Vivid DVV211-A User manual

1
Manual by: Emilijo Mihatov / Owen P Walker
Copyright © 2000
User Manual
SoftwareVersion 1.0H/2.0E
Part Number: DVV211-A
Document Number: 157

2
IMPORTANT NOTICE
COPYRIGHT
The material in this document is copyright, and may not be quoted or reproduced in any
form without written permission from Fairlight ESP Pty Ltd.
LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
All the software and hardware provided with, or purchased especially for, Fairlight
products has been tested for functionality. Fairlight ESP Pty Ltd will make its best efforts to
correct reported defects for future releases subject to technical practicabilities. Fairlight ESP
will also replace any defective media on which software has been delivered provided that the
item to be replaced is returned to the dealer who supported the product within 90 days of
purchase.
Fairlight ESP Pty Ltd makes no warranty or representation either expressed or implied
with respect to the system's performance or fitness for a particular purpose.
In no event will Fairlight ESP Pty Ltd be liable for direct or indirect damages arising from
any defect in the product or its documentation. Further, Fairlight ESP Pty Ltd will not accept
any liability for any programs, sounds, audio recording, video recording or sequences stored
in or used with Fairlight products, including the cost of recovery of such data.
The warranties, remedies and disclaimers above are exclusive and take precedence over
all others, oral or written, express or implied, to the extent permitted by law in the
geographical area of the product's use. No employee of Fairlight ESP, agent, distributor or
employee of an agent or distributor is authorized to offer any variation from this policy.
Copyright 2000:
Fairlight ESP Pty Ltd,
Unit 2, 1 Skyline Place,
French's Forest, NSW 2086,
AUSTRALIA.
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT NOTICE ......................................... 2
Terms Used Within This Manual ................. 4
SECTION 1 - OVERVIEW .................................... 5
1.1 Description ........................................... 5
1.2 Theory of Operation .............................. 5
SECTION - 2.0 FEATURES .................................. 6
2.1 Disk Drive Formats ......................... 6
2.1.1 COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER VIVID .....
SYSTEMS ................................................. 6
2.2 Recording and Playback functions.. 6
2.2.1 BUILT IN TIME CODE READER ............... 6
2.2.2 TIMEBASE CORRECTOR ....................... 6
2.3 Other features ...................................... 6
2.3.1 Menu based setup system ............ 6
2.3.2 REMOTE CONTROL ........................... 6
SECTION 3 - PARTS AND CONTROLS .................... 7
3.1Transport........................................... 7
3.2 LCD Panel ....................................... 7
SECTION 4 - DISK TRANSPORT CONTROLS ............ 8
4.1 EJECT .................................................... 8
4.2 REW ...................................................... 8
4.3 PLAY ..................................................... 8
4.4 FF .......................................................... 8
4.5 STOP ..................................................... 8
4.6 REC ....................................................... 8
4.7 Shuttle Mode......................................... 8
4.8 Locate to Start / End .............................. 8
SECTION 5 - SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ................. 9
5.1 Recording ............................................. 9
5.2 Playback ............................................. 11
SECTION 6 - SHUTDOWN ................................ 12
SECTION 7 - FILE AND DISK MANAGEMENT ......... 13
SECTION 8 - VIDEO DUBS USING THE MFX3 .........
PLUS ......................................................... 15
8.1 Connecting the equipment ................. 15
8.2 Configuring the MFX for control of both
devices ..................................................... 15
8.3 Preparing the ViVid for recording ........ 16
8.4 Cueing the source material ................. 16
8.5 Doing the dub ..................................... 16
8.6 Preparation for playback on ViVid ...... 17
SECTION 9 - LCD MENU STRUCTURE ................ 18
9.1 Main LCD Screen ............................... 18
9.2 Main Menu (MAIN) ............................. 18
9.3 Master Time Setup (MASTER) .............. 18
9.4 Select Title (TITLE) .............................. 18
9.5 Select Master Reel (REEL)................... 18
9.6 Source Setup (SRC) ............................. 18
9.7 Disk Record Setup (DISK) ................... 19
9.8 Manage Disk ...................................... 19
9.9 Tidy Disk ............................................. 19
9.10 Goto .................................................. 19
9.11 Miscellaneous System Setup ............ 19
9.12 System Information ........................... 19
SECTION 10 - VIVID QUALITY FACTOR TIME ...........
CHART ....................................................... 20
SECTION 11 - VIVID MENU TREE ..................... 21
INDEX ........................................................ 22

4
TERMS USED WITHIN THIS MANUAL
Title - A folder or directory which can conatin reels.
Reel - A ‘reel’ is created by a single continuous recording of pictures and sound into the ViVid.
Before starting to use the ViVid, it is useful to understand what is represented by the following terms :-

5
SECTION 1 - OVERVIEW
This chapter outlines the features of the Fairlight ViVid digital video disk recorder.
1.1 DESCRIPTION
ViVid is a general purpose video and audio recorder that can be used in a number of professional applications
where reliable and fast access to non-linear video and audio is required. Its main purpose is to act as a video-
follow device during editing sessions with the Fairlight MFX3plus Digital AudioWorkstation.
The disk recorder takes video, audio and timecode signals, and records them in real time onto a high speed
magnetic disk drive. In playback the process is reversed with all signals being output in sync with each other, using
front panel or Sony 9-pin remote control.
The quality of the picture that theViVid disk recorder can record is variable with 16 different compression settings
to choose from. The user can set the best rate to suit the application to make the most of remaining disk space.
ViVid has been designed to contain few moving parts and all components have been selected for optimum
performance and reliability, With no tape path or heads to clean and an average life for the hard disk of 650,000
hours,ViVid disk recorder technology sets new standards for video recording system reliability.
The system uses BNC connectors for video and time code signals and XLR connectors to carry balanced audio.
1.2 THEORY OF OPERATION
ViVid operates by digitising and compressing video and audio signals on to a removable hard disk. 8 bit
quantization and 4:2:2 sampling are employed in the video path with up to 16 bit quantisation and up to 48 kHz
sampling in the audio path. A separate time code file is recorded along with a database file for instant access. The
internal database stores data that enablesViVid to access and manipulate the recorded signals for instant access.
The maximum video recording length inViVid is determined only by the remaining available disk space. (Please
refer to Section 10 - Quality Factor Record Time Chart on page 20 for more information.)
AsViVid can have 999 titles with 999 reels in each, it becomes simple to organise the video and audio logically on
the disk for fast and easy access.

6
SECTION - 2.0 FEATURES
ViVid is capable of recording and playing back composite andY/C video and balanced analog audio signals in
either the NTSC or PAL standards.With an external remote control unit connected, jog, shuttle, slow-motion and
cue functions are available and the unit can be used as a nonlinear playback / recorder in an editing system. The
ViVid can also be used in a time code chase mode.
2.1 DISK DRIVE FORMATS
2.1.1 COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER VIVID SYSTEMS
A disk drive recorded on this unit can be played back on other ViVid systems. All the video and audio files are
stored on the same removable drive.
2.2 RECORDING AND PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS
2.2.1 BUILT IN TIME CODE READER
The built in time code reader allows the unit to read timecode from an external timecode source such as a
Video Tape Recorder.
2.2.2 TIMEBASE CORRECTOR
The built in digital picture processor gives stable playback of the reels at all speeds.ViVid can play back in
single or both field modes regardless of the field mode of the original recording.
2.3 OTHER FEATURES
2.3.1 MENU BASED SETUP SYSTEM
All the initial settings for system operation are accessed through a simple menu system on the LCD panel,
using the front panel controls.
2.3.2 REMOTE CONTROL
The unit can be operated by remote control through the standard Sony 9-pin serial interface.

7
SECTION 3 - PARTS AND CONTROLS
3.1 TRANSPORT
The front panel has the disk transport controls comprising, EJECT, (Shut Down), REW, PLAY, FF and
RECORD.
3.2 LCD PANEL
The Sofy Keys below the LCD panel enable the user to set parameters such as the frame rate, audio
levels and picture quality level.
Soft Keys

8
SECTION 4 - DISK TRANSPORT CONTROLS
4.1 EJECT
Pressing this button will begin the shutdown procedure for ViVid. Press the EJECT button once and follow the
prompts on the LCD screen. Wait for 5 seconds after switching off the unit before removing the drive.
4.2 REW
Pressing the REW button, lights the indicator and rewinds the clip. During rewind, pictures are visible on the
monitor.
4.3 PLAY
Pressing the PLAY button begins playback of the clip.
4.4 FF
Pressing the FF button fast forwards the clip. During fast forward, pictures are visible on the monitor.
4.5 STOP
Pressing the STOP button stops the clip.
If E to E on STOP is selected,ViVid will output the input video and audio signals when in STOP mode.
If E to E DISABLED is selected, ViVid will output the digitised video when in STOP mode.
4.6 REC
Holding down the REC button and then pressing the PLAY button begins a recording.
4.7 SHUTTLE MODE
When in Play Mode, press and hold the PLAY button down and then press and hold down either the FF or
REW button. Releasing the PLAY button first will shuttle the clip at approx 10 times normal speed in forward
or reverse, while displaying picture on the Composite andY/C output and sound output from the Analog
Outputs.
4.8 LOCATE TO START / END
When in Stop Mode, press and hold the Stop button down, then press either the FF or REW button. This will
conveniently locate the ViVid to the last or the first frame in the Title respecitvely.

9
SECTION 5 - SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
This chapter describes the preparation necessary before using the unit for recording or playback, including menu
settings and basic operating procedures.
5.1 RECORDING
1. Set the video input to the desired input from COMPOSITE or Y/C.
Select - MENU, SRC,VIDEO INPUT.
2. Set E to E Mode to ON in order to monitor the video input while the unit is in STOP.
3. Set the reference video to use VIDEO INPUT, REFERENCE INPUT or FREE RUN.
Select - MENU, SRC,VIDEO REF.
4. Select internal or external time code:
Select - MENU, SRC, INT/EXT.
5. Toggle the INT/EXT button to select the LTC source. Use INT when the source material does not
contain time code information, or EXT if you wish to slave the ViVid to the incoming time code from the
source deck.
6. To check for incoming timecode, play the source deck and check the TC display under the LTC
EXTERNAL on the ViVid LCD screen. This should then display the incoming time code.
7. Choose to record one field or two fields.
Select - MENU, DISK, REC FIELDS.
Tip: Choosing one field allows a picture to be captured with less video compression at the same data rate.
Normally a video frame consists of two fields of information. To draw all the pixels of information, the
video signal is alternatively scanned. Firstly the odd lines of information are scanned, then the even lines.
This series of odd then even lines are then combined (interlaced) to provide the complete image. These
odd and even lines are called Fields.
Normally a video picture consists of both, but using 9-Pin control, there is no way to discern which of the
two fields are being displayed unless the picture is at full playback speed. Sometimes it may be beneficial
during an edit session, to use only one field instead of two to get the same quality picture at half the data
rate in order to conserve disk space Alternatively operate at the highest Quality Factor in single field to
capture a higher quality pixel if the material to be recorded is already showing signs of compression
artifacts.

10
8. Set the desired Quality Factor.
Select - MENU, DISK, FACTOR INCR.
The Factor Incr button toggles through ViVid's different data rates or Quality Factors, from 1 to 8 in Two
Field Mode, or 1s to 8s if in Single Field mode. These settings start at 500 kB/s and then increment in 500 kB/s
steps right up to 9000 kB/s.
Note: Audio is also included in calculation of this value. If audio is disabled, then a slight increase in video
quality occurs as the bandwidth normally reserved for audio is now available for the video data.
6. Set the frame rate.
Select - MENU, MASTER, NEXT NEW TITLE FRAME RATE.
This is a toggle between 25 fps (EBU) and 30 fps (SMPTE) and 30 fps non drop frame(SMPTE)
7. Create a new Title.
Select - MENU, MASTER,TITLE, NEW.
Here you are asked to name the Title. The name can consist of up to 8 alpha numeric characters. Use the
arrow keys to place the < > cursor over the required character and press SELECT for each character. The
RUB button backspaces one character at a time to erase an incorrect entry. Repeat this process until the
entire Title name is visible in the box below the character set. Then press OK, and then EXIT. You can also
press Cancel at any time to abort entry of a new Title.
8. Select Master reel for playback and recording.
Select - MENU, MASTER, REEL, NEW.
Use the arrow keys to place the < > cursor over the required number and press SELECT. The RUB button
backspaces one character at a time. Repeat this process until the entire Reel number is visible in the box
below the character set. Then press OK.
Note: In NTSC you will be asked if the reel is Drop Frame or Non Drop Frame. If you are unsure of the FCM
(frame code mode) of the incoming time code, play the source VTR and observe the time code reader on the
LCD panel under LTC EXTERN. Drop frame time code will have a semi colon between the frames and
seconds digits while non drop frame will show a colon. If the wrong mode is chosen ViVid will record for five
minutes, stop and will warn the operator. Another reel must then be created with the correct mode selected
and recording begun again. When you have chosen drop or non drop frame press OK.
9. Audio Mode Selection.
Select - MENU, DISK,AUDIO ON/OFF.