HT884/8 VTR/DDR Controller
HT884c/8c Cue Controller
HT884s/8s Slo Mo Controller
Users Manual
HT800 Series VTR/DDR
Controller
Software version:
Document file:
3.42
HT800 manual Version 3.21
History
Date
Description
Version
Nov 12
Hardware panel updated
3.42
Nov 10
Wheel Switch modification
3.30
Jan 08
GPI functions added
3.20
Sept 07
Update cueing functions
3.10
July 06
New functions added
3.00
HT800 Series VTR and Disk controllers
2010 Hi Tech Systems Limited
Feb 06
Update manual with smart wheel
2.3
Hi Tech Systems Ltd
Holbrook House
Oakley Lane
Oakley
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG23 7JY
Tel:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
+44 (0) 1256 780880
+44 (0) 1256 782600
support@hitechsys.com
www.hitechsys.com
The hardware/software and manual are copyright 1998 - 2012
by Hi Tech Systems Ltd. All rights reserved. The operating code
is licensed by Hi Tech to the original purchaser only. It is not
permitted to copy, sell or use this product in any other way than
is intended.
All trademarks acknowledged.
According to the U.K. copyright law, unauthorised reproduction
of software can be subject to civil damages.
The information in this document is subject to change without
notice.
In no event will Hi Tech Systems Ltd be liable for direct,
indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any
defect in the software even if they have been advised of such
damages.
HT800 Series VTR and Disk controllers
2010 Hi Tech Systems Limited
C
Coonntteennttss
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 INSTALLATION 4
Unpacking 4
Desk mounting 4
Warnings – read before installation or use 5
2.1 EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS 6
Power requirements 6
Connecting controlled devices 8
Controller Configurations 8
RJ45 connector pin out 9
Installing the GPI I/O option 10
GPI interface pinout 10
Using GPIs 11
Using the on-air tally 12
Using additional controllers 12
3 OPERATION 15
3.1 USING THE MAIN CONTROLLER KEYS 16
Device selection 16
Selecting multiple devices 17
Assigning an external controller 17
Menu, PB and Timecode settings 18
MENU 18
PP/EE 18
T/C 18
Using CUEs 19
Entering cues MARK IN/OUT Keys 19
Cues functions on the HT884/8c 20
Cues functions on the HT884/8s and HT884/8 21
Looping Cues 21
Cue memory location table 21
Deleting single cues 22
Selecting timecode source data 22
Setting TCG and CTL 23
3.2 EDITING 24
HT800 Series VTR and Disk controllers
2010 Hi Tech Systems Limited
Edit delay 25
Start delay 25
Marking in and out points 25
Editing functions on the HT884/8c 27
Editing functions on the HT884/8s and HT884/8 27
Making a single machine edit 27
Making a two machine edit 28
More than one recorder 29
3.3 SLOW MOTION CONTROLLER-USING THE T-BAR 30
Keypad 30
ESC key 31
Var 31
Still 31
Goto TC 31
Goto Cue No 31
T-Bar shuttle key 32
Pre-set variable key 32
DDR mode (simultaneous play/record) 32
Select disk mode 32
Start Recording 33
Live / Playback mode or EE routing 33
Live Jog 33
3.4 CUE CONTROLLER 34
Keypad 34
ESC key 35
Goto TC 35
Goto Cue No 35
DELETE 35
4 USING THE MENU SYSTEM 36
Navigating the menu 36
5 TOUBLE SHOOTING 45
6 ADDENDUM 47
6.1 SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS 47
6.2 OUTLINE DIMENSIONS 50
6.3 DISASSEMBLY 52
Removing the main PCB 52
Replacing the PCB 53
HT800 Series VTR and Disk controllers
2010 Hi Tech Systems Limited
Software Updates 53
6.4 CABLE PIN OUT REFERENCE 54
Notes on PC serial connectors 55
7 SPECIFICATION 58
Introduction
2010 Hi Tech Systems Limited 1
11 IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn
The Hi Tech HT800 series of VTR and DDR controllers
provide a user-friendly remote control interface for
professional and broadcast videotape and disk
recorders.
The controllers now utilise a control wheel, called
“smartwheel” that is our first implementation of
Haptic technology – “Haptic” is Greek for the science
of touch. Our controller can be programmed to give
the operator different tactile and kinesthetic
sensations depending on the mode of operation, such
as jog, indented incremental shuttle speeds and so
on.
There are three basic models, a standard desktop
model with a crafted shuttle/jog control, an enhanced
model which adds a direct entry keypad and a deluxe
Slo-Motion Controller that adds a key pad and a TBar control arm.
HT800 series VTR and DDR Controllers
HT884/8
HT884/8c
HT884/8s
Introduction
2 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
All of the three models are available as four-machine
and eight-machine versions.
This manual covers the following models:
HT884/8
4 and 8 Machine VTR and DDR Remote
Controller
HT884s/8s
4 and 8 Machine Slo-Motion Controller with key
pad for direct entry of T/C data and T-Bar
HT884c/8c
See the separate HT800c getting started guide
for a description of the cueing functions
Controls all devices conforming to the Sony
RS422 ‘P2’ protocol
Custom jog/shuttle wheel utilising control that is
our first implementation of “Haptic” technology.
High visibility vacuum fluorescent display
On-Air indicator
Optional direct entry key-pad and Slo-Mo T-Bar
Optional GPI interface with 4 programmable
trigger inputs and outputs
Set tape timer, timecode generator and timecode
display
Dedicated timecode select of VITC, LTC, CTL and
Auto plus EE/PB switching
Multiple cues with Mark-In and Out points
2 machine insert and assemble editing
Gang control of any combination of VTRs
Programmable cueing modes (cue to still, cue
and play)
Main
features
Introduction
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 3
Programmable device labels
Selectable RS422 ‘loop through’ connector
Variable jog and shuttle sensitivity for different
VTRs/DDRs
Controls any DDR supporting Sony VTR emulation
Internal bleeper to alert warnings (off line,
cassette out etc)
Accessories supplied:
4 or 8 RJ45 to 9 pin ‘D’ type adaptors
(HT8821/m)
User’s manual (this manual) on CD
Available options:
Spare RJ45 to 9 pin ‘D’ type adaptor male for
direct connection to VTR
Spare RJ45 to 9 pin ‘D’ type adaptor female for
connection to end of "standard" RS422 cable
GPI interface: 4 GPI inputs/GPI outputs
Technical manual
Flight case for HT800s series
Note:
In this manual HT800 Series VTR and DDR controllers
are referred to as ‘controller’. VTR, laser and disk
recorders are referred to as ‘VTR’.
Main
features
continued
Installation
4 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
22 IInnssttaallllaattiioonn
The Hi Tech Series of VTR and DDR Controllers are
designed as desk-top units.
Unpacking
The Hi Tech Systems HT800 Series of VTR and DDR
controllers are shipped in a carton, which may
contain other optional items within the packing, and
care should be taken to ensure that these are not
thrown away. The contents of the carton are as
indicated on the delivery note. Carefully unpack and
check for shipping damage and shortages. Report
without delay, any damage or shortages to Hi Tech
Systems Ltd.
Desk mounting
The HT800 series of desk mounting controllers
require no special fixings, but can be mounted into a
desk as a ‘drop through’ unit.
Outline dimensions for all models are given in the
Addendum at the back of this manual.
Installation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 5
Warnings – read before installation or use
Do not apply AC mains power until all the preliminary
activities and interconnections have been completed.
AC voltages in excess of 100 volts can be dangerous
and even lethal under certain conditions. To prevent
injury to personnel and damage to the controller,
ensure that it is disconnected from the AC power
source (not just switched off) before any dismantling
takes place.
Only suitably qualified engineers should carry out
maintenance.
Ensure that the power earth connection is correctly
made.
Always check that the supply voltage specified
is correct for the local AC power supply voltage.
The controller consists of electronic parts. Do not
drop the controller or bump it against other objects
or place the controller near heat sources such as
radiators or air conditioning ducts.
Care should be taken so that solid objects or liquid do
not fall into the Controller enclosure.
Clean the case with a soft dry lint free cloth, or a soft
cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution.
Do not use any type of solvent such as alcohol, which
might damage the special ‘Nextel’ finish.
Installation
6 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
2.1 External connections
HT800 series VTR and DDR Controller
HT888 rear view – with Link board option
Power requirements
In the UK, the mains plug should be approved to
BS1363 and be fitted with a 3 amp fuse approved to
BS1362.
Installation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 7
All accessible metalwork in the room and the safety
earth connections of other electrical circuits must be
electrically connected together in accordance with
safety regulations BS6204. This can be accomplished
either by separate routes to the building earth or by
bonding together or a combination of the two.
A suitable double-pole earth leakage protection
device, conforming to BS6204, VDE0805 and IEC435
must be used to protect power supplied to the unit.
Note:
Check the mains input connector voltage setting. To
change the voltage, reverse the fuse holder. Connect
a power lead to the mains input when ready.
Installation
8 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Connecting controlled devices
Controller Configurations
Function
Connections
Normal
VTR/DDR control
Any remote connection can be used
Editing (Insert
or Assemble
mode)
In two-machine editing the first RS422
port, REM 1 is reserved as master play
device port and REM 2 is reserved as a
recorder port.
Dubbing (Insert
or Assemble
mode)
If used in dub mode, REM 1 is reserved
for master play machine, but record dub
machines may be connected to any of
the remaining ports (REM 2 to REM 8,
depending on version).
Slow Motion
controller for
DDR control
(Disk mode On)
4 port version – play channels to Rem 3
and 4, record channels to Rem 1 and 2
8 port version – play channels to Rem
5,6,7 and 8; record channels to Rem
1,2,3 and 4
Note:
SEE SEPARATE NOTES ON SPECIFIC DDR
CONFIGURATIONS.
The RS422 device control ports are implemented as
RJ45 connectors to make the best use of space at the
rear of a desk-top unit.
To convert RS422 ports on VTRs and other controlled
devices to use RJ45 patch cables use the supplied
HT8821/M converter at the VTRs.
Installation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 9
HT8821/M converts VTR serial ports to RJ45
Note:
It is recommended not to exceed 100 metres of CAT
5 cable.
RJ45 connector pin out
Pin No
Description
RJ45 Connector
1
Chassis Gnd
2
Rx A data
3
Tx B data
4
Tx Gnd
5
N.C
6
Rx Gnd
7
Rx B data
8
Tx A data
CAT 5 VTR/DDR remote cables are connected to the
RJ45 sockets labelled REM 1 and REM 2 (plus REM 3
and 4 for 4 machine controllers and REM 5 to 8 for 8
machine controllers).
If used in dub mode, REM 1 is reserved for master
play machine, but record dub machines may be
connected to any of the remaining ports (REM 2 to
REM 8, depending on version).
Installation
10 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Installing the GPI I/O option
The HT8823 GPI interface option provides 4 GPI
inputs and 4 GPI outputs. To install the GPI interface
proceed as follows:
Remove the power cord
Remove base chassis – 4 screws each corner
Remove the rear option-slot cover
Fit the GPI interface into the vacant option-slot
and refit base chassis
Insert the power cord
GPI interface pinout
Pin No
Description
25 way female ‘D’ connector
13, 25
Chassis Gnd
11, 23
12V out
10, 22
12V in
14
GPI - A
15
GPI - B
16
GPI - C
17
GPI - D
5 - 9, 12
Not Used
1
Trigger - A
2
Trigger - B
3
Trigger - C
4
Trigger - D
18 - 21
Not Used
Installation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 11
The following table shows the electrical
characteristics of the GPI Outputs and Triggers
(Inputs).
GPI
Description
A, B, C, D
OUT
Normal output state when there is no trigger
output set is logic high (5V).
A logic low is output when the programmed
trigger has been set.
A maximum current of 200mA can be taken
from each of these GPI's.
A, B, C, D
IN (Trigger)
Make these connections to the ground
connection (pins 1, 14) to control the
programmed Triggers that have been set.
Using GPIs
GPI name
GPI IN
GPI OUT
None
x
x
Stop
Play
Rewind
Fast Fwd
Cue In always on
Mark In
Mark Out
VTR
x
Out–5s x (pulse)
Out–0s x (pulse)
Tally (LED) x
Installation
12 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
CUE In - cues the VTR to the last entered cue
location.
VTR - outputs a trigger when a different VTR is
selected.
Out-5s – outputs a trigger pulse 5 seconds before the
mark out point.
Out-0s – outputs a trigger pulse at the mark out
point.
GPIs are independent and can be set specifically to
any VTR. Select the VTR first before assigning the
GPI function, the selected VTR then has that GPI or
GPIs assigned to it. The menu will display all trigger
settings but there is no indication as to which trigger
is assigned to which VTR.
Using the on-air tally
The red on-air tally light on the controller is set from
Trig A. Please refer to the Trig A, B, C, D Engineering
Menu command in Chapter 4 for further details.
Using additional controllers
The LOOP RJ45 socket can be used to connect an
additional remote controller or automation system,
which may be assigned using the HT controller to any
VTR or device emulating a VTR.
The HT8821/M adapter can be supplied for this
purpose.
Installation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 13
Note:
Adapter pin out wiring can be found in the addendum
at the end of this manual.
Installation
14 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
1
2
3 4
A
B
C
D
43
2
1
D
C
B
A
1
2
15
16
U6A
OPTOISO4
4
3
14
13
U6B
O
PTOISO4
5
6
11
12
U6C
OPTOISO4
8
7
10
9
U6D
OPTOISO4
R49
1
K
R50
1K
R51
1K
R521KD6
IN4148
D7
IN4148
D8
IN4148
D9
IN4148
1
2
15
16
U4A
OPTOISO4
4
3
14
13
U4B
OPTOISO4
5
6
11
12
U4C
OPTOISO4
8
7
10
9
U4D
OPTOISO4
R53
1K
R54
1K
R55
1K
R561KD10
IN4148
D11
IN4148
D12
IN4148
D13
IN4148
12345678910111213141516171819202122232425
J8
IN 11IN 22IN 33IN 44IN 55IN 66IN 77IN 8
8
GND
9
DIODE CLAMP
10
OUT 811OUT 712OUT 613OUT
5
14
OUT 415OUT 316OUT 217OUT 1
18
U7
ULN2803
GPI1
GPI2
GPI3
GPI4
GPI5
GPI6
GPI7
GPI8
123456789
1011121314151617181920
J9
+
C15
470uF/16V
Vin
1
GND
2
+8
V
3
REG
MC7812T
C14
0.1uF/63V
GPI1
GPI2
GPI3
GPI4
GPI5
GPI6
GPI7
GPI8
1
2
L1
JUMPER
GND
GPI_GND
GPI_VIN
GPI_12V
GPI_VCC
1
2
L3
JUMPER
1
2
L2
JUMPER
LINK L2 FOR O
PERATION WITH HT77X L3 OPEN
LINK L3 FOR OPERATION WITH ACTI
V L2 OPEN
GPI Interface circuit layout
Note:
As supplied LINK L1 is un-made.
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 15
33 O
Oppeerraattiioonn
The HT800 series VTR and DDR controllers’ transport
controls may be similar to the front panel controls of
the VTR or device they are controlling but benefit
from additional functionality.
The HT884 four machine controller
.
Operation
16 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
3.1 Using the main controller keys
Device selection
Port select
LEDs are
shared
between
upper and
lower device
select buttons
Port selection keys
To select a device for local control, press the desired
numbered port selection key. A port select LED will
illuminate and the display will be updated with the
label, timecode and transport status appropriate for
the attached device.
The selected device MUST be enabled for remote
control. If the device is set to operate locally from its
own control panel then the controller will not function
and the select LED will not light.
Once the controller has control of the device, the
REMOTE LED will illuminate. If the device is switched
into local, or the RS422 communications becomes
disconnected, the controller will sound several short
warning ‘bleeps’ and the REMOTE LED will go off.
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 17
Selecting multiple devices
To select more than one device for multiple control,
press and hold the shift key while selecting the
devices with the numbered channel selection keys.
Selected devices are indicated by illuminated LEDs.
Note:
The device selected first is treated as the Master and
its status (eg PLAY, STOP etc) is shown in the
display. If a different channel is then selected it now
becomes the Master. The Master channel has i
Assigning an external controller
To assign an external controller or automation
system connected to the LOOP port to a control
channel, press and hold the desired channel selection
key for mare than 2 seconds. The VTR status changes
to show LOOP while the time code status changes to -
-:--:--:--.
The HT800 Series VTR and DDR controllers do not
monitor or control the connected VTR and all
commands to and from the connected controller to
the VTR are transparent.
Note:
It is not possible to control any other connected VTR
in LOOP mode.
To take control back to the local controller press the
channel selection key again.
Operation
18 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Menu, PB and Timecode settings
MENU
Enters the menu settings (see section 4 for a
description of the settings)
PP/EE
To receive video and audio signals from the tape
during fast forward, rewind, still and standby press
the PP/E-E key (below menu display) to select
playback – the LED will be off. Pressing this key again
will illuminate the LED and put the VTR into PB/EE
mode where no video and audio signals from the
input of the VTR will be received. To use auto EE
routing, select auto EE in the menu.
T/C
Changes the timecode that the controller will read
from the VTR. On the HT884/8c Cue controller this
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 19
button changes the display to show the timecode
setting (it is set in the menu for the cue controller).
Using CUEs
CUE locations are timecode reference points that
have been stored in one or more of the controller’s
249 cue memory locations. Once a cue is stored a
device can be made to search very quickly to a
selected CUE point.
Note:
Cue Functions are available on all the channels in
Crash record mode or channel 1 in the editing modes.
Each cue location is stored as an In point and / or
Out point. VTRs may be cued to any location. Cues
are stored and recalled using the MARK IN/MARK OUT
Keys, SHIFT and CUE, +/- keys.
For successful VTR cue operations the following
conditions must be met:
Continuous time code or tape timer information
from tape.
T/C key must be set for the same time code as
on the VTR.
Entering cues MARK IN/OUT Keys
A CUE IN point can be entered ‘on the fly’ whilst the
tape is moving by pressing the MARK IN key, and a
CUE OUT point can be similarly entered by pressing
the MARK OUT key. These actions are confirmed by
the LED’s under the corresponding button.
Operation
20 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Mark IN and Mark
OUT buttons are
indicated with IN
and OUT tally
LEDs
Cue and Mark controls
An audible ‘bleep’ (the beeper has to be turned ON in
the menu) and tally LEDs confirm that the point has
been saved, and the saved time code number is
briefly shown on the display.
If a dedicated direct entry keypad is available (HT800
series s or c models only), the timecode information
can be entered using the keypad.
Cues functions on the HT884/8c
[-] decrement cue counter
[-] increment cue counter
CUE goto IN
[SHIFT]+[-] goto IN
[SHIFT]+[+] goto Out
[SHIFT]+[CUE] browse cues
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 21
Cues functions on the HT884/8s and HT884/8
[-] cue previous
[-] cue next
CUE Cue last mark
[SHIFT]+[-] set next cue point
[SHIFT]+[+] set next cue point
Looping Cues
To Loop a cue, first make sure that the cue has a
valid IN and OUT point. Cue to the desired IN point
and then press SHIFT and PLAY together. (With the S
controller a slow motion loop can be performed by
pressing SHIFT and VAR, this will take the speed of
the T-bar) .
Cue memory location table
The following table shows how cues are stored after
the MARK IN and MARK OUT keys are pressed for
four different VTRs selected individually:
CUE
VTR 1 T/C
VTR 2 T/C
VTR 3 T/C
VTR 4 T/C
1
10:12:30:00
10:14:30:00
2
08:10:30:00
08:12:30:00
3
14:12:30:00
14:14:30:00
4
00:10:30:00
00:12:30:00
5 - 249
-- : -- : -- : --
-- : -- : -- : --
-- : -- : -- : --
-- : -- : -- : --
Operation
22 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Only the IN and OUT timecode data is stored. CUE
information does NOT include the device port active
when the CUE was created. Empty locations are
displayed as [--:--:--:--]. When the capacity of
locations is reached the message ‘End of cues’ is
displayed.
Tip:
Empty locations can be used to group locations
according to use.
Deleting single cues
To delete any time code stored at any particular cue
location, press the Shift and CUE keys. Turn the
wheel to scroll through the locations. At the desired
location, press and hold the Mark IN key for more
than 1 second.
Selecting timecode source data
The TC button selects the time code source data
(hours, minutes, seconds and frames) that is
displayed on the time code display of the controller
for all connected devices.
This is selected in the following sequence: CTL, LTC,
VITC and AUTO by repeatedly pressing the TC key. If
the display shows [--:--:--:--] then no valid time
code can be read.
Note:
Time code source is selected globally for all VTRs.
CTL Tape running time (hours, minutes, seconds and
frames) is computed from the recorded control (CTL)
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 23
signal during playback, or a count of control signal
pulses during recording. These counters do not
usually keep a highly accurate track of tape position.
LTC or Longitudinal time code in either 24 hour or
+/- 12-hour format is usually recorded on an audio
track on the tape.
LTC is read by the internal time code reader during
playback or longitudinal time code reader during
recording.
VITC Vertical interval time code. This is recorded on
an invisible area in the video track, and during
playback read by the internal time code reader or
vertical interval time code reader during recording.
AUTO Time code is selected automatically by the VTR
depending on the speed of the tape. Typically VITC is
selected when the tape transport speed is up to half
speed, and LTC when it is more than half speed.
Setting TCG and CTL
Specific times for the VTR timecode generator and
CTL counter may be set from within the menu.
It is also possible to recall the last time code or
control track time set. For example to store and recall
09:58:00:00, enter the menu select TCG and use the
wheel to change the time to 09:58:00:00.
Note:
To set TCG the VTR must be set to TC generator preset mode.
Operation
24 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
3.2 Editing
The HT800 Series supports single and two machine
editing for video, up to four analogue and up to eight
digital audio tracks.
All record and playback devices must be correctly
wired for video, audio, and time code.
Set the controller for either assembly editing or insert
editing (see Chapter 4).
The assemble or insert lights will illuminate on the
front of the VTR indicating that the VTR is set to edit.
The following ‘rules’ apply to all editing modes:
IN point times must be less than OUT point times
The controller does IN only edits by setting the
OUT point time code to be the same as the IN
point time code
A suitable pre roll time should be set (normally 5
seconds - see Chapter 4)
VTR1 is always regarded as the player and VTR2
(or more) is always regarded as the recorder
The controller monitors all the VTRs whilst cueing
to make sure that they have reached their IN
points before an edit commences
Synchronisation between VTRs during the edit is
carried out by the VTRs themselves and is locked
to the reference input of the VTRs
The VTR remains in EDIT mode until it is turned
off via the menu (see Chapter 4)
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 25
Edit modes also require the following switches to be
set:
Set the TC on the controller to read the same
time code as on the VTR, e.g. AUTO
Set the TC generator on the record VTR for
REGEN (not PRESET) and INT (not EXT)
Note:
The PLAYER cannot be put into record accidentally.
Edit delay
Corrects the delay time from sending the RECORD
command to the VTR until recording starts.
If the recording starts late increase the delay. If the
recording starts early decrease the delay, (pre-set to
5 frames - see Chapter 4 to adjust). The edit delay is
global for all VTRs.
Start delay
Corrects any delay in the Player VTR going into
playback, (pre-set to 0 frames - see Chapter 4 to
adjust).
Marking in and out points
To start editing, it is required to set three edit points
out of four points. The remaining edit point is
automatically determined when the other three points
have been set. Select the PLAYER by pressing the
VTR selection key.
Operation
26 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
1. Search for the edit points using the jog or shuttle
mode. At the desired points press the Mark IN key
and Mark OUT key (IN only for an open ended
edit). Then select the RECORDER by pressing the
VTR selection key
2. Search for the edit IN point and press the MARK IN
key. To see the values of the IN and OUT timecode
points, select the PLAYER or RECORDER and press
the + or - keys. The timecode is displayed.
3. Alternatively edit cue points can be entered
directly using the numeric keypad, press the GOTO
TC button.
Edit delay
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 27
Editing functions on the HT884/8c
[-] display IN time
[+] display OUT time
[-]+[+] display EDIT DURATION
CUE goto IN point (ready to edit)
[SHIFT]+[-] goto IN
[SHIFT]+[+] goto OUT
REC does the edit
REC+PLAY preview the edit
Editing functions on the HT884/8s and HT884/8
[-] display IN time
[+] display OUT time
[-]+[+] display EDIT DURATION
CUE goto IN point (ready to edit)
[SHIFT]+[-] no function
[SHIFT]+[+] no function
REC preview the edit
REC+PLAY does the edit
Note:
If both RECORDER and PLAYER are selected then
both VTRs will cue to the recorder's IN or OUT points.
RECORDER cannot be selected if PLAYER is selected
first.
Making a single machine edit
To perform a recorder - only edit: select the
RECORDER (by pressing the VTR selection key 2) and
press the RECORD + PLAY keys. (RECORD on the
HT884/8c).
Operation
28 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Single Machine Edit
Making a two machine edit
To perform a two machine edit: select the RECORDER
then SHIFT + PLAYER to group the 2 VTRs and press
the RECORD + PLAY keys. (RECORD on the
HT884/8c).
Two Machine Edit
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 29
Note:
The RECORDER cannot be selected if PLAYER is
selected first.
More than one recorder
If more than one recording is required (e.g. for
duplication) then, after the master recorder has been
selected, press and hold the Shift key while selecting
the other desired VTRs (the selected VTRs are
indicated by the illuminated LEDs).
Operation
30 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
3.3 Slow Motion Controller-Using the T-Bar
Slow motion controller ‘s’ versions are fitted with a
Penny & Giles T-Bar, numeric keypad, variable
selection keys and special function keys.
Keypad for ‘s’ version
Keypad
The numeric keypad allows a time code number to be
entered directly for entering edit points and cueing
and marking purposes. As numbers are entered they
are formatted and displayed as hh:mm:ss:ff on the
display.
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 31
ESC key
Press this key to abort information entered from the
keypad before ‘CUE’ is pressed.
Var
This is a duplicate of the main VAR function. Press
this key to assign 100% (Fast) to the T-Bar.
Still
This is a duplicate of the main Still function. Press
this key to stop the transport.
Goto TC
Press this key to make the VTR locate to the
timecode entered using the keypad.
Pressing ESC at any time cancels the operation.
Normal VTR operation is available while this button is
on.
Goto Cue No
Press this key to set the keypad to accept cue
numbers instead of T/C numbers. Any number
entered into the keypad is accepted as a cue location
and is shown on the display as it is entered. Pressing
the CUE key cues the VTR to the location entered.
Pressing ESC at any time cancels the operation.
Normal VTR operation is available while this button is
on.
Operation
32 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
T-Bar shuttle key
Press this key to turn the T-Bar into a shuttle control
and set the VTR into shuttle. The shuttle range is:
+/- 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 with a ‘dead’
position in the centre of the T-Bar. This is useful for
locating the exact start of the playback without
having to use the jog/shuttle wheel.
Pre-set variable key
Press this key to select variable playback mode,
controlled from the T-Bar, but using the variable
range as set up in the menu (see Chapter 4).
The speed ranges available are:
Min (%)
Slow (%)
Norm
Fast (%)
Max (%)
0 to 25
0 to 33
0 to 50
0 to 100
-100 to 200
DDR mode (simultaneous play/record)
Select disk mode
This mode of operation will be the most used and is
ideal for instant slow motion replays. Select Disk On
from the menu. In this mode the DDR recorder and
player are controlled together. The record ports are
ganged together (un-gang a channel by pressing
SHIFT + that record channel, or change the menu
setting to auto group off) and the playback channels
are ganged together (un-gang a channel by pressing
SHIFT + that playback channel).
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 33
Start Recording
To set the record channels recording press
REC+PLAY. To stop the recording press STOP (if the
record channels are in Record Lock press and hold
the REC+PLAY for 2 seconds).
Live / Playback mode or EE routing
With any playback port selected, pressing the red
record button will route the input to the output “LIVE”
mode. It will then be possible to mark a cue why
viewing the input and search to cue for instant
replay.
Live Jog
This mode forces the disk to cue up from “Live” mode
when the jog/shuttle wheel is moved. This way of
operation is very popular and quick. The “Auto cue”
menu setting must be set to “Wheel, T-bar or Both”
for this to work. Increase the edit delay if cueing isn’t
reliable – this time determines how far back the DDR
is cued.
Operation
34 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
3.4 Cue Controller
Cue motion controller ‘c’ versions are fitted with a
numeric keypad, and special function keys.
Keypad for ‘c’ version
Keypad
The numeric keypad allows a time code number to be
entered directly for entering edit points and cueing
and marking purposes. As numbers are entered they
are formatted and displayed as hh:mm:ss:ff on the
display.
Operation
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 35
ESC key
Press this key to abort information entered from the
keypad before ‘CUE’ is pressed.
Goto TC
Press this key to make the VTR locate to the
timecode entered using the keypad.
Pressing ESC at any time cancels the operation.
Normal VTR operation is available while this button is
on.
Goto Cue No
Press this key to set the keypad to accept cue
numbers instead of T/C numbers. Any number
entered into the keypad is accepted as a cue location
and is shown on the display as it is entered. Pressing
the CUE key cues the VTR to the location entered.
Pressing ESC at any time cancels the operation.
Normal VTR operation is available while this button is
on.
DELETE
Deletes the current cue.
Using the Menu system
36 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
44 U
Ussiinngg tthhee
M
Meennuu ssyyssttee
m
m
Press the menu key to accesses the menu functions.
Navigating the menu
Move forward and back through the menus using the
wheel. A chevron > indicates the active display line.
Hold down
|| key to
select
value
HT800 Series Menu Display
To change the value assigned to a function press and
hold down the || key, and turn the wheel.
While in the menu mode all other keys and functions
are disabled except the 5 main transport functions
(PLAY, RECORD, STOP, FFWD and REW) and the
bleeper warnings.
Press the MENU key to exit menus.
Using the Menu system
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 37
Eject
YES or NO
NO
DEF
Description:
Ejects tape from VTR.
When tape is ejected the MENU mode is
exited, the bleeper will sound and a
‘Cassette out’ message will be displayed.
TC Mode
Cue controller only
CTL, LTC, VITC, AUTO
CTL
DEF
Description:
Set the timecode standard.
Set CTL
hh:mm:ss:ff
Description:
Allows the tape timer numbers inside the
VTR to be set. Some VTRs will not allow
the tape timer to be set, so this item may
have no effect. To move between
hh:mm:ss:ff turn the wheel. Press and
hold down the || key, and turn the wheel
to alter the numbers.
To recall the last setting stored, enter the
menu mode and select CTL, press the TC
button to load the new CTL and exit the
menu mode.
Set CTL mode
12Hr / 24Hr
24
DEF
Description:
Changes the CTL display to display
timecode in +/-12 hours mode or 24
hours mode.
Set TCG
hh:mm:ss:ff
00:00:00:00
DEF
Description:
Allows VTR T/C generator numbers to be
preset. Useful to force an edit or hard
record to start with tape time code at a
Using the Menu system
38 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
particular number. To move between
hh:mm:ss:ff turn the wheel. Some VTRs
do not support this command. Press and
hold down the || key, and turn the wheel
to alter numbers. To recall the last
setting stored, enter the menu mode
select TCG. Press the T/C button to load
the new TCG and exit the menu mode.
Preroll
nn secs
5 secs
DEF
Description:
Selects the VTR run-up time in seconds
required to attain the correct speed at the
Mark IN point. The correct value is
required to make a stable edit.
The chosen value effects the Cue pre and
post roll function.
Mark Preroll
nn secs
0 secs
DEF
Description:
Offset the MARK IN time. The timecode
stored will be the time at the point the
MARK IN key was pressed less the mark
preroll time
Rec mode
Crash, Assemble, Insert and Inhibit
DEF
Description:
Affects the recording mode when
RECORD and PLAY keys are
simultaneously pressed.
Crash
This is the fastest way to put a VTR into
record. All video, audio tracks, linear
timecode and control track are recorded
and no attempt is made to join to any
previous material.
Since crash-recording mode destroys any
CTL information that might already be on
the tape at the start and end of the
recording, the playback just at the start
Using the Menu system
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 39
and end of the recording will have picture
disturbance.
Crash record is usually used to make the
first recording on a blank tape.
Assemble
Starts to record in assemble edit mode.
New video, audio tracks, linear timecode
and control track are recorded and joined
to any previous material.
Since, assemble recording mode destroys
any CTL information that might already
be on the tape at the end of the
recording, playback at the end of the
recording will have picture disturbance.
Insert
Starts to record in the Insert edit mode.
Insert allows you to define which video
and audio tracks are selected using the
jog/shuttle key and the wheel. Existing
control track and linear timecode are
preserved and playback discontinuities at
the start and end of the recording are
minimised.
The tracks are displayed as follows:
V 1 2 T 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 * * * * * * * * * * *
*
The * indicates that the track is enabled.
The first 4 tracks labelled 1,2,T and 4 are
audio analogue tracks and the second set
of tracks 1 - 8 are digital audio tracks.
The Record start and end points are
made with clean edit points, therefore
enabling replay at the start and end of
the recording.
Rec only edit
NO or YES
NO
DEF
Description:
If editing is to be done using only a
record VTR (channels REM 2 and above)
Using the Menu system
40 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
for recording “live” signals, then set to
YES. This leaves the player channel (REM
1) free to mark and recall cues. When set
to NO the player channel can be used as
an edit source VTR. Note: it is not
necessary to use a source VTR in this
mode, but cues will not available.
Cue mode
Cue & Stop, Cue & Play
Stop
DEF
Description:
Effects the cueing of the connected VTRs.
Cue & Stop
Cues the VTR and goes into still.
Cue & Play
Enters the play mode automatically once
an operator has initiated the CUE
command.
Stop at
Off, End, Out
Off
DEF
Description:
End, stores the T/C at the point the
recorded channel was stopped (less 6
frames), when replayed in PLAY or VAR
mode the controller will stop the VTR at
this T/C before the playback overruns
into unwanted black. Out stops the
playback on the out point of a cue in
playback mode.
Fast Cue
NO or Yes
NO
DEF
Description:
Some VTRs cue tape very slowly using
the standard cue command. Fast cue
mode allows fast forward and rewind
commands in CUE mode. These
commands are used for cueing until the
tape position is within a few seconds of
the cue point, then the cue command is
issued.
Using the Menu system
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 41
Mark Increment
Off, In, Out, Both
OFF
DEF
Description:
Describes the action of the mark keys.
Marking next cues can be made to
increment after the In key is pressed or
the out key or both
Rew/FF Latch
Cue controller only
Off, On
OFF
DEF
Description:
Prevents the fast forward and rewind
buttons from latching down.
Rec Inhibit VTRx
NO or Yes
NO
DEF
Description:
Inhibits recording on selected channel.
Label
XXXX
VTR1
DEF
or –R1-
DEF
Description:
Changes the label displayed in the bottom
right hand corner of the display when not
in MENU. A large character set is available
to make most 4 character labels. Turn
wheel to select a character on the display
then press and hold the jog key, and turn
the wheel to select the new character.
Lock (Kbd)
NO or YES
NO
DEF
Description:
Locks all the transport controls except
PLAY, VTR selection and MENU.
Lock VTR
Cue controller only
NO or YES
NO
DEF
Description:
Locks the PLAY and RECORD transport
controls only. Note: the controller must
be in PLAY or RECORD first before
turning this mode on.
Using the Menu system
42 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Edit Delay
nn frms
5 frames
DEF
Description:
1. Corrects the delay time from sending
the RECORD command to the VTR
until recording starts.
2. Sets the amount of time the VTR will
cue back after an auto cue.
Start Delay
nn frms
0 frames
DEF
Description:
Corrects the delay from sending the
PLAY command to the player VTR.
Jog Rate, Var Rate and Sht
(Shuttle)Rate
Min, Slow, Norm, Fast, Max
Normal
DEF
Description:
Changes the reaction time of the wheel
input to the tape being replayed to
compensate for tape, disk and operator
preference. For example if the Jog speed
is set to Min, then more than one
complete turn of the wheel is required to
advance a frame.
Setting
Jog reaction
time
Shuttle range
Var range
Min
Minimum
+/- 1.0
+/- 0.25
Slow
Slow
+/- 2.0
+/- 0.33
Norm
Norm
DEF
+/- 15
DEF
+/- 0.5
Fast
Fast
+/- 24
+/- 1.0
DEF
Max
Maximum
+/- 50
+/- 2.0
Clear Cues
NO, YES
Description:
Clears all the cues from the memory of
the controller.
Using the Menu system
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 43
Clear Config
NO, YES
Description:
Restores the factory default conditions.
See all items marked as
DEF
.
Trig A, Trig B, Trig
C, Trig D
None, Stop, Rec, Play, Rew, Ffwd, Cue In,
Mark In, Mark Out, VTR, Out-5s, Out-0s, Tally
None
DEF
Description:
A total of 4 individual trigger inputs and 4
outputs that can be assigned to any VTR,
to set an event to occur.
When another device is connected to the
25-way ‘D’ type connector of the GPI
option, the controller can provide a tally
out signal (mimics the LEDs on the
control panel) and accept a tally in signal
(mimics the keys on the control panel) as
programmed.
The ON-AIR tally is set from Trig A only.
Auto cue
Off, Wheel (T-Bar or
Both “s” version only)
Off
DEF
Description:
Turning the wheel will drop the VTR/DDR
into jog, regardless of the state, ie
record, play, etc. Moving the T-Bar will
cause the VTR/DDR to go into Variable
speed mode in any state other than
record.
Bleeper
Off, On, Error
On
DEF
Description:
Turn the beeper function on/off.
Vid Std
PAL, NTSC
PAL
DEF
Description:
Sets the T/C to run on either PAL or NTSC
Using the Menu system
44 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
standard
Wrap marks
PAL, NTSC
NO
DEF
Description:
No more marks can be stored when the
maximum number of cues has been
stored. Turn on to wrap around and
overwrite cue points.
Auto Group
Sports version controller only
NO, YES
NO
DEF
Description:
Enable or disable auto grouping of
playback channels in DISK mode
EE mode auto or full
AUTO, FULL
AUTO
DEF
Description:
Change the EE function from automatic
to manual.
Disk
Sport version controller only
NO, YES
NO
DEF
Description:
This special mode sets half the controller
ports to be playback and half to be
record for DDRs that are record and
playback devices.
Trouble Shooting
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 45
55 TTrroouubbllee S
Shhoooottiinngg
The following section lists commonly asked questions
and their solution:
Why do labels appear as | | | | when powering the controller
for the first time?
This indicates the default settings of the controller need to
be stored in the non-volatile memory (see Chapter 4 –
Engineering menu - Clear Config).
Are there special connections for a two-machine edit?
Yes. The record VTR MUST be connected to the REM 2
connector and the player MUST be connected to the REM1
connector.
The controller has emitted several short ‘beeps’ and the
remote LED has gone off. What’s the problem?
Check that the VTR is not switched into local or that the
RS422 communications link is not disconnected.
How do you change settings in the Menu?
The | | key MUST be held down to allow the wheel to
change assigned parameter values on the bottom display
line.
Why has the Cue function stopped working?
Check that the controller is in Crash Record or Record
Inhibit. Cue operations are not available in either Insert or
Assemble edit modes.
Trouble Shooting
46 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
The Mark Out function does not increment the cue number, is
this normal?
Yes. The cue point number is only incremented
automatically when pressing the Mark IN button.
The display does not indicate Crash Record mode, is this
normal?
Yes. Only Insert, Assemble and Inhibit modes are
indicated. The controller is in Crash Record mode when the
edit mode area of the display is blank.
Where is the tape eject button?
This is the first command available from the Menu.
Refer to Chapter 4, Using the Menu System for further
details.
There is no communications to or from the VTR?
Check that the cable adaptors have been made correctly.
Addendum
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 47
66 A
Addddeenndduu
m
m
6.1 Summary of functions
Function
Keys
Description
Play
[]
The VTR will play
Play Lock
[] and hold
Press and hold for more
than 4 second to lock or
unlock in playback.
(disabled on HT884/8c)
Still / Stop
[]
First press the VTR will
be in still mode, second
press the VTR will be in
stop mode.
Standby Off
[] and hold
The VTR will “spool
down” – head drum will
stop and tape unthread
FFWD
Latched FFWD
[>>]
[>>]+[]
Spools the tape forward
or together with play for
latched forward. Menu
setting in controller
RWD
Latched RWD
[<<]
[<<]+[]
Spools the tape backward
or together with play for
latched backward. Menu
setting in controller
Record
[REC]+[]
Puts the selected VTR
into Record, press play
and record together
Record Lock
[REC]+[]
and hold
Press and hold for more
than 4 second to lock or
unlock in record.
(disabled on HT884/8c)
Addendum
48 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Function
Keys
Description
Jogging
[]
Puts the selected VTR
into jog mode
Shuttling
[]
Puts the selected VTR
into shuttle mode
Fixed Shuttle
[]+[>>] or [<<]
Fixed shuttle speeds
forward and backwards
(disabled on HT884/8c)
Loop Play
[SHIFT] + [PLAY] or
[VAR]
Sets the current cue into
loop playback mode.
Vari Speed using
wheel
[VAR]
Puts the selected VTR
into variable mode the
range depends on the
menu setting
Vari Speed using
T-Bar
[VAR]
Next to T-Bar
(HT884/8s only)
The VTR will play in
variable speed mode, this
range depends on the
menu settings and if the
pre-set variable has been
pressed
Timecode mode
[T/C] or menu
setting in HT884/8c
The timecode display
toggles between, LTC,
CTL, VITC and AUTO,
display
Make a Mark In
point
[MARK IN]
Creates a Cue in point.
Cue No. displayed briefly
when button pressed
Make a Mark Out
point
[MARK OUT]
Creates a Cue out point.
Cue No. displayed briefly,
when button pressed
Addendum
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 49
Function
Keys
Description
Browsed saved
Cues
[SHIFT]+[CUE] or
[GOTO CUE No.]
and Keypad entry or
+/- on HT884/8c
This will allow all saved
cues to be viewed. Scroll
through using the
jog/shuttle wheel.
[SHIFT] to exit or [CUE]
to cue up
Delete a Cue
[MARK IN] or
[DEL]
Select the cue as
described above, and
then hold down MARK IN
for more than 1 second.
Permanently deletes the
cue. Select the Cue and
then press the DEL
button
Advance/retard
frames
Press and hold the
[] key + [+ or -]
Advances or retards the
VTR a frame at a time.
Pre-Roll back a
fixed number of
seconds
[Cue]+[<<]
Pre-Rolls the tape by the
amount set in the menu
setting pre-roll time
(disabled on HT884/8c)
Post-Roll forward
a fixed number
of seconds
[Cue]+[>>]
Post-Rolls the tape by the
amount set in the menu
setting pre-roll time
(disabled on HT884/8c)
Group Channels
[SHIFT]+[CHANNEL]
Hold down the shift
button and the channel
buttons that are to be
grouped together
Go to a
Timecode
[GOTO T/C]
+[Keypad]+[CUE]
Will cue the controller to
the entered timecode
Go to a Cue
[GOTO CUE No]
+[Keypad]+[CUE]
Will cue the controller to
the entered cue point
Addendum
50 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Function
Keys
Description
Use the T-Bar to
shuttle
[T-BAR SHUTTLE]
and move T-Bar
Allows the T-bar to be
used to shuttle instead of
the jog wheel
Pre-set variable
range T-Bar
[PRESET VARIABLE]
+ [VAR]
and move T-Bar
The VTR will go into
variable playback, using
the variable range set in
the menu
Freeze during
Slow Motion
[STILL ]
The selected VTR
playback will freeze the
VTR during the slow
motion playback
Eject the tape
[MENU]
Eject must be selected
from the menu using the
jog wheel
Live/Playback
(Slow motion
controller only)
[REC]
Switch between live and
playback (Disk mode
must be on)
6.2 Outline dimensions
The base model HT88x has the following outline
dimensions:
Addendum
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 51
HT88x Outline dimensions
Models with a direct entry key pad and/or direct entry
keypad and fader arm have the following outline
dimensions:
HT88x/c/s Outline dimensions
Addendum
52 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
6.3 Disassembly
These instructions are provided mainly to allow
controller software firmware to be upgraded.
CAUTION:
DURING DISASSEMBLY, ALWAYS ENSURE THAT AC
POWER IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE EQUIPMENT.
ONLY SUITABLY QUALIFIED ENGINEERS SHOULD
CARRY OUT MAINTENANCE.
Access to the main PCB is very simple, proceed as
follows:
Loosen and remove the 4 screws in the base of
the case
Carefully remove lid a little way and then unplug
the ribbon cables connecting the front panel to
the base
Store the lid somewhere safe
Note:
Care should be taken to ensure that the shorter
screws are replaced in the same position.
Removing the main PCB
In the unlikely event that the main PCB requires
replacement proceed as follows:
Remove the IEC mains retaining clip from the
rear panel
Loosen and remove the 2 IEC mains screws from
the rear panel
Addendum
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 53
Now carefully remove the two PCB fixing screws from
the front edge of the main PCB and carefully pull
forward and lift out the main PCB from the case
Replacing the PCB
When replacing the PCB ensure that it is correctly
located in the rear panel before tightening the two
screws at the front edge of the PCB.
Mother Board PCB
Software Updates
Download the software update wizard actiV8 from the
Hi Tech Systems web site, and contact Hi Tech
Systems for the latest software version.
Addendum
54 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
6.4 Cable pin out reference
The following diagrams are provided for those
wishing to make their own cables.
Standard RS422 cable
RJ45 to D type - RS422 cable
Addendum
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 55
RJ45 to D type – RS232 cable
Making a software upgrade serial cable
Notes on PC serial connectors
Some computers, particularly laptops have odd earth
arrangements on the RS232 connector, making the
download problematic. If possible, use a desktop PC
for performing s/w updates.
Addendum
56 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
Making the RJ45 to RS422 male adapters
Making the RJ45 to RS422 female adapters
Addendum
2012 Hi Tech Systems Limited 57
Making the RJ45 to RS422 loop adapters
Specification
58 HT800 Series VTR and Disk controller
77 S
Sppeecciiffiiccaattiioonn
Control ports
Communication Format:
RS-422-A
Communication Channel:
Full Duplex
Data Signalling Rate:
38.4 Kb/s (K bits per second)
Communication Protocol:
SONY 9 pin RS422
Serial connectors:
RJ45 – 8 pin sockets
VTRs controlled:
VTRs that support the Sony RS422 9
pin protocol
Power
Mains input:
Fused IEC connector
Voltage:
90 to 260 VAC 47-63Hz selected via
reversible fuse holder
Power consumption:
Less than 10 watts
Optional GPI module
GPI / Extension:
25 pin “D” 25 socket
General
Operating Temp:
0 - 35 Deg C
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