MOTU HDX-SDI User manual

™
MOTU HDX- SDI
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 APPLIANCETO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
CAUTION:TO REDUCETHE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICINGTO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TOTOUCHTHETERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVINGTHE PLUGTO OR FROM THE OUTLET.
WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDEDTHE 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 FROM THE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A PERMANENT GROUND SUCH ASTO 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

3
Contents
5
Quick Reference: HDX-SDI Front Panel
6 Quick Reference: HDX-SDI Rear Panel
7
Quick Reference: MOTU Video Setup
9
About the HDX-SDI
13
Packing List and Mac System Requirements
15 Installing the HDX-SDI Hardware
29
Installing the HDX-SDI Mac OS X Software
31
HDX-SDI Basics
33
MOTU Video Setup
43
Final Cut Pro
51
Troubleshooting
53
Video Formats
55 HDX-SDI Specifications
57
DB25 to XLR Pin Outs
59
Index

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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 powers up when you switch on your computer and powers down when you switch 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.
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. TheTime Code Display rolls whenever the HDX-SDI is
converting time code,either from the time code input or perhaps from SDI-embedded time code.It also rolls during playback from host software (Final Cut 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 Setup to make audio bank assignments.See “Audio tab”on page 41.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 MOTUVideo Setup software) to display a second bank of audio channels (9-16).
10. TheTime Code Lock LED illuminates when the HDX-SDI is
converting time code.TheVideo Ref LED flashes when theVideo ref input has been activated in the MOTUVideo Setup software,and it glows solid when genlock has been successfully achieved.
11. TheVIDEO STATUS sectionindicates which HDX-SDI video
input is chosen as the current video source.This setting is made in the MOTU Video Setup 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 adapter on a desktop machine, the HDX-SDI 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.
8 1110731 2 4 5 6 9 12

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 theTHRU/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 time code input and output here,to the LTC IN
and LTC OUT.The HDX-SDI supports all standard time code 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 DB25 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 DB25 to XLR breakout cable to this DB25 connector.When you do so,the BNC AES/EBU output jack mirrors DB25 channels 1-2.The BNC inputs,however,are mutually exclusive from the DB25 inputs,and you must choose one input or the other in MOTU Video Setup.See “Audio tab”on page 41.
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 Final Cut Pro and use features such as Batch Capture and Edit toTape.
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

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,“MOTUVideo Setup”
(page 33).
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).

8

CHAPTER
9
1About the HDX-SDI
OVERVIEW
The HDX-SDI is a PCI Express video interface for
Mac that provides broadcast-quality video capture
and monitoring for Apple Final Cut Pro.
The HDX-SDI 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 all the
video and audio I/O needed to produce broadcast
quality HD and SD video material.
In Final Cut Pro,the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI is the
ideal all-in-one video capture solution for any
ProRes workflow.
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 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 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 time code, 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 PCI- 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 Apple Final Cut Pro.

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 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.
■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 lookup tables (CLUT) — provides
flexible, industry-standard color adjustment with
separate color lookup tables for capture and
playback.
■Sync and machine control — advanced sync
features include time code, large front panel time
code 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

ABOUT THE HDX-SDI
11
■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 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 DB25 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 DB25 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
DB25 breakout cable (purchased 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 time
code I/O, video ref with loop through, large front
panel time code 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
Final Cut or Premiere 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.
■Time code in and out — generate and resolve to
time code (LTC, SD VITC or embedded).
■Front panel time code display — provides
frame-accurate time code readout when
converting time code, or during playback from
host software.
■RS-422 machine control — control the
transports of a connected camera or video deck
using Final Cut Pro or other machine control host
via standard 9-pin protocol.

ABOUT THE HDX-SDI
12
■Direct Digital Synthesis — DSP-driven phase
lock engine provides ultra-low jitter.
POWER
■International auto-switching internal power
supply

CHAPTER
13
2Packing List and Mac 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 CD
■Product registration card
MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The HDX-SDI 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 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!

PACKING LIST AND MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
14

CHAPTER
15
3Installing the HDX-SDI Hardware
OVERVIEW
Here’s an overview for installing the HDX-SDI:
Precautions before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing the PCI card adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing the ExpressCard adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connect the HDX-SDI to your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power-up/power-down sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connect video inputs and outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Example HDX-SDI video connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Example HDX-SDI audio connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Video sync connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Time code connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
RS-422 machine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Syncing digital audio devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI,
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 HDX-SDI 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.

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI HARDWARE
16
6Remove the HDX-SDI PCI card from its anti-
static bag.
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
HDX-SDI 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
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 (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.

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI HARDWARE
17
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.
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 3-1.
Figure 3-1: Connecting the HDX-SDI to the computer.
☛If you purchased the HDX-SDI 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
HDX-SDI I/O“PCIe CARD” jack as shown below
in Figure 3-2.
Figure3-2: Making the connection from the computer to the
HDX-SDI.
☛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 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.
However, when using the PCIe card adapter on a
desktop machine, the HDX-SDI 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.

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI HARDWARE
18
CONNECT VIDEO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
The HDX-SDI provides a wealth of video input
and output connectivity, from consumer analog
formats such as S-video and composite to
broadcast formats such as HD-SDI.
Support for both NTSC and PAL
The HDX-SDI 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 34.
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
HDX-SDI front panel,or you can use the two BNC
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 34.
Connect any S-video source, including consumer
or prosumer camcorders, desktop video
converters,VTRs, etc. For best results, use
standard, high-quality shielded BNC 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 BNC 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 Mode” on page 37 for details.
Composite (CVBS) input
You have two choices for connecting composite
(CVBS) input: you can use the RCA jack on the
HDX-SDI front panel labeled VIDEO, or you can
use the BNC 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 34.
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 or BNC
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 BNC 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 Mode”
on page 37 for details.
Figure 3-3: The HDX-SDI video connectors.

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI HARDWARE
19
Component
The HD/SD Analog Video Section (Figure 3-3)
provides either HD or SD component input and
output. The HDX-SDI 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 BNC cables.
Configuring the analog video section
The HDX-SDI component input and output
supports YPbPr or RGB operation,as shown by the
labeling below the connectors in the Analog Video
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 34. For the component outputs,
see “Analog Output Mode” on page 37. 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 HDX-SDI 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 37 and “480i
Setup”on page 37. For PAL (576i) and HD
component operation, the HDX-SDI supports the
industry standard SMPTE/EBU N10 specification.
HD-SDI and SD-SDI
The HDX-SDI provides HD-SDI or SD-SDI input
and output in professional, broadcast quality
10-bit 4:2:2 resolution.A second, duplicate SDI
output is provided, allowing you to connect a
second SDI output device. For example, you could
connect both an HD monitor and an HD video
deck.
For best results, be sure to use cables that are
designed for SDI use (such as Belden part number
8281,or similar).The HDX-SDI has been designed
to support SDI cable lengths up 500 feet with SDI
rated cables.
HDMI
The HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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
HDX-SDI’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

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI HARDWARE
20
make a software setting that changes the
HDX-SDI’s HDMI output signal to the DVI
format. See “HDMI format” on page 37.
EXAMPLE HDX-SDI VIDEO CONNECTIONS
Here is an example of the types of video devices
that you can connect to the HDX-SDI.You can mix
and match HD and SD sources and destinations,
connect them all, and then choose the desired
source from the MOTUVideo Setup software.
Figure 3-4: HDX-SDI 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)
HD-SDI
IN
HD broadcast VTR
HDMI IN
Large format
consumer plasma or LCD
monitor
HD camera
HD-SDI OUT
HD-SDI IN
HD reference monitor
HD camera
HD Component OUT
HD camera
HDMI out