Sony PDW-HD1550 User manual

PROFESSIONAL DISC RECORDER
PDW-HD1550
OPERATION MANUAL [English]
1st Edition (Revised 1)

2Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Features............................................................................................6
Features of this unit ............................................................................... 6
System Configurations ...................................................................9
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
Front Panel .....................................................................................10
Display screen ..................................................................................... 15
Rear Panel ......................................................................................20
Chapter 3 Preparations
Preparing Power Sources .............................................................23
Supplying power.................................................................................. 23
Attaching a battery pack...................................................................... 23
Initial Setup ....................................................................................25
Front Panel Tilt Mechanism ..........................................................26
Connections and Settings ............................................................27
Connections for Content Browser and non-Sony nonlinear editors.... 27
Connections for cut editing ................................................................. 28
Using the editing functions of the recorder (controlling through
REMOTE (9P) connector) ......................................................... 31
Connections for pool coverage............................................................ 32
Synchronization Reference Signals.............................................33
Setting the System Frequency .....................................................34
Setting the Timecode ....................................................................34
Superimposed Text Information...................................................36
Basic Operations of the Function Menu......................................39
Function menu operations ................................................................... 39
Function menu settings........................................................................ 39
Handling Discs...............................................................................42
Discs used for recording and playback................................................ 42
Notes on handling................................................................................ 43
Write-protecting discs ......................................................................... 43

Table of Contents 3
Loading and unloading a disc.............................................................. 43
Formatting a disc ................................................................................. 43
Handling Memory Cards ............................................................... 44
About memory cards............................................................................ 44
Handling External Storage............................................................ 45
Using external storage ......................................................................... 45
Removing external storage .................................................................. 46
Chapter 4 Recording, Playback and Copy
Recording....................................................................................... 48
Preparations for recording ................................................................... 48
Carrying out recording......................................................................... 48
Recording with the HDSDI remote control function........................... 49
Continuing recording while exchanging discs (disc exchange cache
function) ..................................................................................... 50
Handling of discs when recording does not end normally (salvage
functions).................................................................................... 50
Playback ......................................................................................... 52
Playback operation............................................................................... 53
Playback operations using thumbnails................................................. 55
Copying .......................................................................................... 56
Overview.............................................................................................. 56
Copy operations ................................................................................... 56
Chapter 5 Operations on Clip List Screens
Overview......................................................................................... 59
Switching between display screens ..................................................... 59
Information and controls on clip list screens....................................... 60
Clip Menu ............................................................................................ 64
Clip F Menu......................................................................................... 64
Clip Operations.............................................................................. 66
Selecting clips...................................................................................... 66
Searching with thumbnails .................................................................. 66
Playing a clip by thumbnail search...................................................... 67
Setting clip flags .................................................................................. 67
Locking (write-protecting) clips .......................................................... 68
Deleting clips ....................................................................................... 68
Copying clips ....................................................................................... 69
Setting the index picture frame............................................................ 69

4Table of Contents
EDL Editing ....................................................................................69
What is EDL editing? .......................................................................... 69
Creating and editing EDLs .................................................................. 70
Disc Operations .............................................................................73
Checking the disc information ............................................................ 73
Formatting (initializing) discs ............................................................. 73
Finalizing discs.................................................................................... 73
Repairing discs .................................................................................... 74
Chapter 6 File Operations
Overview.........................................................................................75
Directory structure............................................................................... 75
FTPS protocol support......................................................................... 75
File operation restrictions.................................................................... 76
FTP File Operations.......................................................................79
Making FTP connections..................................................................... 79
Command list ...................................................................................... 80
CIFS File Operations .....................................................................83
Making CIFS connections ................................................................... 83
Chapter 7 Menus
Menu System Configuration .........................................................85
Setup Menu ....................................................................................85
Items in the basic menu ....................................................................... 86
Basic menu operations......................................................................... 89
Menu bank operations (menu items B01 to B13)................................ 91
Items in the extended menu................................................................. 92
Maintenance Menu.......................................................................104
Items in the maintenance menu ......................................................... 104
Maintenance menu operations........................................................... 108
Appendix
Important Notes on Operation....................................................111
About the LCD panel ........................................................................ 111
Condensation ..................................................................................... 112
Periodic Maintenance..................................................................112

Table of Contents 5
Operating hours meter ....................................................................... 112
Troubleshooting .......................................................................... 114
Alarms................................................................................................ 114
Error messages................................................................................... 121
Specifications .............................................................................. 122
Using UMID Data.......................................................................... 126
Ancillary Data............................................................................... 128
Ancillary data in HDSDI/SDSDI signals .......................................... 128
Ancillary data in MXF files............................................................... 128
Closed caption data............................................................................ 129
Trademarks and Licenses .......................................................... 130
Trademarks ........................................................................................ 130
MPEG-4 visual patent portfolio license ............................................ 130
MPEG-2 video patent portfolio license ............................................. 130
About IJG (Independent JPEG Group).............................................. 130
Character display software “iType”................................................... 130
Open software licenses ...................................................................... 130
Obtaining GPL/LGPL/GPL V3 licensed software ............................ 131
Index ............................................................................................ 132

6Features
Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1
Overview
Features
The PDW-HD1550 (hereinafter, the “unit”) is a
Professional Disc recorder that supports Full HD (1920 ×
1080) recording on Professional Disc media.
It features enhanced networking and other IT functions,
and is highly compatible with nonlinear editing systems
and network production systems, enabling efficient file-
based operation.
The unit can be used as a player for video editing and
program output, and as a recorder for nonlinear editing.
For these applications, the unit can be connected via its
SDI I/O connectors to earlier nonlinear editors, monitors,
and video equipment with SDI interfaces.
It has a compact, lightweight body for easy portability
outdoors, and can be powered from any of three power
sources: AC, DC, or battery 1) power.
1) BKP-L551 Battery Adaptor is required.
Features of this unit
The principal features of this unit are as follows.
Multiple codecs
MPEG HD422 codec
The MPEG HD422 codec provides video compression
complied with the MPEG-2 422P@HL standard. It enables
HD 4:2:2 (50 Mbps) digital component file recording in
the 1080i (1080 effective scanning lines, interlaced)
format currently in use by many broadcast facilities.
Uncompressed PCM recording of 24-bit 48 kHz audio
enables 8-channel audio recording at high sound quality.
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec 1)
This unit supports the XAVC™ format that complies with
the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec as a recording format and
enables HD 4:2:2 digital component file recording
(CLASS 100) in 1080i (1080 effective scanning lines)
format.
Uncompressed PCM recording of 24-bit 48 kHz audio
enables 8-channel audio recording at high sound quality.
1) Installation of the optional XDBK-106 is required.
Recording to PFD23 Professional Discs is not supported.
Recording and playback functions
Support for MPEG/XAVC/SD with multiple codecs
In addition to the MPEG HD422 codec and XAVC
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec (CLASS 100), this unit
supports the MPEG HD420 codec, allowing HD operation
across a wide range of recording times and application
objectives.
The unit also supports file recording using the DVCAM
codec, and IMX (30/40/50 Mbps) recording and
playback. 1)
1) Playback only for IMX 40 Mbps.
Support for multiple frame frequencies
This unit can record and play MPEG HD422 format video
at frame frequencies of 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P,
23.98P or 720/59.94P, 50P.
It can record and play XAVC format video at frame
frequencies of 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P, 23.98P.
SD up-convert function
The unit can output HD signals while playing Professional
Discs recorded as SD, allowing SD material to be utilized
in an HD environment.
HD down-convert function
The unit is provided with a downconvert function. HD
playback signals can be downconverted to SD signals and
then output as SDSDI or composite signals. This allows
you to use SD nonlinear editors and monitors for editing
and program output.
HDSDI remote recording
HDSDI connections can be made to camcorders with
remote HDSDI support (PDW-700 XDCAM HD422
camcorder, HDW-730/730S/750/790/F900R HDCAM

7
Features
Chapter 1 Overview
camcorders) to enable recording synchronized to REC and
STOP operations on the camcorder.
1080/720 cross-conversion
This unit supports cross-conversion output. It can output
720 while playing discs recorded as 1080, and output 1080
while playing discs recorded as 720.
Recording of proxy AV data
Proxy AV data is low-resolution data (1.5 Mbps video, 64
kbps per audio channel) recorded using MPEG-4. When
the unit records high-resolution data, proxy AV data is
generated and recorded simultaneously. Because of its
small size, proxy AV data can be transferred over a
network at high speed, and significantly reduces the
storage capacity required for recording. Various
applications can readily take advantage of these
characteristics, such as editing on laptop computers or
managing content on inexpensive, small-scale servers.
High-speed searches with the jog and shuttle
dials
The jog and shuttle dials can be used to find scenes inside
clips, in the same way as the jog and shuttle dials on
conventional VTRs.
In jog and variable modes, frame advance search in field
units is supported at up to –2 to +2 times normal speed. In
shuttle mode, you can perform high-speed searches at up
to ±20 times normal speed. High-speed F.FWD and
F.REV searching is possible at ±50 times normal speed.
Convenient playback and searching
Like previous products in the XDCAM series, this unit
supports a number of convenient search functions,
including, thumbnail searches, essence marks searches,
and expand searches.
Thumbnail searches: The unit creates thumbnails from
the first frame of each generated clip, and displays
them in thumbnail lists on the color LCD or an
external monitor. You can cue up clips very easily
simply by selecting them from thumbnail lists.
Essence mark searches: Essence marks can be added to
any scene during or after recording. A list of frames
with essence marks can be displayed on the color
LCD or an external monitor.
Expand searches: This function allows you to look inside
the clip selected on a thumbnail screen, or inside the
segment from a selected essence mark to the next
essence mark. The selection range is divided into 12
equal blocks, and the first frames of those blocks are
displayed as thumbnails. By checking the thumbnails,
you can easily find the scene you want.
Usability features
AC, DC, and battery 1) power support
The unit can be used even where AC power is not
available, for example outdoors or in cars or helicopters. 2)
1) BKP-L551 Battery Adaptor is required.
2) When installing the unit, check that the unit can record and play back
normally before use.
When recording/playing XAVC, use the unit under stable conditions with
no vibration.
Color LCD display
The unit is equipped with a 16:9, 4.3-inch color LCD
which allows you to check the contents of the disc and use
the menu system without connecting an external monitor.
Built-in speakers
The unit features built-in speakers, allowing you to
monitor recorded audio. You can check your clips and
editing results using the color LCD and speakers even
when no monitors or separate speakers are available.
Tiltable front panel
The front panel is tiltable for easy rack-mount and desktop
operation. You can adjust the panel to the angle that makes
the buttons easiest to use.
Cache recording for seamless disc exchanges
When recording is in progress, video and audio data can be
recorded to the unit’s internal memory cache during a disc
exchange (up to about 50 seconds can be cached, including
the time it takes to eject and insert the discs), and then
written back to the newly loaded disc. This allows
seamless recording across extended recording sessions,
including recording of video feeds, with no important
scenes lost while discs are being exchanged.
IT friendly
Equipped with network connector
The unit features a Gigabit Ethernet connector as standard
equipment. Via this connector, you can connect the unit to
computers and networks to enable listing of the video,
audio, and metadata files recorded on the Professional
Disc, and rapid file transfers. Support for FTP commands
makes it easy to carry out network file transfers from
remote locations.
Supports SNMP for maintenance and service
This unit supports Sony’s SNMP-based remote
maintenance and monitoring software. This software
allows you to monitor the status of the hardware via a TCP/
IP network in real time, and to record the results in a status
log.
Supports a variety of interfaces
This unit supports the following input/output signals.
• HDSDI video, 8-channel audio input and output
• SDSDI video, 8-channel audio input and output
(the SD/HDSDI INPUT connector doubles as an
SDSDI/HDSDI input connector)

8Features
Chapter 1 Overview
• HDMI output
• SD composite output
• Analog audio 4-channel input
• Analog audio 2-channel output
• AES/EBU digital audio 4-channel input and output
•Remote
- RS-422A (D-sub 9-pin × 1)
Copying files between USB external
storage and a Professional Disc
The unit is provided with a USB 3.0 interface on the front
panel, allowing you to connect a USB mass storage class
(3 GB to 2 TB) device and use it as external storage. You
can copy clips and clip lists between this external storage
and a disc.
You can also copy clips from SxS memory cards by
connecting the optional SBAC-US20/US30 SxS Memory
Card USB Reader/Writer.
Software Downloads
When the unit is used with a PC connection, download any
device drivers, plug-ins, and application software you
require from the following websites.
Sony Professional products website:
U.S.A. http://pro.sony.com
Canada http://www.sonybiz.ca
Latin America http://sonypro-latin.com
Europe http://www.pro.sony.eu/pro
Middle East, Africa http://sony-psmea.com
Russia http://sony.ru/pro/
Brazil http://sonypro.com.br
Australia http://pro.sony.com.au
New Zealand http://pro.sony.co.nz
Japan http://www.sonybsc.com
Asia Pacific http://pro.sony-asia.com
Korea http://bp.sony.co.kr
China http://pro.sony.com.cn
India http://pro.sony.co.in
Sony Creative Software, software download page:
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/download/
software_for_sony_equipment

9
System Configurations
Chapter 1 Overview
System Configurations
a) For HDW-2000 series only.
PDW-700/PMW-500
RM-280 Editing
Controller
BVE-700
Headphones
HDW-2000 series
PDW-F75
Professional Disc
PDW-F1600
BP-L80S Battery Pack
BKP-L551 Battery
Adaptor
DC power source
AC power source
SD video monitor
HD video monitor
Audio monitor
Laptop computer
The unit can function as a player only when performing linear editing.

10 Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
Chapter 2
Names and Functions of
Parts
Front Panel
The names and symbols of buttons and knobs on the front
panel are color coded according to function.
White: Function when the button or knob is operated
independently.
Orange: Function when the button is operated with the
SHIFT button held down.
Blue: Function related to thumbnail operations.
aOn/standby (1) button and indicator
When the POWER switch on the rear panel is in the @(on)
position, or when DC power is connected to the DC IN
12V connector on the rear panel, this switches the unit
between the operating state (the indicator is lit green) and
the standby state (the indicator is lit red).
When you press this button with the indicator lit red and
hold it down for a short time (0.25 seconds or longer), the
indicator changes to lit green, and the unit enters the
operating state.
When you press this button with the indicator lit green and
hold it down for a longer time (1 second or longer), the
indicator changes to flashing green and then lit red, and the
unit enters the standby state.
When using this unit, normally leave the rear panel
POWER switch in the @position, and use this button to
switch the unit between the operating state and standby
state.
1On/standby button and
indicator
2Audio level adjustment
section (see page 11)
2Remote control switch
3KEY INHI switch
4PHONES jack
5LEVEL adjustment knob
6Recording and playback control section (see page 14)
Handle
1Disc control section
(see page 11)
3Arrow buttons
(see page 12)
4Shuttle/jog/variable
control section (see
page 12)
5Display/menu control
section (see page 13)
6Super Speed USB connector

11
Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
bRemote control switch
Different positions of the switch allow different operations
as follows.
NET: Enables access to the network. When an external
network device is being accessed, operations of the
buttons and dials related to recording and playback
are disabled.
LOCAL: Enables operation from the front panel.
With this unit accessing a network device, setting the
remote control switch to “LOCAL” displays a dialog
asking for your confirmation about network
disconnection. To disconnect, press the PUSH SET
knob. To not disconnect, set the remote control switch
to “NET”.
REMOTE: Enables remote control of this unit from the
following devices:
• Devices connected to the REMOTE (9P) connector
• Devices connected to the SD/HDSDI INPUT
connector with SDI remote control functions
Use setup menu item 214 REMOTE INTERFACE to
select which of the connectors is used for remote
control.
When operating the unit by remote control, you can
use setup menu item 006 LOCAL FUNCTION
ENABLE to enable or disable the buttons and switches
in the recording and playback control section of the
unit.
cKEY INHI switch
This turns key operation inhibit mode on or off.
ON: Turns key operation inhibit mode on.
OFF: Turns key operation inhibit mode off.
dPHONES jack
The jack is a standard stereo jack. Connect stereo
headphones to monitor the audio during recording,
playback, and editing. (Non-audio signals are muted.) The
monitored channel is selected with MONITR L and
MONITR R on the HOME page of the function menu (see
page 39).
eLEVEL (volume) adjustment knob
Adjust the volume of headphones or speakers with the
knob. You can also cause this to simultaneously adjust the
output volume from the AUDIO MONITOR R, L
connectors on the rear panel. To do this, set setup menu
item 114 AUDIO MONITOR OUTPUT LEVEL to
“variable”.
fSuper Speed USB ( ) connector (USB 3.0)
Connect the USB connector of the external storage device.
1Disc control section
aACCESS indicator
This lights when the Professional Disc is accessed.
While the ACCESS indicator is lit, do not turn off the
POWER switch on the rear panel or disconnect the power
cord.
This could lead to a loss of data from the disc.
bDISC IN indicator
This lights when a Professional Disc is inserted.
cDisc slot
Insert a Professional Disc in this slot.
dEJECT/USB DRV OFF (USB drive off) button
Functions as the EJECT button or the USB DRV OFF
button.
EJECT button: To remove the Professional Disc, press
this button.
USB DRV OFF button: To unmount the USB drive, press
this button.
See “Handling Discs” (page 42) for more information
about disc operations.
See “Handling External Storage” (page 45) for more
information about USB drive operations.
2Audio level adjustment section
Note
1ACCESS indicator
2DISC IN indicator
3Disc slot
4EJECT/USB DRV OFF
button
REC
NET
REMOTE
LOCAL
VARIABLE KEY INHI
PRE-
SET
ON
OFF
PB
CH-1
ALL CH
CH-2
CH-3
CH-4
1CH-1/ALL CH, CH-2 to CH-4 adjustment knobs
2VARIABLE switch

12 Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
aCH-1/ALL CH, CH-2 to CH-4 (audio level)
adjustment knobs
Depending on the setting of the VARIABLE switch, these
adjust the input audio or playback audio levels of channels
1 to 4.
You can adjust levels of channels 5 to 8 using the function
menu.
For details, see page 41.
By setting setup menu item 131 AUDIO VOLUME, you
can enable the CH-1/ALL CH adjustment knob to
simultaneously adjust all eight channels. When this
simultaneous adjustment is enabled, the ALL CH indicator
lights.
bVARIABLE (audio level adjustment selector)
switch
This selects whether the input audio level or playback
audio level is adjusted when using the CH-1/ALL CH and
CH-2 to CH-4 adjustment knobs to adjust channels 1 to 4,
and when using the function menu to adjust channels 5 to
8.
REC: Adjust the input audio levels. The playback audio
levels are fixed at their preset values.
PRESET: The audio levels are fixed at their preset values.
PB: Adjust the playback audio levels. The input audio
levels are fixed at their preset values.
3Arrow buttons
The four arrow buttons can also be used as the MARK1
button, MARK2 button, IN button, and OUT button. The
correspondence with these buttons is as follows.
Vbutton: MARK1 button
vbutton: MARK2 button
Bbutton: IN button
bbutton: OUT button
You can use these buttons for thumbnail selection, menu
setting operations, setting IN/OUT points, and so on.
aV/MARK1 button and v/MARK2 button
When the clip list screen is shown on the display, you can
use these for thumbnail selection.
During recording or playback, a shot mark 1 or shot mark
2 is recorded as an essence mark when you press the PUSH
SET knob with the V/MARK1 or v/MARK2 button held
down.
You can delete essence marks on the chapter thumbnail
screen (see page 67).
bIN indicator and OUT indicator
Lights or flashes as follows when you set IN and OUT
points in the clip to copy only the part defined by the IN
and OUT points (see page 57).
IN indicator: When an IN point is set, this lights. If an
attempt is made to set the IN point after a recorded
OUT point, this flashes.
OUT indicator: When an OUT point is set, this lights. If
an attempt is made to set the OUT point before a
recorded IN point, this flashes.
cB/IN button and b/OUT button
When the clip list screen is shown on the display, you can
use these for thumbnail selection.
An IN or OUT point is set when you press the PUSH SET
knob with the B/IN or b/OUT button held down. The IN
or OUT point setting is deleted when you press the
RESET/RETURN button with the B/IN or b/OUT button
held down.
4Shuttle/jog/variable control section
aSHTL/JOG (shuttle/jog)/FOLDER SEL (folder
select) button
Functions as the SHTL/JOG button or the FOLDER SEL
button.
SHTL/JOG button: Press this button, turning it on, to
perform shuttle or jog playback.
FOLDER SEL button: When a USB drive is connected,
press this button to display a list of the folders on the
USB drive.
bVAR/JOG (variable/jog)/MEDIA SEL (media
select) button
Functions as the VAR/JOG button or the MEDIA SEL
button.
VAR/JOG button: Press this button, turning it on, to
perform variable or jog playback.
MEDIA SEL button: When a USB drive is connected,
press this button to select the target media (disc or
USB drive).
MARK2
MARK1
IN OUT
L/JOG
1V/MARK1 button and v/MARK2 button
2IN indicator and OUT indicator
3B/IN button and b/OUT button
RETURN
RESET
1SHTL/JOG)/FOLDER SEL button
2VAR/JOG/MEDIA SEL button
3Jog/shuttle transport indicators
5Jog dial
4Shuttle dial

13
Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
cJog/shuttle transport indicators
These show the playback direction in jog, shuttle, or
variable mode.
dShuttle dial
Turn this dial for shuttle or variable playback.
eJog dial
Turn this dial for jog playback.
For details of playback operations in jog, shuttle, or
variable mode, see “Playback operation” (page 53).
For details of USB drive operations with the FOLDER
SEL and MEDIA SEL buttons, see “Handling External
Storage” (page 45).
5Display/menu control section
aFunction buttons (F1 to F6)
These buttons are enabled when the function menu (see
page 39) is visible. Each press of a button changes the
setting of the corresponding item in the menu.
For convenience, this manual refers to these buttons as
buttons F1 to F6, in order from the top.
bDisplay
Displays menus, audio level meters, and data, such as time
data or clip information. The DISPLAY button lets you
switch to the video monitor display.
For details, see “Display screen” (page 15).
cPUSH SET knob
Use for setting menu items and for operations using
thumbnails on clip list screens. Turn the knob to select
items, and press it to confirm the selection. This button is
also used to set numerical values, such as timecodes.
See “Clip Operations” (page 66) for more information
about how to use the thumbnail screens.
dMENU button
Displays the setup menu or the clip list screen menu. The
setup menu appears when no clip list screen is visible. The
same information is also superimposed on the display on a
monitor connected to the HDMI OUT connector of the
unit. Press once more to return to the original display.
See “Clip Operations” (page 66) for more information
about how to use the thumbnail screens.
eRESET/RETURN button
Functions as the RESET button or the RETURN button.
RESET button: Resets counters or the setting values of
the timecode generator. This button is also used to
abort or cancel setup menu and thumbnail search
operations.
RETURN button: On setup menu and clip list screens,
returns to the previous procedure.
fCOPY button
Displays the Clip Copy screen (see page 56) when pressed
while the clip list screen is shown on the display.
gTHUMBNAIL button
When this button is pressed when the basic operation
screen or video monitor screen is displayed, a list of clips
or EDLs saved on the currently selected media is
displayed. (That is, the current screen is switched to a clip
list screen.) When pressed again, returns to the basic
operation screen or the video monitor screen.
See “Clip Operations” (page 66) for more information
about how to use the thumbnail screens.
hDISPLAY button
Each press of this button switches the display screen
between the basic operation screen and video monitor
screen (see page 15).
When the clip list screen is shown on the display, this
button switches the display screen between thumbnails
view and details view.
iSHIFT button
Switches between functions for any button with two
functions.
1Function buttons (F1 to F6)
2Display
3PUSH SET knob
4MENU button
5RESET/RETURN button
7THUMBNAIL button
6COPY button
8DISPLAY button
9SHIFT button
0PAGE/HOME button

14 Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
jPAGE/HOME button
When pressed alone, this functions as the PAGE (page
switching) button. When pressed together with the SHIFT
button, functions as the HOME button.
PAGE button: Displays the function menu, if it is not
already visible. (The most recently displayed page of
the function menu appears.)
HOME button: When pressed with the function menu
visible, returns to the HOME page of the function
menu.
6Recording and playback control section
aPREV (previous) button
Press this button, turning it on, to show the first frame of
the current clip. When the first frame of a clip is shown,
pressing this button jumps to the beginning of the previous
clip. 1) This button is also used together with other buttons
for the following operations.
Reverse direction high-speed search: Hold down the
PLAY button, and press this button. A high-speed
search in the reverse direction is carried out.
Displaying the first frame of the first clip: Hold down
the SHIFT button, and press this button.
1) When setup menu item 153 FIND MODE is set to “clip & rec start mark”,
this button jumps to the frame where the previous Rec Start essence mark
is set and displays the video of that frame.
bPLAY button
To start playback, press this button, turning it on.
When this button is pressed during recording, recording
stops and the unit enters stop mode. If you do not want to
stop recording when this button is pressed, set setup menu
item 145 MODE KEY ENABLE DURING RECORDING
to “stop”.
cNEXT button
Press this button, turning it on, to jump to the next clip, and
show the first frame. 2) This button is also used together
with other buttons for the following operations.
Forward direction high-speed search: Hold down the
PLAY button, and press this button. A high-speed
search in the forward direction is carried out.
Displaying the last frame of the last clip: Hold down the
SHIFT button, and press this button.
2) When setup menu item 153 FIND MODE is set to “clip & rec start mark”,
this button jumps to the frame where the next Rec Start essence mark is set
and displays the video of that frame.
dSTOP button
To stop recording or playback, press this button, turning it
on. The frame at the stop point is displayed.
This button flashes when setup menu item 105
REFERENCE SYSTEM ALARM is set to “on” and the
correct reference video input signal (as specified by OUT
REF on the HOME page of the function menu) is not being
input.
eREC (record) button
To start recording, hold down this button, and press the
PLAY button. The recording takes place on an unrecorded
part of the disc.
To stop recording, press the STOP button.
To monitor in EE mode
You can press this button when in stop mode to monitor
input signals in EE mode. The button lights when pressed.
Press the STOP button to return to the original video.
You can also press this button during playback and
searches to view EE mode for as long as the button is held
down.
fREC INHI (recording inhibit) indicator
This lights in the following cases.
• When a disc with recording inhibited is loaded.
• When the format of the recorded part of the disc does not
match the system frequency settings of the unit.
gSTANDBY indicator
Lights when the unit is put into disc stop mode. After a
certain time passes in a disc stop mode, the unit
automatically enters standby state and the indicator goes
off.
You can specify the time until the unit enters standby state
with setup menu item 501 STILL TIMER.
TOP F REV END REC INHI F FWD
PREV PLAY STOPNEXT REC
1PREV button
2PLAY button
3NEXT button
4STOP button
5REC button
7STANDBY indicator
6REC INHI indicator
Note

15
Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
Display screen
Basic operation screen
aFunction menu
Use the PAGE/HOME button to display this menu, and to
switch between the pages (HOME, P1 to P6) of the menu.
Each page has one to six setting items. Press the
corresponding function button to change a setting.
For details, see “Basic Operations of the Function Menu”
(page 39).
bAudio input display/audio level meters
Displays information about audio. There are two display
modes for the audio level meter: FULL mode and FINE
mode, which can be switched using AU METER on page
P3 AUDIO of the function menu.
1Function menu
2Audio input display/audio level meters
3System information
4Disc status indicator
5Recording/playback format
6Clip information
7Status indicator
8Time data display area
9Status display area
AInput signal indicator
BData indicator
DAudio channel
EReference level
FLevel bars
CMonitor channel
Meter display mode: FINEMeter display mode: FULL
GMeter display mode

16 Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
AInput signal indicator: Displays the audio input
signal.
.
a) When maintenance menu item M374 ANALOG I/O is set to “4ch”
only.
BData indicator: Appears when the input signals are
non-audio signals.
CMonitor channel: Displays the audio monitoring
channels set with MONITR L and MONITR R on the
HOME page of the function menu (see page 39).
DAudio channel: Displays the audio channels.
Also indicates preset or variable-speed mode by its
color (see page 12).
White: Preset mode
Green: Variable-speed mode
EReference level: Displays the reference level for
recording as set with maintenance menu item M370
HEAD ROOM.
For details on setting the reference level, see
maintenance menu item M37 (page 105).
FLevel bars: Displays the audio recording or playback
levels of channels 1 to 8. The OVER indicators light
when the audio level exceeds 0 dB.
GMeter display mode: Displays the audio level meter
display mode selected with AU METER on page P3
AUDIO of the function menu (see page 41).
cSystem information
AReference signal: Displays the type of reference
signal to which this unit is synchronizing.
When there is no display, the unit is synchronizing to
the internal reference signal.
INPUT: Input video
HD REF: HD-format reference signal
SD REF: SD-format reference signal
BVideo input indicator: Displays the selected video
input signal.
HD-SDI: HDSDI video input
SD-SDI: SDSDI video input
SG: Test video signal from the internal signal
generator
The video signal input is selected with V INPUT on
page P1 INPUT of the function menu (see page 40).
The display blinks when there is no video input signal,
and when the video input signal does not match the
system frequency of this unit.
dDisc status indicator
Displays an icon indicating the status of the disc or
external storage.
The PFD128QLW disc status indicator changes with the
remaining capacity of the recordable resource space (for
writing the disc management data, etc.).
Display Input signal
ANA-1
(MIC-1)
Analog audio signal Channel 1, 3, 5, 7 or
Channel 1, 5 a)
ANA-2
(MIC-2)
Channel 2, 4, 6, 8 or
Channel 2, 6 a)
ANA-3 Channel 3, 7 a)
ANA-4 Channel 4, 8 a)
HD-SDI HDSDI audio signal (flashes when there is
no input signal)
SD-SDI SDSDI audio signal (flashes when there is no
input signal)
AES/
EBU
AES/EBU audio signal (flashes when there is
no input signal)
SG Test signal from the internal signal generator
AReference signal
BVideo input indicator
Note
Icon Status
Professional Disc
PFD23A/
PFD50DLA/
PFD100TLA
PFD128QLW External
storage
Not loaded
— Mounting
Displays a
mounting progress
bar.
Normal status
Warning level error
has occurred.
(Finalizing is not
possible.)
Error has occurred.
(Restoring is not
possible.)
— — Finalized
— Ejecting

17
Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
The remaining capacity of recordable resource space is not
the same as the remaining recording capacity. When there
is no available recording resource space left on the disc,
file writing may be disabled even with sufficient available
storage remaining.
eRecording/playback format
This displays the recording format during recording and
the playback clip format during playback.
fClip information
Displays clip information.
gStatus indicator
Displays icons indicating the status of this unit.
hTime data display area
ARemaining disc capacity for recording or
playback: Displays the amount of remaining capacity
for recording or playback on the disc.
BREC RUN/FREE RUN: Displays the timecode run
mode. The run mode is set with RUN MODE on page
P4 TC of the function menu (see page 41).
CTimecode generator mode: Displays the timecode
source and generation method (preset or regenerate).
These are set with TCG and PRST/RGN on page P4
TC of the function menu (see page 41).
DVITC: Lights in the following cases.
• When VITC is read in playback mode. (This has no
relation to the display in the time data display area.)
• When VITC recording is possible.
ETime data type: Displays the type of time data
displayed in the time data display area. The type of
time data is selected with CNTR SEL on the HOME
page of the function menu (see page 39).
FTime data: Normally displays timecode or VITC,
according to the selection made with TCR on page P4
TC of the function menu.
GDF/NDF indicator: Displays the frame count mode
for the internal timecode reader (TCR) and internal
timecode generator (TCG). The frame count mode is
Icon Status
The available recordable resource space is
running out.
There is no available recordable resource
space on the disc.
Note
Icon Description
Currently set to repeat playback mode
Currently set to single clip playback mode
Currently set to single clip playback mode with
repeat playback mode
1080/720 cross-convert output
Recording
Yellow bar
Red bar
Codec
Video format
System frequency
Audio format
Clip name
Clip number/total number of clips
Duration
Clip format
(Codec, video format, system frequency,
audio format)
Display Type of time data
TC Timecode
COUNTER Elapsed recording/playback time
UB User bits
VITC VITC
VIUB VIUB
TCG Timecode generator value
UBG User bits generator value
ARemaining disc capacity for recording or playback
BREC RUN/FREE RUN
CTimecode generator mode
ETime data type
FTime data
GDF/NDF
indicator
(TCG)
DVITC
GDF/NDF
indicator
(TCR)
HRecording
mode
indicator

18 Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
set with DF/NDF on page P4 TC of the function menu
(see page 41).
HRecording mode indicator: This appears when setup
menu item 150 REC MODE is set to “disc exchange
cache”.
iStatus display area
AError, warning, and alarm messages: Messages
about operations and the status of the unit appear here.
The seriousness of the message is indicated by the
color, as follows.
Red: Error message (flashing)
Orange: Warning message
White: Alarm message
BDelete icon: Flashes while a clip deletion is being
executed.
CCopy icon: During a clip copy operation, displays an
icon indicating the copy source/copy destination
media.
DNetwork connection indicator: Lights while data is
being exchanged with a network connected external
device.
ENetwork remote connection indicator: “NET-
RMT” or “RM-SDI” is displayed during a network
remote control connection to an external device (see
page 49).
FMenu setting status: Displays the current setup menu
settings.
GPower source indicator: Displays the icon for the
power source being used.
When the remaining battery power drops below a
certain level, the battery icon starts flashing (this is the
battery near end alarm).
With the battery near end alarm displayed, when the
battery voltage drops below the shutdown voltage set
with setup menu item 033 BATTERY END
VOLTAGE, the unit is automatically shut down.
Video monitor screen
AAudio level meters: LEVEL MT on page P3 AUDIO
of the function menu determines whether the meter is
to be displayed and on which side, left or right, in the
display window.
BSuperimposed information: Appears when CHAR
SEL on the HOME page of the function menu is set to
“ON”.
CStatus display area: Displays messages and icons
about the status of the unit (see page 18).
Display Frame count mode
.DF (drop-frame mode)
:NDF (non-drop-frame mode)
Icon Copy source/copy destination media
External storage/disc
Disc/external storage
Memory card/disc
Disc/memory card
AError, warning, and alarm messages
BDelete icon
DNetwork connection indicator
ENetwork remote connection indicator
FMenu setting status
CCopy icon
GPower source indicator
Display Current setup menu settings
BANK1 Same as those in menu bank 1.
BANK2 Same as those in menu bank 2.
BANK3 Same as those in menu bank 3.
DEFAULT Same as the factory default settings.
Nothing
displayed
Different from any of the above.
Icon Power source being used
AC power source
Battery
Note
AAudio level meters
CStatus display area
BSuperimposed information

19
Front Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
You can disable the status display area with the
DISPLAY button. However, it is automatically
enabled when:
• Display of error/warning/alarm message becomes
necessary.
• During battery-driven operation, the power source
indicator starts flashing (the battery near end alarm
is given).

20 Rear Panel
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
Rear Panel
aSD/HDSDI INPUT (SDSDI/HDSDI signal input)
connector (BNC type)
This inputs an SDSDI or HDSDI format video/audio
signal.
bHDSDI OUTPUT 1, 2 (SUPER) (HDSDI signal
output 1, 2 (superimpose)) connectors (BNC type)
These output HDSDI format video/audio signals.
You can superimpose timecodes or other information on
the output of the HDSDI OUTPUT 2 (SUPER) connector
using the CHAR SEL setting on the HOME page of the
function menu or the setting for setup menu item 028 HD
CHARACTER. You can always disable the
superimposition of data independently of the setting for
CHAR SEL using the setting for setup menu item 028.
See “Basic Operations of the Function Menu” (page 39)
for more information about the CHAR SEL setting.
See page 88 for more information about the setup menu
item 028 HD CHARACTER.
To treat the input and output signals of these connectors as
non-audio signals, set maintenance menu item M372
NON-AUDIO INPUT.
For details, see maintenance menu item M37 (page 105).
cSDSDI OUTPUT 1, 2 (SUPER) (SDI signal outputs
1, 2 (superimpose)) connectors (BNC type)
These output SDSDI format video/audio signals.
When the unit is shipped from the factory, audio signal
output is eight channels with no switching, and RP188
timecode output is set to on. You can change these settings
with setup menu item 828 SDI AUDIO OUTPUT
SELECT and setup menu item 920 SD-SDI H-ANC
CONTROL.
The output from the 2 (SUPER) connector can have
timecode and other text information superimposed. To
turn superimposition off, set CHAR SEL on the HOME
page of the function menu to “OFF”.
See “Items in the extended menu” (page 92) for more
information about setup menu settings.
See “Basic Operations of the Function Menu” (page 39)
for more information about the CHAR SEL setting.
dREMOTE (9P) (remote control 9-pin) connector
(D-sub 9-pin)
Connect a controller that supports the RS-422A Sony 9-pin
VTR control protocol.
eHDMI OUT connector
Connects to an HD projector, HD television, or other HD
consumer device, and outputs digital signals (video, audio,
and control signals).
1Power supply section
(see page 21)
2Analog audio signal input/
output section (see page 21)
5HDMI OUT connector
4REMOTE (9P) connector
6DC IN 12V connector
7REMOTE connector
2 HDSDI OUTPUT 1, 2
(SUPER) connectors
8COMPOSITE OUTPUT 1, 2
(SUPER) connectors
9REF. VIDEO INPUT
connectors
4Timecode input/output
section (see page 22)
qa MAINTENANCE connectors
3SDSDI OUTPUT 1, 2 (SUPER)
connectors q; (network) connector
1SD/HDSDI INPUT
connector
3Digital audio signal input/
output section (see page 22)