP server and therefore, the time is
produced by the internal clock. A “^” will be displayed to the left of the time message to alert the
operator that the time is not derived from a locked reference. When the x location is blank, it indicates
that either GPS or IRIG B is locked or NTP synchronization is achieved.
A start of NTP (Not implemented at this release) frequency lock is indicated when the front panel
display of the 6520 replaces the REF: GPS with REF: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. The value of
xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the address of the NTP server providing time synchronization. The LCD will also
replace the “SAT IN VIEW XX” status with “Offset: 99µs”. The offset will change to a non-zero
value when lock is achieved.
3.2.7 Rack Mount and Remote Control Panel Controls
The rack mount package and shelf mount remote control panel offers
recorder functionality without any connection to Ethernet with the
integration of eight (8) momentary pushbuttons. These controls enable the
operator to
1. Record to DDR3 or SSD (>SSD).
2. Save a clip recorded in DDR3 to SSD (SAVE).
3. Initiate ER mode using previously set loop length and post event frame count (EVNT).
4. Play a clip (< PLY >).
5. Select the clip playback source; either DDR3 or SSD
6. Search, single step or slow-motion view a clip either forward or backward (<PLY>)
7. Rewind to the beginning of the current (RWND).
8. Output an SDI Green Screen with status information while in STOP (STOP)
9. Stop play or record operation immediately (STOP, <PLY>, REC)
Each pushbutton is illuminated as necessary to indicate mode and status.
Operation of each of these controls is described throughout and outlined in paragraph 5.5 Control
Buttons on page 29.
3.2.8 Video Overlay Time Message
The time is sampled on each decoded SDI vertical sync (EAV signature) to an accuracy
3±2 µsecond of the synchronized time (derived from GPS, IRIG B or NTP). The time value
acquired may then be overlaid on the video field/frame initialized by this vertical sync. The time
may also be recorded as metadata (SMPTE 291M Type 02 KLV metadata packet formatted as a
Microsecond Timestamp per MISB 0605.3) when processing 720 or 1080 video formats.
A time message inserted on the video may be displayed in a user selectable resolution from 1
second to 1 microsecond in decade increments. The time message may be placed anywhere on
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 8
the active video area. Position is selected by specifying row, column and time resolution by
command, webserver or the GUI. The color and size are parameters selected for text overlay.
A command is available to send a serial time message out of the Ethernet and/or RS232 serial port.
The time reported may either be GPS, NTP (when available), IRIG or internal clock time.
The time message may be overlaid on the video being recorded, or only on the live monitor video
channel leaving the recorded video free of overlay.
3.2.9 Metadata Time Message
A remote command, webserver or GUI input can set the 6520 to insert the acquired time to a
VANC KLV packet formatted in accordance with MISB 0605.3. The MISB format stores time as
a 64 bit word representing microseconds from January 1, 1970; the UNIX epoch. The time
captured initiated by the vertical sync (EAV) is written to line 9 of the same frame that vertical
sync triggered time-capture. These conditions are present in 720 and 1080 formats only.
If the time has previously been encoded into a KLV metadata packet (i.e. during playback from the
DDR3 or SSD), that value may be read and overlaid onto the playback video. The metadata time
message may be placed anywhere on the video in row, column locations in a manner similar to that
used to insert the GPS/IRIG/NTP time message. When displayed, metadata time is prefixed with
an “M” if at the time it was written to the packet if the master clock is synchronized to a reference
(GPS, IRIG or NTP) or “m” if not synchronized to a time reference. If no metadata is present the
time message displayed is “-No Metadata-“. This time may be displayed in the corresponding
video when selected.
3.3 Recorder Characteristics
A recording saves uncompressed video including all HANC and VANC space. Therefore all
metadata (e.g. sound, workflow, timestamps and user defined keys) is recorded and remains a part
of each recorded frame.
SDI video in may be SMPTE 259M (480i/60)
3
, SMPTE 292M (720p/60 or 1080i/60) or
SMPTE 424M (1080p/60) HD-SDI video source. Frame rates supported for recording and
playback are 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps as permitted by the frame format. Input and playback
output frame formats are in accordance with SMPTE 124M (480/576) SMPTE 274M (1080) or
SMPTE 296M (720) for 4:2:2 sampled and multiplex 10-bit video.
The block diagram below depicts the recorder signal flows in record mode.
3
Metadata functions are not supported when SMPTE 259M video is the source video or recorded clip.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 9
The recorder contains two video processing engines.
1. The record channel includes the ability to overlay text, graphics (see 3.1.4 Movable
Crosshair and 3.1.5 Boresite Crosshair page 4), insert MISB 0605.3 Microsecond
Timestamps and insert up to two user defined SMPTE 291M type 02 KLV metadata packs
in accordance with SMPTE RP214.
2. The playback channel which includes the ability to overlay text, graphics (see 3.1.4
Movable Crosshair and 3.1.5 Boresite Crosshair page 4), decode and overlay MISB 0605.3
Microsecond Timestamps and decode and overlay selected fields of up to two user defined
SMPTE 291M type 02 KLV metadata packs in accordance with SMPTE RP214. The
playback engine can also extract the KLV metadata packs and stream the data to the
Ethernet port frame-by-frame in real time.
There are two HD-SDI outputs (BNC) from the recorder. One output is fixed and always presents
the output of the playback channel. The second output is switched.
The switched output may present a duplicate of the playback channel, or may present the input to
the playback channel. The switched output may then be used to distribute the “clean” recorded
video or a duplicate of the playback channel output which may contain decoded and overlaid
metadata, time stamps and contemporaneous information input by the user during playback only.
In record mode, the two outputs function as a live monitor that are connected to the output of the
record channel in parallel to the DDR3 or SSD. The live monitor video is delayed only 8µs from
the input SDI video being received by the 6520.
The switched output video may be set to see what is being recorded only (clean video), while the
unswitched may be decoding and overlaying metadata, timestamps and contemporaneously
overlaid massages initiated by the operator during record operations.
Clips may be recorded to DDR3 only, recorded to DDR3 then saved to SSD or recorded directly to
SSD. The clip length that may be recorded is limited by the video format and total capacity of the
DDR3 and the unused capacity of the SSD. Capacity of the SSD may be freed by erasing one or
more of the previously recorded clips.
The block diagram below depicts the 6520 in playback mode.
In playback mode recorded data may be retrieved from the DDR3 (event clips) or from the SSD
where the DDR3 acts as a buffer.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 10
The playback channel Insertion Engine may then be used to overlay information
contemporaneously or decode and overlay fields of the metadata stored in the VANC space
frame-to-frame in KLV packs.
The switched SDI output may present either the output from the playback channel or the raw video
output from the DDR3/SSD source.
3.3.1 Event Record (ER)
There are two event record (ER) modes; record the event only to the DDR3 and record the
pre-event to DDR3 and post-event to SSD.
ER mode stores incoming video to the DDR3 memory space. The operator sets the record length
in total frames. The frame count may be translated to time when the format and frame rate is
known (see 3.4.4.1 DDR3 page 18 for maximum clip lengths).
The DDR3 memory space may be divided into equal partitions. For example, the 16GB DDR3
could be divided in two 8 GB partitions. Partitioned this way, the 6520 could record 2,700 frames
of720p or 1,450 frames of 1080p video.
In ER mode, the partitions can be set to “Ping-Pong”. That is, one partition may be writing to SSD
(saving the previously recorded clip) while the other is recording a new clip. The save time would
slightly less than the duration of the clip record time.
In the rack mount package or when using the remote panel, ER mode is indicated by an
illuminated EVNT button. In this configuration, one partition is active and the other is
either writing to SSD (saving a clip) or idle in standby mode. The active partition will
continuously record frames in circular fashion emulating a loop recorder.
Recording may be stopped immediately at any time by pressing STOP or sending a stop
command (serial, GUI, or webserver).
Once any ER mode is set, RECORD arms the event trigger preparing the system to save the
pre-event frames and capture post-event frames.
Refer to Appendix D: Calculating Frame Capacities for assistance in determining frame
capacities, recording times and setting the stop delay for event recording.
ER mode may be paused by pressing play (available to restart as previously programmed) or
cancelled by sending a hard stop with zero delay. This returns the recorder to a standard clip
record mode.
3.3.1.1 ER: DDR3 Only
When recording the event only to DDR3, the clip length is limited by the total DDR3 capacity of
the whether there are one or two partitions of the DDR3 specified. Any clip currently stored in the
DDR3 may later be saved to SSD on command (serial, Ethernet, webserver or GUI).
When RECORD is initiated in this mode, the DDR3 records n-frames (specified as loop length by
the user) in circular mode until a STOP is initiated or an event trigger is received.
When the Event ( ) button is tapped or an event trigger is received (discrete, serial, webserver
or GUI) the 6520 continues recording video until the number of post event frames set by the user is
captured. This is effectively a delayed stop.
A delayed stop is a feature that enables an event to be captured to a clip. An event clip records
video before and after the event itself. The delayed stop setting, then, permits the operator to
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 11
instruct the recorder to continuously record (to DDR3) at the set loop length. When an event
trigger is received, the recorder will record the number of frames specified after the trigger,
overwriting the oldest previously recorded frames. The result is a clip containing Loop Length;
Delay Stop Frames of pre-trigger video; and Delay Stop Frames of post-trigger video. This is
accomplished with a single event trigger command, discrete, serial, webserver, GUI or manual
event input. The delayed parameters are set by commands sent via command, webserver, or GUI.
A delayed stop is created when the operator enters a number of frames to be recorded after an
event is triggered (either by discrete input or Ethernet command or tapping the EVNT, , button).
The value entered may be 1% to 99% of the total loop length. If desired the loop length and
percent delay may be saved as defaults that will survive power cycling.
While in a delayed stop (Event Stop) the RECORD button (if present) will flash.
If the ER mode is not in Ping-Pong, the 6520 enter STOP mode.
If there are two DDR3 partitions and the 6520 is in Ping-Pong, it will begin DDR3>SSD save
operations for the clip just captured, return to event record mode with event input armed using the
idle partition. In Ping-Pong, event clips may be captured sequentially until the capacity of the
SSD is exhausted. Events may be as close as the loop length. For example, if a 1080p/60 30
second loop is specified, 90 events can be captured to a single 1 TB SSD where the system only
needs to receive a trigger for each event. The Ping-Pong and save operations are all automated.
3.3.1.2 ER: DDR3 & SSD (only with SSD option)
In this mode, the DDR3 records in a loop using the user set loop length until an event is triggered.
When an event is triggered, recording continues to the SSD. There is no delayed stop. Recording
will continue until a STOP is received (button, serial, webserver or GUI) or until the capacity of
the SSD is exhausted. While all of the video is captured to the 6520 memories, SSD save of the
last n seconds (loop length time) of video must complete before the system enters stop mode.
The resulting clip starts with the number of pre-event frames captures (the length of the loop) and
the number of post event frames.
For example, a 1 partition 32GB DDR3 loop can be set to 5,400 frames of 1080p video. If the
frame rate is 60 FPS, then the prevent sequence is 5400/60=90 seconds. The post event clip can be
as long as the capacity of the SSD less 90 seconds assuming a “fresh and formatted” SSD is
present. The event captured could then be 44 minutes of uncompressed video, 1.5 minutes before
the event and 43.5 minutes after.
. This mode requires that the DDR3 be configured to one (1) partition. DDR3 Ping-Pong is NOT
permitted in the ER mode
3.3.1.3 Rack Mount/Remote Control ER Operation
In the rack mount or when using the remote panel an event can be manually indicated by tapping
the EVNT button. While still recording (delayed stop) this button will flash until the
recording of the loop post-event is complete. The EVNT button will return to solid
illumination on completion of the loop. If there are two DDR3 partitions set (must be set
by command, GUI or webserver) then the system is in loop record mode and is ready to accept
another manual, discrete or Ethernet event command.
If the 6520 is in DDR>SSD event record mode, when STOP is pressed, the Record Button will
begin to flash until the final seconds of the video resident in the DDR is saved to SSD.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 12
In the rack mount package or when using the remote panel, a hard stop is initiated by
tapping the STOP button. When the STOP button is pressed, the EVNT button will no
longer be illuminated indicating that the recorder is no longer in event record mode.
To start a recording (either event or start-stop manually), a RECORD plus a number from
00 (record in new unused space) or xx (overwrite an existing clip) is commanded. In the
RM package or with the remote control panel, tap REC. If record operation is meant to be
event record, stop delay is set to a value greater than zero BEFORE starting a record operation.
In the RM package or when the Remote Control Panel is used with the shelf mount package, a
default event loop may be created. The default sets the loop to the size of the current DDR3
partition. The delayed stop is set in the middle of the loop. The default event clip holds
equal video times before and after the event. The default event loop is created by holding
the EVNT button for two
4
seconds or more.
DDR3/SSD event record mode must be set up using the GUI, webserver or command set.
3.3.2 Continuous Record (Only with SSD option)
Continuous record (CR) uses the DDR3 memory as a dynamic buffer for the incoming video
which in turns saves the video frame by frame to the SSD. The dynamic buffer function
compensates for periodic leveling functions and continuous write delays experienced with SSDs.
This DDR3 buffer prevents frame loss during recording.
In CR mode, one can record a video clip that is the full capacity of the SSD (see 3.6 Solid State
Disk (Option) page 19 for capacities and typical record lengths). If a clip currently resides on the
SSD, one may record a new clip to the limit of the unused capacity.
If the clip value specified by RECORD ##
5
is zero (00) the 6520 will record the new clip in the
next available SSD space. If an existing clip number is specified (non-zero value), the clip
identified by the clip number will be overwritten and the previous video recording will be lost. If
the new recording is longer than the clip being overwritten, recording will continue in unrecorded
space up to the unrecorded capacity of the selected media or until a stop is initiated.
3.3.3 Continuous Record with RM or Remote Panel
In the RM package or using the remote control panel, continuous record is initiated by
setting the system to save to SSD (>SSD). Tap this button. When illuminated, the 6520
will record clips directly to the SSD. From this panel control, a new clip will be written
using the next clip number and will record when REC is tapped until the end of SSD capacity or
until STOP is tapped. To return to DDR3 record (default) tap >SSD until this button is no longer
illuminated. When STOP is tapped, the REC button will flash until any frames remaining in the
DDR3 buffer are saved to the SSD.
3.3.4 Save DDR3 Clips to SSD automatically (requires SSD option)
4
Two seconds is the factory default, however it is user programmable from 0.5 seconds to 5.0 seconds in 0.1 second
increments.
5
The clip number referenced here is NOT a part of the clip file name. It is an index reference used by the 6520 to
locate files of the user‟s choosing. The clip file name associated with this number may change any time a clip is
erased or a clip is overwritten by a new clip.
6520 Inserter-Recorder Operation Manual Page 13
Either by Ethernet command, RM front panel or remote control panel, the 6520 may be set
to automatically save a clip recorded to DDR3 to SSD. When so configured, when either a
stop after record or a delayed stop (ER mode) occurs, the recorder will immediately begin to
save the clip to SSD using the next clip number. If the SSD has insufficient capacity, all complete
frames that may be saved will be saved. In this instance, an incomplete clip will be saved and will
be indicated in the RM and remote control panel by flashing the >SSD button and in the
shelf mount package flashing the SSD LED.
This condition will remain until power is removed, a command is sent to take the recorder
out of auto-save mode, or the >SSD button is depressed and held until the button is no longer
illuminated.
3.3.5 SSD Operation
When the SSD option is purchased, a door is found on the front panel that may be opened/secured
with a thumbscrew. The SSD is installed in a slot behind a protective door of the 6520. The door
has an integrated weather seal to minimize the introduction of contaminates into the SSD frame.
While there are no interlocks to prevent it, it is highly recommended that this door be closed and
secured at all times whether an SSD is installed or not. This is especially important when
operating the recorder at ambient temperatures over 40ºC.
When the door is open, a slot is available to insert the SSD. It may only be inserted one way. If it
is attempted to insert it upside down, it will not mount. Do not force it.
When inserting and SSD, open the door, slide the SSD in place and fully seat it. Use the supplied
key to lock the SSD in place. The SSD will not operate unless it is locked in place. The lock
secures the SSD and connects power to the drive installed internally in the SSD carrier.
To remove the SSD, open the door, unlock with the key and press the tab. The tab should extend
at first. Press it a second time and it should disengage the SSD from the frame for easy removal.
Close and secure the 6520 door immediately to reduce the introduction of contaminates to the
internal elements of the system and ensure the system cooling operates efficiently.
SSD option information is found in 3.6 Solid State Disk (Option) page 19.
When inserted and locked, the 6520 will access the SSD to determine the status (formatted,
unformatted, presence of previously recorded clips). The operator may choose to
1. format the SSD,
2. erase a previously recorded clip,
3. erase all previously recorded clips,
4. play a previously recorded clip
5. If properly formatted, begin record or playback operations as appropriate.
6. Clear the SSD
3.4 Status Screen
The 6520 will compose a 720p/60 frame that may be viewed at the Playback SDI output port. On
power up, this screen (when an attached SDI display has synchronized with the SDI stream) will
present initialization information as shown below.
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