Motu HDX-SDI Interfaccia Video con Express Card 34 User manual

MOTU HDX- SDI

User’s Guide for Windows

™

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Cambridge, MA 02138

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Web site: www.motu.com

Tech support: www.motu.com/support

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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;
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If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
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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: HDX-SDI Front Panel

3

Quick Reference: HDX-SDI Rear Panel

4

Quick Reference: MOTU Video Console

5

7

About the HDX-SDI

Packing List and System Requirements

11

13

Installing the HDX-SDI Windows Software

Installing the HDX-SDI Hardware

15

Part 2: Using the HDX-SDI

HDX-SDI Basics

31

33

MOTU Video Console

Adobe Premiere Pro

43

Part 3: Appendices

Troubleshooting

55

57

DB-25 to XLR Pin Outs

Index

59

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 HDX-SDI COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

The MOTU HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI plug.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read these instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the HDX-SDI.

2. Keep these instructions. These safety instructions and the HDX-SDI owner’s manual should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed all warnings. All warnings on the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI near water.

6. Cleaning - Unplug the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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
HDX-SDI.

12. Power switch - Install the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

16. Surge protection - Unplug the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI, the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI, 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

input is chosen as the current video source. This setting is

made in the MOTU Video Console software.

main power switch flipped to the on position, the

HDX-SDI will power on and off with your computer.

When using the HDX-SDI 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 on a desktop machine, the

HDX-SDI rack-mount interface must be connected and

powered on before powering on the computer. Similarly,

you must power down the computer before powering on

or disconnecting the HDX-SDI. If the interface is discon-

nected or powered off before the computer is powered

down, you’ll need to restart the computer to bring the

11. The VIDEO STATUS section indicates which HDX-SDI video

12. With AUTO ON mode enabled (see item #4) and this

interface back online.

8 1110731 2 4 5 6 9 12

Bank B (channels 9-16). Formats include Analog, HDMI

embedded, SDI embedded and AES/EBU digital. For

input, there is also a mixed bank of stereo RCA and BNC

AES/EBU. Use MOTU Video Console to make audio bank

assignments. See “Audio tab” on page 43. NOTE: these

meters and activity LEDs only operate when audio is

actually being sent to/from the computer. For example,

if audio is being fed to HDX-SDI inputs, but no host appli-

cation is running on the computer to receive the audio,

the meters won’t reflect the audio input.

(via the MOTU Video Console software) to display a

second bank of audio channels (9-16).

converting timecode. The Video Ref LED flashes when

the Video ref input has been activated in the MOTU Video

Console software, and it glows solid when genlock has

9. This bank of audio activity meters can be programmed

been successfully achieved.

10. The Timecode Lock LED illuminates when the HDX-SDI is

Quick Reference: HDX-SDI Front Panel

successfully establishes communication with the

computer via the PCIe card or ExpressCard adapter.

5. The HOST light illuminates when the HDX-SDI interface

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

source.

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

fully locked to the currently selected clock source. The

CAPTURE light glows when the HDX-SDI is capturing or

previewing video; the MONITOR light glows when the

HDX-SDI is playing back (whether still-framed or not).

6. The GENLOCK light glows when the HDX-SDI has success-

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

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

other HDMI device. Note that many consumer HDMI

7. The Timecode Display rolls whenever the HDX-SDI is

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 HDX-SDI.

converting timecode, either from the timecode input or

perhaps from SDI-embedded timecode. It also rolls

during playback from host software (Premiere Pro) and

reflects the position of the play head on the time line.

1-8). The four-segment meters above show input; the

round activity LEDs in the bottom row show output. The

HDX-SDI provides several 8-channel banks of audio input

8. This bank of audio level meters is for Bank A (channels

Its output always matches analog outputs 1-2 on the

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

mode. When AUTO ON mode is enabled you can leave the

main power switch (item #12) on and the HDX-SDI will

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

power up when you power on your computer and power

4. Keep this switch in the down position to enable AUTO ON

and output, which you can assign to either Bank A or

down when you power off your computer.

8910

standard HDMI cable. If you are connecting the inter-

face to an ExpressCard adapter for laptop operation,

use 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.

device, such as a VTR or camera, connect it here. This

allows you to control the transport of the device from

Premiere Pro.

switching power supply. Connect any AC power source

9. Connect the HDX-SDI to the computer here using any

10. For 9-pin machine control over an RS-422 equipped

from 100V to 240V.

11. The HDX-SDI has an internal, international, auto-

6

The analog video I/O section of the HDX-SDI 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.

monitor here. Alternately, you can connect a

DVI-equipped device with an adapter cable. The

HDX-SDI supports 8-channel PCM (uncompressed)

embedded audio over HDMI, so you could also

connect this output to an HDMI-equipped home

theater receiver to deliver both picture and multi-

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

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

channel audio.

4

Quick Reference: HDX-SDI Rear Panel

(tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch analog inputs and

outputs are equipped with 24-bit converters that

support sample rates from 44.1 kHz up to 96 kHz.

These connectors can also accept an unbalanced plug.

connect an 8-channel DB-25 to XLR breakout cable to

this DB-25 connector. When you do so, the BNC

AES/EBU output jack mirrors DB-25channels 1-2. The

BNC inputs, however, are mutually exclusive from the

DB-25inputs, and you must choose one input or the

other in MOTU Video Console. See “Audio tab” on

page 43.

outputs provide the same (duplicated) signal on both

outputs, so you can route SDI output to both a monitor

4. These eight gold-plated, balanced +4 dB TRS

5. If you need more than stereo AES/EBU input/output,

and a deck, for example.

6. Connect HD-SDI or SD-SDI devices here. The SDI

1 2 3 5 7

11

another device, flip it to THRU. This jack also supports

HD Tri-level sync.

and LTC OUT. The HDX-SDI supports all standard

timecode formats.

audio I/O, connect them to these BNC jacks. If you

need eight channels, connect a breakout cable to the

to the VIDEO REF IN. If the HDX-SDI is at the end of the

video sync daisy chain, flip the THRU/TERM switch to

1. Connect blackburst or another video reference signal

the 75Ω TERM position. If you are daisy-chaining

2. Connect timecode input and output here, to the LTC IN

DB-25 connector to the right.

3. If you only need two channels of AES/EBU digital

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 HDX-SDI 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 35).

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

Indicates when the HDX-SDI has
successfully achieved lockup to the
currently selected clock source, which
could be the HDX-SDI’s internal clock,
the video REF IN jack or the current
video input source.

7

8

CHAPTER

1 About the HDX-SDI

OVERVIEW

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

The HDX-SDI 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 all the video and audio
I/O needed to produce broadcast quality HD and
SD video material.

In Premiere Pro, the HDX-SDI supports playback
of an y v ide o f orm at sup por te d na ti vel y by Pre mi ere
Pro, including uncompressed, P2, XDCAM, HDV,
and AVCHD. Video can be captured as 8- or 10-bit
uncompressed, or as DVCPRO, DVCPro 50, or
DVCPRO HD.

The HDX-SDI 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 Pro. Many cameras now feed
their uncompressed SDI or component output
directly from the camera’s optics and image sensor,
before compression, for the best-possible picture
quality during capture with the HDX-SDI.

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

The HDX-SDI provides advanced synchronization
and machine control features, including support
for timecode, 9-pin machine control, and video
reference. For audio synchronization, the
HDX-SDI employs Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS),
a DSP-driven phase lock engine that delivers fast
lockup times and sub-frame accuracy.

The HDX-SDI is housed in a rugged aluminum
alloy chassis with a standard 19-inch, single-space,
rack-mountable form factor. Included rack
mounting brackets can easily be removed for
convenient desktop operation.

The HDX-SDI 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 connect 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.

9

■ 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).

VIDEO I/O

The HDX-SDI provides comprehensive video
input and output connectivity. The SDI section
supplies two mirrored outputs so that you can
connect both a deck and a monitor simultaneously.

■ Support for all codecs supported natively by

Premiere Pro — monitor any host-based codecs
supported by Premiere Pro.

■ 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.

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

throughout.

■ HDMI capture and monitoring — provides

both HDMI in and out.

■ Color lookup tables — provides flexible,

industry-standard color adjustment with separate
color lookup tables for capture and playback.

■ Sync and machine control — advanced sync

features include timecode, large front panel
timecode display, video ref input and 9-pin
machine control.

■ Comprehensive audio — capture or monitor up

to 16 channels of audio via any two 8-channel
banks of TRS analog, AES/EBU digital or
embedded (SDI or HDMI) at sample rates up to
96kHz.

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.

■ 1 x HD/SD-SDI in and out (4:2:2 10-bit) on BNC

connectors

■ 1 x extra HD/SD-SDI output BNC connector

■ 1 x HDMI in and out (4:2:2 10-bit, YCbCr or

RGB)

■ 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 BNCs

■ 1 x composite in (10-bit) on RCA

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

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

shared BNC

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

BNC

■ Single rack space form factor with dedicated

connectors — no cable swapping or gangly,
inconvenient breakout cables.

■ International auto-switching internal power

supply with powersave mode.

10

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

ABOUT THE HDX-SDI

■ 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 Pro SD formats —

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

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

Composite/S-Video capture

■ 2 x AES/EBU digital in and out on BNC

connectors

■ 8 x AES/EBU digital in and out on standard

DB-25 breakout cable (sold separately)

■ 8 x HD/SD-SDI embedded audio in and out

AUDIO I/O

The HDX-SDI delivers comprehensive audio
capture and monitoring in stereo or full surround
with support for both 5.1 or 7.1 configurations.

The HDX-SDI provides four 8-channels banks of
audio output: analog, AES/EBU digital, SDI
embedded, and HDMI embedded. All four banks
can be active at once, and each can be
independently assigned to either channels 1-8
(Bank A) or 9-16 (Bank B).

The HDX-SDI also provides four banks of audio
input: analog, AES/EBU on DB-25 breakout,
SDI/HDMI embedded, and one mixed bank of
stereo AES/EBU on BNC connectors plus stereo
analog on RCA connectors. Any two banks can be
active at one time, except for the mixed bank,
which cannot be active at the same time as either
the analog bank or the AES/EBU DB-25 bank.

The HDX-SDI’s bank of quarter-inch analog TRS
connectors makes it a snap to connect cameras and
a wide range of video and audio gear up to eight
channels at a time.

■ 16 channels of simultaneous audio input and

output

■ Supports all standard audio sample rates from

44.1 to 96kHz

■ 8 x quarter-inch TRS analog in and out via direct

connection (no breakout cable)

■ 8 x HDMI embedded audio in and out

■ Front panel headphone jack with dedicated

volume control

■ Front panel audio channel metering — two

8-channel banks of status LEDs

SYNC AND DEVICE CONTROL

The HDX-SDI provides comprehensive video and
audio synchronization features, including
timecode I/O, video ref with loop through, large
front panel timecode readout and RS-422 (Sony 9­pin) machine control.

Synchronize your HDX-SDI system with reliable
performance and fast lock-up times. Perform
batch capture and edit/export to tape operations in
Premiere Pro with a 9-pin compatible camera or
deck connected to the HDX-SDI.

■ Video reference in and thru — resolve to

blackburst, composite or HD Tri-level sync.

■ Timecode in and out — generate and resolve to

timecode (LTC, SD VITC or embedded).

■ Front panel timecode display — provides frame-

accurate timecode readout when converting
timecode, or during playback from host software.

■ RS-422 machine control — control the

transports of a connected camera or video deck
using Premiere Pro.

■ Direct Digital Synthesis — DSP-driven phase

lock engine provides ultra-low jitter.

ABOUT THE HDX-SDI

11

POWER

■ International auto-switching internal power

supply

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

12

ABOUT THE HDX-SDI

CHAPTER

2 Packing List and

System Requirements

PACKING LIST

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

■ One HDX-SDI with removable rack ears

■ One HDMI cable

■ One PCI card or ExpressCard adapter

■ One power cord

■ One HDX-SDI Mac/Windows manual

■ One software installer disc

■ Product registration card

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI Windows

Software

IMPORTANT! INSTALL THE HDX-SDI SOFTWARE FIRST!

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

If Windows asks you to locate the drivers

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

1 Cancel the driver search.

2 Run the HDX-SDI Software Installer as

instructed in the next section.

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI SOFTWARE

Install the HDX-SDI software as follows:

1 Insert the HDX-SDI 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 installer application.

4 Follow the installer’s directions.

The HDX-SDI 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
HDX-SDI.

Provides access to all
of the HDX-SDI’s
video settings.

For more
information

See “Sequence
presets” on
page 46

See chapter 6,
“MOTU Video
Console”
(page 35)

15

16

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI WINDOWS SOFTWARE

CHAPTER

4 Installing the HDX-SDI Hardware

OVERVIEW

Here’s an overview for installing the HDX-SDI:

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 HDX-SDI to your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

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

Example HDX-SDI video connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Example HDX-SDI audio connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Video sync connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Timecode connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

RS-422 machine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Syncing digital audio devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

DID YOU RUN THE SOFTWARE INSTALLER FIRST?

Before installing the HDX-SDI hardware in your
computer, be sure to run the software installer first.
See chapter 3, “Installing the HDX-SDI Windows
Software” (page 15).

PRECAUTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Installing the HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI hardware:

■ 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%.

■ Leave the HDX-SDI PCIe card in its anti-static

bag until you are ready to install it.

■ When you are ready to begin installation, have

the PCIe card, 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 HDX-SDI 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 HDX-SDI,
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.

5 Before removing the HDX-SDI 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.

17

6 Remove the HDX-SDI PCIe card from its anti­static bag.

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

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.

Figure 4-1: Inserting the HDX-SDI PCIe card.

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

☛ We strongly recommend securing the

HDX-SDI 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
HDX-SDI, 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 HDX-SDI 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 remove 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 HDX-SDI TO YOUR COMPUTER

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

18

INSTALLING THE HDX-SDI HARDWARE