Grass Valley LDK 8000 User Manual

User’s Guide

3922 496 30571 March 2007 v2.0

LDK 8000

HDTV multi-standard, multi-format camera system

LDK 8000 User’s Guide ii

Declaration of Conformity

We, Grass Valley Nederland B.V., Kapittelweg 10, 4827 HG Breda, The Netherlands, declare
under our sole responsibility that this product is in compliance with the following standards:

- EN60065 : Safety

- EN55103-1: EMC (Emission)

- EN55103-2: EMC (Immunity)

following the provisions of:

a. the Safety Directives 73/23//EEC and 93/68/EEC
b. the EMC Directives 89/336/EEC and 93/68/EEC

FCC Class A Statement

This product generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause interference to radio communications.

It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A digital device pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when operated in a commercial environment.

Copyright

Trademarks

Website

Operation of this product in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the
user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct
the interference.

Copyright Grass Valley Nederland B.V. 2007. Copying of this document and giving it to others,
and the use or communication of the contents thereof, are forbidden without express authority.
Offenders are liable to the payment of damages. All rights are reserved in the event of the grant
of a patent or the registration of a utility model or design. Liable to technical alterations in the
course of further development.

Grass Valley and Infinity are trademarks of Grass Valley, Inc. All other tradenames referenced are
service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Visit the Grass Valley public website to download the latest user’s guide updates and additional
information about your broadcast product:

http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com

LDK 8000 User’s Guide i

Table of contents

Chapter 1 – Introduction

1.1 Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

1.1.1 HD sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

1.1.2 Digital processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

1.1.3 Film-like characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

1.1.4 Focus assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

1.1.5 Different versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

1.1.6 Acquisition formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

1.1.7 Advanced TriaxHD features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

1.1.8 SuperXPander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

1.2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

1.3 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Chapter 2 – Installation

2.1 Packing/unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.2 Transport case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

2.3 Mounting a lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

2.4 2-inch viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

2.4.1 Mounting viewfinder and microphone holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

2.4.2 Positioning the viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

2.5 Viewfinder accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

2.5.1 Wide angle eyepiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

2.5.2 Left eye adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

2.6 Mounting a microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

2.7 Tripod adapter plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

2.8 Adjusting the shoulder pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

2.9 Attaching an adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Chapter 3 – Configurations

3.1 TriaxHD mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.2 Multiple TriaxHD cameras with C2IP network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

3.3 Camera with TriaxHD adapter and SuperXpander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

3.4 Local mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

3.5 Triax cable lengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Chapter 4 – Location of controls

4.1 Camera head controls and connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.2 TriaxHD adapter controls and connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

4.3 Viewfinder controls and indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

LDK 8000 User’s Guide ii

Chapter 5 – Operating instructions

5.1 Using the camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

5.1.1 Switching on the power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

5.1.2 Controlling the camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

5.2 System Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

5.2.1 Entering the System menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

5.2.2 Finding your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

5.2.3 Leaving the System Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

5.2.4 Making changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

5.2.5 Undoing changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

5.3 Assigning functions to buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

5.4 Video acquisition modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

5.4.1 Standard camera version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

5.4.2 Worldcam version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

5.5 Viewfinder preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

5.5.1 Viewfinder picture quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

5.5.2 Video level indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

5.5.3 Tally indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

5.5.4 Viewfinder markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

5.5.5 Focussing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

5.6 Lens preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

5.6.1 Lens type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

5.6.2 Auto iris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

5.6.3 Extended Iris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

5.6.4 Lens indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

5.7 Video preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

5.7.1 Standard settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

5.7.2 Test signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

5.7.3 Gain selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

5.7.4 Optical filter selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

5.7.5 Colour temperature selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

5.7.6 Exposure time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

5.7.7 Shooting screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

5.7.8 Black stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

5.7.9 Auto skin contour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

5.8 Controls on the TriaxHD adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

5.8.1 Powering the camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

5.8.2 Selecting monitoring signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

5.8.3 Using audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

5.8.4 Intercom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

5.8.5 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

5.9 Managing files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

5.9.1 Scene files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

5.9.2 Operator files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

5.9.3 Standard files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

5.9.4 Customer standard files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

5.10 User levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

5.10.1 Selecting the user level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28

5.11 Access and Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29

5.11.1 Camera cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29

5.11.2 Access control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30

5.11.3 Camera card slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30

5.12 Smart-Touch™ option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

LDK 8000 User’s Guide iii

Chapter 6 – Menu structure and contents

6.1 Menu structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

6.1.1 Top menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

6.1.2 Viewfinder menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

6.1.3 Lens menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

6.1.4 Video menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

6.1.5 Install menu structure (HDriax) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

6.1.6 File menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

6.1.7 Security menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

6.2 Menu contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

6.2.1 Viewfinder menu contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

6.2.2 Lens menu contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

6.2.3 Video menu contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11

6.2.4 Install menu contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14

6.2.5 Files menu contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17

6.2.6 Security menu contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18

6.2.7 Diagnostics menu contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19

6.3 Where to find a function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20

Chapter 7 – Connectors

7.1 Camera connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

7.1.1 Viewfinder connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

7.1.2 HDMI connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

7.1.3 Lens connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

7.1.4 Audio microphone connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

7.1.5 RS232 serial connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

7.2 Connectors on the TriaxHD adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

7.2.1 Triax connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

7.2.2 Viewfinder / External video output connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

7.2.3 HD - SDI (B) connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

7.2.4 HD - SDI (A) connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

7.2.5 Audio microphone 1 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

7.2.6 Audio microphone 2 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

7.2.7 Intercom headset connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

7.2.8 DC power input socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

7.2.9 DC power and tally output socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

7.2.10 Script light power supply socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

7.2.11 Teleprompter output / Reference input connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

7.2.12 Tracker communications connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

7.2.13 Auxiliary connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Chapter 8 – Specifications

8.1 Specifications for LDK 8000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

8.2 Specifications for LDK 5860 TriaxHD adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

8.2.1 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

LDK 8000 User’s Guide iv

End-of-life product recycling

Grass Valley’s innovation and excellence in product design also extends to the programs
we’ve established to manage the recycling of our products. Grass Valley has developed a
comprehensive end-of-life product take back program for recycle or disposal of end-of-life
products. Our program meets the requirements of the European Union’s WEEE Directive and
in the United States from the Environmental Protection Agency, individual state or local
agencies.

Grass Valley’s end-of-life product take back program assures proper disposal by use of Best
Available Technology. This program accepts any Grass Valley branded equipment. Upon
request, a Certificate of Recycling or a Certificate of Destruction, depending on the ultimate
disposition of the product, can be sent to the requester.

Grass Valley will be responsible for all costs associated with recycling and disposal, including
freight, however you are responsible for the removal of the equipment from your facility and
packing the equipment ready for pickup.

For further information on the Grass Valley product take back system please contact Grass
Valley at + 800 80 80 20 20 or [phone] from most other countries. In the US and
Canada please call 800-547-8949 or 530-478-4148. Ask to be connected to the EH&S
Department. In addition, information concerning the program can be found at:

www.thomsongrassvalley.com/environment

LDK 8000 User’s Guide v

Important information

Read these instructions carefully and retain them for future reference.

During installation and operation of this equipment, local building safety and fire protection
standards must be observed.

Before connecting the equipment to the power supply of the installation, verify the proper
functioning of the protective earth lead.

Whenever it is likely that safe operation is impaired, the apparatus must be made inoperative
and secured against any unintended operation. The appropriate servicing authority must then
be informed. For example, safety is likely to be impaired if the apparatus fails to perform the
intended function or shows visible damage.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipment.

Cautions and Warnings

Read and comply with the warning and caution notices that appear in the manual.

• Warnings indicate danger that requires correct procedures or practices to prevent death
or injury to personnel.

• Cautions indicate procedures or practices that should be followed to prevent damage or
destruction to equipment or property.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide vi

Warnings

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. If the unit is in a
wet or damp environment, a rain cover must be used to protect it for personal safety reasons
(EN60065). The rain cover supplied with the unit protects it according to safety specification
EN60529 up to level IPX2 (spraying water).

To avoid electrical shock, do not remove covers or panels. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.

In case of an emergency ensure that the power is disconnected.

Use only fuses of the type and rating specified.

Connect the product only to a power source with the specified voltage rating.

The Base Station must always be connected to protective earth. Do not interrupt the
protection conductor inside or outside the unit. Do not disconnect the protective earth
terminal. Intentional interruption is prohibited and is likely to make the unit dangerous.

To prevent risk of overheating, ventilate the units correctly.

For safety reasons the Base Station must be mounted in a 19-inch rack which has safety
covers according to IEC65. When two Base Stations are mounted above each other, the
minimum distance between them must be 50mm or the rack must be force-air cooled.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide vii

Triax cable systems

Only connect a Triax cable from the same LDK camera family to the unit.

Do not allow system earth currents to exceed 1.5A in the outer shield of the Triax cable or

0.2A in other cable shields.

To avoid excessive earth currents in a Triax system, galvanically separate the power earth
connection of equipment connected to the camera from the camera earth.

It is strictly prohibited to short circuit the inner and outer shields of a Triax cable used to
connect a camera to a base station.

Galvanic separation

Because of the nature of Triax systems, with long distances between camera and Base
Station, the risk of earth currents flowing is greater. These earth currents can result in damage
to the equipment.

For example, a monitor connected directly to the CVBS output of the camera is powered
locally. The earthing point of the monitor’s power supply can be at a different potential with
respect to the earthing point of the Base Station. If the power earth of the monitor is also the
video earth, then this earth potential is transferred to the camera via the shield of the BNC
connector. The difference in earth potential between the camera and the Base Station results
in an earth current in the Triax system.

To prevent earth currents from flowing in the Triax system, we recommend galvanic
separation of earthed equipment connected to the camera. This separation can be achieved by
using an isolation transformer between the local power outlet and the equipment connected to
the camera. Alternatively, use equipment that has a double insulation and therefore does not
require an earth connection.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide viii

Base Station earthing

The rear of the unit has two separate screw terminals for protective earth (PE) and video
earth (VE). These are normally connected by a metal strap.

VE

Metal strap

PE

The protective earth terminal is internally connected to the protective earth conductor of the
power cable. In normal circumstances the connection between the protective earth and the
video earth should not be broken. If required, the central earth connection wire of the studio
can be connected to terminal PE in accordance with VDE regulation 0800/part2.

Only if the studio (or OB van) is equipped with separate protective and video earth systems
may the metal strap be removed. Under these circumstances the video earth terminal must be
connected to the central functional earth potential (video earth) of the studio. This earth
potential should have functional protective and noiseless earth (FPE) qualities as stated in the
VDE regulation 0800/part2. A low impedance interconnection of both earth conductors must
be provided at the central studio earthing point.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide ix

Precautions

To ensure continual high performance from the camera take the following precautions into
consideration:

• Avoid very damp places. If the environment is wet or damp a rain cover must be used to
protect the unit.

• Do not subject the unit to severe shocks or vibration.

• Do not expose the camera to extremes of temperature.

• Do not leave the unit in direct sunlight or close to heating appliances for extended periods.

• Do not allow sunlight to shine into the viewfinder.

• Do not allow LASER beams to shine into the lens as this could damage the CCD sensors.

• Avoid extreme highlights as these can cause various kinds of optical reflections.

• Be careful when connecting and disconnecting triax cables.

– Do not mix triax units from different types of camera systems (HD with SD, RGB triax

with digital triax).

– Make connections swiftly and firmly to avoid false error messages.

Mains lead wiring for UK users

The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

GREEN and YELLOW- EARTH

BLUE- NEUTRAL

BROWN- LIVE

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the
coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows:

• The wire coloured GREEN AND YELLOW must be connected to the terminal on the plug
marked with the letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN
AND YELLOW.

• The wire coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or
coloured RED.

• The wire coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or
coloured BLACK.

Ensure that your equipment is connected correctly - if you are in any doubt consult a qualified
electrician.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide x

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Introduction 1-1

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Technology

The LDK 8000 is a high definition multi-standard, multi-format digital camera head using
three 2/3-inch HD-DPM
adapter for a flexible camera that is equally at home in the studio or out on location.

1.1.1 HD sensors

The camera head uses HD-DPM+™ CCD sensors which offer superior performance and
ultimate flexibility. Native wide screen pictures in the high-definition formats 1080i, 1080p
(WorldCam) and 720p are produced at the touch of a button. This unique native multi-format
capability is realized with innovative 9.2 million pixel 2/3" CCD sensors. These allow vertically
grouping of different numbers of pixels on the sensors themselves. There is no need for HDTV
format conversion during digital signal processing which would lead to quality degradation.

These sensors have a high dynamic range and high linear sensitivity across all camera lens
apertures. They are based on Frame Transfer technology, which ensures that there is neither
lag nor smear.

1.1.2 Digital processing

The advanced digital processing of the camera is based on 14-bit A/D converters and more
than 22-bit internal processing. All major camera functions are processed in the digital
domain, including knee, gamma, contour, matrix and colour correction.

The intelligent continuous automatics facility provides automatic control of black levels and
black shading. Each sensor provides black reference signals that are used to monitor
temperature changes. This means that continuous automatic correction is applied without
operator intervention.

+

™ sensors. The camera head can be combined with the TriaxHD

v2.0

The digital contour processing uses full amplitude video RGB signals via an extended dynamic
range contour circuit. Colorimetry is selected by means of a variable 6-point digital matrix or
via preset matrices. Digital gamma circuits provide a wide range of standardised gamma
curves and enable soft contrast in black scenes to be enhanced, together with hard contrast
and saturated colour in bright scenes. The matrix and gamma sequence is software
programmable for precise colour matching.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Introduction 1-2

1.1.3 Film-like characteristics

The pivoting knee circuit adapts both the knee point and the compression ratio according to
the highlight content of the picture to emulate the softly limiting S-shaped transfer
characteristics of film. Digital True Colour Knee circuitry maintains the correct hue for
compressed highlights, reproducing colours faithfully, even overexposed skin tones.

Digital contrast circuitry provides a black stretch function for more detail in black areas and a
black press function for improving the contrast impression by simulating the S-curve of film.

1.1.4 Focus assist

With HDTV, focusing is even more critical than before. The LDK 8000 has special patented
focusing aids. A unique viewfinder zoom function enlarges the viewfinder image instantly
with a simple press-button action, thus providing improved means for focusing. A patented
crawler circuitry adds motion in the viewfinder to objects in sharp focus.

1.1.5 Different versions

The LDK 8000 camera head is available in two versions - Standard and Worldcam.

The Standard version supports 1080i/720p HD formats in 50, and 59.94 Hz, and
simultaneously provides high-quality SDTV outputs in either 50 Hz or 59.94 Hz.

The Worldcam version provides, in addition to the Standard version formats, digital
cinematography formats in 1080p and 720p, which give an impression of motion comparable
to film cameras running at identical speeds.

The Worldcam also provides convenient built-in frame-rate conversions for easy connection to
existing HD peripherals, offering possibilities for cost-effective monitoring and recording
combined with the motion portrayal of film cameras. The 1080p format at 23.98 Hz, for
example, can be converted using 3:2 pull-down to 1080i at 59.94 Hz right inside the camera.

1.1.6 Acquisition formats

The following acquisition formats are available:

Standard version

– 1080i at 59.94 Hz

– 1080i at 50 Hz

– 720p at 59.94 Hz

– 720p at 50Hz

v2.0

Worldcam version

– 1080i at 59.94 Hz

– 1080i at 50 Hz

– 1080p at 23.98 Hz

– 1080p at 24 Hz

– 1080p at 25 Hz

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Introduction 1-3

– 1080p at 29.97 Hz

– 720p at 59.94 Hz

– 720p at 50 Hz

– 720p at 23.98 Hz

– 720p at 25 Hz

– 720p at 29.97 Hz

1.1.7 Advanced TriaxHD features

TriaxHD, which is a further development of the Emmy Award winning triax transmission
system, makes the camera compatible with industry standard triax cables. This allows the
reuse of existing, reliable and valuable cable inventories.

TriaxHD allows video transmission and remote control of cameras up to a distance of 3300 ft
(1000 meters) and beyond, using industry standard 14mm triax cables. It is based on 30MHz
full-bandwidth 4:2:2 transmission (Y/Cr/Cb components).

The double side band modulation technique used in combination with Y/Cr/Cb transmission
ensures linearity, resolution and an optimal signal-to-noise ratio over the maximum cable
length. Bandwidth efficient channel combining and equalization techniques minimize cross­talk and interference. Teleprompter and viewfinder signals maintain high performance with
relatively long cable lengths.

The communication facilities provide for two-wire or four-wire high quality intercom signals.
Full camera control is provided via a C2IP Ethernet-based control network.

The TriaxHD adapter is equipped with a rotary triax connector which provides freedom of
movement during portable use of the camera and protects the connector from being
damaged in near-floor conditions.

TriaxHD Base Station

The TriaxHD Base Station, as well as providing high definition outputs, optionally offers
simultaneous high-end SDTV outputs. This facilitates a gradual and managed transition from
SDTV to HDTV.

1.1.8 SuperXPander

The Triax SuperXpander large lens adapter together with the optional 7-inch HD high
resolution viewfinder turns the portable triax camera into a full-featured studio camera for
studio and EFP situations.

1.2 Fe a tures

• Ultimate flexibility with HD-DPM+ ™ CCD sensors, offering native switchability between
the interlaced 1080i and true progressive 1080p high definition digital cinematography
formats.

v2.0

• The CCDs have 9.2 million pixels, with 1920 (H) x 4320 (V) effective picture elements.

• Frame Transfer technology ensures no smear.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Introduction 1-4

• 14-bit A-to-D and more than 22-bit digital processing with unique software programmable
video path.

• Superior all digital highlight handling with a wide dynamic range.

• Unique circuitry for pivoting knee and True Colour Knee.

• Variable gain control and variable colour temperature.

• Wide range of presets and variable 6-point digital matrix assure accurate colour matching.

• Fluorescent light matrix.

• Digital gamma with unique standard preset values and highest accuracy.

• Digital contour with an extensive range of parameters.

• Advanced contour correction includes two automatic skin settings.

• Intelligent Continuous Automatics black levels, black shading and video levels - no set-up
time required.

• Digital contrast with standard black stretch and black press.

• International standard 2/3-inch lens interface.

• Optical servo-controlled four-position neutral density filter wheel.

• Optical servo-controlled effect filter wheel with soft focus, four-point star and six-point
star filters.

• Electronic colour filter can be used for creating a special look (warm/cold) of a scene, or
for a smooth colour temperature control around the white balance setting.

• Smart card for personal settings and security.

• Owner card for setting user levels, and for copying and storing control settings.

• Protected, easy-to-operate controls and switches with read-out of all settings.

• Viewfinder status read-out of primary camera functions.

• Clean scan feature allows capture of computer and other monitor pictures.

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Introduction 1-5

1.3 Accessories

Xpander LDK 4489

SuperXpander LDK 4488

7” viewfinder support LDK 6517

HD/HS Triax Repeater LDK 4800

2” viewfinder HDTV LDK 5302/60

5” viewfinder HDTV LDK 5305/01

7” viewfinder HDTV High Brightness LDK 4020/20

Wide Angle adapter for 2" VF LDK 5390/00

Left eye adapter for 2” VF LDK 5390/10

Sunhood for 5" VF LDK 6992/02

Raincover for camera with 5"VF LDK 5021/05

Tripod plate LDK 5031/10

Headset dynamic XLR-5 double muff LDK 8111/37

Headset dynamic XLR-5 single muff LDK 8111/51

Scriptboard with light LDK 6985/21

Transport/flightcase LDK 5020

Carrying bag LDK 5020/01

AC power supply 100 W LDK 5901/00

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Introduction 1-6

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-1

Chapter 2

Installation

2.1 Packing/unpacking

Inspect the shipping container for evidence of damage immediately after receipt. If the
shipping container or cushioning material is damaged, it should be kept until the contents of
the shipment have been checked for completeness and the units have been checked
mechanically and electrically.

The shipping container should be placed upright and opened from the top. Remove the
cushioning material and lift out the contents. The contents of the shipment should be checked
against the packing list. If the contents are incomplete, if there is mechanical damage or
defect, or if the units do not perform correctly when unpacked, notify your Grass Valley
Nederland B.V. sales or service centre within eight days. If the shipping container shows signs
of damage or stress, notify the carrier as well.

If a unit is being returned to Grass Valley Nederland B.V. for servicing, try to use the containers
and materials of the original packaging. Attach a tag indicating the type of service required,
return address, model number, full serial number and the return number which will be supplied
by your Grass Valley Nederland B.V. service centre.

If the original packing can no longer be used, the following general instructions should be used
for repacking with commercially available materials:

1. Wrap unit in heavy paper or plastic.

2. Use strong shipping container.

3. Use a layer of shock-absorbing material around all sides of the unit to provide firm

cushioning and prevent movement inside container.

4. Seal shipping container securely.

5. Mark shipping container FRAGILE to ensure careful handling.

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-2

2.2 Transport case

It is important to protect your camera against damage when transporting it. To do this, a
transport case (LDK 5020/00) is optionally available for the camera, lens, viewfinder and some
accessories.

Figure 2-1. Transport case

documentation

packing inserts

top light

tripod plate

power supply

additional supplies

The camera is packed in the transport case as shown in the figure above. This ensures that the
camera is not damaged during transport. Turn the 2-inch viewfinder downwards so that it does
not protrude above the top of the camera. Several foam packing inserts are provided to enable
different configurations of the camera to be packed securely. These inserts are used to
support the rear of the camera. Make sure you use the correct foam insert for your particular
configuration.

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-3

2.3 Mounting a lens

To attach a lens to the camera head proceed as follows:

1. Ensure that the lens locking ring (1) is in the unlocked position - turned counterclockwise.

2. Remove the dust protection cap (2).

3. Slot the lens into the lens mount (3).

4. Turn the lens locking ring (1) clockwise to lock the lens in place.

5. Connect the lens cable to the lens connector (4) at the right side of the camera.

6. Place the lens cable into the bottom clip at the front of the camera and clip (5) located at

the side.

Figure 2-2. Lens mounting

1

2

4

Caution

Do not attach a lens weighing more than 5 kg to the camera without a support.

When a new lens is fitted to the camera it may be necessary to carry out some adjustments to
optimize its use, for example, back focus or shading. For more information about these
adjustments refer to the lens manufacturer’s documentation.

Note

☞

Always mount the dust protection cap when the lens is not connected to the camera.

5

3

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-4

2.4 2-inch viewfinder

2.4.1 Mounting viewfinder and microphone holder

To mount the viewfinder LDK 5302/60 proceed as follows:

1. Loosen locking ring (1) of viewfinder support bracket (2) at the front of the camera handle.
(As seen from the rear of the camera, turning the locking ring counterclockwise moves it
towards the handle.)

2. Slide the viewfinder onto the viewfinder support bracket.

3. Tighten the locking ring (1) by turning it clockwise (as seen from rear) so that the

viewfinder is mounted securely to the support.

4. Connect the viewfinder cable to the viewfinder connector socket (6) at the top right of the
camera.

5. Slide the microphone holder (4) onto the viewfinder and secure with the knurled screw
(5).

Caution

Always fit the microphone holder as it functions as a safety stop for the viewfinder.

6. To improve the comfort of the skin contact when using the viewfinder, fit the eye piece
cover (3) to the rubber eyepiece. Spare eye piece covers (3922 405 00461) are available at
your Grass Valley representative.

Figure 2-3. Viewfinder mounting

3

2

1

6

5

4

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-5

2.4.2 Positioning the viewfinder

The horizontal position of the viewfinder can be adjusted as follows to suit your requirements:

1. Loosen the locking ring (1). (As seen from the rear of the camera, turning the locking ring

counterclockwise moves it towards the handle.)

2. Slide the viewfinder horizontally along the rail to the desired position.

3. Tighten the locking ring (1) by turning clockwise.

The dioptre hood and eyepiece of the viewfinder can be rotated vertically.

The viewfinder can be positioned backwards and forwards along the camera axis. Loosen the
support bracket round bar retaining lever (2) and slide the round bar (3) forwards or backwards.
When the desired position is reached tighten the support bracket round bar retaining lever (2)
again.

To use the viewfinder at a distance press the button (4) below or above the eyepiece tube and
swing it free of the associated clip (5). The display can now be seen from further away.

Figure 2-4. Viewfinder positioning

1

3

2

4

5

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-6

2.5 Viewfinder accessories

2.5.1 Wide angle eyepiece

If you regularly use the viewfinder at a distance, for example, when you use the camera in the
hand-held position, it is recommended that you fit the optionally available wide angle eyepiece
(LDK 5390/00). To fit the wide angle eyepiece proceed as follows:

1. Hold the eyepiece (1) securely.

2. Press the button (2) below the eyepiece tube and swing it free of the button clip (3).

3. Press the button (4) above the eyepiece tube and remove the eyepiece.

4. Fit the wide angle eyepiece (1) to the two clips (3) ensuring that they both click into place.

Figure 2-5. Viewfinder wide angle eyepiece

1

4

3

2

2.5.2 Left eye adapter

A left eye adapter is optionally available (LDK 5390/10) to allow the viewfinder to be used with
the left eye. Before mounting the viewfinder onto the camera, attach the left eye adapter (1) to
the viewfinder and secure it using the screw (2). Do not forget to mount the microphone
support bracket (3) at the end of the left eye adapter.

Figure 2-6. Viewfinder left eye adapter

1

2

3

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-7

2.6 Mounting a microphone

To attach the optional microphone (AJ-MC700) to the camera proceed as follows:

1. Open the microphone holder by unscrewing the knurled screw (2) of the microphone

support bracket (1) on the viewfinder and open.

2. Slide the microphone into the split tube until the microphone shoulder reaches the mark

(5) in the tube.

3. Place the tube with the microphone into the holder with the split facing upwards. Mount

the microphone as straight as possible.

4. Ensure that the rubber supports at the back and front of the holder fit into the rims (6)

around the tube.

5. Close the holder and tighten the knurled screw at the top. Don’t allow the wind hood to

touch the holder (7) as this reduces the damping effect.

6. Connect the microphone cable to the MIC audio connector (3) on the right side of the

camera. To avoid mechanical pick-up, do not let the microphone cable touch the holder.

7. Place the microphone cable into the top clip at the front of the camera and into clip (4) at

the side of the camera. (Pull and twist clip to open it.)

Other microphones with a diameter of 21mm can also be used, however, ensure that the
sensitivity of the input that match that type of microphone are correctly selected in the camera
INSTALL menu. When a longer microphone is used, it is not necessary to place it in the split
tube. Phantom power is always present on the front microphone socket.

Figure 2-7. Microphone mounting

1

5

2

6

3

4

7

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-8

2.7 Tripod adapter plate

To mount the camera on a tripod, the tripod plate LDK 5031/10 must first be attached to the
tripod. Follow the tripod manufacturer’s instructions to mount the wedge plate supplied with
the tripod and the tripod adapter plate firmly onto the tripod. Attach the camera to the tripod
adapter plate as follows:

1. Slide the camera horizontally along the tripod adapter plate from back to front ensuring
that the front of the camera engages the V-slot (1) at the front of the tripod adapter plate,
and that the slot on the bottom of the camera engages the stud (2) at the rear of the tripod
adapter plate.

2. Firmly push the camera forward until it clicks into place.

3. When the camera is mounted firmly, the locking lever (5) swings around fully to the rear

of the plate. If the lever does not travel the full distance, you should manually lock it into
place.

Caution

Failure to attach the camera to the tripod adapter plate in the correct manner could result in an
unsecured camera. Ensure that the rear stud (2) is engaged and that the camera clicks into
place.

Figure 2-8. Tripod adapter plate

2

4

3

1

5

Remove the camera from the tripod as follows:

1. Open the locking lever (5) to free the rear stud (2).

2. Press and hold the red locking lever (3) against the release handle (4).

v2.0

3. Ensure that you have a firm hold of the camera.

4. Pull the release handle (4) forward.

5. Move the camera backwards and up.

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-9

2.8 Adjusting the shoulder pad

To change the position the shoulder pad press and hold lever (1). The shoulder pad can now be
moved backwards and forwards along the axis of the camera. Adjust the shoulder pad when all
units have been mounted to get the best balanced shoulder position.

Figure 2-9. Shoulder pad

1

v2.0

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Installation 2-10

2.9 Attaching an adapter

The camera head is a multi-role camera head that can be used with various adapters.

Caution

Be extremely careful with the connectors between the camera head and the adapter. Do not
allow the guide pins to damage the pins of the connector. Follow these steps in the order
given. Tightening or loosening the screws in the wrong order could result in mechanical
damage to the camera.

To attach an adapter to the camera proceed as follow:

1. Fit the guide pin at the top rear of the camera head and the guide pins on either side of
the camera connector into the corresponding slots (1 and 2) of the adapter.

2. First, tighten the two horizontal screws (3) on the top of camera.

3. Next, tighten the two horizontal screws (4) at the front of the camera.

4. Lastly, tighten the vertical screw (5) in the handle of the camera.

To detach an adapter from the camera head follow the steps for attaching it in the reverse
order.

Figure 2-10. Attaching an adapter

5 1

3

4

v2.0

2

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Configurations 3-1

Chapter 3

Configurations

3.1 TriaxHD mode

A camera head with the LDK 5860 TriaxHD adapter is connected to an LDK 4502 HD Base
Station using a Triax cable. The maximum length of cable that can be used without significant
degradation of the video signal is 1,200m (4,000 ft.) for a 14mm Triax cable.

The power supply is applied to the Base Station and via the Triax cable to the camera. An OCP
400 operational control panel can be connected directly to the Base Station using a cross-over
Ethernet cable.

Figure 3-1. Camera in TriaxHD mode

Camera head + Triax adapter

Teleprompter

Tracker

headphone

Camera
operator
headphone

Base Station

TPinExternal

video in

Audio

out

Power

in

Cross over Ethernet cable

Camera Base Station

Video

out

v2.0

OCP 400

LDK 8000 User’s Guide | Configurations 3-2

3.2 Multiple TriaxHD cameras with C2IP network

The Base Stations are each connected to a network hub or router via an Ethernet cable
(straight through, not cross-over). The OCP 400 operational control panels and, if required the
MCP 400 Master Control Panel, are also connected to the Ethernet network via a hub or
router.

Figure 3-2. Multiple HD cameras with C2IP network control

Triax adapter

Base Station

Camera Base Station

Ethernet cable

Camera head

Triax cable

Camera Base Station

Hub or switch

Camera Base Station

Hub or switch

Ethernet cable

v2.0

MCP 400