Motu HD Express HDMI Tower PCIe User manual

HD Express

User’s Guide for Windows

™

1280 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

Business voice: [phone]

Business fax: [phone]

Website: www.motu.com

Tech support: www.motu.com/support

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software

TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the
terms and conditions of the “click-wrap” license agreement presented to you when
you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation.
Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright,
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documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license
agreement.

Reminder of the terms of your license

This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms. The actual
license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the software.
That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and MOTU to
all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is
incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement, the terms of the
click-wrap agreement prevail.

YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically transfer
the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only
one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the
computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the
program solely for backup purposes. You must reproduce and include the copyright
notice on a label on any backup copy.

YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others;
(b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c) provide use of
the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or
multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of MOTU; (d) translate,
adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or
related documentation without the prior written consent of MOTU.

MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is
recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a
period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your
receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the
product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to replace the disk(s) under this
Limited Warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF,
AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH
EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE
LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO
EVENT SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR
DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD
PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Update Policy

In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and return
the attached Mark of the Unicorn Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2011, 2010, 2009 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or
by any means whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the
Unicorn, Inc., 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.

Limited Warranty on Hardware

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this equipment
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of TWO (2) YEARS from
the date of original retail purchase. This warranty applies only to hardware products;
MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written statements.

If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number. No service will be performed on
any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty
period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138. You must use the product’s original packing
material for in shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the product. Please
include your name, address, telephone number, a description of the problem, and
the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise
Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.

This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident,
abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written permission
of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO TWO (2) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE
AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty.

MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH
MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from state to state.

MOTU, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are trademarks of Mark
of the Unicorn, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications or television reception. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio or television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the
following measures:

• Relocate or re-orient the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver

• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

If necessary, consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class A (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface
cables in order to comply with the Class A FCC limits on RF emissions.

WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Contents

Part 1: Getting Started

Quick Reference: HD Express Front Panel

5

Quick Reference: HD Express Rear Panel

6

Quick Reference: MOTU Video Console

7

9

About the HD Express

Packing List and System Requirements

13

Installing the HD Express Windows Software

15

Installing the HD Express Hardware

17

Part 2: Using the HD Express

HD Express Basics

27

29

MOTU Video Console

Adobe Premiere Pro

37

Part 3: Appendices

Troubleshooting

47

1

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

CAUTION! READ THIS SAFETY GUIDE BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION OR OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.

HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES: CONTACT MAY CAUSE ELECTRIC SHOCK OR BURN. TURN OFF UNIT BEFORE SERVICING.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TO TOUCH THE TERMINALS OF PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVING THE PLUG TO OR FROM THE OUTLET.

WARNING: IF NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED THE MOTU HD Express COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

The MOTU HD Express is equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounding type plug which has a grounding prong, approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association. This plug
requires a mating three-conductor grounded type outlet as shown in Figure A below. If the outlet you are planning to use for the MOTU HD Express is of the two prong type, DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER THE
GROUNDING PRONG IN ANY MANNER. Use an adapter as shown below and always connect the grounding lug to a known ground. It is recommended that you have a qualified electrician replace the TWO
prong outlet with a properly grounded THREE prong outlet. An adapter as illustrated below in Figure B is available for connecting plugs to two-prong receptacles.

Figure A Figure B

Grounding lug

Screw

3-prong plug

Grounding prong

Properly grounded 3-prong outlet

3-prong plug

Mak e sur e th is i s con nec ted to
a known ground.

Adapter

Two-prong receptacle

WARNING: THE GREEN GROUNDING LUG EXTENDING FROM THE ADAPTER MUST BE CONNECTED TO A PERMANENT GROUND SUCH AS TO A
PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET BOX. NOT ALL OUTLET BOXES ARE PROPERLY GROUNDED.

If you are not sure that your outlet box is properly grounded, have it checked by a qualified electrician. NOTE: The adapter illustrated is for use only if you already have a properly grounded two-prong
receptacle. Adapter is not allowed in Canada by the Canadian Electrical Code. Use only three wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding type plugs and three-prong receptacles which
will accept the MOTU HD Express plug.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read these instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the HD Express.

2. Keep these instructions. These safety instructions and the HD Express owner’s manual should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed all warnings. All warnings on the HD Express and in the owner’s manual should be adhered to.

4. Follow all Instructions. All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Do not use the HD Express near water.

6. Cleaning - Unplug the HD Express from the computer and clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

7. Ventilation - Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Heat - Do not install the HD Express near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or another apparatus (including an amplifier) that produces heat.

9. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.

10. Grounding - Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade
or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult and electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

11. Power cord - Protect the HD Express power cord from being walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the HD Express.

12. Power switch - Install the HD Express so that the power switch can be accessed and operated at all times.

13. Disconnect - The main plug is considered to be the disconnect device for the HD Express and shall remain readily operable.

14. Accessories - Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

15. Placement - Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the HD Express. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

16. Surge protection - Unplug the HD Express during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

17. Servicing - Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the HD Express has been damaged in any way, such as when a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the HD Express, the HD Express has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

18. Power Sources - Refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions for power requirements. Be advised that different operating voltages may require the use of a different line cord and/or attachment plug.

19. Installation - Do not install the HD Express in an unventilated rack, or directly above heat-producing equipment such as power amplifiers. Observe the maximum ambient operating temperature listed below.

20. Power amplifiers- Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly to any of the unit’s connectors.

21. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

22. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU HD Express, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.

ENVIRONMENT

Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE

Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from an AC wall outlet. Grasp it by the plug. Do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not place objects containing liquids on it.

2

AC INPUT

100 - 240VAC ~ • 50 / 60Hz • 20 Watts.

Part 1

Getting Started

ON mode. With this main power switch flipped to the

AUTO ON position, the HD Express will power on and off

with your computer.

When using the HD Express rack-mount interface with

the laptop ExpressCard adapter, operation is

plug-and-play: you can disconnect and reconnect the

interface, and freely switch it on or off as desired.

When using the PCIe card adapter on a desktop

machine, the HD Express rack-mount interface must be

connected and switched on before starting up the

computer. Similarly, you must shut down the computer

before switching it off and/or disconnecting it. If the

interface gets disconnected or switched off before

computer shut-down, you’ll need to restart the

7. Keep this switch in the down position to enable AUTO

31 2 54 76

successfully locked to the currently selected clock

source. The CAPTURE light glows when the HD Express is

capturing or previewing video; the MONITOR light

glows when the HD Express is playing back (whether

still-framed or not).

face successfully establishes communication with the

computer via the PCIe card or ExpressCard adapter.

the HD Express powers up when you switch on your

4. The GENLOCK light glows when the HD Express has

5. The HOST light illuminates when the HD Express inter-

computer and powers down when you switch off your

6. When the power switch is in the AUTO ON position,

computer to bring the interface back on line.

computer.

Quick Reference: HD Express Front Panel

player, VHS deck or any other composite or S-Video

1. Connect an SD source here, such as a camcorder, DVD

source.

player, set-top box, video game console, AV receiver or

other HDMI device. Note that many consumer HDMI

sources (such as DVD players) implement HDCP (High

Bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which does not

allow video capture of copy-protected signals via I/O

devices like the HD Express.

Its output always matches analog outputs 1-2 on the

2. Connect an HDMI source here, such as a camcorder, DVD

rear panel. Use the volume knob to control its level.

3. This is a standard quarter-inch stereo headphone jack.

75432 6

1

The HD/SD Component section of the HD Express is

equipped with 12-bit converters that deliver 10-bit

capture and playback, with support for either RGB or

YPbPr component color space. Alternately, you can

connect a composite video (CVBS) input or output

signal to the Y connectors or an S-Video input or output

signal to the Y/C connectors.

supply that provides 12 watts of power. The connector

DVI-equipped device with an adapter cable. The

HD Express supports 8-channel PCM (uncompressed)

can be either tip-positive or tip-negative.

7. The HD Express uses an external, 10-24 volt power

embedded audio over HDMI, so you could also connect

this output to an HDMI-equipped home theater

receiver to deliver both picture and multi-channel

audio.

6. Connect component HD or SD input and output here.

a standard HDMI-to-mini-HDMI cable. In either case, it

is recommended that you use the supplied cable. If you

use another cable, the length should not exceed six

feet, and use a high-quality cable.

monitor here. Alternately, you can connect a

5. Connect a plasma, LCD, DLP or other HDMI-equipped

Quick Reference: HD Express Rear Panel

surround sound monitoring. Connect them to a

surround speaker system, or to a mixer. They are

equipped with 24-bit converters that support sample

1. These six RCA analog outputs provide 5.1 and 7.1

rates from 44.1 kHz up to 96 kHz.

2. Outputs 1-2 are the main stereo audio outputs.

input and output.

standard HDMI cable. If you are connecting the inter-

3. These connectors provide stereo S/PDIF digital audio

face to an ExpressCard adapter for laptop operation, use

4. Connect the HD Express to the computer here using any

Quick Reference: MOTU Video Console

CHAPTER

Choose the video format that you
wish to capture or play back.

The status area tells you what mode
the HD Express hardware is in. It also
provides helpful troubleshooting info.

When capturing video, choose the
input source here. Also deter­mines the clock source for
playback, if the Playback Clock
Source is set to Input Source.

Click a tab to view its settings above.
For complete details on the settings
in these tabs, see chapter 6, “MOTU
Video Console” (page 29).

Indicates the video format detected on the
currently chosen video Input Source (above).

Indicates when the HD Express has
successfully achieved lockup to the
currently selected clock source, which
could be the HD Express’s internal clock
or the current video input source.

7

8

CHAPTER

1

About the HD Express

OVERVIEW

The HD Express is a PCI Express video interface
for Windows that provides broadcast-quality video
capture and monitoring for Adobe Premiere Pro.

The HD Express connects to a PC desktop
computer via a standard PCI Express card or a PC
laptop via an ExpressCard adapter and turns the
computer into a powerful HD/SD video
production workstation equipped with broadcast
quality HD and SD video and audio capture and
monitoring.

In Premiere Pro, the HD Express supports full­raster 1920 x 1080 HD capture and playback using
any video format supported natively by Premiere
Pro, including uncompressed, P2 (DVCProHD),
XD CAM, HDV, and AVCHD.

The HD Express is ideal for any natively supported
workflow because you can immediately play back
clips (either imported or ingested) with no
transcoding necessary. Conversely, you can
connect any SD or HD video source such as an
HDV camera, legacy video deck or DVD player
and then capture it directly in the format of your
choice in Premiere. Many cameras now feed their
uncompressed component output directly from
the camera’s optics and image sensor, before
compression, for the best-possible picture quality
during capture with the HD Express.

A wide range of video equipment can be connected
to the HD Express, from legacy SD camcorders to
the latest HD cameras, video decks, LCD reference
monitors and plasmas.

The HD Express is housed in a rugged aluminum
alloy chassis with a standard half-rack, mountable
form factor. Included rack mounting brackets can
easily be removed for convenient desktop
operation.

The HD Express is designed to streamline your
video production workflow, with unified control
over all your video gear from the convenience of
your computer desktop.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

■

HD/SD PCI Express video interface for Mac and
Windows — provides HD and SD capture and
playback for any current-generation PCIe- or
ExpressCard-equipped computer.

■

Tower or laptop operation — connects to a Mac
or PC tower via PCI Express for ultra-fast
operation, or to a laptop via ExpressCard
connectivity for mobile operation.

■

Comprehensive video capture & monitoring —
captures and plays uncompressed video in all
standard SD and HD video formats up to and
including 1080p30 (720p, 1080i, 1080p &
1080PsF).

■ Supports Adobe Premiere Pro.

■ Captures and plays uncompressed HD and SD

— 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth and 1920 x 1080
resolution, all standard HD and SD formats up to
and including 1080p30 (720p, 1080i, 1080p and
1080PsF).

■ Support for all codecs supported natively by

Premiere Pro — capture and monitor any host­based codecs supported by Premiere.

9

■ Support for file-based workflows — lets you edit

and monitor file-based workflow codecs supported
natively in Premiere Pro, including HDV, XD
CAM, P2/DVCPro, AVCHD, and others with no
transcoding needed.

■ 1 x S-Video in (10-bit) on 4-pin mini-DIN

■ 1 x composite in and out (10-bit CVBS) on

shared RCA

■ 1 x S-Video in/out (10-bit Y/C) on shared RCA

■ Broadcast quality — 10-bit 4:2:2 signal path

throughout.

■ HDMI capture and monitoring — provides

both HDMI in and out.

■ Color grading — provides flexible, industry-

standard color adjustment with separate controls
for capture and playback.

■ Comprehensive audio — capture stereo analog

or 8-channel embedded HDMI digital audio.
Mon itor u p to eig ht cha nne ls of su rro und audi o via
RCA analog or HDMI embedded at sample rates
up to 96kHz.

■ Ha lf- rac k for m f act or w ith ded icate d con nec tor s

— no cable swapping or gangly, inconvenient
breakout cables.

VIDEO I/O

The HD Express provides comprehensive video
input and output connectivity.

The front panel provides convenient inputs for
legacy SD capture and full 10-bit uncompressed
HDMI capture from today’s latest HD camcorders.

The component section provides both RGB and
YPbPr, but can alternately serve as CVBS
(composite) in/out or even Y/C (S-Video) in/out.

VIDEO FORMATS

■ SD — 576i25 (PAL) and 486i29.97 (NTSC)

■ HD — 720p23.976*, 720p24*, 720p25*,

720p29.97*, 720p30*, 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60,
1080p23.976, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97,
1080p30, 1080PsF23.976, 1080PsF24, 1080PsF25,
1080PsF29.97, 1080PsF30, 1080i25, 1080i29.97,
1080i30 (* playback only)

■ Supported Premiere Pro HD formats —

Uncompressed HD (8-bit and 10-bit), DVCProHD
720p at all eight frame rates listed above, plus
DVCProHD 1080 (1280 and 1440 rasters) at all
1080 frame rates listed above

■ Supported Premiere SD formats —

Uncompressed 8-bit and 10-bit, DVCPro and
DVCPro 50 at 486i29.97 and 576i25

AUDIO I/O

The HD Express provides stereo analog audio
capture and surround sound monitoring with
support for both 5.1 or 7.1 configurations. The
HD Express also provides 8-channel capture and
monitoring of embedded HDMI digital audio
input and output.

■ Supports all standard audio sample rates from

44.1 to 96kHz

■ 1 x HDMI in and out (4:2:2 10-bit, YUV)

■ Support for DVI output with HDMI-to-DVI

adapter (sold separately)

■ 1 x HD/SD component in and out (10-bit, YPbPr

or RGB) on RCAs

■ 1 x composite in (10-bit) on RCA

10

■ 8 x RCA out via direct connection (no breakout

cable)

■ 2 x RCA analog input on the front panel for SD

Composite/S-Video capture

■ 2 x S/PDIF digital in and out on RCA connectors

■ 8 x HDMI embedded audio in and out

ABOUT THE HD EXPRESS

■ Front panel headphone jack with dedicated

volume control

INCLUDED SOFTWARE AND COMPATIBILITY

■ MOTU Video console software — provides

complete control of all programmable features and
settings.

■ Supports Premiere Pro CS5 (version 5.0.3) or

later

ABOUT THE HD EXPRESS

11

12

ABOUT THE HD EXPRESS

CHAPTER

2 Packing List and

System Requirements

PACKING LIST

The HD Express ships with the items listed below.
If any of these items are not present in your
HD Express box when you first open it, please
immediately contact your dealer or MOTU.

■ One HD Express with removable rack ears

■ One HDMI cable

■ One PCI Express card or ExpressCard adapter

■ One power adapter

■ HD Express Mac/Windows manuals

■ One software installer disc

■ Product registration card

WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The HD Express system requires the following
Windows system:

■ Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Phenom II, or equivalent

64 -bit proce ssor; mu ltipl e pro cesso rs or mult i-cor e
processor required

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!

Please register your HD Express today. There are
two ways to register.

■ Visit www.motu.com/registration to register

online

OR

■ Fill out and mail the included product

registration card

As a registered user, you will be eligible to receive
technical support and announcements about
product enhancements as soon as they become
available. Only registered users receive these
special update notices, so please register today.

Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!

■ Available PCI Express slot or ExpressCard slot

■ 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more is recommended

■ Windows 7 or Vista, 64-bit versions only; Vista

SP1 or later required

■ Large hard disk drive, preferably at least 500 GB

■ Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 or CS5.5; version 5.0.3

or later required

13

14

PACKING LIST AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER

3 Installing the HD Express Windows

Software

IMPORTANT! INSTALL THE HD EXPRESS SOFTWARE FIRST!

Before you connect the HD Express interface to
your computer and turn it on, run the HD Express
Software Installer. This ensures that all the
HD Express components are properly installed in
your system.

If Windows asks you to locate the drivers

If you’ve already connected the HD Express to your
computer and switched it on, Windows probably
issued an alert notifying you that the HD Express
requires drivers, followed by another window
asking you to locate the drivers on disk. If this
happens:

1 Cancel the driver search.

2 Run the HD Express Software Installer as

instructed in the next section.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS SOFTWARE

Install the HD Express software as follows:

1 Insert the HD Express Installer disc; or, if you
have downloaded the MOTU Video installer, locate
the folder containing the download.

2 If there are Read Me files or other documents
containing installation assistance or other
important information, review each one.

3 Open the SetupVideo.exe installer application.

4 Follow the installer’s directions.

The HD Express ships with the following software
for Windows:

Software
component Purpose

MOTU Sequence
presets

MOTU PCI
Video
Console

Provides sequence
presets for Premiere
Pro. These help you
quickly configure Pre­miere for the
HD Express.

Provides access to all
of the HD Express’s
video settings.

For more
information

“Sequence pre­sets” on page 38

chapter 6,
“MOTU Video
Console”
(page 29)

15

16

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS WINDOWS SOFTWARE

CHAPTER

4 Installing the HD Express Hardware

OVERVIEW

Here’s an overview for installing the HD Express:

Did you run the software installer first? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Precautions before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Installing the PCI Express card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Installing the ExpressCard adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connect the HD Express to your computer . . . . . . . . . . 18

Power-up/power-down sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connect video inputs and outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Example HD Express video connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Example HD Express audio connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

DID YOU RUN THE SOFTWARE INSTALLER FIRST?

Before installing the HD Express hardware in your
PC, be sure to run the software installer first. See
chapter 3, “Installing the HD Express Windows
Software” (page 15).

PRECAUTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Installing the HD Express hardware requires the
handling of sensitive electronic components that
can be easily damaged by static electricity, even in
the very small amounts generated by our bodies
every time we move. Please take these basic
precautions before and during installation to avoid
permanently damaging your HD Express
hardware:

■ Leave the HD Express PCIe host adapter in its

antistatic bag until you are ready to install it.

■ When you are ready to begin installation, have

the PCIe adapter, still in its anti-static bag, close by
so it is in within easy reach during installation.

■ Before you begin, turn off the computer and

unplug it from any power source. Do the same for
any connected components (hard drives, etc.)

■ When handling the HD Express PCIe card

adapter, hold it by the silver bulkhead, or by the
edges of the circuit board. Be careful not to touch
the components on the circuit board or the metal
contacts on the insert tab.

INSTALLING THE PCI EXPRESS CARD

If you have a PCI Express card for the HD Express,
install it as follows:

1 Power off and unplug your computer.

☛ Failure to do so may result in serious shock or

injury.

2 Open your computer.

3 Find an available PCI Express slot.

4 Remove the slot cover, if necessary.

■ Completely review the installation procedure on

the following pages before you begin the
installation.

■ Avoid wool or synthetic clothing, which tends to

generate much more static electricity than cotton.

■ Static electricity occurs much more readily in

dry climate conditions. If you can, perform the
installation with a relative humidity of at least 50%.

5 Before removing the HD Express PCIe card
from it’s anti-static bag, touch the power supply
inside your computer to discharge any static
electricity that may have built up on you.

6 Remove the HD Express PCI card from its anti­static bag.

17

7 Gently but firmly insert the card into any
available PCI slot.

Figure 4-1: Inserting the HD Express PCIe card.

3 Insert the adapter into the ExpressCard slot on
your laptop computer with the top of the
ExpressCard adapter (the side with the label on it)
facing up and the mini-HDMI connector (the
smaller of the two connectors) facing out.

8 Secure the bulkhead of the card to the computer
chassis with the bolt from the slot cover.

☛ We strongly recommend securing the

HD Express PCIe card in this manner. Doing so
al lows you to ensu re se cure connec tions to th e car d
later on in the installation.

9 Place the cover back on your computer.

10 Reconnect the power cord to the computer

before proceeding.

INSTALLING THE EXPRESSCARD ADAPTER

If you have a laptop ExpressCard adapter for the
HD Express, you can install it as follows, with your
laptop computer turned on or off:

1 Before removing the ExpressCard adapter from
it’s anti-static bag, touch the metal chassis of your
laptop computer to discharge any static electricity
that may have built up on you.

2 Remove the ExpressCard adapter from its anti­static bag.

Figure 4-2: Inserting the HD Express ExpressCard adapter.

4 Push the adapter into the slot until it clicks into
place.

☛ Do not force the ExpressCard adapter into the

slot. If it does not easily slide into place, remove it
and try again.

When the card is properly seated in the slot, it
should be flush with the side of your laptop.

Removing the ExpressCard adapter

To safely removing the ExpressCard adapter, first
disconnect the HDMI cable, and then push the
adapter inwards until you hear and feel it click.
This releases it from its installed position and it
should pop out of the slot far enough for you to
grasp it and gently remove it. Immediately place it
in its anti-static bag.

CONNECT THE HD EXPRESS TO YOUR COMPUTER

1 Plug one end of the supplied HDMI cable into
the HDMI socket on the PCIe card or ExpressCard
adapter as shown below in Figure 4-3.

18

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE

Figure 4-3: Connecting the HD Express to the computer.

☛ If you purchased the HD Express with an

ExpressCard adapter, the included HDMI cable
has a regular HDMI plug at one end and a smaller,
mini-HDMI plug at the other end. Plug the mini­HDMI plug into the ExpressCard adapter.

Figure 4-4: Making the connection from the computer to the
HD Express.

☛When making the connection

from the computer (Figure 4-3) to the
interface (Figure 4-4), be sure to plug

the HDMI cable into the jack labeled
PCIe CARD, as shown in Figure 4-4. D
it into the HDMI OUT jack. The computer must be
connected to the PCIe CARD jack for proper
operation.

POWER-UP/POWER-DOWN SEQUENCE

When using the HD Express rack-mount interface
with the laptop ExpressCard adapter, operation is
plug-and-play: you can disconnect and reconnect
the interface, and freely power it on or off as
desired.

O NOT plug

2 Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the
HD Express I/O “PCIe CARD” jack as shown
below in Figure 4-4.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE

However, when using the PCIe card adapter on a
desktop machine, the HD Express rack-mount
interface must be connected and powered on
before the computer is powered on. Similarly, you
must power down the computer before powering
off or disconnecting the HD Express. If the
interface gets disconnected or powered off before
computer shut-down, you’ll need to restart the
computer to bring the interface back online.

19

CONNECT VIDEO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The HD Express provides a wealth of video input
and output connectivity.

Support for both NTSC and PAL

The HD Express supports both NTSC and PAL
formats on all inputs and outputs. It does not,
however, convert between NTSC and PAL. Instead,
it operates all inputs and outputs in one format or
the other, as determined by the chosen video
source. For details about choosing a video source,
see “Input Source” on page 30.

S-video (Y/C) input

You have two choices for connecting S-video (Y/C)
input: you can use the 4-pin mini-DIN jack on the
HD Express front panel, or you can use the two
RCA inputs on the rear panel labeled “Y” and “C”.
Either way, be sure to make the corresponding
Input Source setting in the software. See “Input
Source” on page 30.

Connect any S-video source, including consumer
or prosumer camcorders, desktop video
converters, VTRs, etc. For best results, use
standard, high-quality shielded RCA or 4-pin
mini-DIN S-video cables.

You can connect the same device to both the input
and output, or you can connect two separate
devices (one to the input and the other to the
output).

S-video (Y/C) output

Connect a monitor or other S-video output device
to the RCA Y/C connectors on the rear panel. Be
sure to make the necessary settings in the software
to change the output of these connectors from
component (the factory default format) to S-video.
See “Analog Output Format” on page 32 for details.

Composite (CVBS) input

You have two choices for connecting composite
(CVBS) input: you can use the RCA jack on the
HD Express front panel labeled VIDEO, or you can
use the RCA input on the rear panel labeled CVBS.
Either way, be sure to make the corresponding
Input Source setting in the software. See “Input
Source” on page 30.

Connect any composite source, including
consumer or prosumer camcorders, desktop video
converters, VTRs, etc. For best results, use a
standard, high-quality shielded video RCA cable.
You can connect the same device to both the input
and output, or you can connect two separate
devices (one to the input and the other to the
output).

Composite (CVBS) output

Connect a monitor or other composite output
destination to the RCA CVBS connector on the
rear panel. Be sure to make the necessary settings
in the software to change the output of these
connectors from component (the factory default
format) to composite. See “Analog Output Format”
on page 32 for details.

Figure 4-5: The HD Express video connectors.

20

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE

Component

The HD/SD Component Section (Figure 4-5)
provides either HD or SD component input and
output. The HD Express provides 10-bit analog
performance with 12-bit A/D and D/A converters.
In general, component video signals tend to be
higher quality than composite or S-video, so to
take full advantage of the component format, be
sure to use high quality shielded RCA cables.

Configuring the HD/SD Component section

The HD Express component input and output
supports YPbPr or RGB operation, as shown by the
labeling below the connectors in the HD/SD
Component section. Accordingly, the input and
output jacks in this section can be independently
configured for one of three different analog video
formats:

SD (480i) component formats

The HD Express supports four different SD
component formats: SMPTE/EBU N10, Sony Beta,
Sony Beta Japan and Panasonic MII. This setting is
made in the MOTU Video console software. See
“480i Component Levels” on page 33 and “480i
Setup” on page 33. For PAL (576i) and HD
component operation, the HD Express supports
the industry standard SMPTE/EBU N10 specifi­cation.

HDMI

The HD Express provides HDMI input and output
in professional, broadcast quality 10-bit 4:2:2
resolution. The input is ideal for capturing video
from HDMI-equipped cameras, many of which
send the video signal to their HDMI output before
it is compressed in the camera.

■ Component RGB

■ Component YPbPr

■ Composite + S-video

This setting is made in the MOTU Video console
software. For the component inputs, see “Input
Source” on page 30. For the component outputs,
see “Analog Output Format” on page 32. Be sure
that the mode you choose for each bank matches
the component video source or destination to
which it is connected. If the device you are
connecting supports both RGB and YPbPr, use
YPbPr, as it is the standard for broadcast video.

☛ Analog YPbPr component video is sometimes

referred to by other names, such as YUV,
Y/R-Y/B-Y or YCbCr.

The HDMI output can be connected to any device
equipped with an HDMI input, such as a plasma
screen, LCD screen or even a home theater receiver.
The HD Express supports up to 8 channels of PCM
(uncompressed) audio output via the HDMI
connection for devices that can receive digital
audio via HDMI.

DVI output

Using a HDMI-to-DVI cable, or a female HDMI­to-male DVI plug adaptor connected to one end of
an HDMI-to-HDMI cable, you can connect the
HD Express’s HDMI output to the DVI input of
another device, such as a computer monitor. In
addition to the cable connection, you also need to
make a software setting that changes the
HD Express’s HDMI output signal to the DVI
format. See “HDMI format” on page 32.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE

21

EXAMPLE HD EXPRESS VIDEO CONNECTIONS

Here is an example of the types of video devices
that you can connect to the HD Express. You can
mix and match HD and SD sources and
destinations, connect them all, and then choose the
desired source from the MOTU Video console
software.

HD camera

DVD Player

HDMI IN

Large format

consumer plasma or LCD

monitor

HD Component OUT

SD VTR (VHS, SVHS, etc.)

SD Composite IN

S-video IN

SD TV (LCD or plasma)

Composite OUT

S-Video OUT

SD camcorder

HDMI out

HD camera

Figure 4-6: HD Express video connections.

22

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE

CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The HD Express provides the following audio
input and output:

Audio format

96 kHz RCA analog 2 8

96 kHz S/PDIF digital 2 2

96 kHz embedded HDMI* 8 8

Input
channels

Output
channels

Analog audio I/O

The analog inputs are equipped with digitally
controlled analog trims that provide +18 dB of gain
and -10 dB of cut. To adjust these trims, see
“Analog input trims” on page 36.

The eight RCA analog outputs (Figure 4-7) can be
connected directly to powered speakers, a mixer or
any other analog audio destination.

*HDMI audio is stereo at sample rates above 48kHz when playing or
capturing SD video.

All twelve audio inputs are always active. For audio
output, the HD Express provides two 8-channel
banks (1-8 and 9-16). Both 8-channel output
banks can be enabled at the same time, for a total of
sixteen channels of simultaneous audio output. You
can freely assign the 8-channel analog output,
8-channel HDMI output, and stereo S/PDIF
output to either bank, as desired, for a total of
sixteen channels of simultaneous audio output.

Stereo RCA

analog in

8-channel HDMI

embedded in

Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O

The stereo RCA S/PDIF input and output jacks
provide digital audio input and output. Be sure to
use digital audio-grade RCA cables.

Sample rate conversion (SRC)

The stereo S/PDIF input on the HD Express is
sample-rate converted, so you do not need to
worry about digital audio clocking issues when
using it. Simply set the HD Express clock source as
desired (see “Capture Clock Source” on page 32),
and any digital audio transfers will be clean and
trouble-free.

Headphones

Stereo S/PDIF I/O 8-channel HDMI

Analog audio outputs

Figure 4-7: The HD Express audio connectors.

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE

embedded out

23

EXAMPLE HD EXPRESS AUDIO CONNECTIONS

Figure 4-8 shows an example of the types of audio
connections you can make between other devices
and the HD Express.

SD camcorder

Powered 5.1 or 7.1 surround monitors

HD camera Game console

OR

8 channel
embedded

Home theater receiver

24

Figure 4-8: HD Express audio connections.

Stereo S/PDIF
digital audio in/out

VTR

INSTALLING THE HD EXPRESS HARDWARE

Part 2

Using the HD Express

CHAPTER

5 HD Express Basics

TWO MODES

The HD Express provides two basic modes of
operation:

■ Capture

■ Playback (monitor)

The current mode is clearly indicated by the Status
area in MOTU Video Console (Figure 6-1 on
page 29), unless there is no genlock, in which case
it will display a message explaining why not.

The HD Express is always either in Capture mode
or Playback mode. If no application is actively
capturing, previewing or playing back, the Default
Mode setting (“Default Mode” on page 31)
determines which mode the box is in.

CAPTURE

The HD Express is in Capture mode when it is
successfully communicating with the computer
(the HOST LED is illuminated) and video software
has actively taken control of the HD Express
hardware for the purposes of capturing video and
audio from the HD Express. Here are some
examples of when video software would put the
HD Express into Capture mode:

In Capture mode, the HD Express uses the Capture
Clock Source setting (“Capture Clock Source” on
page 32), and if it is set to Input Source, the input
signal is passed through to the video outputs (SD
in to SD out or HD in to HD out).

Even though the primary purpose of Capture
mode is to feed video to the computer, the
HD Express continues to send the source video
signal to any video outputs that match the source
format (HD or SD). This allows you to simulta­neously monitor what you are capturing via the
HD Express’s video outputs. You could even dub
the source signal to a video deck or other video
recorder during capture.

Live monitoring is only active when the Capture
Clock Source setting (“Capture Clock Source” on
page 32) is set to Input Source. When it is set to
Master (Internal), the HD Express outputs a black
image (i.e. black burst) on all video outputs.

PLAYBACK (MONITOR)

The HD Express goes into Playback mode when an
application is sending video to it. When not
playing or capturing, the HD Express reverts to the
Default Mode setting (“Default Mode” on page 31).

■ You open the Capture window in Premiere Pro.

Or you use any Premiere Pro feature that involves
capturing or previewing the live video input from
the HD Express.

■ You run the MOTU Video console software and

click the Preview tab (Figure 6-1 on page 29,
Figure 6-9 on page 34). This causes MOTU Video
console to “take over” the video signal being
supplied by the HD Express and display it in the
preview window.

In Playback mode, the HD Express uses the
Playback Clock Source setting (“Playback Clock
Source” on page 32), and if no application is
playing back, will output black.

ONE SOURCE TO MANY OUTPUTS

The design of the HD Express allows you to choose
a video input and the HD Express sends the signal
to any outputs that match the input format (HD or
SD). This allows you to simultaneously connect a
number of input devices, such as cameras, video
decks, DVD players, etc., along with a number of

27

output devices, such as monitors, video decks and
other destinations. Then choose the desired input
device and the HD Express will feed that signal to
all matching output destinations simultaneously.

Choosing the current video source

The MOTU Video console software lets you choose
the current video source (input). For details, see
“Input Source” on page 30.

Audio I/O and monitoring

On the audio side, the HD Express feeds audio
input to the computer and plays audio back from
the computer, so that you can easily capture and
playback audio in Premiere Pro.

If you are capturing multi-channel audio and wish
to monitor all channels on stereo headphones or
speakers, you can configure the HD Express’s
audio monitoring settings in Premiere Pro. For
more information, see “Audio Monitoring” on
page 50.

28

HD EXPRESS BASICS

CHAPTER

6 MOTU Video Console

MOTU Video Console (Figure 6-1) is accessed via
the Windows Start menu and provides convenient
access to all HD Express settings from your
computer desktop.

Video format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Input Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Status area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Input status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Genlock status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Setup tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Preview tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Audio tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Status

Figure 6-1: MOTU Video console.

Tabs Tab settings Genlock statusInput status

29

VIDEO FORMAT

The Video For mat setting (Figure 6-1 on page 29)
shows the format in which the HD Express is
capturing or playing back video, and allows you to
change the format manually. When capturing or
playing video from Premiere Pro, this setting will
be changed automatically by the host application.

INPUT SOURCE

The Input Source menu (Figure 6-1) is important
because this is where you choose the video input
from which the HD Express will capture. This
input may also be used as the clock source for
playback (see “Playback Clock Source” on
page 32).

Figure 6-3: The Input Source menu.

The menu choices with front or rear in their names
(Figure 6-3) refer to the video inputs on the front
panel of the HD Express or the RCA video input
connectors on the rear panel.

Figure 6-2: The Video Format menu.

30

MOTU VIDEO CONSOLE

STATUS AREA

The Status area (Figure 6-1) displays what mode
the HD Express is in. It also provides helpful status
information and troubleshooting suggestions. For
example, if there is no video signal because of a
wrong setting, the Status area will tell you which
setting(s) to check.

INPUT STATUS

The Input Status (Figure 6-1) indicates the video
format detected on the currently chosen video
Input Source.

GENLOCK STATUS

The Genlock Status (Figure 6-1) indicates when the
HD Express has successfully achieved lockup to
the currently selected clock source, which could be
the HD Express’s internal clock or the current
video input source.

SETUP TAB

The Setup tab (Figure 6-4) provides several general
settings for HD Express operation.

Default Mode

As explained in chapter 5, “HD Express Basics”
(page 27), HD Express has two modes of
operation: Capture and Playback. Your host video
software determines the mode, depending on what
you are doing (i.e. capturing or playing back the
timeline). The Default Mode setting (Figure 6-1)
lets you choose which mode the HD Express enters
when the host relinquishes control over the
HD Express hardware, such as when you quit or
switch out of your hos t software. If you spend most
of your time just monitoring or just capturing,
operation will be faster if you set this to the mode
you expect to use most.

Figure 6-4: Setup tab.

MOTU VIDEO CONSOLE

Color grading for playback

31

Capture Clock Source

The Capture Clock Source setting (Figure 6-4) lets
you specify the timing reference for the
HD Express when it is in Capture mode. Two
choices are provided in the menu, as shown below
in Figure 6-5:

Figure 6-5: Capture Clock Source menu.

Input Source

Choose Input Source (Fi gure 6-5 ) wh en yo u wi sh t o
resolve the HD Express to the video signal being
received on the currently chosen input in the Input
Source menu (Figure 6-3).

Internal

Choose Inter nal (Figure 6-6) when you wish to
resolve the HD Express to its own internal clock
during playback.

Clock source when switching between Capture
and Playback modes

When the HD Express switches its clock source, it
may take a brief moment for it to resolve to the new
source. If you need to frequently switch between
Capture and Playback modes, set the capture and
playback clock sources to one of these matching
combinations:

Capture Playback

Input Source Input Source

Master (Internal) Internal

Master (Internal)

Choose Master (Internal) (Figure 6-5) to make the
HD Express resolve to its own internal clock when
capturing from a device (such as a deck) that is
resolved to the HD Express’s output. Because the
deck is resolved to the HD Express, the video
signal being captured from the deck is genlocked.

Playback Clock Source

The Playback Clock Source setting (Figure 6-1) lets
you specify the timing reference for the
HD Express when it is in Playback mode. Two
choices are provided in the menu, as shown in
Figure 6-6:

Figure 6-6: Playback Clock Source menu.

Input Source

Choose Input Source (Fi gure 6-6 ) wh en yo u wi sh t o
resolve the HD Express to the video signal being
received on the currently chosen input in the Input
Source menu (Figure 6-3) during playback.

With either of these combinations, you can switch
back and forth between capture and playback
without losing genlock. This ensures a smooth,
quick, seamless transition when switching modes.

HDMI format

The HDMI Format menu (Figure 6-4) lets you
choose the output format for the HDMI output on
the rear panel of the HD Express. If you choose
DVI, you’ll need an HDMI-to-DVI cable or
adapter.

Analog Output Format

The Analog Output Format menu (Figure 6-4) lets
you configure the analog outputs as Composite and
S-Video (CVBS + S-Video Y/C), Component
YPbPr, or Component RGB.

Figure 6-7: Analog Output Format menu.

32

MOTU VIDEO CONSOLE

Reset to Defaults

The Reset to Defaults button (Figure 6-4) restores
all settings in the HD Express hardware to their
original (factory) values.

Interlace Pause Mode

If you are working with an interlaced video format,
the Interlace Pause Mode (Figure 6-4) lets you
choose between viewing a Full Frame or individual
Fields ( 1 or 2 ) whe n Prem iere Pro park s on a frame.
Clicking on these buttons will not bring the MOTU
Video console application to the front, so you can
switch between fields, or between Full Frame and
Sing le Fi elds modes, wh ile Pre miere Pro is the front
application.

480i Setup

The 480i Setup option (Figure 6-4) lets you choose
between USA (7.5%) and Japan (0%) for NTSC
composite and S-video input and output.

480i Component Levels

The 480i Component Levels option ( Figure 6-4) lets
you specify the voltage level standard for the
HD Express’s SD component inputs and outputs
when running at 480i (NTSC). Choices are: EBU
N10, Sony Beta, Sony Beta Japan and Panasonic
MII. Choose the format that best matches the
device(s) connected to the SD component input
and output.

Color grading

In the Color Grading section (Figure 6-4), there are
ten parameters which define a color transfer
function, as defined by the American Society of
Cinematographers Color Decision List (ASC CDL)
specification.

The color grading controls in the Setup tab
(Figure 6-4) define a transfer function which
applies to the output on playback. The controls in
the Preview pane (Figure 6-9) define a transfer
function which applies to the input on capture. In
this case, it affects pass through as well as capture.

The power switch icon (Figure 6-8) is an enable/
bypa ss control. Click it to tur n the color grading on
or off.

Enable/disable color grading

Figure 6-8: Color lookup table controls.

The Reset button resets the transfer function to its
default, which passes through each pixel
unchanged, and also switches to bypass mode.

Changing any control automatically enables the
transfer function, but you can also toggle between
Enabled and Bypassed by clicking on the enable/
bypass control.

The Sat parameter is ASC CDL Saturation. A value
of 1.0 passes each pixel through unchanged. Values
below 1.0 will desaturate, with 0.0 resulting in a
monochrome image. Values greater than 1.0
increases saturation. The maximum legal value is

10.0, which produces extreme results.

The Slope, Offset, and Power parameters for each
component define a transfer function for that
component, as per the ASC CDL specification.
Offset ranges from -1 to +1, with a default of 0.
Power and Slope range from 0.10 to 10.00, with a
default of 1.0.

Each of the numeric controls may be modified in
three ways:

■ If the console window is in front, click on a

control to select it, and type a new value

■ Click and drag up or down

■ Use the mouse wheel

MOTU VIDEO CONSOLE

33

The capture color correction controls (in the
Preview tab) only appear over the preview when
the mouse is over the preview. The panel holding
the capture color correction controls can be
dragged around within the preview pane, allowing
you to see any part of the preview while adjusting
the controls. To drag it, click on any part of the
panel other than one of the buttons or numeric
controls.

PREVIEW TAB

The Preview tab (Figure 6-9) lets you preview the
video signal being received from the currently
selected input in the Input Source menu
(Figure 6-3 on page 30).

If you don’t see the source video signal

If you have trouble getting the source video signal
to appe ar in the preview frame, ma ke sure the Fi nal
Cut Pro Capture window isn’t open in the
background. If so, the Status area (Figure 6-1 on
page 29) will alert you to the fact that the host
application is currently capturing or previewing.

The Preview tab and Premiere Pro

When Premiere Pro is running, it takes over the
HD Express hardware in regards to previewing. In
this situation, the Preview window simply displays

34

Figure 6-9: Preview tab.

Composite
and S-Video
image
adjustment

Color
grading for
capturing

MOTU VIDEO CONSOLE

a message saying that previewing is unavailable.
When you quit Premiere Pro, the Preview tab
operates normally, as described above.

Color grading

See “Color grading” on page 33. You can drag this
control panel anywhere you wish on the preview
pane.

AUDIO TAB

The Audio tab (Figure 6-10) provides access to the
HD Express’s audio features. The HD Express
provides 12 channels of audio input and 16
channels (two 8-channel banks) of simultaneous
audio output. For a summary of audio bank
formats, see “Connect audio inputs and outputs”
on page 23.

Brightness, Contrast and Hue

When previewing a Composite or S-Video signal,
the Preview tab provides several settings for
adjusting the Brightness, Contrast and Hue, as
shown in Figure 6-9 below.

Sample rate

Choose the audio sample rate (Figure 6-10) for
capture or playback. Make sure this setting
matches the rate of the audio being captured or
played back. Sample rates up to 96 kHz are
supported, with the following restriction:

☛ The HDMI input and output are stereo at

sample rates above 48000 Hz when playing SD
video.

Figure 6-10: Audio tab.

MOTU VIDEO CONSOLE

35

When using the HD Express with Premiere Pro,
the sample rate should be set f rom within Premiere
Pro.

Analog input trims

Use the analog input trim controls (Figure 6-10) to
apply up to +18 dB of gain or -10 dB of cut to each
individual analog input.

Outputs

Use the buttons provided to assign each audio
output format to the desired HD Express output
channel bank (1-8 or 9-16). You can assign two or
more formats to the same bank, in which case the
audio output is mirrored (duplicated) on each
output format. For S/PDIF digital output, the
stereo channels are assigned to either channels 1-2
or 9-10.

Mirroring output banks

To make two or more output banks produce the
same audio output, simply assign them to the same
output bank (either 1-8 or 9-16).

Disabling output banks

To disable a bank completely, click its Off button.

36

MOTU VIDEO CONSOLE

CHAPTER

7 Adobe Premiere Pro

OVERVIEW

The HD Express serves as a powerful video capture
and playback device for Adobe Premiere Pro.
Operation is straightforward and follows the
general workflow prescribed by Premiere Pro for
capture procedures and time line playback.

Familiarity with Premiere Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Before you launch Premiere Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Sequence presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

HD Express video settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Video capture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Playback and monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Audio hardware settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

FAMILIARITY WITH PREMIERE PRO

This chapter assumes that you have a working
knowledge of basic Premiere Pro operation.

BEFORE YOU LAUNCH PREMIERE PRO

Before you launch Premiere Pro, be sure to:

■ Insert the HD Express software, as explained in

chapter 3, “Installing the HD Express Windows
Software” (page 15).

■ Install the HD Express hardware and connect

your video devices to it as explained in chapter 4,
“Installing the HD Express Hardware” (page 17).

■ Power on the HD Express and run the MOTU

Video Console to make sure that installation has
been successful. If MOTU Video Console launches
without any error messages, then Premiere Pro
should successfully communicate with the
HD Express.

37

GETTING STARTED

1 Launch Premiere Pro.

2 When the Welcome screen appears, click New

Project and choose the desired Capture
Compression Codec from the Capture Format
menu (Figure 7-1).

3 Click Configure... to access capture parameters
of the HD Express (Figure 7-2).

Figure 7-2: MOTU video capture settings.

4 Name the project and click OK.

PLAYBACK SETTINGS

If you are using a progressive 1080 line timeline,
click Playback Settings to choose the desired 1080p
Playback Format (Figure 7-3). This setting
determines whether the video will be played back
as progressive (1080p) or progressive segmented
frame (1080PsF).

Figure 7-3: Playback settings.

SEQUENCE PRESETS

The HD Express software installer provides the
MOTU HD Express factory-supplied sequence
presets shown in Figure 7-4. These presets are
organized in directories by video format. Each
preset is clearly named with a video frame format,
raster size and frame rate. Choose the preset that

38

Figure 7-1: Creating a new project in Premiere Pro.

ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

most closely matches the settings you need. You
can adjust settings further using the Settings tab
(General tab in 5.0) and Tracks tab.

Custom settings

You can further adjust project settings or even
create your own custom sequence presets to suit
your workflow. Click the Settings tab (Figure 7-5)
to further configure your settings. (This is the
General tab in version 5.0.) Always be sure,
how ever, to choo se a MOT U PCI video preset from
the Editing Mode menu. This ensures that you will
be able to play video via the HD Express hardware.
For information about other custom settings,
consult your Premiere Pro documentation.

HD EXPRESS VIDEO SETTINGS

Once the HD Express hardware has been
configured by the Premiere Pro settings you made
in the previous section, open the MOTU Video

Console application (Figure 6-1 on page 29) to
view the HD Express’s hardware settings and make
any adjustments, if necessary, as explained in the
following sections.

Basic hardware settings

Check the three basic hardware settings:

■ “Video format” on page 30

■ “Input Source” on page 30

■ “Capture Clock Source” on page 32

■ “Playback Clock Source” on page 32

Input/capture settings

To access the HD Express’s capture settings, click
the Setup tab (Figure 6-4 on page 31) and Preview
tab (Figure 6-9 on page 34).

Figure 7-4: Sequence presets.

ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

39

For details on other Capture settings, review
chapter 6, “MOTU Video Console” (page 29).

VIDEO CAPTURE

Once you’ve made the appropriate settings in
Premiere Pro and you’ve reviewed the capture
settings in MOTU Video Console, you are ready to
capture video from the HD Express:

Figure 7-7: Capture settings.

1 In Premiere Pro, choose Capture from the File
menu to open the Capture window (Figure 7-6).

2 Click the Settings tab and click the Edit button
(Figure 7-6) to access the Capture settings
(Figure 7-7).

3 Choose the desired Capture Compression
Codec from the Capture Format menu.

4 Click Configure... to access the capture
parameters for the HD Express.

Refer to the following sections for information
about the Capture settings (Figure 7-9 on page 42).

5 Click the Logging tab (Figure 7-6) and name the
clip (Figure 7-8).

40

Figure 7-5: Settings tab.

ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

☛ Be sure to name the clip before you begin

capture to avoid potential issues during capture.

Figure 7-8: Be sure to name the clip before you capture.

6 Click the Record button (Figure 7-6) to start
capturing.

Capture settings

To access the capture settings, choose File menu>
Capture to open the Capture window, click the

Settings tab (Figure 7-6 on page 41), then click
Configure (Figure 7-7 on page 40). Each setting is
explained briefly below.

Logging

Settings

tab

tab

Capture settings

Figure 7-6: Capture window.

ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

Record
button

41

Audio Inputs

From the Audio Inputs menu, choose the audio
channels that you wish to capture. These audio
channels correspond to the audio bank
configuration settings in the Audio tab in MOTU
Video Console (Figure 6-10 on page 35).

For example, if Input Bank A is set to HDMI,
choosing Audio A 1 and A 2 will capture the first
two audio channels from HDMI inputs.

☛ The HDMI audio input bank is available only

when the Video Input Source is set to HDMI.

Figure 7-9: Capture settings.

Video format

Choose the desired video format Figure 7-2 on
page 38.

Input source

Choose the desired video input on the HD Express
from the Input Source menu (Figure 7-9). This is
the physical input on the interface that you wish to
capture from, and it is the same setting as the Input
Source menu in MOTU Video Console (Figure 6-3
on page 30).

Frame rate

Choose the desired video frame rate from the
Frame Rate menu (Figure 7-9). Make sure this
setting matches your project frame rate.

Audio Sample Rate

From the Audio Sample Rate menu, choose the
desired audio sample rate for the captured audio.

Audio Bit Depth

The HD Express supports both 16-bit and 24-bit
audio capture and playback. Choose the desired
format from the Audio bit depth menu
(Figure 7-9).

Audio Monitoring

Audio monitoring menu settings are as follows:

Setting What it does

None No audio patch-through during capture.

Mix to Stereo All audio inputs will be mixed down to

Direct All audio inputs will be routed directly to

outputs 1 and 2. This lets you monitor any
inputs being recorded in Premiere Pro on
headphones or stereo monitors.

their corresponding outputs.

Show Settings in Preview

This option will overlay the current video and
audio settings in the Capture window.

☛ NOTE: The overlay is for monitoring only and

will not be captured with the video signal.

42

ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

PLAYBACK AND MONITORING

To play back your Premiere Pro project and view it
on any monitor or other device connected to the
HD Express’s video outputs:

1 Choose Edit menu > Preferences > Player
Settings.

2 Choose the MOTU HD Express as the Default
Player (Figure 7-10).

This allows you to view the Source window on any
monitor connected to the HD Express’s video
outputs.

3 Start playback.

Figure 7-10: Choosing the HD Express as the default player.

Native versus non-native clips

Clips that match the native video format of your
Premiere Pro project and don’t require any further
rendering will play back. Clips that don’t match the
native video format of your Premiere Pro project
will appear in the time line with the red render bar.
For example, if you place an HDV clip in the time
line, it will appear with a red render bar. In this
case, it will likely not play smoothly, unless your
computer is fast enough to transcode it in real time
during playback (see “Mercury playback engine”
below). For smooth playback, render the clip to
convert it to the native video format for your
project.

Mercury playback engine

The HD Express take full advantage of Premiere
Pro’s Mercury playback engine. If your system is
equipped with a Mercury-enabled video card, you
will enjoy industry-leading rendering speeds.
Consult your Premiere Pro documentation for full
details.

The HD Express does not require any additional
configuration or settings to support the Mercury
engine. If you enable Mercury as explained in the
Premiere Pro documentation, the HD Express will
take full advantage of the engine.

ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

43

AUDIO HARDWARE SETTINGS

Choose MOTU PCI Video ASIO as a Default Audio
Device (Edit > Preferences > Audio Hardware) to
ensure that audio and video stay in sync during
playback (Figure 7-11).

Figure 7-11: Default Audio Device.

Two 8-channel banks of audio

The HD Express provides two 8-channel banks of
simultaneous audio input and output: Bank A
(channels 1-8) and Bank B (channels 9-16). Use
the settings in the Audio tab (Figure 6-10 on
page 35) to assign the desired audio formats to
each input and output bank.

Audio Output Mapping

Audio Output Mapping (Edit > Preferences >
Audio Output Mapping) lets you configure the
audio output destination. Choose MOTU PCI
Video ASIO to view and make changes to fit your
workflow (Figure 7-12).

44

Figure 7-12: Audio Output Mapping.

ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

Part 3

Appendices

APPENDIX

A Troubleshooting

USE THE STATUS DISPLAY

Use the Status display in MOTU Video Console
(Figure 6-1 on page 29) for help with various issues
having to do with capture, playback, sync and
other aspects of HD Express operation. MOTU
Video Setup is engineered to detect problems and
report them in the Status area. Most common
issues can be resolved by following the instructions
given by the Status display.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MOTU Video Console cannot detect the
HD Express. Why not?

Is the HD Express connected to the PCIe card
adapter installed in a desktop computer? If so, did
the HD Express breakout interface get
disconnected or powered off while the computer is
still powered on? In this case, you need to power off
the computer, plug in the interface, power on the
interface, then power up the computer. The
breakout interface must remain connected and
powered on while the computer is running. The
HD Express’s Auto On mode lets you leave the
power switch on, and the interface will power up
and power down with your computer. See page 5
for details on Auto On mode.

video input, while the HD Express is trying to
resolve to video input from the video deck. See
“Master (Internal)” on page 32.

I experience glitching in my video signal when
switching between Capture and Playback.

See “Clock source when switching between
Capture and Playback modes” on page 32.

My HDMI output does not output any video.

Make sure the HDMI Format setting is set to
HDMI, not DVI.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We are happy to provide customer service to our
registered users. If you haven’t already done so,
please take a moment to register online at
www.motu.com/register, or fill out and mail the
registration card included with your HD Express.
Doing so entitles you to technical support and
notices about new products and software updates.

TECHNICAL SUPPO R T

If you are unable, with your dealer’s help, to solve
problems you encounter with the HD Express
system, you may contact our technical support
department in one of the following ways:

Connecting or powering gear during operation

It is not recommended that you connect,
disconnect, or power on/off devices connected to
the HD Express while recording or playing back
audio. Doing so may cause a brief glitch in the
audio.

The HD Express is having trouble genlocking to my
video deck.

Is the deck connected to a video output from the
HD Express? If so, it could be a clock loop
problem, where the deck is trying to resolve to its

■ Phone: [phone]

(Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST)

■ Web: www.motu.com/support

Please provide the following information to help us
solve your problem as quickly as possible:

■ The serial number of the HD Express system.

This is printed on a sticker placed on the bottom of
the HD Express rack unit. You must be able to
supply this number to receive technical support.

47

■ A brief explanation of the problem, including the

exact sequence of actions which cause it, and the
co ntent s of any er ror mes sage s whi ch a ppe ar on t he
screen.

We’re not able to solve every problem immediately,
but a quick call to us may yield a suggestion for a
problem which you might otherwise spend hours
trying to track down.

■ The pages in the manual which refer to the parts

of the HD Express with which you are having
trouble.

■ Windows version information.

If you have features or ideas you would like to see
implemented, we’d like to hear from you. Please
visit www.motu.com/suggestions or write to the
HD Express Development Team, MOTU Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

48

APPENDIX A: TROUBLESHOOTING

3D LUT 33
480i

component
Component Levels 33
Setup option 33

96kHz operation

S/PDIF

21

23

A

Adobe Premiere Pro (see Premiere Pro)
Analog

audio connectors
connectors 6
input trims 36

video connectors 6
Analog inputs/outputs 6
Analog Output Format 32
Apple ProRes 422 9
ASC CDL 33
Audio

analog connections

bit depth 42

connections 24

connectors 23

disabling banks 36

embedded 6

features 28

Input Source (Premiere Pro) 42

input trims 36

mirroring outputs 36

monitoring 24, 42

output 36

overview 28

S/PDIF connections 23

sample rate 35, 42

sample rate conversion 23

tab 35
Auto On 5

23

23

B

Bit depth (audio) 42
Brightness option 35

C

Cables

PCIe cable length
Camcorders

connecting
Capture 40

LED (front panel) 5
Capture mode 27, 31
Capture settings (Premiere Pro) 41
CDL 33
Clock source 32
Color Decision List 33
Component 21

analog format options 21

connectors 6

Levels 33

output color format settings 32

RGB 21

INDEX

6

22, 24

YPbPr 21

Composite

connectors
example 22

Computer

connecting the HD Express
Contrast option 35
Customer support 47
CVBS

connectors

6, 20

20

D

Default Mode 31
Default Player 43
Direct 42
DLP display

connecting
DVD Player

connecting
DVI

cable requirements

connector 6, 21

output 21

output setting 32

6

22

21

E

EBU N10 33
Embedded audio

HDMI
ExpressCard adapter

6, 21

connecting to HD Express interface

6

installation 18

power-up/power-down 19

removal 18

F

Field 1/2 options 33
Final Cut Pro

playback settings in HD Express

Frame rate (Premiere Pro) 42

hardware

G

Genlock

indicator (video Console software)

LED (front panel) 5

LED (video Console software) 31

status (video Console software) 29

29

H

HD

Analog Output Format

component connectors 6
HD Express

basic operation

capture mode 27

clock source 32

installing 17

playback mode 27

software installation 15

summary of features 9

27

31

32

18

HDCP 5
HDMI

DVI output
embedded audio 21
format menu 32
HDCP 5
input 5, 21
output 6, 21

PCIe CARD connector 18
Headphone jack 5
Host LED 5
Hue option 35

21

I

Input

indicator (Video Setup software)

source menu 30
Input Source (Capture Clock option) 32
Input Source (Playback Clock option) 32
Inputs

analog

6

trims 36
Installation

hardware

17

precautions 17

sequence presets 15

software 15
Interlace Pause Mode 33
Interlaced Field When Paused options 33
Internal (Playback Clock option) 32

J

Japan (0.0%) option 33

L

LCD display

example
Load preset (Premiere Pro) 38
Logging (Premiere Pro) 40, 41

22

M

Master (Internal) sync setting 32
Mercury engine 43
Mirroring audio banks 36
Mix to Stereo 42
MODE LEDs 5
Monitor

LED (front panel)
Monitoring 43

Premiere Pro 43
Monitors

connecting
MOTU Sequence presets

installing
MOTU Video Console 27, 29-36, 47

Audio tab 35

Genlock indicator 29

Genlock LED 31

Genlock status 29

input indicator 31

input source menu 30

installing 15

Preview tab 34

5

24

15

31

49

Setup tab 31
status area 31, 47
video format menu 30

N

NTSC 20

Component Levels 33

O

Offset (color grading) 33
Outputs

analog

6

P

Packing list 13
PAL 20
Panasonic MII option 21, 33
Patch-thru (audio) 42
PCIe

cable length
CARD connector 6

PCIe card

installation

power-up/power-down 19
Phones 5
Plasma display

connecting

example 22
Playback 27

only mode 27

Premiere Pro 43
Playback mode 31
Power (color grading) 33
Power supply 6
Power switch 5, 19

Auto On 5
Premiere Pro 37-44

audio 28

audio connections for 28

Audio Input Source 42

capture 27, 40, 41

capture settings 39

clock source during playback 32

frame rate 42

monitoring 43

pausing video 33

playback 27, 43

preparation 37

previewing 34

6

17

6

sequence presets 15, 38
supported video formats 10

video input 42
Preview tab 34
ProRes 422 9

R

Registration 13
Reset (3D LUT) 33
Reset to Defaults 33
RGB 21, 32

S

S/PDIF 6

connections 23
Sample rate 35, 42
Sample rate conversion 23
Sat (saturation color grading setting) 33
SD

Analog Output Format settings

camcorder 22, 24

capture connectors 5

component 21

component connectors 6

Component Output Color Mode

composite 22

monitor 22

video deck 22
Sequence presets

installing
Setup tab 31
Show Settings in Preview 42
Single Field option 33
Slope (color grading) 33
SMPTE/EBU N10 21
Software installation 15
Sony

Beta Japan option

Beta option 21, 33
Speakers

connecting
SRC 23
Status 47
S-video

connectors

connectors (front panel) 5

connectors (rear panel) 6
Synchronization

15

24

20

settings

21

21, 33

sample rate conversion

System requirements

minimum
recommended computer 13

T

Technical support 47
Trim (audio input) 36
Troubleshooting 47-48

basic concepts 27
playback (default player) 43
video glitching 32

U

USA (7.5%) option 33

V

VHS deck

32

connecting

Video

capture mode
connections 20, 22
connectors (front panel) 5
console application 29, 36
format menu 30
input (choosing) 28
modes 27
playback mode 27
source menu 21, 28
status LEDs 5

Video input (Premiere Pro) 42

W

Windows

system requirements

X

XLR

analog

Y

Y/C connectors 20
Y/R-Y/B 21
YCbCr 21
YPbPr 21, 32
YUV 21

23

13

22

27

13

6

50

INDEX