MOTU HDX-SDI User manual

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software
TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USETHIS 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 © 2011, 2010, 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 (617) 576-2760 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. 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.
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1
Contents
Part 1: Getting Started
3
Quick Reference: HDX-SDI Front Panel
4
Quick Reference: HDX-SDI Rear Panel
5
Quick Reference: MOTU Video Console
7
About the HDX-SDI
11
Packing List and System Requirements
13
Installing the HDX-SDI Windows Software
15
Installing the HDX-SDI Hardware
Part 2: Using the HDX-SDI
31
HDX-SDI Basics
33
MOTU Video Console
43
Adobe Premiere Pro
Part 3: Appendices
55
Troubleshooting
57
DB-25 to XLR Pin Outs
59
Index
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2
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 REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERSTOTOUCHTHE TERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVINGTHE PLUG TO OR FROM THE OUTLET.
WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED THE MOTU HDX-SDI COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
The MOTU HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 FROMTHE 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 HDX-SDI plug.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read these instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the HDX-SDI.
2. Keep these instructions.These safety instructions and the HDX-SDI owner’s manual should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings. All warnings on the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI near water.
6. Cleaning - Unplug the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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
HDX-SDI.
12. Power switch - Install the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI.When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
16. Surge protection - Unplug the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI, the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI, 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
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Part 1
GettingStarted
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Quick Reference: HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI.
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.
4. Keep this switch in the down position to enable AUTO ON
mode.When AUTO ON mode is enabled you can leave the
main power switch (item #12) on and the HDX-SDI will
power up when you power on your computer and power
down when you power off your computer.
5. The HOST light illuminates when the HDX-SDI interface
successfully establishes communication with the
computer via the PCIe card or ExpressCard adapter.
6. The GENLOCK light glows when the HDX-SDI has success-
fully locked to the currently selected clock source.The
CAPTURE light glows when the HDX-SDI is capturing or
previewing video;the MONITOR light glows when the
HDX-SDI is playing back (whether still-framed or not).
7. TheTimecode Display rolls whenever the HDX-SDI is
converting timecode,either from the timecode input or
perhaps from SDI-embedded timecode.It also rolls
during playback from host software (Premiere Pro) and
reflects the position of the play head on the time line.
8. This bank of audio level meters is for Bank A (channels
1-8).The four-segment meters above show input;the
round activity LEDs in the bottom row show output.The
HDX-SDIprovidesseveral8-channel banks of audio input
and output,which you can assign to either Bank A or
Bank B (channels 9-16).Formats include Analog,HDMI
embedded,SDI embedded and AES/EBU digital.For
input,there is also a mixed bank of stereo RCA and BNC
AES/EBU.Use MOTUVideo Console to make audio bank
assignments.See “Audio tab”on page 43.NOTE:these
meters and activity LEDs only operate when audio is
actually being sent to/from the computer.For example,
if audio is being fed to HDX-SDI inputs,but no host appli-
cation is running on the computer to receive the audio,
the meters won’t reflect the audio input.
9. This bank of audio activity meters can be programmed
(via the MOTU Video Console software) to display a
second bank of audio channels (9-16).
10. TheTimecode Lock LED illuminates when the HDX-SDI is
converting timecode.The Video Ref LED flashes when
theVideo ref input has been activated in the MOTU Video
Console software,and it glows solid when genlock has
been successfully achieved.
11. TheVIDEO STATUS sectionindicateswhich HDX-SDI video
input is chosen as the current video source.This setting is
made in the MOTU Video Console software.
12. With AUTO ON mode enabled (see item #4) and this
main power switch flipped to the on position,the
HDX-SDI will power on and off with your computer.
When using the HDX-SDI 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 on a desktop machine,the
HDX-SDI rack-mount interface must be connected and
powered on before powering on the computer.Similarly,
you must power down the computer before powering on
or disconnecting the HDX-SDI.If the interface is discon-
nected or powered off before the computer is powered
down,you’ll need to restart the computer to bring the
interface back online.
8 1110731 2 4 5 6 9 12
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Quick Reference:HDX-SDI Rear Panel
4
1. Connect blackburst or another video reference signal
to theVIDEO REF IN.If the HDX-SDI is at the end of the
video sync daisy chain,flip the THRU/TERM switch to
the 75ΩTERM position.If you are daisy-chaining
another device,flip it to THRU.This jack also supports
HD Tri-level sync.
2. Connect timecode input and output here,to the LTC IN
and LTC OUT.The HDX-SDI supports all standard
timecode formats.
3. If you only need two channels of AES/EBU digital
audio I/O,connect them to these BNC jacks.If you
need eight channels,connect a breakout cable to the
DB-25 connector to the right.
4. These eight gold-plated,balanced +4 dB TRS
(tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch analog inputs and
outputs are equipped with 24-bit converters that
support sample rates from 44.1 kHz up to 96 kHz.
These connectors can also accept an unbalanced plug.
5. If you need more than stereo AES/EBU input/output,
connect an 8-channel DB-25 to XLR breakout cable to
this DB-25 connector.When you do so, the BNC
AES/EBU output jack mirrors DB-25channels 1-2.The
BNC inputs,however,are mutually exclusive from the
DB-25inputs,and you must choose one input or the
other in MOTU Video Console.See “Audio tab”on
page 43.
6. Connect HD-SDI or SD-SDI devices here.The SDI
outputs provide the same (duplicated) signal on both
outputs,so you can route SDI output to both a monitor
and a deck,for example.
7. Connect component HD or SD input and output here.
The analog video I/O section of the HDX-SDI 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.
8. Connect a plasma,LCD, DLP or other HDMI-equipped
monitor here.Alternately,you can connect a
DVI-equipped device with an adapter cable.The
HDX-SDI 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.
9. Connect the HDX-SDI 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.
10. For 9-pin machine control over an RS-422 equipped
device,such as a VTR or camera,connect it here.This
allows you to control the transport of the device from
Premiere Pro.
11. The HDX-SDI has an internal,international,auto-
switching power supply.Connect any AC power source
from 100V to 240V.
1 2 3 5 7
11
6
8910
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CHAPTER
7
Quick Reference: MOTU Video Console
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,“MOTUVideo Console”
(page 35).
Indicates when the HDX-SDI has
successfully achieved lockup to the
currently selected clock source,which
could be the HDX-SDI’s internal clock,
the video REF IN jack or the current
video input source.
The status area tells you what mode
the HDX-SDI 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).
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8
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CHAPTER
9
1About the HDX-SDI
OVERVIEW
The HDX-SDI is a PCI Express video interface for
Windows that provides broadcast-quality video
capture and monitoring for Adobe Premiere Pro.
The HDX-SDI connects to a PC desktop computer
via a standard PCI Express card or a PC laptop via
an ExpressCard adapter and turns the computer
into a powerful HD/SD video production
workstation equipped with all the video and audio
I/O needed to produce broadcast quality HD and
SD video material.
In Premiere Pro, the HDX-SDI supports playback
of any video format supported natively by Premiere
Pro, including uncompressed, P2, XDCAM, HDV,
and AVCHD.Video can be captured as 8- or 10-bit
uncompressed, or as DVCPRO, DVCPro 50, or
DVCPRO HD.
The HDX-SDI 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 Premiere Pro. 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 HDX-SDI.
A wide range of video equipment can be connected
to the HDX-SDI, from legacy SD camcorders and
CRT monitors to the latest HD cameras, video
decks, LCD reference monitors and plasmas.
The HDX-SDI provides advanced synchronization
and machine control features, including support
for timecode, 9-pin machine control, and video
reference. For audio synchronization, the
HDX-SDI employs Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS),
a DSP-driven phase lock engine that delivers fast
lockup times and sub-frame accuracy.
The HDX-SDI is housed in a rugged aluminum
alloy chassis with a standard 19-inch,single-space,
rack-mountable form factor. Included rack
mounting brackets can easily be removed for
convenient desktop operation.
The HDX-SDI 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 PCIe- or
ExpressCard-equipped computer.
■Tower or laptop operation — connects to a Mac
or PC tower via PCI Express for ultra-fast
operation, or connect 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 Adobe Premiere Pro.
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ABOUT THE HDX-SDI
10
■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 all codecs supported natively by
Premiere Pro — monitor any host-based codecs
supported by Premiere Pro.
■Support for file-based workflows — lets you edit
and monitor file-based workflow codecs supported
natively in Premiere Pro, including HDV, XD
CAM, P2/DVCPro,AVCHD, 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 lookup tables — provides flexible,
industry-standard color adjustment with separate
color lookup tables for capture and playback.
■Sync and machine control — advanced sync
features include timecode, large front panel
timecode display, video ref input and 9-pin
machine control.
■Comprehensive audio — capture or monitor up
to 16 channels of audio via any two 8-channel
banks of TRS analog, AES/EBU digital or
embedded (SDI or HDMI) at sample rates up to
96kHz.
■Single rack space form factor with dedicated
connectors — no cable swapping or gangly,
inconvenient breakout cables.
■International auto-switching internal power
supply with powersave mode.
VIDEO I/O
The HDX-SDI provides comprehensive video
input and output connectivity. The SDI section
supplies two mirrored outputs so that you can
connect both a deck and a monitor simultaneously.
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 HD/SD-SDI in and out (4:2:2 10-bit) on BNC
connectors
■1 x extra HD/SD-SDI output BNC connector
■1 x HDMI in and out (4:2:2 10-bit,YCbCr or
RGB)
■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 BNCs
■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 BNC
■1 x S-Video in and out (10-bit Y/C) on shared
BNC
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
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ABOUT THE HDX-SDI
11
■Supported Premiere Pro HD formats —
Uncompressed HD (8-bit and 10-bit),DVCProHD
720p at all eight frame rates listed above, plus
DVCProHD 1080 (1280 and 1440 rasters) at all
1080 frame rates listed above
■Supported Premiere Pro SD formats —
Uncompressed 8-bit and 10-bit, DVCPro and
DVCPro 50 at 486i29.97 and 576i25
AUDIO I/O
The HDX-SDI delivers comprehensive audio
capture and monitoring in stereo or full surround
with support for both 5.1 or 7.1 configurations.
The HDX-SDI provides four 8-channels banks of
audio output: analog,AES/EBU digital, SDI
embedded, and HDMI embedded.All four banks
can be active at once, and each can be
independently assigned to either channels 1-8
(Bank A) or 9-16 (Bank B).
The HDX-SDI also provides four banks of audio
input: analog, AES/EBU on DB-25 breakout,
SDI/HDMI embedded, and one mixed bank of
stereo AES/EBU on BNC connectors plus stereo
analog on RCA connectors.Any two banks can be
active at one time, except for the mixed bank,
which cannot be active at the same time as either
the analog bank or the AES/EBU DB-25 bank.
The HDX-SDI’s bank of quarter-inch analog TRS
connectors makes it a snap to connect cameras and
a wide range of video and audio gear up to eight
channels at a time.
■16 channels of simultaneous audio input and
output
■Supports all standard audio sample rates from
44.1 to 96kHz
■8 x quarter-inch TRS analog in and out via direct
connection (no breakout cable)
■2 x RCA analog input on the front panel for SD
Composite/S-Video capture
■2 x AES/EBU digital in and out on BNC
connectors
■8 x AES/EBU digital in and out on standard
DB-25 breakout cable (sold separately)
■8 x HD/SD-SDI embedded audio in and out
■8 x HDMI embedded audio in and out
■Front panel headphone jack with dedicated
volume control
■Front panel audio channel metering — two
8-channel banks of status LEDs
SYNC AND DEVICE CONTROL
The HDX-SDI provides comprehensive video and
audio synchronization features, including
timecode I/O, video ref with loop through, large
front panel timecode readout and RS-422 (Sony 9-
pin) machine control.
Synchronize your HDX-SDI system with reliable
performance and fast lock-up times. Perform
batch capture and edit/export to tape operations in
Premiere Pro with a 9-pin compatible camera or
deck connected to the HDX-SDI.
■Video reference in and thru — resolve to
blackburst, composite or HD Tri-level sync.
■Timecode in and out — generate and resolve to
timecode (LTC, SD VITC or embedded).
■Front panel timecode display — provides frame-
accurate timecode readout when converting
timecode, or during playback from host software.
■RS-422 machine control — control the
transports of a connected camera or video deck
using Premiere Pro.
■Direct Digital Synthesis — DSP-driven phase
lock engine provides ultra-low jitter.
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 11 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM

ABOUT THE HDX-SDI
12
POWER
■International auto-switching internal power
supply
INCLUDED SOFTWARE AND
COMPATIBILITY
■MOTU Video console software — provides
complete control of all programmable features and
settings.
■Supports Premiere Pro CS5 (version 5.0.3) or
later
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 12 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM

CHAPTER
13
2Packing List and
System Requirements
PACKING LIST
The HDX-SDI ships with the items listed below. If
any of these items are not present in your
HDX-SDI box when you first open it, please
immediately contact your dealer or MOTU.
■One HDX-SDI with removable rack ears
■One HDMI cable
■One PCI card or ExpressCard adapter
■One power cord
■One HDX-SDI Mac/Windows manual
■One software installer disc
■Product registration card
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The HDX-SDI system requires the following
Windows system:
■Intel Core 2 Duo,AMD Phenom II,or equivalent
64-bit processor; multiple processors or multi-core
processor required
■Available PCI Express slot or ExpressCard slot
■2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more is recommended
■Windows 7 or Vista, 64-bit versions only; Vista
SP1 or later required
■Large hard disk drive, preferably at least 500 GB
■Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 or CS5.5; version 5.0.3
or later required
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Please register your HDX-SDI 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!
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 13 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM

PACKING LIST AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
14
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 14 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM

CHAPTER
15
3Installing the HDX-SDI Windows
Software
IMPORTANT! INSTALL THE HDX-SDI
SOFTWARE FIRST!
Before you connect the HDX-SDI interface to your
computer and turn it on, run the HDX-SDI
Software Installer. This ensures that all the
HDX-SDI components are properly installed in
your system.
If Windows asks you to locate the drivers
If you’ve already connected the HDX-SDI to your
computer and switched it on,Windows probably
issued an alert notifying you that the HDX-SDI
requires drivers, followed by another window
asking you to locate the drivers. If this happens:
1Cancel the driver search.
2Run the HDX-SDI Software Installer as
instructed in the next section.
INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI SOFTWARE
Install the HDX-SDI software as follows:
1Insert the HDX-SDI Installer disc; or, if you
have downloaded the MOTUVideo installer,locate
the folder containing the download.
2If there are Read Me files or other documents
containing installation assistance or other
important information, review each one.
3Open the installer application.
4Follow the installer’s directions.
The HDX-SDI ships with the following software
for Windows:
Software
component Purpose
For more
information
MOTU Sequence
presets
Provides sequence
presets for Premiere
Pro. These help you
quickly configure Pre-
miere for the
HDX-SDI.
See “Sequence
presets” on
page 46
MOTU PCI
Video
Console
Provides access to all
of the HDX-SDI’s
video settings.
See chapter 6,
“MOTU Video
Console”
(page 35)
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 15 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI WINDOWS SOFTWARE
16
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 16 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM

CHAPTER
17
4Installing the HDX-SDI Hardware
OVERVIEW
Here’s an overview for installing the HDX-SDI:
Did you run the software installer first? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Precautions before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the PCI Express card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the ExpressCard adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connect the HDX-SDI to your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power-up/power-down sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connect video inputs and outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Example HDX-SDI video connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Example HDX-SDI audio connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Video sync connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Timecode connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
RS-422 machine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Syncing digital audio devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
DID YOU RUN THE SOFTWARE INSTALLER
FIRST?
Before installing the HDX-SDI hardware in your
computer, be sure to run the software installer first.
See chapter 3,“Installing the HDX-SDI Windows
Software” (page 15).
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Installing the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI PCIe card in its anti-static
bag until you are ready to install it.
■When you are ready to begin installation, have
the PCIe card, 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 HDX-SDI PCIe 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 EXPRESS CARD
If you have a PCI Express card for the HDX-SDI,
install it as follows:
1Power off and unplug your computer.
☛Failure to do so may result in serious shock or
injury.
2Open your computer.
3Find an available PCI Express slot.
4Remove the slot cover, if necessary.
5Before removing the HDX-SDI PCIe 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.
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 17 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI HARDWARE
18
6Remove the HDX-SDI PCIe card from its anti-
static bag.
7Gently but firmly insert the card into any
available PCIe slot.
Figure 4-1: Inserting the HDX-SDI PCIe card.
8Secure the bulkhead of the card to the computer
chassis with the bolt from the slot cover.
☛We strongly recommend securing the
HDX-SDI PCIe 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
HDX-SDI, 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 adapter (the side with the label on it)
facing up and the mini-HDMI connector (the
smaller of the two connectors) facing out.
Figure 4-2: Inserting the HDX-SDI ExpressCard adapter.
4Push the adapter into the slot until it clicks into
place.
☛Do not force the ExpressCard adapter 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 adapter
To safely remove 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.
CONNECT THE HDX-SDI 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 4-3.
HDX-SDI Manual Win Page 18 Friday, April 8, 2011 11:54 AM
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