Sony PWS-4400 Operation Manual
MULTI PORT AV STORAGE UNIT
PWS-4400
OPERATION MANUAL [English]
1st Edition (Revised 3)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Features............................................................................................4
High-quality video and audio recording................................................ 4
Multi-codec ........................................................................................... 4
Multi-resolution..................................................................................... 4
High frame rate recording ..................................................................... 4
Multi-port .............................................................................................. 4
Large-capacity memory storage ............................................................ 5
Playlist playback.................................................................................... 5
Loop recording ...................................................................................... 5
Network ................................................................................................. 5
Remote control ...................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
Front Panel .......................................................................................6
Connector Panel ..............................................................................7
Chapter 3 Setup
Connecting External Devices .......................................................10
Using the unit as a recorder ................................................................. 10
Using the unit as a player .................................................................... 11
Displaying the Web Menu .............................................................12
Configuring the Network...............................................................12
Setting the System and Boards....................................................13
Maximum Recording Time of Memory.........................................14
Chapter 4 Web Menu
2
Table of Contents
Title Bar............................................................................................... 15
Home Screen ....................................................................................... 15
Status Screen.................................................................................19
System Screen...............................................................................20
Board tab ............................................................................................. 20
Appendix
Setup tab .............................................................................................. 20
Remote tab ........................................................................................... 23
Network tab ......................................................................................... 24
Bank tab ............................................................................................... 25
Power tab ............................................................................................. 26
Port Screen .................................................................................... 27
For input ports...................................................................................... 27
For output ports.................................................................................... 30
Storage Screen .............................................................................. 33
Info tab................................................................................................. 33
Setup tab .............................................................................................. 34
Loop tab ............................................................................................... 35
HD SDI Connector Input/Output Specifications ......................... 36
File Operations via FTP................................................................. 38
Directory structure ...............................................................................38
Setting Up ............................................................................................38
Connecting via FTP ............................................................................. 38
Command list....................................................................................... 39
Usage Precautions ........................................................................ 42
Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 42
Salvaging memory when recording ends abnormally ......................... 42
Error Messages ....................................................................................43
Warning Messages............................................................................... 44
Displaying the error log .......................................................................47
Recording Format.......................................................................... 48
Specifications ................................................................................ 50
MPEG-4 Visual Patent Portfolio License ..................................... 52
Table of Contents
3
Chapter 1 Overview
Overview
Chapter
1
Features
The PWS-4400 is a multi-channel recorder that is
equipped with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec and can
handle 4K to HD resolutions.
Utilizing its high-speed, large-capacity memory storage,
the unit is capable of real-time recording and playback of
high-quality video for increased efficiency in video
production applications, such as live broadcasts and studio
productions.
High-quality video and audio recording
The unit employs XAVC format in conformance with the
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec as the recording system to
obtain digital recording and playback of high-quality
video.
The unit also supports 16-ch audio (uncompressed, 24-bit,
48 kHz).
Multi-codec
High frame rate recording
The unit can record video signals at high frame rates, in
addition to the standard frame rate.
Signals recorded at a high frame rate can be played back at
normal speed, and can also be played back as smooth slow
motion video.
The unit supports recording at the following high frame
rates.
• HD (1280×720) 100p/119p/200p/239p/300p/359p
• HD (1920×1080) 100i/119i/200i/239i/300i/359i
• HD (1920×1080) 200p/239p/300p/359p
• QFHD (3840×2160) 100p/119p
Multi-port
The unit is equipped with four input/output ports, each
capable of handling 4K and HD signals.
The input/output of each port can be switched via a
configuration menu that can be viewed in your web
browser.
You can flexibly arrange input/output into 4-input, 3input/1-output, 2-input/2-output, 1-input/3-output, or 4output configurations to suit your production needs and
environment.
XAVC or Avid DNxHD(R) codec can be selected for HD
recording and playback (when PWA-CD401 is installed).
Multi-resolution
The unit allows recording and playback of 4:2:2 (10-bit)
signals in 1280×720 (HD), 1920×1080 (HD), 2048×1080
(2K), 3840×2160 (QFHD), and 4096×2160 (4K)
resolutions.
The unit’s video compression rates are as follows.
• HD, 2K: XAVC Class 100, DNxHD145, DNxHD220x
• QFHD, 4K: XAVC Class 300
4
Features
Additional HD input ports
For HD, the unit supports simultaneous dual-system
recording using a single input board. This enables 4-in/2out and 6-in/1-out configurations.
Port sync operation
The unit can be configured for operation with synced input
ports and synced output ports.
When input ports or output ports are grouped, changing the
operation of one port also changes the other ports within
the group in unison.
HD cutout function
This function allows you cut out a portion of a video signal
recorded in 4K or QFHD, using the PWA-PRC1
application, and view it at HD size.
4-channel simultaneous recording and
playback
By allowing simultaneous recording and playback of video
and audio from its four input/output ports, the unit enables
efficient video production.
Chasing playback and delay-free data
transfer
You can play back high-quality video while it is being
recorded.
The unit also supports variable-speed playback, allowing
slow replays of live broadcasts.
Large-capacity memory storage
The unit is standard-equipped with a 2 TB memory board.
With four additional memory slots available, you can
expand the storage capacity to up to 8 TB by adding
PWSK-4401 expansion memory boards.
Remote control
You can simultaneously connect up to four controllers that
support the RS422A (9-pin serial) signal format.
The SONY VTR/Disk Protocol, VDCP, and Odetics
control protocols are supported.
Remote control using parallel interface (25-pin) and
gigabit Ethernet is also supported.
Chapter 1 Overview
Playlist playback
The unit supports play back of playlists created using the
PWA-PRC1 application from the output ports of the unit.
Loop recording
This function records video in a continuous loop. A loop
recording area must be assigned to input ports beforehand
using the web menu. When the recorded video reaches the
capacity of the assigned area, recording continues from the
start, overwriting the previous recording.
Network
Equipped with FTP server functions, the unit allows you to
transfer video files in MXF format via a network.
The unit is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports as
standard. In addition, 10-Gigabit Ethernet option is also
supported by installing a board in the PCIe expansion slot.
Features
5
Names and Functions of
Parts
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
Front Panel
1 On/Standby button and indicator
2 SYSTEM indicator
3 ACCESS indicator
Chapter
2
4Network reset switch
a On/Standby button and indicator
Switches the unit between on and standby. When the main
power switch on the rear panel is turned on, the unit is in
standby mode and the indicator is lit red. When the On/
Standby button is pressed while in standby mode, the unit
is turned on and the indicator is lit green. The indicator is
off when the main power switch is turned off.
b SYSTEM indicator
Displays the status of the unit.
Green: Operating normally
Green (flashing once per second): Starting up
Orange (flashing once per second): Warning message
was issued.
Red (high-speed flashing four times per second):
Serious error has occurred.
Purple (flashing once per second): Network reset is in
progress.
c ACCESS indicator
Displays the access status of storage.
Off: Not being accessed
Blue: Accessing
Blue (flashing): Formatting or deleting files
d Network reset switch
Resets the IP address and network settings to their default
values. Insert and hold the end of a paper clip or other thin
object into the hole to operate the internal switch and then
start the unit. The SYSTEM indicator will begin flashing
purple.
6
Front Panel
Connector Panel
Port A
Port B
Port C
Port D
AInput/output ports (see page 7)
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
BRemote input/output
A Input/output ports
There are four ports (A to D), where each port has the
following 16 connectors. The ports can be configured as
inputs or outputs using the web menu.
1234
56789
HD SDI
IN/OUT
For input ports
a HD SDI IN/OUT 1 to 4 connectors
Inputs HD SDI signals (up to four cables).
b HD SDI IN/OUT 5 to 8 connectors
Outputs the same signals input as connectors HD SDI IN/
OUT 1 to 4 for monitors (up to four cables).
c HD SDI IN/OUT 9 connector
Outputs an HD SDI signal with superimposed text
information for a monitor. To superimpose text
information, set [Character On/Off] to “On” on the Port
screen of the web menu.
When the input is a 4K signal, it outputs a down-converted
HD signal.
The audio signal is not output.
section (see page 8)
Note
CPower supply section
(see page 9)
The input/output signal on the HD SDI IN/OUT
connectors varies with the port setting (input or output)
and the SDI signal format. For details, see “HD SDI
Connector Input/Output Specifications” (page 36).
10 IN OUT 1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8
MONITOR
TIME CODE AUDIO (AES/EBU)
IN/OUT
d HD SDI IN/OUT 10 connector
For ports A to C, this outputs the same signal as the HD
SDI IN/OUT 9 connector. When “HD Multi” (dual-system
input) is configured in the port settings, the x-1 (main port)
monitor signal is output from the HD SDI IN/OUT 9
connector and the x-2 (sub port) monitor signal is output
from the HD SDI IN/OUT 10 connector.
For port D, this outputs one of the following video signals
according to the web menu settings. To output the same
signal as the HD SDI IN/OUT 9 connector, set [Board D
SDI-10 Output] to [Off] on the [Setup] tab of the [System]
screen in the web menu.
• Port A to D signals are output in multi-monitor format
• Same signal output as the HD SDI IN/OUT 9 connector
e TIME CODE IN connector
Inputs a time code generated by an external device.
Connector Panel
7
f TIME CODE OUT connector
When the time code generator is synchronized to the
external time code signal input on the TIME CODE IN
connector, the external time code is output according to the
[TC Out Select] setting on the Port screen of the web
menu.
g AUDIO (AES/EBU) connector
Inputs the audio signals in AES/EBU format for channels
1 to 8.
For output ports
a HD SDI IN/OUT 1 to 4 connectors
Outputs HD SDI signals (up to four cables).
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
When [Output Port SDI-1,2,3,4] is set to [Off] on the
[Setup] tab of the [System] screen in the web menu, no
signal is output.
information, set [Character On/Off] to “On” on the Port
screen of the web menu.
The output signal format can be set to Interlace,
Progressive, or PsF in [Port Configuration] of the [Port]
screen of the web menu. When the playback file format is
a 4K signal, the outputs is down-converted to an HD
signal.
d HD SDI IN/OUT 10 connector
For ports A to C, outputs the same signals as connector HD
SDI IN/OUT 9.
For port D, this outputs one of the following video signals
according to the web menu settings. To output the same
signal as the HD SDI IN/OUT 9 connector, set [Board D
SDI-10 Output] to [Off] on the [Setup] tab of the [System]
screen in the web menu.
• Port A to D signals are output in multi-monitor format
• Same signal output as the HD SDI IN/OUT 9 connector
b HD SDI IN/OUT 5 to 8 connectors
Outputs the same signals as connectors HD SDI IN/OUT 1
to 4 (up to four cables).
c HD SDI IN/OUT 9 connector
Outputs an HD SDI signal with superimposed text
information for a monitor. To superimpose text
B Remote input/output section
e TIME CODE IN connector
Not used.
f TIME CODE OUT connector
Outputs the playback time code.
g AUDIO (AES/EBU) connector
Outputs the audio signals in AES/EBU format for channels
1 to 8.
a REMOTE 1 to 4 (9-pin) connectors
Connects to an external device used to control the unit
using a 9-pin remote control cable.
SONY VTR/Disk protocol, VDCP, and Odetics control
protocols are supported.
b AUX connector
Currently cannot be used.
c REF. INPUT connector and 75 Ω termination
switch
Inputs the reference video signal of the selected field
frequency. Input an HD tri-level SYNC signal or SD black
burst signal.
8
Connector Panel
A bridge connection is also supported. Set the 75 Ω
termination switch to OFF if using a bridge connection, or
set it to ON if not using a bridge connection.
d GPIO (25-pin) connector
Parallel I/O connector.
For details, refer to the Maintenance Manual or Interface
Manual.
e NETWORK 1/2 connectors
Connects to a network cable for monitoring the unit by
SNMP, configuring or checking the unit via HTTP,
transferring files via FTP, etc.
Notes
• For safety, do not connect the connector for peripheral
device wiring that might have excessive voltage to this
port.
Follow the instructions for this port.
• When connecting a network cable, use a shielded-type
cable to prevent malfunction due to radiation noise.
f MAINTENANCE connector
For use by service personnel. Not used for normal
operation.
g Blank panel for PCI Express board
Removable panel for when installing a PCI Express board
to use a 10 Gbit Ethernet interface.
For details about PCI Express board installation, refer to
the Installation Manual.
C Power supply section
Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Parts
a Main power switch
Turns the main power supply on/off. When the main power
switch is turned on, the On/Standby indicator on the front
panel is lit.
For operation, always set the switch to the up position
(On), and switch the unit between On and standby mode
using the On/Standby button on the front panel.
Note
When turning off the main power, always check that the
On/Standby indicator on the front panel is lit red, and then
set the switch to the down position (Off).
b - AC IN connector
Connects to an AC power outlet using the recommended
power cord.
c U Ground terminal
Connect to ground as required.
Connector Panel
9
Setup
Chapter
3
Connecting External Devices
Chapter 3 Setup
This section describes how to connect the unit to external
devices to record or play back data. This section describes
the configuration with ports A and C used for inputs and
ports B and D used for outputs.
4K digital player
Using the unit as a recorder
The following shows an example of connecting a 4K
digital player or other devices to the input ports and using
the unit as a recorder.
10
Connecting External Devices
Video monitor
Remoter controller
Using the unit as a player
The following shows an example of connecting a 4K
digital recorder or other devices to the output ports and
using the unit as a player.
HD digital recorder
Chapter 3 Setup
Remoter controller
Video monitor
Connecting External Devices
11
Displaying the Web Menu
Configuring the Network
You set up and control the unit by connecting to a
computer via the network and displaying the web menu in
a web browser on the computer.
Validated operating environments
Web browser:
• Windows: Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 to 11, Google
Chrome 38, Firefox 33, or Opera 25, Safari 5
• Mac OS: Safari 6
Display: Screen width of 1024 pixels or greater
Connect a computer that satisfies the above requirements
to NETWORK connector 1 or 2 on the rear panel of the
unit. Enter “http://(device_IP_address)/” in the address bar
of a web browser on the computer to display the web
menu. The following IP addresses are configured at the
Chapter 3 Setup
factory for the NETWORK connectors of the unit.
• NETWORK 1 connector: 192.168.0.1
• NETWORK 2 connector: 192.168.0.2
If the IP addresses are changed, specify the new addresses.
The IP address to connect to can be specified on the
[System] screen > [Network] tab of the web menu.
Notes
Access the [System] screen > [Network] tab of the web
menu to configure settings related to the IP address and
network. For details about settings, see “Network tab”
(page 24).
Configure each setting on the [Network] tab, and then click
the [Submit] button. A confirmation message appears.
Click [OK] to restart the unit. The settings are enabled
after the unit restarts.
To display the web menu subsequently, enter the IP
address you specified.
Accessing over a network
When accessing files using a network cable, you can also
transfer files while recording or playback is in progress.
However, since SDI input/output has priority, the transfer
rate over the network may decrease depending on input/
output port usage.
• For details about network settings, contact your network
administrator.
• You may be unable to connect to the network, depending
on your proxy server settings.
• It may not be possible to set the appropriate setting due
to conflicts if the computer is using a multi-session
connection. If this occurs, reconfigure the settings.
• The web menu cannot be displayed over the optional 10
Gbit Ethernet interface. To display the web menu,
always connect the computer to NETWORK connector
1 or 2.
12
Displaying the Web Menu / Configuring the Network
Setting the System and Boards
You set the system frequency and board settings for the
unit using the web menu. The settings are specified using
a setup wizard.
1
Display the [System] screen of the web menu, and
click the [Board] tab.
2
Click the [Setting] button.
The [Step 1] screen appears.
3
Select the system frequency, and click the [Next]
button.
settings on the [Loop] tab on the [Storage] screen of the
web menu, as required.
Select 23.98, 24, 25, or 29.97 Hz.
The [Step 2] screen appears.
4
Select the input/output grouping of each port, and click
the [Next] button.
The [Step 3] screen appears.
5
Select the video codec of each port, and click the
[Next] button.
The [Step 4] screen appears.
6
Select the video signal format of each port, and click
the [Next] button.
For each port, select the video signal format group
from the matrix.
The [Step 5] screen appears.
7
Select the sync operation grouping of each port, and
click the [Next] button.
The [Step 6] screen appears, displaying the selections
made on the [Step 1] to [Step 5] screens.
Chapter 3 Setup
8
Check the selected items, and click the [Submit]
button. A confirmation message appears. Click [OK].
The unit restarts automatically and the settings are
enabled.
To set each port individually, see “Port Screen” (page 27)
of the web menu.
Note
Changing the system frequency or other board settings will
disable the loop recording area settings. Reconfigure the
Setting the System and Boards
13
Maximum Recording Time of Memory
The following is a guide to the maximum recording time
when recording to internal memory.
Format 2 TB 4 TB 6 TB 8 TB
XAVC
Class 300
XAVC
Class 100
Chapter 3 Setup
DNxHD145 HD 50i 27.5 55.1 82.7 110.3
DNxHD220x HD 50i 19.4 38.8 58.2 77.7
4K 23.98p 14.8 29.7 44.6 59.4
4K 29.97p 11.8 23.7 35.6 47.5
4K 50p 7.3 14.7 22.1 29.5
4K 59.94p 6.1 12.3 18.4 24.6
HD 50i 27.5 55.1 82.7 110.3
HD 59.94i 27.6 55.2 82.9 110.5
HD 50p 14.9 29.9 44.9 59.9
HD 59.94p 15.2 30.5 45.8 61.1
HD 59.94i 22.9 45.9 68.9 91.9
HD 50p 14.9 29.9 44.9 59.9
HD 59.94p 12.4 24.9 37.4 49.9
HD 59.94i 16.1 32.3 48.5 64.7
HD 50p 10.2 20.5 30.8 41.1
HD 59.94p 8.5 17.1 25.7 34.3
Unit: Hours (approx.)
The maximum recording time varies depending on the
recording format.
14
Maximum Recording Time of Memory
Web Menu
Chapter
4
The web menu comprises the following screens.
Home screen: Displays the operating status of unit’s
boards and the network.
Status screen: Displays a list of errors and warnings that
have occurred on the unit.
System screen: Makes basic settings for the unit.
Port screen: Makes settings for each port of the unit.
Storage screen: Displays information about memory and
configures the memory of the unit.
Title Bar
The title bar is common to each screen of the web menu.
a Serial number
Displays the serial number of the unit.
b Number of open ports
c Storage capacity
Maintenance screen: Performs maintenance of the unit.
For details about this screen, refer to the Maintenance
Manual.
SNMP screen: Makes SNMP settings. For details about
this screen, refer to the Maintenance Manual.
In the descriptions of each screen, the underlined option is
the default value for each item.
Chapter 4 Web Menu
Clicking the indicator displays detailed information about
the error/warning.
e REC INHI indicator
Indicates when recording is inhibited (red).
The indicator is white when recording is supported.
d Error/warning indicators
Displays the number of errors and warnings that have
occurred.
Home Screen
Displays the operating status of units boards and the
network.
The Home screen supports simple display mode and detail
display mode. You can switch mode using the [Simple]/
[Detail] buttons.
Clicking the button, turning it on, updates the
screen display automatically.
15
Chapter 4 Web Menu
HD-SDI Port
Displays the status of each port.
For input
The following information is displayed.
Simple indicator
Detailed indicator
The port settings vary depending on whether the port is
used for input or for output.
16
a Input/recording format
[IN] displays the video format (HD/2K/QFHD/4K) of the
input signal, and [FILE] displays the video format of the
recording.
b File name
Displays the name of the file being recorded. “File:
NEXT” is displayed before recording.
c Time code display
Displays time code data (TCG).
In detail display mode, UBG, TM1, and TM2 are also
displayed simultaneously.
d [Setting] button
Displays the [Port] screen (page 27) for the corresponding
port to configure port settings.
e Recording indicator
Displays z mark when recording.
Displays icon when a loop recording area is specified.
f Remaining capacity
Displays the remaining memory capacity.
When a loop recording area is specified, this displays the
capacity of the writable area of the capacity assigned to the
loop recording area. In loop recording, the recording loops
back to the start of the loop recording area when it reaches
the end of the area, overwriting the previous recording.
However, if a subclip is created in a loop recording area
file, the subclip area cannot be overwritten. Accordingly,
the capacity of the loop recording area decreases by the
size of the subclip.
If the remaining capacity that can be used for loop
recording is reduced to less than five minutes after creating
a subclip in the loop recording area, further subclips cannot
be created.
g [IN]
Displays the video format of the input signal.
h [Close] button (detail display mode only)
Closes the port.
i Audio track (detail display mode only)
Displays the signal (SDI or AES/EBU) used for each audio
track.
Chapter 4 Web Menu
For outputs
The following information is displayed.
Simple indicator
e
f
g
Detailed indicator
j
a File/output format
[FILE] displays the video format (HD/2K/QFHD/4K) of
the file, and [OUT] displays the video format of the output
signal.
h
a
bc
d
di
c Time code display
Displays time code data (TCR).
In detail display mode, UBR, TM1, and TM2 are also
displayed simultaneously.
b File name
Displays the name of the file being played back. “Sub” is
displayed beside the file name when playing back a
subclip.
d [Setting] button
Displays the [Port] screen (page 27) for the corresponding
port to configure port settings.
17
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