PIX 250i Rack Mount Production Video Recorder User Guide Firmware rev. 2.10 E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33, Reedsburg, WI, USA +1 (608) 524-0625 • Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655 www.sounddevices.com support@sounddevices.
PIX 250i User Guide Table of Contents Introduction 1 Manual Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Panel Descriptions 2 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 PIX-CADDY 2 (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PIX 250i User Guide Non-Native File Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Playing Back Files on a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Synchronization and Timecode Sync Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Timecode Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PIX 250i User Guide Specifications Analog Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital Audio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . File Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timecode and Sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Control. . . . .
PIX 250i User Guide Copyright Notice and Release All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the expressed written permission of SOUND DEVICES, LLC. SOUND DEVICES is not responsible for any use of this information. Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PIX 250i User Guide Introduction The PIX 250i is a rack-mountable, production video recorder with extensive audio and video processing capabilities. The foundation of the PIX 250i is hardware-based, 10-bit video up/down/cross conversion, and hardware-based encoding to Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD codecs.
PIX 250i User Guide Panel Descriptions Front Panel Panel Descriptions 1 2 15 14 3 4 5 13 1) Control Knob The Control Knob can be both turned and pressed. Use the Control Knob to navigate between menu settings and to select menu items. Pressing during playback or stop will toggle Shuttle mode. Turning while playback is paused will jog forward or backward by single frames. 2) AUDIO Button Displays the Audio Screen.
PIX 250i User Guide 10) Fast Forward Button When Stopped, press to cue up the next file for Playback. During Playback or Pause, press once to jump to the next Cue Marker, press and hold to increase playback speed. Continue to hold for faster speeds. 13) Headphone Volume Knob Adjusts the overall volume of the headphones. NOTE: the headphone output is capable of ear-damaging levels. Take care when adjusting among signal sources. 14) Headphone Output 1/4” TRS stereo headphone connector.
PIX 250i User Guide 6) Digital Audio Input/Output (DB-25) 8 channels of AES digital audio input and 8 channels of AES digital output. Outputs configured with Setup Menu option [Audio - Line Output]. (See “Connector Pin Assignments”, page 71) 7) Analog Audio Outputs (XLR) 2 channels of balanced, line-level analog audio outputs. Same signal as DB-25 Analog Audio outputs channels 1 and 2. 8) Analog Audio Inputs (XLR) 2 channels of balanced, line-level analog audio inputs.
PIX 250i User Guide PIX-CADDY 2 (Optional) The PIX-CADDY 2 is an accessory to connect approved 2.5” drives to the front-panel drive bays. When removed from a PIX 250i, the PIX-CADDY 2 operates as a high-speed drive interface to Mac OS and Windows computers via the onboard FireWire800, USB 3.0, or the optional PIX-DOCK Thunderbolt interface. For reliable operation, it is imperative that the 2.5” drive be firmly screwed to the PIX-CADDY 2 with the supplied screws.
PIX 250i User Guide Menu and Navigation Main View The Main View displays the live or playback video and the On-Screen Display. The Main View is the default view which appears when no other views or menus are selected. On-Screen Display The On-Screen Display (OSD) provides information superimposed over the Main View. From the Main View, LCD will toggle the OSD on and off. Items included in the OSD are configured with the Setup Menu option [On-Screen Display].
PIX 250i User Guide Item Description 10. Timecode Current timecode and frame rate of the recording or playing file. 11. Audio Source Audio sample rate, bit depth, and channel count. 12. RS-422 Status RS-422 is displayed when [Remote Control - RS-422] is on. 13. IP Address Network IP address of the PIX 250i. 14.
PIX 250i User Guide Audio Screen From any screen, press AUDIO (keyboard: F3) to view the Audio Screen. The Audio Screen displays all audio input levels and provides configuration of Track Arming, Track Naming, Input Source selection, Input Gain, and Input Delay. The Audio Screen by default displays 16 tracks at a time. This can be changed to 8 or 16 track displays in [Audio - Audio Screen Meters]. To make adjustments in the Audio Screen: 1.
PIX 250i User Guide Other audio related settings are accessible from the Setup Menu option Audio. File List Press FILES (keyboard: F2) to display the File List; A list of all of the recorded takes. Takes are arranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. Turn the Control Knob to highlight an item. Press Play to start playback of the highlighted take. Press the Control Knob (Press and hold for multi-file clips) to perform functions based on which item is highlighted.
PIX 250i User Guide The selected drive is displayed on the top of the screen. To view the contents of other drives, scroll to the top of the list. A pop up box appears with a list of all available drives. Select the desired drive and press the Control Knob. While in the File List press FILES to collapse all Reel folders and multi-file takes to ease file navigation. Take Details Screen From the File List, highlight a file and press the Control Knob to view the Take Details Screen.
PIX 250i User Guide LCD From the Main View (See “Main View”, page 6), press LCD to toggle the On-Screen Display (OSD) on or off, press and hold LCD for two seconds to turn off the LCD, press again to turn on. From all other views, press LCD to return to the Main View. Menu & Navigation The LCD Control Panel provides adjustments to the LCD backlight, image brightness, image contrast, image chroma, and button backlight. To access the LCD Control Panel, press LCD + Control Knob.
PIX 250i User Guide Inputs and Outputs Video Inputs The PIX 250i accepts video input signals over HDMI, HD-SDI, and single link 3G-SDI Level A and B. The PIX 250i does not accept analog video signals. See the Specifications section for a complete list of supported frame rates. HDMI The PIX 250i accepts HDMI version 1.4a video and audio. Supported video resolutions and rates are listed in the Specifications section.
PIX 250i User Guide The output video stream contains up to 16 tracks of embedded audio for SDI and 8 tracks for HDMI. Timecode and record start and stop flags are included on the SDI output. Timecode overlay can be added to the HDMI and/or SDI output signal in [Video - Video Output OSD]. The timecode overlay is displayed in various colors to indicate the current transport state of the PIX 250i: White = Stopped, Red = Record, Green = Playback.
PIX 250i User Guide 5. Press the Control Knob to open the Audio Source options window. Select the general type of input to be used from Off, Line In, HDMI/AES In, or SDI In and press the Control Knob again to open up all options for that input type. 6. Press the Control Knob to make a selection and exit the Audio Input Source options window. For quick general audio source configurations use [Audio - Audio Input Quick Setup].
PIX 250i User Guide Any of the available 16 Tracks can be sent to the Line Outputs. Line Output routing is set in [Audio - Line Output]. Digital Audio Outputs (HDMI/AES) AES and HDMI Outputs are active at all times but these two outputs share the same source. At factory default, the source of the HDMI/AES Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respectively. Any of the available 8 Tracks can be sent to the HDMI/AES Outputs. HDMI/AES Output routing is set in [Audio - HDMI/AES Output].
PIX 250i User Guide Ethernet The PRI and SEC Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the PIX 250i are used for a variety of PIX 250i functions/features: • Network Grouping (See “Network Grouping”, page 41) • File Transfer (Samba) (See “Transferring Files”, page 57) • Web Browser Control (See “Web Interface - PIXNET”, page 44) Up to four PIX 250i units can be daisy-chained using their built-in Ethernet switches.
PIX 250i User Guide Video Monitoring Features The PIX 250i includes various monitoring features to assist with exposure and focus. These functions only affect signal on the LCD display and will never affect the recorded video or the video output signal. Exposure Assist LCD + FILES Video Monitoring Features Exposure assist features mark areas of the video image based on the exposure level.
PIX 250i User Guide 12-step False Color mode divides the monitor signal into 12 luminance ranges and assigns a color to each. 12-step 100-108 Red 95-99 Orange 85-94 Yellow 79-84 Light Yellow 59-78 Light Grey 53-58 Pink 49-52 Medium Grey 43-48 Green 23-42 Dark Grey 13-22 Light Blue 3-12 Blue 0-2 White Video Monitoring Features 4-step False Color mode divides the monitor signal into 4 ranges and assigns a color to all but one range (this range is displayed without chroma).
PIX 250i User Guide Zebra 1 85 IRE Video Monitoring Features Zebra 2 70 IRE (+/- 5%) Focus Assist LCD + MENU Focus Assist features mark sharp edges in the video image to assist in focusing on the desired subject. Focus assist is enabled pressing LCD + MENU. The word “FOCUS” is displayed in yellow text on the OSD when Focus Assist is enabled. There are two available Focus Assist modes: Peaking and Edge Enhance.
PIX 250i User Guide Video Monitoring Features Edge Enhance The Edge Enhance filter uses an algorithm which enhances the variation of the luminance of all edges present in the video image. The following image comparison demonstrates the effect of Edge Enhance on an image with a shallow depth-of-field and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal length (bottom). 20 v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide Zoom LCD + AUDIO The Zoom function enlarges the video image to a 1:1 pixel ratio. To toggle Zoom on and off, press LCD + AUDIO. When Zoom is enabled, “ZOOM” is displayed on the OSD in yellow text and all other OSD elements are hidden. When zoomed, turning the Control Knob moves vertically and Rewind and Fast Forward buttons move left and right, respectively. Flip Display Video Monitoring Features Some mounting situations require the PIX 250i (or camera) to be upside-down.
PIX 250i User Guide Recording The PIX 250i records video and audio together to a QuickTime .mov file. The PIX 250i can record to up to two drives simultaneously or in sequence (Setup Menu option [File Storage - Video Record Mode]). Each drive can be configured independently to be available for recording, available for playback (read-only), shared on the network via Samba, or switched to network sharing after becoming full (Setup Menu option [File Storage - Drive Record/Network Mode]).
PIX 250i User Guide .SDV files on all drives and finalize them to the standard Quicktime file format with a .MOV extension. .SDV files can also be recovered to .MOV files on a Windows computer using the FileSafe utility. (See “FileSafe Utility and the Sound Devices File Format”, page 58) File Splitting Recorded video files are split automatically at the interval selected in Setup Menu option [File Storage - QuickTime File Split every].
PIX 250i User Guide Progressive Segmented Frames (PsF) Some cameras output video signal in progressive segmented frames (PsF). PsF is a method for transmitting progressive video in an interlaced stream. A device generates PsF signal by splitting each frame into two segments. PsF segments are the same as interlaced fields in that one segment represents the even lines of a frame and the other segment represents the odd lines of a frame.
PIX 250i User Guide frame rate. The best practice is to test the audio/video sync using a clapper slate on a test file for each camera resolution/frame rate to be used on a project before starting. See Audio Input Delay Control for details Audio Track Arming Up to 16 Tracks of audio can be recorded. Tracks must be armed in the Audio Screen in order for them to be recorded. Armed audio tracks will have a red background in the Arm column. Unarmed audio tracks will have a black background in the Arm column.
PIX 250i User Guide Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion The PIX 250i features powerful, hardware-based video scaling, frame rate conversion, and de-interlacing. This allows for converting the resolution and frame rate of input video signal to the recorded file and to the HDMI and SDI outputs in real-time. Video Scaling & Frame Rate Conversion Video scaling and/or de-interlacing is active whenever the Setup Menu option [Video - File Resolution/Rate] is set to something other than Same as Video Input.
PIX 250i User Guide Orange: No 3:2 pulldown sensed in 60i/59.94i input signal. Input video is being converted to 24p/23.976p using a conversion process which drops frames and may introduce judder. White: 3:2 pulldown sensed in 60i/59.94i input video signal. Input video signal is being converted to 24p/23.976p using 3:2 pulldown removal which recreates 24p/23.976p as it is captured from the camera’s shutter.
PIX 250i User Guide Up-Conversion Anamorphic: Image is horizontally stretched to fit into 16:9. Results in a wide looking image. Pillarbox: Increases size and maintains same ratio. Results in blank bar at right and left of image and picture cropped at top and bottom. Zoom 14x9: Maintains same size but fills in remaining screen space with blank bar on the right and left of image. Zoom Wide: Increase size and maintains ratio to full screen 16:9. Results in top and bottom being cropped.
PIX 250i User Guide Playback The PIX 250i has a very powerful playback engine that allows for playback of QuickTime .mov files whether generated by the PIX 250i or elsewhere (See “Appendix A - Supported Files”, page 73). Playback video is shown on the onboard LCD display and is sent to the video outputs. The PIX 250i’s video playback clock is determined by the setting in [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Video Playback].
PIX 250i User Guide previous file’s last Cue Marker (if applicable) or beginning. File Skip functions will work while a clip is playing and while it is paused. Shuttle Playback Mode In Shuttle Playback Mode the PIX 250i is capable of playing back at various rates in forward and in reverse. Shuttle Playback Mode is only available when playing back QuickTime .mov files. To immediately enter Shuttle Playback Mode from the Main View, press the Control Knob.
PIX 250i User Guide Looping Playback Looping playback can be enabled for a segment or the entire clip. To toggle looping playback and begin looping the entire currently playing clip, hold Play () for 1 second. Loop: Clip will be displayed in the bottom left-hand corner of the OSD if [On-Screen Display - Cue Marker] is set to On. Loop: Clip will be followed by / Cue number when playback is within a segment (where number indicates the last cue marker).
PIX 250i User Guide Play List Files can be added to a Play List to be played back in a specific order. Play List functions are accessed from the File Detail view of any file. By default, the PIX 250i will play files in the order that they are arranged in the File List. To play back files in the order of the Play List, [System - Playback Mode] must be set to one of the Play List modes. To add a file to the Play List: 1. Press FILES to view the File List. 2.
PIX 250i User Guide It is recommended that files in the same Play List or reel be of the same resolution, frame rate, and codec. Non-Native File Playback The PIX 250i can playback QuickTime .mov files generated by third party applications and devices. Exporting QuickTime Files for PIX 250i Playback When exporting QuickTime files for PIX 250i playback be sure to set audio to 48kHz. The PIX 250i cannot playback more than two QuickTime tracks of audio.
PIX 250i User Guide Synchronization and Timecode Synchronization of video, audio, and associated timecode while recording video and audio has long been a problematic area. Situations where several cameras are used can complicate issues further. There may be sync issues between two (or more) cameras and/or between audio recorders because of a) offset and b) drift.
PIX 250i User Guide Sync Reference The following table lists the available sources for sync reference. Signal Connection OSD HDMI video HDMI input Sync: HDMI SDI video SDI input Sync: SDI Genlock SYNC IN Sync: VidRef Internal None Sync: Int By default, the currently referenced synchronization source is always displayed on the OSD preceded by Sync:. When valid signal is present at the selected source, the OSD label will be displayed in white text.
PIX 250i User Guide Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Out The PIX 250i includes an internal Ambient® ACL-203 Lockit which can be used as a master sync/ timecode source for cameras or audio recorders. The Lockit is an ultra-high accuracy sync/timecode generator with < 0.2 ppm (½ frame per 24 hours) accuracy that is suitable as a master clock in all levels of productions.
PIX 250i User Guide 24 Hour Run Timecode Mode Generator mode. Timecode runs continuously. When this Time Code Mode is selected or when the time/date is altered, the timecode value is jammed to the value of the time-of-day clock. The value can be set by “jamming value” in the Setup Menu options [TIMECODE/SYNC - Jam Received TC] or [TIMECODE/SYNC - Jam Time Of Day]. The value can also be set manually from Setup Menu option [TIMECODE/SYNC - Set Generator TC].
PIX 250i User Guide In this scenario, the video camera is the master source of the video sync. The timecode can either be read from the camera or be generated by the PIX 250i. The accuracy of the recording is dependent on the internal clock accuracy of the camera. To receive timecode from the camera, set [Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] to one of the external timecode modes for cameras that output standard SMPTE timecode to the PIX 250i’s Timecode BNC.
PIX 250i User Guide Camera #1 to PIX #1, Camera #2 to PIX #2, No Genlock A SDI/HDMI A B SDI/HDMI B In this scenario, each camera is its own master video sync source , but the PIX 250i is the source of the timecode. The PIX 250i records its files based on the camera’s clock. The heads will match perfectly, but the tails may drift depending on the cameras’ clocks.
PIX 250i User Guide Powering The PIX 250i features an advanced powering system with PowerSafe technology. By default, the PIX 250i operates from the DC power source. When the DC power source is removed, PowerSafe circuitry activates. The PIX 250i displays a warning, stops any active recordings, finishes writing files, and shuts the PIX 250i down. The PowerSafe Battery powers the PIX 250i during this time. This feature ensures that files are protected even in the event of unexpected power loss.
PIX 250i User Guide Network Grouping When multiple rack-mounted PIX video recorders (PIX 250i, PIX 260i, or PIX 270i) or the 970 Audio Recorder are in use on an Ethernet network, they can be grouped together for transport control and linking of most setup options. Setup Menu option [Network - Network Group] assigns the PIX 250i to one of four available groups. In this section, the term “unit” refers to PIX 250i, PIX 260i, or PIX 270i Video Recorders, or the 970 Audio Recorder, unless otherwise specified.
PIX 250i User Guide Pushing Settings to Group When a unit is assigned to a group, none of its settings are immediately changed. Subsequent settings changes to any unit in the group will be applied to all units in the group. To copy all settings from one unit to the rest of the units in the group, access Setup Menu option [Network - Grouping - Push settings to group]. This will copy all grouped settings to all other units in the group.
PIX 250i User Guide 5. Repeat step 4 for all units in the group. Now when jumping to a cue marker on one unit all units in the group will also jump to the cue point and remain in sync. 1. With Loop Mode on and Cue Markers all set, locate the cue point in which the loop will begin. 2. Press Play + Fast Forward to change the Loop behavior from Loop Clip to Loop Segment mode. The OSD will display the loop points (for example Cue 1 - Cue 2). 3. Repeat step 2 on all units in the group.
PIX 250i User Guide External Control RS-422 The PIX 250i conforms to the Sony P2 (9-pin) machine control standard over RS-422. The PIX 250i acts as a slave only, not as a master. To enable RS-422 set [Remote Control - RS-422] to On. The following table lists all commands supported by the PIX 250i as well as how those commands are supported on three popular RS-422 controllers.
PIX 250i User Guide current versions of Chrome and Safari. Multiple rack-mounted PIX Video recorders or 970 Audio Recorders can be accessed at the same time from the same web browser window using tabs. In this section, the term “unit” refers to PIX 250i, PIX 260i, or PIX 270i Video Recorders, or the 970 Audio Recorder. PIXNET only supports a single client (browser) connection to a unit at one time. Accessing PIXNET on a single unit from multiple clients simultaneously is not supported.
PIX 250i User Guide PIXNET All Units Page When PIXNET is launched the first page displayed is the All Units Page. This is a quick overview of all units connected to the network. Information available is PIX Name, IP Address, File, Video Input details, Format details, and assigned Group number. From this page, a unit can be allotted to a particular group (See “Network Grouping”, page 41). Click on the Name to open the Unit Page for that particular unit.
PIX 250i User Guide PIXNET Unit Page The Unit page allows for near full remote control of the PIX 250i via the web browser. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 10 11 21 20 12 19 18 13 17 14 1) All Units Page Button Click to return to All Units Page. 2) Previous During playback, jumps to the beginning of the file or previous cue marker. In Stopped mode, loads previous file. 3) Rewind Acts as Rewind button. When selected the clip will reverse at x2 speeds. 4) Play Functions as Play button.
PIX 250i User Guide 19) File Resolution / Frame Rate Displays the current resolution and rate of recorded files. 20) Video Input Displays the source and current resolution and rate of incoming video. 21) Headphone Source Audio source for headphone output. 22) Audio Displays the current audio settings. PIXNET Unit Page Main View and Menu Tabs The Unit Page can display many different menus. The menus are accessed by clicking on the tabs of the Unit Page.
PIX 250i User Guide Audio Menu The Audio Menu provides quick access to the various PIX 250i audio settings and windows. These are separated by the views Audio Settings, Tracks, and Output Matrix. When Audio Settings is selected, the PIX 250i Audio Setup Menu options are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser. Audio Tracks The Audio Tracks screen allows all the same adjustments as the Audio Screen on the PIX 250i itself: 1 2 3 4 7 6 1) Track Name Click to edit.
PIX 250i User Guide Network Menu Network Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser. Changing settings in this menu can disconnect the web browser from PIXNET System Menu System Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser. Triggering Recording from External Timecode The PIX 250i can be configured to start recordings when incoming timecode begins rolling and stop when it becomes stationary.
PIX 250i User Guide Pin Function 2 Play Input. Triggers PIX 250i play. 3 Stop Input. Triggers PIX 250i stop. 4 (unused) 5 (unused) 6 REC Output. Activates upon PIX 250i record. 7 Play Output. Activates upon PIX 250i play. 8 Stop Output. Activates upon PIX 250i stop. +5V +5V DC Output. Constant source of +5V for triggering logic high connections. GPIO inputs (pins 1, 2, and 3) and GPIO outputs (pins 6, 7, and 8) can be set to “logic high” or “logic low”.
PIX 250i User Guide USB Keyboard The PIX 250i supports standard USB keyboards connected to the USB A connector on the front panel. The keyboard can be used to navigate menus, enter text, and control PIX 250i Transport functions. The following table shows common functions for an attached keyboard: Keyboards with integrated USB hubs are not supported. Key Function External Control F1 Functions the same as MENU button. F2 Functions the same as FILES button. F3 Functions the same as AUDIO button.
PIX 250i User Guide Storage and File Management Storage The PIX 250i records on up to two separate storage devices simultaneously. There are two PIX-CADDY slots on the front panel that are accessed by pulling the LCD Handle forward and tilting the LCD down. PIX-CADDY 2 Drives 1 and 2 are PIX-CADDY 2 slots behind the LCD on the Front panel. Storage & File Management The PIX-CADDY 2 allows for simple, quick, and solid connection and removal of drives for file storage and exchange.
PIX 250i User Guide 3. Choose the Erase/Re-format: Drive Number for the drive to be formatted or Erase/Re-format: All Drives option. 4. A confirmation dialog will appear: “All data will be erased. Continue?”. Use the Control Knob to select OK. 5. Use the displayed on-screen keyboard (or an external USB keyboard, if attached) to enter a volume label for the drive, and then use the Control Knob to select OK to initiate the format.
PIX 250i User Guide CamID The CamID field consists of a single alpha character. It is intended to indicate which physical camera shot the content for the take. Reel The reel can be considered a container for all assets generated during a recording session or day’s work. It is intended to indicate what reel the recording is part of. The PIX 250i will create a folder at the root level for each Reel. Recorded files are placed inside the current Reel folder. This value is alpha-numeric.
PIX 250i User Guide this new file will be seamless to the ending of the previous file. The Setup Menu option [File Storage - QuickTime File Split every] adjusts the amount of time before a file split occurs. File Naming Files are named according to the file name format as set with Setup Menu option [File Storage - File Name Format]. The options for file name format include various combinations of Drive Name, CamID, Reel, Clip, Scene/Shot, and Take metadata fields.
PIX 250i User Guide Deleting a File Any file that appears in the Take List can be deleted directly from the PIX 250i. To delete a file: 1. Press FILES to enter the File List. 2. Scroll with the Control Knob to highlight and select the file to be deleted. Once highlighted, press the Control Knob to enter the Take Details view. 3. Highlight and select the Delete option. A dialog will appear to confirm the deletion. Turn the Control Knob to highlight and select “OK”.
PIX 250i User Guide • Mac OSX: From the Finder, select Go > Connect to Server. Enter the PIX 250i address as “smb://[IP Address]” then click Connect. Enter the user name and password. • Windows: Click the Start button (or press the Windows key on the keyboard). In the search box, enter the PIX 250i address as “\\[IP Address]”. Enter the user name and password. Storage & File Management 5. Drives that are in Ethernet File Transfer mode will appear as folders in the mounted volume on the computer.
PIX 250i User Guide Setup Management and Firmware Upgrades Saving and Loading Setup Files To save all of the current settings to a setup file, select the Setup Menu option [Quick Setup - Save Settings to Drive 1]. Use the on-screen keyboard (or attached USB keyboard) to enter a name for the setup file. This will save all of the current settings to an XML file at root of Drive 1. To load a previously saved setup file, select the Setup Menu option [Quick Setup - Load Settings from Drive 1].
PIX 250i User Guide Setup Management & Firmware Upgrades 5. The Setup Menu will be shown with a colored background. There will be check boxes next to each menu item. Navigate the menu with the Control Knob or keyboard arrows, as usual. 6. To change the visibility of an item in the Setup Menu, press the spacebar on the keyboard while the item is highlighted. Checked items will be displayed in the Setup Menu and unchecked items will not be displayed. Crossed out items will be hidden 7.
PIX 250i User Guide The Settings Customization Menu option Reset to Factory Settings will make all Setup Menu items visible and revert default settings to factory defaults. Factory Restore To fully restore the unit to its factory firmware state, hold Fast Forward and Stop while booting the PIX 250i up, until the Main View appears.
PIX 250i User Guide Setup Menu Options The Setup Menu controls a wide range of parameters for the PIX 250i. The parameters are organized into categories, making the Setup Menu easy to navigate. The following tables show the parameter name, a description, options available, and the factory default setting where applicable. Default settings can be altered.
PIX 250i User Guide # Parameter Name Description Options »» 1 (numeric) 10 Take Current take number. When the Scene name is altered, the Take number is reset to 1. 11 Scene Increment Mode • Disabled The method used to increment the Scene/Shot value »» Numeric when Stop+Fast Forward is pressed on the Main View. • Character Erase/Reformat Format any or all attached drives.
PIX 250i User Guide # 7 8 Parameter Name Description Options SDI Output Type HD output type employs SMPTE 292M / HD-SDI on SDI output. 3G output type employs SMPTE 424M / 3G-SDI on SDI output. »» HD (4:2:2 10-bit) • 3G (4:4:4 12-bit) Video Output OSD Superimpose the current timecode over the video signal on the selected output. Timecode value appears in lower left corner of the frame.
PIX 250i User Guide Timecode/Sync Parameter Name 1 Sync Ref - Video Playback Description Options The reference for synchronization of playback clock. • Internal • Video Ref (Sync In) »» Video Input (SDI/HDMI) 2 Timecode Mode Sets the running mode for the internal timecode generator and/or the method which the PIX 250i receives SMPTE timecode..
PIX 250i User Guide # Parameter Name Description Options 9 UBits Format Sets the four-field format for the UBits Generator to the default, which is user definable fields, or so that the first three fields are automatically populated with numerical values based on the system date.
PIX 250i User Guide On-Screen Display Parameter Name Description Options 1 ABS Time Display of absolute record time.
PIX 250i User Guide # Parameter Name Description Options »» Off • SDI Flag - RED • SDI Flag - Panasonic • SDI Flag - Panasonic (Varicam) • SDI Flag - Canon • SDI Flag - Sony • SDI Flag - Arri • SDI Flag - PIX • Timecode 3 Rec Start/Stop Determines what method the PIX 250i uses to automatically start and stop recordings. 4 GPIO Inputs Set GPIO inputs (pins 1, 2, and 3 on GPIO connector) »» Active low to active high or active low. Active high: Connecting the pin to +5V will activate the function.
PIX 250i User Guide Parameter Name Description Options 2 HP Warning Bell Level Adjusts the level of the heaphone warning bell sound »» -40dBFS (Off, -60 to -12dBFS) 3 Time Zone Selects the international time zone »» (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US) (All GMT zones) 4 Daylight Saving Toggles daylight saving on or off for the time-of-day clock »» Off • On 5 Time Format Selects between 12 or 24 hour format for the time-ofday clock »» 12h • 24h 6 Date Format Selects between MM/DD/YY and DD/MM/Y
PIX 250i User Guide Button Shortcuts Button Combination AUDIO + Control Knob rotate AUDIO + LCD LCD + Control Knob press Stop + Rew Stop + Fast Forward MENU + FILES MENU + Control Knob Press Effect Change HP source. From the Audio view: Solo the highlighted channel in the headphones. Adjust LCD and button brightness. False take. Deletes last take and decrements Take Number. Scene increment. Changes the scene name by increasing it numerically or by alpha characters.
PIX 250i User Guide Connector Pin Assignments Pin Assignments Notes XLR4M (DC Input) 1–ground 2–float 3–float 4–DC+ Pins 2 and 3 unused. When using a single power source, use Primary connector (top).
PIX 250i User Guide Connector Pin Assignments DB-25 (1) (CH 1-8 AES IN/OUT) 1–Digital Out 4 signal (+) 2–Digital Out 4 Ground 3–Digital Out 3 signal (-) 4–Digital Out 2 signal (+) 5–Digital Out 2 Ground 6–Digital Out 1 signal (-) 7–Digital In 4 signal (+) 8–Digital In 4 Ground 9–Digital In 3 signal (-) 10–Digital In 2 signal (+) 11–Digital In 2 Ground 12–Digital In 1 signal (-) 13–unused 14–Digital Out 4 signal (-) 15–Digital Out 3 signal (+) 16–Digital Out 3 Ground 17–Digital Out 2 signal (-) 18–Digital
PIX 250i User Guide Appendix A - Supported Files The PIX 250i supports the playback of various QuickTime .mov files. The PIX 250i will playback any file that it generates. Additionally, the PIX 250i can playback QuickTime files generated by other 3rd party recorders/applications. The PIX 250i will import and playback High Definition QuickTime ProRes and DNxHD files generated by Avid and Final Cut Pro (currently tested with Avid 6 and Final Cut Pro 7 and X).
PIX 250i User Guide Specifications SDI Input • 4:4:4 or 4:2:2; 12, 10, or 8-bit • 3G-SDI (levels A and B), HD-SDI, or SDI Output • 4:4:4 or 4:2:2; 12, 10, or 8-bit • 3G-SDI (level A), HD-SDI, or SDI SMPTE 12M-1, 12M-2, 125M, 259M, 272M, 291M, 292, 296M, 299, 315M, 352M, 372, 424, 425 HDMI Input v1.4a, 4:4:4 or 4:2:2, RGB or YCbCr, 10 or 8-bit, HDCP-enabled Output v1.3, 4:2:2 8-bit, RGB and YCbCr Video Input Resolutions / Rates Input Resolutions / Rates Specifications • • • • 1080p23.
PIX 250i User Guide Audio Recording Record/Playback • 16 channels record/playback, simultaneous with video • Simultaneous Analog, HDMI or SDI, AES/EBU, selectable per channel Analog Audio Inputs • 2 Balanced, line-level inputs on XLR. Outputs • 2 Balanced, line-level outputs on XLR Frequency Response 10Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.5dB re 1kHz THD + Noise 0.
PIX 250i User Guide Timecode Inputs / Outputs • SDI Input BNC • SDI Output BNC • HDMI Input Jack (Sony protocol) Sync Output • Analog bi-, tri-level sync / Genlock • Wordclock (Square wave, 48 kHz sampling rate, 3.3vp-p, 75 ohm) Sync Input • Analog bi-, tri-level sync / Genlock • Wordclock (Square wave, 48 kHz sampling rate, 3.
PIX 250i User Guide Declaration of Conformity According to EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004 Manufacturer’s Name: Sound Devices, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: E7556 State Rd.
PIX 250i User Guide Software License End-user license agreement for Sound Devices PIX 250i Embedded Software / Firmware Important Read carefully: This Sound Devices, LLC end-user license agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Sound Devices, LLC for the Sound Devices, LLC software product identified above, which includes computer software, embedded software, and may include associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentatio
PIX 250i User Guide Warranty and Technical Support Warranty & Service Sound Devices, LLC warrants the PIX 250i Video Recorder against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of TWO (2) years from date of original retail purchase. This is a non-transferable warranty that extends only to the original purchaser. Sound Devices, LLC will repair or replace the product at its discretion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe service conditions will be addressed on an individual basis.
PIX 250i, v 2.10 - Printed in U.S.A.