MOTU HD Express User manual

™
HD Express
User’s Guide for Mac OS X
1280 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Business voice: [phone]
Business fax: [phone]
Web site: www.motu.com
Tech support: www.motu.com/support

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
CAUTION! READ THIS SAFETY GUIDE BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION OR OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES: CONTACT MAY CAUSE ELECTRIC SHOCK OR BURN.TURN OFF UNIT BEFORE SERVICING.
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSETHIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
CAUTION:TO REDUCETHE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TOTOUCHTHE TERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVING THE PLUG TO OR FROM THE OUTLET.
WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED THE MOTU HD Express COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
The MOTU HD Express is equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounding type plug which has a grounding prong, approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association.This plug
requires a mating three-conductor grounded type outlet as shown in Figure A below. If the outlet you are planning to use for the MOTU HD Express is of the two prong type, DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER THE
GROUNDING PRONG IN ANY MANNER. Use an adapter as shown below and always connect the grounding lug to a known ground. It is recommended that you have a qualified electrician replace the TWO
prong outlet with a properly grounded THREE prong outlet. An adapter as illustrated below in Figure B is available for connecting plugs to two-prong receptacles.
WARNING:THE GREEN GROUNDING LUG EXTENDING FROM THE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTEDTO A PERMANENT GROUND SUCH AS TO A
PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET BOX. NOT ALL OUTLET BOXES ARE PROPERLY GROUNDED.
If you are not sure that your outlet box is properly grounded, have it checked by a qualified electrician. NOTE:The adapter illustrated is for use only if you already have a properly grounded two-prong
receptacle. Adapter is not allowed in Canada by the Canadian Electrical Code. Use only three wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding type plugs and three-prong receptacles which
will accept the MOTU HD Express plug.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read these instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the HD Express.
2. Keep these instructions.These safety instructions and the HD Express owner’s manual should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings. All warnings on the HD Express and in the owner’s manual should be adhered to.
4. Follow all Instructions. All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Do not use the HD Express near water.
6. Cleaning - Unplug the HD Express from the computer and clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
7. Ventilation - Do not block any ventilation openings.Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Heat - Do not install the HD Express near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or another apparatus (including an amplifier) that produces heat.
9. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
10. Grounding - Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.The wide blade
or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult and electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Power cord - Protect the HD Express power cord from being walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the HD Express.
12. Power switch - Install the HD Express so that the power switch can be accessed and operated at all times.
13. Disconnect - The main plug is considered to be the disconnect device for the HD Express and shall remain readily operable.
14. Accessories - Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
15. Placement - Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the HD Express.When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
16. Surge protection - Unplug the HD Express during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
17. Servicing - Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the HD Express has been damaged in any way, such as when a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the HD Express, the HD Express has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
18. Power Sources - Refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions for power requirements.Be advised that different operating voltages may require the use of a different line cord and/or attachment plug.
19. Installation - Do not install the HD Express in an unventilated rack, or directly above heat-producing equipment such as power amplifiers. Observe the maximum ambient operating temperature listed below.
20. Power amplifiers- Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly to any of the unit’s connectors.
21. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
22. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU HD Express, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.
ENVIRONMENT
Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE
Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from an AC wall outlet. Grasp it by the plug.Do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not place objects containing liquids on it.
AC INPUT
100 - 240VAC ~ • 50 / 60Hz • 20 Watts.
3-prong plug
Grounding prong
Properly grounded 3-prong outlet
Grounding lug
Screw
3-prong plug
Adapter
Make sure this is connected to
a known ground.
Two-prong receptacle
Figure A Figure B

3
Contents
5
Quick Reference: HD Express Front Panel
6 Quick Reference: HD Express Rear Panel
7
Quick Reference: MOTU Video Setup
9
About the HD Express
11
Packing List and Mac System Requirements
13 Installing the HD Express Hardware
21
Installing the HD Express Mac OS X Software
23
HD Express Basics
25
MOTU Video Setup
33
Final Cut Pro
41
Troubleshooting
43
Video Formats
45 HD Express Specifications
47
Index

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software
TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT:carefully read all the
terms and conditions of the “click-wrap” license agreement presented to you when
you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation.
Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright,
trademark, and trade-secret laws.Your right to use the program and the
documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license
agreement.
Reminder of the terms of your license
This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms.The actual
license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the software.
That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and MOTU to
all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is
incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement, the terms of the
click-wrap agreement prevail.
YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically transfer
the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only
one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the
computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the
program solely for backup purposes.You must reproduce and include the copyright
notice on a label on any backup copy.
YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others;
(b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c) provide use of
the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or
multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of MOTU; (d) translate,
adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or
related documentation without the prior written consent of MOTU.
MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is
recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a
period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your
receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the
product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to replace the disk(s) under this
Limited Warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF,
AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH
EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.THE
LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO
EVENT SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR
DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD
PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Update Policy
In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and return
the attached Mark of the Unicorn Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2009 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means
whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.
Limited Warranty on Hardware
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this equipment
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of TWO (2) YEARS from
the date of original retail purchase.This warranty applies only to hardware products;
MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written statements.
If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number.No service will be performed on
any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty
period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138.You must use the product’s original packing
material for in shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the product. Please
include your name, address, telephone number, a description of the problem, and
the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise
Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.
This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident,
abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written permission
of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO TWO (2) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE
AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty.
MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH
MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from state to state.
MOTU, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are trademarks of Mark
of the Unicorn, Inc. Apple, the Apple Logo and Final Cut Pro are registered
trademarks of Apple, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
This equipment has been type 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 in a residential installation.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 or television reception. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio or television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the
following measures:
• Relocate or re-orient the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
If necessary, consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class A (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface
cables in order to comply with the Class A FCC limits on RF emissions.
WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Quick Reference: HD Express Front Panel
1. Connect an SD source here,such as a camcorder,DVD
player,VHS deck or any other composite or S-Video source.
2. Connect an HDMI source here,such as a camcorder,DVD
player,set-top box,video game console,AV receiver or other HDMI device.Note that many consumer HDMI sources (such as DVD players) implement HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection),which does not allow video capture of copy-protected signals via I/O devices like the HD Express.
3. This is a standard quarter-inch stereo headphone jack.
Its output always matches analog outputs 1-2 on the rear panel.Use the volume knob to control its level.To monitor S/PDIF or HDMI input on this headphone jack, see “Downmix to Output 1-2 on Capture”on page 31.
4. The GENLOCK light glows when the HD Express has
successfully locked to the currently selected clock source.The CAPTURE light glows when the HD Express is capturing or previewing video;the MONITOR light glows when the HD Express is playing back (whether still-framed or not).
5. The HOST light illuminates when the HD Express inter-
face successfully establishes communication with the computer via the PCIe card or ExpressCard.
6. When the power switch is in the AUTO ON position,
the HD Express powers up when you switch on your computer and powers down when you switch off your computer.
7. Keep this switch in the down position to enable AUTO
ON mode.With this main power switch flipped to the AUTO ON position,the HD Express will power on and off with your computer. When using the HD Express rack-mount interface with the laptop ExpressCard adapter, operation is plug-and-play:you can disconnect and reconnect the interface,and freely switch it on or off as desired. When using the PCIe card adapter on a desktop machine,the HD Express rack-mount interface must be connected and switched on before starting up the computer.Similarly, you must shut down the computer before switching it off and/or disconnecting it.If the interface gets disconnected or switched off before computer shut-down,you’ll need to restart the computer to bring the interface back on line.
31 2 54 76

Quick Reference: HD Express Rear Panel
1
1. These six RCA analog outputs provide 5.1 and 7.1
surround sound monitoring.Connect them to a surround speaker system,or to a mixer.They are equipped with 24-bit converters that support sample rates from 44.1 kHz up to 96 kHz.
2. Outputs 1-2 are the main stereo audio outputs. 3. These connectors provide stereo S/PDIF digital audio
input and output.
4. Connect the HD Express to the computer here using any
standard HDMI cable.If you are connecting the inter- face to an ExpressCard adapter for laptop operation,use
a standard HDMI-to-mini-HDMI cable.In either case, it is recommended that you use the supplied cable.If you use another cable,the length should not exceed six feet,and use a high-quality cable.
5. Connect a plasma,LCD,DLP or other HDMI-equipped
monitor here.Alternately,you can connect a DVI-equipped device with an adapter cable.The HD Express supports 8-channel PCM (uncompressed) embedded audio over HDMI,so you could also connect this output to an HDMI-equipped home theater receiver to deliver both picture and multi-channel audio.
6. Connect component HD or SD input and output here.
The HD/SD Component section of the HD Express is equipped with 12-bit converters that deliver 10-bit capture and playback,with support for either RGB or YPbPr component color space.Alternately,you can connect a composite video (CVBS) input or output signal to theY connectors or an S-Video input or output signal to theY/C connectors.
7. The HD Express uses an external,10-24 volt power
supply that provides 12 watts of power.The connector can be either either tip-positive or tip-negative.
75432 6

CHAPTER
7
Quick Reference: MOTU Video Setup
When capturing video,choose the
input source here.Also deter-
mines the clock source for
playback,if the Playback Clock
Source is set to Input Source.
Click a tab to view its settings above.
For complete details on the settings
in these tabs,see chapter 6,“MOTU
Video Setup”(page 25).
Indicates when the HD Express has
successfully achieved lockup to the
currently selected clock source,which
couldbe the HD Express’s internal clock
or the current video input source.
The status area tells you what mode
the HD Express hardware is in.It also
provides helpful troubleshooting info.
Choose the video format that you
wish to capture or play back.
Indicates the video format detected on the
currently chosen video Input Source (above).

8

CHAPTER
9
1
About the HD Express
OVERVIEW
The HD Express is a PCI Express video interface
for Mac that provides broadcast-quality video
capture and monitoring for Final Cut Pro.
The HD Express connects to a Mac desktop
computer via a standard PCI Express card or a Mac
laptop via an ExpressCard adapter and turns the
computer into a powerful HD/SD video
production workstation equipped with broadcast
quality HD and SD video and audio capture and
monitoring.
In Final Cut Pro, the HD Express supports full-
raster 1920 x 1080 HD capture and playback using
any video format supported natively by Final Cut
Pro, including uncompressed, P2 (DVCProHD),
XD CAM, HDV, and Apple’s ProRes 422 codec in
both standard and HQ modes. The HD Express is
the ideal affordable video capture solution for any
ProRes workflow.
The HD Express is ideal for any natively supported
workflow because you can immediately play back
clips (either imported or ingested) with no
transcoding necessary. Conversely, you can
connect any SD or HD video source such as an
HDV camera, legacy video deck or DVD player
and then capture it directly in the format of your
choice in Final Cut. Many cameras now feed their
uncompressed SDI or component output directly
from the camera’s optics and image sensor, before
compression, for the best-possible picture quality
during capture with the HD Express.
A wide range of video equipment can be connected
to the HD Express, from legacy SD camcorders to
the latest HD cameras, video decks, LCD reference
monitors and plasmas.
The HD Express is housed in a rugged aluminum
alloy chassis with a standard half-rack, mountable
form factor. Included rack mounting brackets can
easily be removed for convenient desktop
operation.
The HD Express is designed to streamline your
video production workflow, with unified control
over all your video gear from the convenience of
your computer desktop.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
■ HD/SD PCI Express video interface for Mac and
Windows — provides HD and SD capture and
playback for any current-generation PCI- or
ExpressCard-equipped computer.
■ Tower or laptop operation — connects to a Mac
or PC tower via PCI Express for ultra-fast
operation, or to a laptop via ExpressCard
connectivity for mobile operation.
■ Comprehensive video capture & monitoring —
captures and plays uncompressed video in all
standard SD and HD video formats up to and
including 1080p30 (720p, 1080i, 1080p &
1080PsF).
■ Supports Apple Final Cut Pro.
■ Captures and plays uncompressed HD and SD
— 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth and 1920 x 1080
resolution, all standard HD and SD formats up to
and including 1080p30 (720p, 1080i, 1080p and
1080PsF).
■ Support for ProRes and other popular codecs —
capture and monitor full-raster (1920 x 1080 or
1280 x 720) Apple ProRes, ProRes HQ or other
popular host-based codecs supported by Apple
Final Cut Pro.

ABOUT THE HD EXPRESS
10
■ Support for file-based workflows — lets you edit
and monitor file-based workflow codecs supported
natively in Final Cut Pro, including HDV, XD
CAM, P2/DVCPro, and others with no
transcoding needed.
■ Broadcast quality — 10-bit 4:2:2 signal path
throughout.
■
HDMI capture and monitoring — provides
both HDMI in and out.
■
Color grading — provides flexible, industry-
standard color adjustment with separate controls
for capture and playback.
■ Comprehensive audio — capture stereo analog
or 8-channel embedded HDMI digital audio.
Monitor up to eight channels of surround audio via
RCA analog or HDMI embedded at sample rates
up to 96kHz.
■Half-rack form factor with dedicated connectors
— no cable swapping or gangly, inconvenient
breakout cables.
VIDEO I/O
The HD Express provides comprehensive video
input and output connectivity.
The front panel provides convenient inputs for
legacy SD capture and full 10-bit uncompressed
HDMI capture from today’s latest HD camcorders.
The component section provides both RGB and
YPbPr, but can alternately serve as CVBS
(composite) in/out or even Y/C (S-Video) in/out.
■1 x HDMI in and out (4:2:2 10-bit,YUV)
■Support for DVI output with HDMI-to-DVI
adapter (sold separately)
■1 x HD/SD component in and out (10-bit,YPbPr
or RGB) on RCAs
■1 x composite in (10-bit) on RCA
■1 x S-Video in (10-bit) on 4-pin mini-DIN
■1 x composite in and out (10-bit CVBS) on
shared RCA
■1 x S-Video in/out (10-bit Y/C) on shared RCA
VIDEO FORMATS
■SD — 576i25 (PAL) and 486i29.97 (NTSC)
■HD — 720p23.976, 720p24, 720p25, 720p29.97,
720p30, 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60, 1080p23.976,
1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30,
1080PsF23.976, 1080PsF24, 1080PsF25,
1080PsF29.97, 1080PsF30, 1080i25, 1080i29.97,
1080i30
■Supported Final Cut Pro HD formats —
Uncompressed HD (8-bit and 10-bit),Apple
ProRes or DVCProHD 720p at all eight frame rates
listed above, plus full-raster (1920 x 1080) ProRes
or DVCProHD 1080 (1280 and 1440 rasters) at all
1080 frame rates listed above
■Supported Final Cut SD formats —
Uncompressed 8-bit and 10-bit,Apple ProRes or
DVCPro and DVCPro 50 at 486i29.97 and 576i25
AUDIO I/O
The HD Express provides stereo analog audio
capture and surround sound monitoring with
support for both 5.1 or 7.1 configurations. The
HD Express also provides 8-channel capture and
monitoring of embedded HDMI digital audio
input and output.
■Supports all standard audio sample rates from
44.1 to 96kHz
■2 x RCA analog input on the front panel for SD
Composite/S-Video capture
■2 x S/PDIF digital in and out on RCA connectors
■8 x HDMI embedded audio in and out
■Front panel headphone jack with dedicated
volume control

CHAPTER
11
2Packing List and Mac System
Requirements
PACKING LIST
The HD Express ships with the items listed below.
If any of these items are not present in your
HD Express box when you first open it, please
immediately contact your dealer or MOTU.
■One HD Express with removable rack ears
■One HDMI cable
■One PCI card or ExpressCard adapter
■One power adapter
■HD Express Mac/Windows manuals
■One software installer CD
■Product registration card
MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The HD Express system requires the following Mac
system:
■A multi-processor Intel-based Mac equipped
with at least one PCI Express slot or ExpressCard
slot
■At least 1 GB (gigabyte) of RAM (2 GB or more
is recommended)
■Mac OS X (version 10.5 or later)
■A large hard drive (preferably at least 500 GB)
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Please register your HD Express today. There are
two ways to register.
■Visit www.motu.com/registration to register
online
OR
■Fill out and mail the included product
registration card
As a registered user, you will be eligible to receive
technical support and announcements about
product enhancements as soon as they become
available. Only registered users receive these
special update notices, so please register today.
Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!

PACKING LIST AND MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
12

CHAPTER
13
3Installing the HD Express Hardware
OVERVIEW
Here’s an overview for installing the HD Express:
Precautions before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the PCI card adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the ExpressCard adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connect the HD Express to your computer . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power-up/power-down sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connect video inputs and outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Example HD Express video connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Example HD Express audio connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Installing the HD Express hardware requires the
handling of sensitive electronic components that
can be easily damaged by static electricity, even in
the very small amounts generated by our bodies
every time we move. Please take these basic
precautions before and during installation to avoid
permanently damaging your HD Express
hardware:
■Completely review the installation procedure on
the following pages before you begin the
installation.
■Avoid wool or synthetic clothing, which tends to
generate much more static electricity than cotton.
■Static electricity occurs much more readily in
dry climate conditions. If you can, perform the
installation with a relative humidity of at least 50%.
■Leave the HD Express PCIe host adapter in its
antistatic bag until you are ready to install it.
■When you are ready to begin installation, have
the PCIe adapter, still in its anti-static bag, close by
so it is in within easy reach during installation.
■Before you begin, turn off the computer and
unplug it from any power source. Do the same for
any connected components (hard drives, etc.)
■When handling the HD Express PCI card
adapter, hold it by the silver bulkhead, or by the
edges of the circuit board. Be careful not to touch
the components on the circuit board or the metal
contacts on the insert tab.
INSTALLING THE PCI CARD ADAPTER
If you have a PCI Express card for the HD Express,
install it as follows:
1Switch off and unplug your computer.
☛Failure to do so may result in serious shock or
injury.
2Open your computer.
3Find an available PCI slot.
4Remove the slot cover, if necessary.
5Before removing the HD Express PCI card from
it’s anti-static bag, touch the power supply inside
your computer to discharge any static electricity
that may have built up on you.
6Remove the HD Express PCI card from its anti-
static bag.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE
14
7Gently but firmly insert the card into any
available PCI slot.
8Secure the bulkhead of the card to the computer
chassis with the bolt from the slot cover.
☛We strongly recommend securing the
HD Express PCI card in this manner. Doing so
allows you to ensure secure connections to the card
later on in the installation.
9Place the cover back on your computer.
10 Reconnect the power cord to the computer
before proceeding.
INSTALLING THE EXPRESSCARD ADAPTER
If you have a laptop ExpressCard adapter for the
HD Express, you can install it as follows, with your
laptop computer turned on or off:
1Before removing the ExpressCard adapter from
it’s anti-static bag, touch the metal chassis of your
laptop computer to discharge any static electricity
that may have built up on you.
2Remove the ExpressCard adapter from its anti-
static bag.
3Insert the adapter into the ExpressCard slot on
your laptop computer with the top of the
ExpressCard (the side with the label on it) facing
up and the mini-HDMI connector (the smaller of
the two connectors) facing out.
4Push the adapter into the slot until it clicks into
place.
☛Do not force the ExpressCard into the slot.If it
does not easily slide into place, remove it and try
again.
When the card is properly seated in the slot, it
should be flush with the side of your laptop.
Removing the ExpressCard
To safely removing the ExpressCard adapter, first
disconnect the HDMI cable, and then push the
adapter inwards until you hear and feel it click.
This releases it from its installed position and it
should pop out of the slot far enough for you to
grasp it and gently remove it. Immediately place it
in its anti-static bag.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE
15
CONNECT THE HD EXPRESS TO YOUR
COMPUTER
1Plug one end of the supplied HDMI cable into
the HDMI socket on the PCI card or ExpressCard
adapter as shown below in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1: Connecting the HD Express to the computer.
☛If you purchased the HD Express with an
ExpressCard adapter, the included HDMI cable
has a regular HDMI plug at one end and a smaller,
mini-HDMI plug at the other end. Plug the mini-
HDMI plug into the ExpressCard adapter.
2Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the
HD Express I/O “PCIe CARD”jack as shown
below in Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2:Making the connection from the computer to the
HD Express.
☛When making the connection
from the computer (Figure 3-1) to the
interface (Figure 3-2), be sure to plug
the HDMI cable into the jack labeled
PCIe CARD, as shown in Figure 3-2. DO NOT plug
it into the HDMI OUT jack. The computer must be
connected to the PCIe CARD jack for proper
operation.
POWER-UP/POWER-DOWN SEQUENCE
When using the HD Express rack-mount interface
with the laptop ExpressCard adapter, operation is
plug-and-play: you can disconnect and reconnect
the interface, and freely switch it on or off as
desired.
However, when using the PCIe card adapter on a
desktop machine (connected to the PCIe card),the
HD Express rack-mount interface must be
connected and switched on before starting up the
computer. Similarly, you must shut down the
computer before switching off and/or
disconnecting the HD Express. If the interface gets
disconnected or switched off before computer
shut-down, you’ll need to restart the computer to
bring the interface back on line.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE
16
CONNECT VIDEO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
The HD Express provides a wealth of video input
and output connectivity.
Support for both NTSC and PAL
The HD Express supports both NTSC and PAL
formats on all inputs and outputs. It does not,
however, convert between NTSC and PAL. Instead,
it operates all inputs and outputs in one format or
the other, as determined by the chosen video
source. For details about choosing a video source,
see “Input Source” on page 26.
S-video (Y/C) input
You have two choices for connecting S-video (Y/C)
input: you can use the 4-pin mini-DIN jack on the
HD Express front panel, or you can use the two
RCA inputs on the rear panel labeled “Y” and “C”.
Either way, be sure to make the corresponding
Input Source setting in the software. See “Input
Source” on page 26.
Connect any S-video source, including consumer
or prosumer camcorders, desktop video
converters,VTRs, etc. For best results, use
standard, high-quality shielded RCA or 4-pin
mini-DIN S-video cables.
You can connect the same device to both the input
and output, or you can connect two separate
devices (one to the input and the other to the
output).
S-video (Y/C) output
Connect a monitor or other S-video output device
to the RCA Y/C connectors on the rear panel. Be
sure to make the necessary settings in the software
to change the output of these connectors from
component (the factory default format) to S-video.
See “Analog Output Format”on page 28 for details.
Composite (CVBS) input
You have two choices for connecting composite
(CVBS) input: you can use the RCA jack on the
HD Express front panel labeled VIDEO, or you can
use the RCA input on the rear panel labeled CVBS.
Either way, be sure to make the corresponding
Input Source setting in the software. See “Input
Source” on page 26.
Connect any composite source, including
consumer or prosumer camcorders, desktop video
converters,VTRs, etc. For best results, use a
standard, high-quality shielded video RCA cable.
You can connect the same device to both the input
and output, or you can connect two separate
devices (one to the input and the other to the
output).
Composite (CVBS) output
Connect a monitor or other composite output
destination to the RCA CVBS connector on the
rear panel. Be sure to make the necessary settings
in the software to change the output of these
connectors from component (the factory default
format) to composite.See “Analog Output Format”
on page 28 for details.
Figure 3-3: The HD Express video connectors.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE
17
Component
The HD/SD Component Section (Figure 3-3)
provides either HD or SD component input and
output. The HD Express provides 10-bit analog
performance with 12-bit A/D and D/A converters.
In general, component video signals tend to be
higher quality than composite or S-video, so to
take full advantage of the component format, be
sure to use high quality shielded RCA cables.
Configuring the HD/SD Component section
The HD Express component input and output
supports YPbPr or RGB operation,as shown by the
labeling below the connectors in the HD/SD
Component section.Accordingly, the input and
output jacks in this section can be independently
configured for one of three different analog video
formats:
■Component RGB
■Component YPbPr
■Composite + S-video
This setting is made in the MOTU Video Setup
software. For the component inputs, see “Input
Source” on page 26. For the component outputs,
see “Analog Output Format” on page 28. Be sure
that the mode you choose for each bank matches
the component video source or destination to
which it is connected. If the device you are
connecting supports both RGB and YPbPr, use
YPbPr, as it is the standard for broadcast video.
☛Analog YPbPr component video is sometimes
referred to by other names, such as YUV,
Y/R-Y/B-Y or YCbCr.
SD (480i) component formats
The HD Express supports four different SD
component formats: SMPTE/EBU N10, Sony Beta,
Sony Beta Japan and Panasonic MII.This setting is
made in the MOTU Video Setup software. See
“480i Component Levels” on page 29 and “480i
Setup” on page 28. For PAL (576i) and HD
component operation, the HD Express supports
the industry standard SMPTE/EBU N10 specifi-
cation.
HDMI
The HD Express provides HDMI input and output
in professional, broadcast quality 10-bit 4:2:2
resolution. The input is ideal for capturing video
from HDMI-equipped cameras, many of which
send the video signal to their HDMI output before
it is compressed in the camera.
The HDMI output can be connected to any device
equipped with an HDMI input, such as a plasma
screen,LCD screen or even a home theater receiver.
The HD Express supports up to 8 channels of PCM
(uncompressed) audio output via the HDMI
connection for devices that can receive digital
audio via HDMI.
DVI output
Using a HDMI-to-DVI cable, or a female HDMI-
to-male DVI plug adaptor connected to one end of
an HDMI-to-HDMI cable, you can connect the
HD Express’s HDMI output to the DVI input of
another device, such as a computer monitor. In
addition to the cable connection, you also need to
make a software setting that changes the
HD Express’s HDMI output signal to the DVI
format.See “HDMI format” on page 28.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE
18
EXAMPLE HD EXPRESS VIDEO
CONNECTIONS
Here is an example of the types of video devices
that you can connect to the HD Express.You can
mix and match HD and SD sources and
destinations,connect them all,and then choose the
desired source from the MOTU Video Setup
software.
Figure 3-4: HD Express video connections.
SD camcorder
S-Video OUT
DVD Player
Composite OUT
SD Composite IN
SD VTR (VHS, SVHS, etc.)
S-video IN
SD TV (LCD or plasma)
HDMI IN
Large format
consumer plasma or LCD
monitor
HD camera
HD Component OUT
HD camera
HDMI out

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE
19
CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
The HD Express provides the following audio
input and output:
*HDMI audio is stereo at sample rates above 48kHz when playing or
capturing SD video.
All twelve audio inputs are always active. For audio
output, the HD Express provides two 8-channel
banks (1-8 and 9-16). Both 8-channel output
banks can be enabled at the same time,for a total of
sixteen channels of simultaneous audio output.You
can freely assign the 8-channel analog output,
8-channel HDMI output, and stereo S/PDIF
output to either bank, as desired, for a total of
sixteen channels of simultaneous audio output.
Analog audio I/O
The analog inputs are equipped with digitally
controlled analog trims that provide +18 dB of gain
and -10 dB of cut. To adjust these trims, see
“Analog input trims” on page 31.
The eight RCA analog outputs (Figure 3-5) can be
connected directly to powered speakers,a mixer or
any other analog audio destination.
Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O
The stereo RCA S/PDIF input and output jacks
provide digital audio input and output. Be sure to
use digital audio-grade RCA cables.
Sample rate conversion (SRC)
The stereo S/PDIF input on the HD Express is
sample-rate converted, so you do not need to
worry about digital audio clocking issues when
using it.Simply set the HD Express clock source as
desired (see “Capture Clock Source” on page 27),
and any digital audio transfers will be clean and
trouble-free.
Audio format
Input
channels
Output
channels
96 kHz RCA analog 2 8
96 kHz S/PDIF digital 2 2
96 kHz embedded HDMI* 8 8
8-channel HDMI
embedded in
Stereo RCA
analog in
Headphones
Figure 3-5: The HD Express audio connectors.
Analog audio outputs
Stereo S/PDIF I/O 8-channel HDMI
embedded out

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE
20
EXAMPLE HD EXPRESS AUDIO
CONNECTIONS
Figure 3-6 shows an example of the types of audio
connections you can make between other devices
and the HD Express.
Figure 3-6: HD Express audio connections.
Powered 5.1 or 7.1 surround monitors
VTR
Stereo S/PDIF
digital audio in/out
HD camera Game console
OR
SD camcorder
8 channel
embedded
Home theater receiver