Page 1
PIX Packing List
Thank you for purchasing the PIX Video Recorder. Please make certain that this package contains
the listed items below.
1) PIX Video Recorder
1) Universal In-Line Power Supply; 100–240 VAC input, 12 VDC/45 watt output
1) 1/4-20 Simple Stand
1) Printed User Guide and Technical Documentation
1) Purchase Registration Card
April, 2012
Page 2
Page 3
PIX 220 & PIX 240
User Guide and Technical Information
Firmware rev. 2.0
Sound Devices, LLC
E7556 State Rd. 23/33 • Reedsburg, WI • USA
+1 (608) 524-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625
www.sounddevices.com
support@sounddevices.com
Page 4
Page 5
Table of Contents
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Manual Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Front Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Top and Bottom Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Right Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Left Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rear Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PIX-CADDY (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Removable Li-Ion Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Li-Ion Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Menu and Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Main View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Video Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Video Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Audio Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Analog Audio Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Digital Audio Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Input Linking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Choosing Audio Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Input Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Audio Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Analog 5-Pin XLR Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Embedded Audio on HDMI and SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Headphone Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Video Monitoring Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Exposure Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Focus Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Flip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Selecting File Resolution and Frame Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Selecting a Video Codec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Interruption of Signal During Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Alignment of Audio and Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion . . . . . . . 22
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Playback Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Shuttle Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Cue Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Looping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Playing Back Files on a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Synchronization and Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Timecode Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Out 26
PIX 220 Timecode Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Timecode Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Freerun Timceode Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Record Run Timecode Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
External Timecode Mode (PIX 240) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
External - HDMI Timecode Mode (PIX 220) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Timecode Input Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
LEMO 5-pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Timecode BNC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SDI Input Embedded Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
HDMI Input Embedded Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Synchronization/Timecode Examples . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Single Video Camera, no Genlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Single Camera with Genlock Input, Genlocked from PIX . . . 29
Multiple Cameras with Genlock Input,
all Genlocked from a Single PIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Camera #1 to PIX #1, Camera #2 to PIX #2, No Genlock . . 30
Camera to PIX with Word Clock Connection to Audio Recorder 30
External Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Triggering Recording from External Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Triggering Recording from SDI Flag Bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
LANC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Switch Contact Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
USB Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Supported Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
PIX-CADDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
eSATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
File Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Target Storage Device for Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
File Management and Metadata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
File View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
File Size Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
File Naming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Metadata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Transfering Files to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Setup Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Saving and Loading Setup Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Custom Default Settings and Setup Menu Option Visibility . . 37
Setup Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Timecode/Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
LCD Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
On-Screen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Button Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Specifi cations - PIX Recorders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Analog Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Digital Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Timecode and Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
PIX 220 & PIX 240 CE Declaration of Conformity . . . 50
CE - CISPR Publication Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Software License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Warranty and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Warranty & Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Technical Support / Bug Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Page 6
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Copyright Notice and Release
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the expressed written permission of SOUND DEVICES,
LLC. SOUND DEVICES is not responsible for any use of this information.
SOUND DEVICES, LLC shall not be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses
incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifi cations, repairs, or
alterations to this product, or failure to strictly comply with SOUND DEVICES, LLC’s operating and installation instructions.
Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh, OSX, and ProRes are registered trademarks of Apple,
Inc. DNxHD is a registered trademark of Avid, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their
respective owners.
PIX 220, PIX 240, and the sound waves logo are registered trademarks of Sound Devices, LLC.
Introduction
The PIX 220 and PIX 240 are highly advanced video recorders which can record digital video signals
from SDI or HDMI sources to an internal 2.5” drive or CompactFlash (CF) card. These recorders can
also record very high quality audio simultaneously with the video to industry-standard Quicktime
(.mov) fi les. Quicktime fi les can be edited with all major video editing programs.
The PIX recorders compress the incoming video signals using the popular Apple ProRes or Avid
DNxHD codecs at up to 10 bit, 4:2:2 sampling. Both codecs off er excellent video quality in a “ready
to edit” fi le, not requiring transcoding while importing video.
The PIX 240 features both SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs. The PIX 220 has HDMI input and output only. The PIX 240 off ers a full built-in Ambient® Lockit Timecode Generator/Reader, AES/EBU
audio inputs, and provisions to connect to an external, stand-alone eSATA hard drive.
Manual Conventions
This documentation addresses both the PIX 220 and PIX 240 video recorders. Several forma ing
features have been included to make navigating the guide easier.
• Lighter (orange) text indicates information that applies only to the PIX 240.
• Setup Menu items are indicated with this text: Menu Category Parameter, where the menu
category is one of the items in the list displayed when the Menu bu on is pushed, and the
parameter is an item in the list displayed when that category is selected (by pushing in on the
Control Knob).
• Terms that refer to specifi c controls or functions (such as Control Knob, Menu Bu on, Setup
Menu, etc) are capitalized. These terms are described elsewhere in this user guide (see the Panel
Descriptions section).
Blue italicized text references sections of the user guide containing contextually relevant
•
information.
This guide is available as a full color PDF at h p://www.sounddevices.com/download/guides/pix_en.pdf
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 7
Front Panel Descriptions
1
2
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
11
4
3
12
6
1) LCD Display
Displays operating information when the
On-Screen Display (OSD) is active (see
On-Screen Display), user interface, source
video, and playback video. 5-inch display; 800x480 resolution.
2) Audio Button
Displays the Audio View. From the Audio
View, all audio inputs levels can be monitored and input levels can be controlled.
3) LCD Button
Toggles the On Screen Display.
4) Menu Button
Displays the Setup Menu.
Files Button
5)
Displays the File Browser Screen.
6)
Stop Button
Stops an active recording. Also stops
video playback.
9 107
8
7) Rewind Button
Pressing once during playback reverses
playback at 2x realtime speed. Subsequent presses switch to 4x and 8x realtime
speed. When playback is paused each
press of the Rewind Bu on steps back
one frame.
8) Play Button
Plays the most recently recorded fi le
when pressed. In the File List View, plays
the selected video fi le from the File List.
Pauses video during playback.
9) Fast-Forward Button
Pressing once during playback increases
playback speed to 2x realtime speed.
Subsequent presses switch to 4x and 8x
realtime speed. When playback is paused
each press of the Fast-Forward Bu on
steps forward one frame.
10) Record Button
Begins recording. Optional: Splits the
recording and begins writing a new fi le
when pressed while recording. (System
Rec Button File Split)
5
1
Page 8
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
11) Power LED
Hold the Menu bu on down, then press
the Control Knob to power on the unit.
Top and Bottom Panel Descriptions
2
12) Time Code / Charge LED
Flashing green: Accurate timecode is maintained by internal Li-Ion ba ery.
Flashing amber: ba ery charging. (Time-
code display has precedence)
Alternating Amber / Green: Fault with
internal timecode ba ery.
Solid Red (when PIX is powered up): Timecode has been reset back to zero and
needs to be re-jammed due to PIX power
being off for more than 2 hours.
65
1 4 87
1) CompactFlash Slot
Insert CompactFlash media with the
label-side up. Visit www.sounddevices.com/
approved for an up-to-date list of tested
and approved cards.
2) External DC Input (Hirose 4-pin)
Accepts 10–18 volts DC. Hirose 4-pin connector is wired pin-1 negative (-), pin-4
positive (+). Pin-2 (-) and pin-3 (+) must
be connected in parallel to pins 1 and 4
respectively to charge a ached Li-ion
ba eries. The included XL-WPH3 power
3
supply provides positive DC on pins 3
and 4 and negative DC on pins 1 and 2.
3) Audio Output - 5-pin XLR
Two channels of active, balanced, linelevel output. Source selected in the Audio
Menu.
4) Audio Inputs - 3-pin XLR
Active, balanced, analog microphone
or line level inputs. PIX 240 only: can
be switched to accept AES digital input,
channels.
2
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 9
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
5) Timecode BNC
Selectable timecode input or output. Con-
fi gured with Video Timecode/Sync
Timecode BNC menu item.
6) Sync Output BNC
Selectable genlock or wordclock output.
Confi gured with Setup Menu option
Timecode/Sync Sync Out.
Right Panel Descriptions
7) SDI Input BNC
HD-SDI video input. Accepts SMPTE
292M (HD-SDI) signal with up to 8 channels of embedded audio.
8) SDI Output BNC
HD-SDI video output. Outputs SMPTE
292M (HD-SDI) signal with up to 8 channels of embedded audio.
621
1) Time Code I/O LEMO-5
Time code input and output on 5-pin
LEMO® connector.
2) LANC - 2.5 mm
2.5 mm female connector for a standard
LANC (Control-L) remote. Supports
record start and stop. Can also be confi gured as a GPIO switch closure and
used to drive an LED for record tally. See
LANC
3) HDMI Output
Outputs HDMI video with up to 8 channels of embedded audio.
4) HDMI Input
Accepts HDMI (1.4a) signal with two
channels of embedded audio. The PIX
3 4 5 7
does not record or display content encoded with HDCP copy protection.
5) Keyboard - USB A
USB A female connector to connect a USB
keyboard. Keyboards with integrated
USB hubs are not compatible.
6) Control Knob
The Control Knob can be both turned and
pressed. Use the Control Knob to navigate between menu se ings and to select
menu items. Pressing during playback
will toggle pause / play. Turning while
playback is paused will step forward or
backward by single frames.
7) Factory Programming Port
Factory use only. No user connection.
3
Page 10
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Left Panel Descriptions
321 4
1) eSATAp External Drive Connector
Connection for portable, bus-powered
drives. Also compatible with (non-powered) eSATA to connect to large capacity
drives. Visit www.sounddevices.com/ap-
proved for an up-to-date list of tested and
approved storage devices.
2) Drive Bay
Insert an approved 2.5-in drive mounted
to a PIX-CADDY into the Drive Bay.
When not in use, keep covered with the
supplied rubber grommet. Drives can be
hot-swapped if the drive is not being accessed for recording or playback.
3) SATA PIX-CADDY Connector
High-reliability eSATAp connection designed to mate with the PIX-CADDY.
4) Headphone Output - 3.5 mm
TRS stereo headphone connector. Can
drive headphones from 8 to 100 ohms
to very high headphone levels. Headphone volume is controlled by holding
down the AUDIO bu on and turning the
Control Knob. Headphone source signal
is changed by holding down the AUDIO
Bu on and pressing the Control Knob.
4
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 11
Rear Panel Descriptions
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
3 2
1) Battery Mounts
Accepts Sony® InfoLithium L-Series batteries. Also accepts third party ba eries
compatible with the Sony mount.
1
2) Fan
Whisper-quiet, low-speed, single, large
diameter fan. Runs continuously.
3) Mounting Point - ¼ - 20
Stainless-steel threaded a achment point.
5
Page 12
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
PIX-CADDY (Optional)
The PIX-CADDY is a recommended accessory to record video fi les to approved 2.5” drives. When
removed from a PIX 220 or PIX 240, PIX-CADDY operates as a high-speed drive interface to Mac OS
and Windows computers.
5
6
3
4
2
1
1) FireWire 800
FireWire 800 or 400 (backward compatible). Requires a powered FireWire 800 or
400 port.
2) eSATAp
High-speed data transfer over 5V
eSATAp. Requires a 5V powered eSATAp
port.
3) USB 3.0
High-speed data transfer over USB 3.0
(backward compatible with USB 2.0).
4) 2.5” Drive Slot
Connector for approved 2.5-inch SATA
II (3.0 gb/s) drives. Sound Devices maintains a list of tested and approved SSD
drives for use with PIX video recorders.
Visit www.sounddevices.com/approved for
an up-to-date list of tested and approved
drives.
5) Activity LED
Illuminates when recording, playing,
reading, or writing to the a ached 2.5”
drive. Do not remove the caddy while the
Activity LED is illuminated. LED does not
illuminate when connected to a computer’s
eSATA port.
6) Release Latches
Secures the PIX-CADDY to the recorder.
Press both latches to remove the caddy
assembly.
6
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 13
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Powering
The PIX 220 and PIX 240 are powered from either removable, Li-ion rechargeable ba eries or ex-
ternal DC. One or two removable 7.2 V Li-ion ba eries can be mounted to the recorder and used
as either primary or backup power. The PIX automatically chooses the power source based on the
voltage level of the external power supply. If the external voltage falls below the level of a ached Li-
ion ba eries, the unit will transition to Li-ion power. The transition between external and removable
ba ery powering is seamless and has no aff ect on recording or playback operation.
Removable Li-Ion Batteries
PIX recorders are compatible with Sony L-Series Li-ion rechargeable ba eries. Several power capaci-
ties are available in this ba ery type, ranging from 1000 mAh to 7000 mAh. Larger amp-hour ba er-
ies provide more run-time.
One or two L-Series ba eries can be a ached to the rear panel. When two ba eries are a ached, they
operate in parallel. A second ba ery increases run time and both ba eries will drain evenly. Ba eries
can be hot-swapped for continuous recording.
When powered by the removable Li-ion ba ery the LCD displays the ba ery voltage of each ba ery.
The nominal operating voltage for Li-ion ba eries is 7.2 V, with operating voltages ranging between
6.8–8.5 V. When the total voltage drops to 6.9 V, the voltage display on the LCD will begin fl ashing
red and the power LED will also fl ash red to warn that the ba ery is nearly depleted. When the volt-
age reaches 6.8 volts the recorder powers down—any recording in-process will automatically close
(stop).
Li-Ion Battery Charging
When power is supplied to the PIX recorder on pins 1, 2 (-), and pins 3, 4 (+) of the External DC Input
and the PIX recorder is powered off , the recorder will charge a ached Li-ion ba eries. The included
XL-WPH3 power supply will charge Li-ion ba eries when the recorder is powered down.
The optional XL-AB accessory cable can be used to power a PIX recorder from an Anton Bauer D-Tap
connector. The XL-AB will not charge a ached Li-ion ba eries. Make certain that the Anton Bauer
ba ery can supply enough power for both camera and the PIX recorder.
Menu and Navigation
Main View
The Main View displays the live or playback video and the On-screen Display. the Main View is the
default view which appears when no other views or menus are selected.
On-screen Display
The On-screen Display (OSD) provides information superimposed over the Main View. From the
Main View, the LCD bu on will toggle the OSD on and off . Items included in the OSD are confi g-
ured with the Setup Menu option Display. When factory se ings are loaded from the Quick Setup
menu item, all OSD items are shown.
7
Page 14
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
8
7
11
6
4
2
14
12
On-screen Display Menu
Item Description
1. ABS Time Absolute Time: Total time of an active video recording.
2. File Codec The presently selected video codec.
3. File Name Name of the current file. Pressing STOP shows the next file name.
4. File Resolution/Rate Resolution and frame rate of the file being recorded or played.
5. Audio Input Currently selected source and channel count of audio input.
6. Video Input Currently selected resolution and frame rate of the video input.
7. Headphone Source Current headphone routing.
8. Metering Levels of audio inputs 1 and 2.
9. Ext. DC Status Voltage level of external DC power.
10. Battery Status Voltage level of attached L-Series batteries.
11. Time/Date The current time and date.
12. Timecode Current timecode value an frame rate of the recorder or playing video file.
13. SSD/CF Status Remaining record time of each media (when video input is present) or remaining space in GB
(when no video input is present), “Offline” (when no media is present), “Mounting” (when media is
becoming ready), or “No Fmt” (when media is not formatted). Asterisk indicates target recording
media.
14. Loop / Cue Cue point and looping information is displayed here during playback.
9
10
5
13
1
3
Menu
Press the MENU bu on (keyboard: F1) to enter the Setup Menu. The Setup Menu controls se ings
for fi le storage, video, audio, time code/sync, system, and display. Navigate between menu items by
turning the Control Knob and pressing it to select. When in a menu, press the MENU bu on to go
back to the previous screen. See Setup Menu Options for a complete list of all available options.
8
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 15
Audio
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Press the AUDIO bu on (keyboard: F3) to enter the Audio Metering and Gain control screen. From
this screen, the level for both analog (XLR mic/line) and digital (XLR AES, HDMI, or SDI) audio inputs can be adjusted. Turn the Control Knob to select between audio tracks, press the Control Knob
to select a track, then turn the Control Knob to adjust the input gain for that track. see Audio Inputs
Press and hold the AUDIO bu on, and then turn the Control Knob to adjust the headphone level.
Press and hold the AUDIO bu on, and then push the Control Knob to cycle through signal source
for the headphones. see Audio Outputs
9
Page 16
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Files
Press the FILE bu on (keyboard: F2) to display the File List; A list of all of the clips (grouped by reel)
on the selected storage media. Turn the Control Knob to highlight an item. Press Play to start play
back of the highlighted clip.
Reel group
Number of clips in the reel
indicated in brackets. Press
Control Knob to expand or
collapse.
Clip
Single file clip. Press Control
Knob to view details. Press
Play to play.
Clip
Multi-file clip. Number of
files in the clip indicated in
brackets. Press Control Knob
to expand or collapse. Press
Play to play first clip.
File
File of a multi-file clip. Only
shown when clip is expanded.
Press Control Knob to view
details. Press Play to play.
Push the Control Knob to perform functions based on which item is highlighted:
Highlighted Item Result of Pressing Control Knob
Reel group. Indicated by a grey background (when
not highlighted) and a number in brackets that indicates the amount of clips in the reel.
A Clip that consists of multiple files. Indicated by
the filename with a .mov extension and number in
brackets that indicates the amount of files that the
clip consists of.
A Clip that consists of one file or a File within a sublist of a multi-file clip. Indicated by the filename with
.mov extension
The selected drive (SSD or CF) is displayed on the top of the screen. To switch between viewing fi les
on CF and SSD media, scroll to the top of the list until the yellow box appears with the text “View
CF” or “View SSD”. Push the Control Knob to access the File List for the selected media. see File
Management
Expands a list of clips that are within the Reel.
Expands a sub-list of the files that are within the clip.
Opens the File Details view where various details of the file can be
viewed and the file can be deleted.
Metadata
See File Management and
LCD
From the Main View, the LCD bu on will toggle the On-Screen Display
(OSD) on or off . From any other view, the LCD bu on will return to the
Main View.
To make adjustments to the LCD backlight, bu on backlight, image
brightness, image contrast, or image chroma, hold down the LCD button then press the Control Knob. The LCD Control Panel will appear.
Turn the Control Knob to adjust the slider for the highlighted (yellow)
parameter and push the Control Knob to select between the parameters.
10
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 17
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Video Inputs
The PIX 240 accepts SDI or HDMI video; the PIX 220 only accepts HDMI video. Both recorders will
accept either high-defi nition or standard-defi nition rates. Since the PIX recorders do not record stan-
dard-defi nition rates, if using these resolution/rates, they need to be up-converted to high-defi nition
rates for recording.
PIX recorders do not accept analog video signals. See the specifi cations section for a complete list of sup-
ported frame rates.
HDMI
The PIX 220 and PIX 240 accept HDMI version 1.4a video and audio. Supported video resolutions
and rates are listed in the specifi cations section. Both PIX recorders accept up to 10 bit, 4:2:2 video
over HDMI. Two-channel digital audio embedded in the HDMI stream (32 kHz – 192 kHz) is always
re-sampled to 48 kHz when connected to a PIX recorder.
720p30/29.97, 720p25, and 720p24/23.976 are not supported on the HDMI input or the HDMI output.
HDCP copy protection prevents direct digital-to-digital copying of copyrighted material. Protected
DVDs, Blue-Rays and streaming content with HDCP encryption is not valid content and will be ignored
by the PIX recorder.
SDI
The SDI input on the PIX 240 accepts video with embedded audio (up to eight channels) and embedded SMPTE timecode. This connection accepts digital video at 10-bit, with 4:2:2 color sampling. Unlike the HDMI interface, which auto-negotiates rates between devices, what comes out of a camera’s
SDI output is received by the PIX recorder with no auto-negotiation or sample rate conversion. The
PIX 240 does not support 3G-SDI or dual-link HD-SDI.
Timecode over SDI is not available when recording in standard defi nition
Video Outputs
The video outputs on the PIX recorders contain incoming video when idle and while recording;
during playback they contain the playback video. Both HDMI and SDI outputs are active simultaneously on the PIX 240. This allows for conversion from SDI-to-HDMI and HDMI-to-SDI. The video
stream contains embedded audio (up to eight tracks) as defi ned by the Setup Menu option Audio
Audio Input. Both the SDI and HDMI outputs contain the same embedded audio.
Except during playback, the resolution and frame rate of the output stream is confi gured in the
Setup Menu option Video
of the output stream is determined by the playing video fi le.
Timecode and record start and stop fl ags are included on the SDI output of the PIX 240. The HDMI
outputs of the PIX recorder use the HDMI 1.3a protocol.
File Resolution/Rate. During playback, the resolution and frame rate
11
Page 18
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Audio Inputs
The PIX recorders accept either two analog audio inputs on XLR connectors or two channels of
embedded audio on the HDMI input. The PIX 240 also accepts up to 8 channels of embedded audio
on the SDI input and the analog XLR inputs can be switched to accept four channels (two streams) of
AES/EBU digital audio.
Analog Audio Inputs
PIX recorders have two high-performance analog audio inputs. These balanced inputs accept either
mic- or line-level signals, and include high-pass fi lters, limiters, 48V phantom power, linking, and
M/S matrixing.
Input Low-cut Filters
Setup Menu options: Audio Analog 1 Low cut and Audio Analog 2 Low cut.
Low-cut fi lters on analog inputs reduce sensitivity to low frequency signals (such as wind noise
from a microphone). Signals below the selected frequency are a enuated. The amount of a enuation
increases at lower frequencies according to the slope of the low-cut fi lter. The Setup Menu option
Audio Low cut Slope allows adjustment of the slope for both analog inputs.
Input Limiters
Setup Menu option: Audio Input Limiter (1,2).
Analog inputs incorporate an advanced, analog/DSP-controlled hybrid limiter to prevent input overload. In normal operation and with proper gain se ings, the limiters should rarely engage. When
activated, limiters prevent unusually high input signal levels from overloading the analog input
stage of the preamp.
Limiting activity is indicated by a yellow segment on the right side of the audio meters (both in the
Audio View and the Main View). When the yellow segment is visible, limiting is occurring. The
Input Limiters are active for both mic- and line-level inputs. When inputs are linked, the limiters are
linked.
Input Polarity
Setup Menu options: Audio Analog 1 Polarity and Audio Analog 2 Polarity.
Input Polarity inversion (sometimes referred as phase reverse) can be applied to either analog
input. This can be used to rectify incorrectly wired balanced cables, to prevent signal cancellation
when a source is dual-miked from opposite directions, or reverse left/right with MS microphone
confi gurations.
Digital Audio Inputs
The PIX 220 and PIX 240 accept digital audio from HDMI, SDI (PIX 240 only), and AES/EBU (PIX 240
only) inputs. All audio is sampled at 48 kHz.
HDMI / SDI Embedded Audio
The PIX 220 and PIX 240 accept two channels of embedded digital audio on the HDMI Video Input.
The PIX 240 accepts up to 8 channels of digital audio on its SDI input.
12
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 19
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
AES3
The PIX 240 accepts AES3 (AES/EBU) digital signals with sampling rates from 32 kHz up to 192 kHz
and bit depths up to 24-bits. Files recorded by the PIX 240 are uncompressed 24 bit, with sampling
rates of 48 kHz. All digital signals connected to PIX are sampling rate converted to 48 kHz, including
signals sent at 48 kHz.
Input Linking
Setup Menu option: Audio Input Linking
Inputs 1-2 can be linked together so that a gain adjustment to one channel will also aff ect the other
(see Input Level Control). When inputs 1-2 are linked, the limiters are also linked. 48V phantom power,
analog low-cut, and analog polarity se ings are set independently for each channel, even when
inputs are linked.
Linked inputs are useful when the PIX is receiving a left/right stereo signal on inputs 1 and 2. Examples include stereo program from an external mixer, stereo program from a camera, and microphones oriented in a stereo confi guration.
M/S Matrixing
Mid-side (MS) matrixing is a method for processing audio signal from a cardioid microphone and a
bidirectional microphone into a stereo signal. The cardioid microphone is the “mid” signal and connects to input 1, and the bidirectional microphone is the “side” signal and connects to input 2. The
cardioid microphone is pointed at the sound source, and the bidirectional microphone is oriented
sideways (positioned with its capsule as near as possible to the cardioid microphone’s capsule). the
following diagram shows the relative polar pa erns of microphones in an M/S confi guration.
Mid Signal
Side Signal
To produce a stereo signal from an M/S confi guration, the signal from both microphones must be
processed. The PIX recorder can perform this processing on inputs 1 and 2 when Setup Menu option
Audio Input Linking is set to 1-2MS.
Choosing Audio Sources
The PIX recorders are capable of recording audio from the two analog audio inputs or digital sources
(AES3 or video input). The Setup Menu option Audio Audio Input provides the following options
for audio sources:
13
Page 20
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Audio Source Tracks on Recorded Files and Video Outputs
Analog XLR 1: Analog Input XLR 1
2: Analog Input XLR 2
AES (Digital) XLR 1-2ch 1: Channel 1, AES XLR A
2: Channel 2, AES XLR A
AES (Digital) XLR 1-4ch 1: Channel 1, AES XLR A
2: Channel 2, AES XLR A
SDI/HDMI 2ch 1: Channel 1, HDMI/SDI video input
2: Channel 2, HDMI/SDI video input
SDI 4ch 1: Channel 1, SDI video input
2: Channel 2, SDI video input
SDI 6ch 1: Channel 1, SDI video input
2: Channel 2, SDI video input
3: Channel 3, SDI video input
SDI 8ch 1: Channel 1, SDI video input
2: Channel 2, SDI video input
3: Channel 3, SDI video input
4: Channel 4, SDI video input
Analog 2ch +SDI/HDMI 2ch 1: Analog Input XLR 1
2: Analog input XLR 2
Analog 2ch +SDI 4ch 1: Analog Input XLR 1
2: Analog Input XLR 2
3: Channel 1, SDI video input
Analog 2ch +SDI 6ch 1: Analog Input XLR 1
2: Analog Input XLR 2
3: Channel 1, SDI video input
4: Channel 2, SDI video input
OFF None
3: Channel 1, AES XLR B
4: Channel 2, AES XLR B
3: Channel 3, SDI video input
4: Channel 4, SDI video input
4: Channel 4, SDI video input
5: Channel 5, SDI video input
6: Channel 6, SDI video input
5: Channel 5, SDI video input
6: Channel 6, SDI video input
7: Channel 7, SDI video input
8: Channel 8, SDI video input
3: Channel 1, HDMI/SDI video input
4: Channel 2, HDMI/SDI video input
4: Channel 2, SDI video input
5: Channel 3, SDI video input
6: Channel 4, SDI video input
5: Channel 3, SDI video input
6: Channel 4, SDI video input
7: Channel 5, SDI video input
8: Channel 6, SDI video input
The selected audio source is included in the HDMI and SDI streams on the Video Outputs of the PIX
recorder. See Audio Outputs
Input Level Control
Input audio gain is adjusted with the Control Knob when in the Audio Menu. The Audio Menu is accessed by pushing the AUDIO Bu on. The audio channel highlighted yellow is controllable. Turning
the Control Knob highlights a diff erent audio input. To adjust the gain of an audio input:
1. Highlight the audio input.
14
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 21
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
2. Push the Control Knob to enter gain adjustment mode (indicated by a blue highlight)
3. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the gain value up or down. This adjustment will aff ect gain
in real-time.
4. Push the Control Knob to exit the gain control fi eld.
Audio Outputs
Analog 5-Pin XLR Output
The two analog outputs of the PIX recorder are active-balanced, line-level outputs (+18dBu max) on
a single, 5-pin XLR connection. At factory default, the source of the analog Outputs is 1 and 2. This
can be adjusted in the Setup Menu: Audio Output Source - XLR. The output level of each output
can be a enuated (down to -20 dB) in the setup menu: Audio Output XLR 1 Attenuation and
Audio Output XLR 2 Attenuation.
Embedded Audio on HDMI and SDI
The Setup Menu parameter Audio Audio Input determines what signal is present on the HDMI
and SDI output. This allows for replacement of audio coming in from a camera with audio connected
to the recorder.
Headphone Output
The PIX recorder is capable of driving headphones to extremely high sound pressure levels. Hearing
experts advise against exposure to high sound pressure levels for extended periods.
The PIX recorder’s headphone output is a fl exible tool for monitoring audio in the fi eld. The head-
phone level can be adjusted while in the Main View by pressing and holding the Audio bu on while
turning the Control Knob.
To quickly select amongst headphone sources, Press and hold the Audio bu on an press the Control
Knob to step through headphone source options. The Headphone Source can also be selected in the
Setup Menu option Audio Headphone Source.
15
Page 22
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
LCD A/V Alignment
Audio signal is routed to the headphones in real-time. The video displayed on the LCD is delayed
slightly. When the Setup Menu option Audio Headphone: LCD A/V Align is set to On, the audio
signal to the headphones will be delayed slightly to align with the video displayed on the LCD.
Video Monitoring Features
The PIX recorders include various monitoring features to assist the camera operator during shooting.
These functions only aff ect signal on the LCD display and will never aff ect the recorded video or the
video signal sent to the PIX recorder’s outputs.
Exposure Assist
LCD
+
Exposure assist features mark areas of the video image based on the exposure level. With over- or
under-exposed areas of the image clearly marked, adjustments can be made on the camera to ensure
that the signal reaching the recorder has a proper exposure. Exposure Assist is enabled by holding
down the LCD bu on and pressing the FILES bu on. When Exposure Assist is enabled, “EXP” is
displayed on the OSD in yellow text.
When exposure assist is enabled, False Color or Zebra stripes will be overlaid on the LCD monitor
signal. The Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Exposure Assist determines which mode will acti-
vate when exposure assist is toggled on.
The following image is a luminance ramp signal displayed on a PIX recorder with no exposure assist
enabled. Screen shots in the following sections show the eff ect of the various Exposure Assist fea-
tures on this test signal.
FILES
16
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 23
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
False Color
False Color exposure assist mode replaces pixels with a specifi c color relative to the luminance level.
The two types of False Color (selectable from Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Exposure Assist)
are 12-step and 4-step.
12-step False Color mode divides the monitor signal into 12
luminance ranges and assigns a color to each.
4-step False Color mode divides the monitor signal into 4
ranges and assigns a color to all but one range (this range is
displayed without chroma). The table below illustrates the
colors as they relate to luminance levels (IRE).
12-step
100-108 Red
95-99 Orange
85-94 Yellow
79-84 Light Yellow
59-78 Light Grey
53-58 Pink
49-52 Medium Grey
43-48 Green
23-42 Dark Grey
13-22 Light Blue
3-12 Blue
0-2 White
4-step
101+ Red
99-100 Orange
3-98 N/A
0-2 Blue
17
Page 24
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Zebras
Zebra stripe exposure assist mode overlays diagonal stripes over areas that are in a defi ned lumi-
nance range (Zebra 1) or above a defi ned luminance threshold (Zebra 2). The range for Zebra 1 is 5%
above and below the IRE value of Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Zebra 1 Level. The range for
Zebra 2 is everything above the IRE value of Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Zebra 2 Thresh-
old. The options for Zebra display (selectable from Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Exposure
Assist) are Zebra 1, Zebra 2, or both Zebra 1 and Zebra 2 simultaneously.
Zebra 2
70 IRE (+/- 5%)
Zebra 1
85 IRE
Focus Assist
LCD
+
Focus Assist features mark sharp edges in the video image to assist in focusing on the desired subject. Focus assist is enabled by holding down the LCD bu on and pressing the MENU bu on. The
word “FOCUS” is displayed in yellow text on the OSD when Focus Assist is enabled. There are two
available Focus Assist modes: Peaking and Edge Enhance.
Peaking
Peaking fi nds sharp edges in a video (based on luminance) and replaces pixels in those areas to high-
light the edges.
The Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Peaking Sensitivity sets what level of sharpness will be
marked by the Peaking fi lter. A se ing of High will mark only the sharpest areas of the image, while
a se ing of Low will also mark areas that are not as sharp.
MENU
The Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Peaking Background Contrast is used to adjust the area of
the video image that is not highlighted while Peaking is enabled.
18
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 25
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
The color of the Peaking marks can be set with the Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Peaking
Color.
The following image comparison demonstrates the eff ect of Peaking on an image with a shallow
depth-of-fi eld and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal length (bo om).
Edge Enhance
The Edge Enhance fi lter uses an algorithm which enhances the variation of the luminance of all
edges present in the video image. The following image comparison demonstrates the eff ect of Edge
Enhance on an image with a shallow depth-of-fi eld and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal
length (bo om).
19
Page 26
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Zoom
LCD
+
The Zoom function enlarges the video image to a 1:1 pixel ratio. To toggle Zoom on and off , hold
down the LCD bu on and press the AUDIO bu on. When Zoom is enabled, “ZOOM” is displayed
on the OSD in yellow text and all other OSD elements are hidden. When zoomed, turning the rotary
encoder moves vertically and REW and FF bu ons move left and right respectively.
AUDIO
Flip
Some mounting situations require the PIX recorder to be upside-down. The LCD output can be verti-
cally inverted to facilitate upside-down operation with the Setup Menu option LCD Monitor Flip
Display.
Recording
With a valid video signal present at the input, pushing the REC bu on will start recording. While
recording, the REC bu on will illuminate red and the OSD Items Timecode, File Name, and ABS
time turn red. The PIX recorder is a record-priority device and will enter record any time the REC
bu on is pressed, except when playback is occurring (playback must be stopped before a recording
can begin).
While recording, the FF, RW, Play, and FILES bu ons are disabled. Push the Stop bu on to stop the
recording. During both recording and playback, the MENU and FILES bu ons are locked out. When
the Setup Menu option System REC button File Split is set to On, pushing the REC bu on
during recording will begin a new fi le. When the recording exceeds the time set in Setup Menu
option System File Split every, a new fi le will be created and grouped with the other fi les from
the clip in the File View (see File Management and Metadata).
20
To discard the last take and delete the fi le (False take), hold down the Stop bu on and push the
Rewind bu on. A dialog will appear warning that the last take will be deleted and indicating the fi le
name. Use the Control Knob to highlight OK and push the Control Knob to confi rm.
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 27
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Selecting File Resolution and Frame Rate
The PIX recorders can record video in numerous resolutions and frame rates. The Setup Menu op-
tion Video File Resolution/Rate sets the resolution and frame rate of recorded Quicktime fi les.
This Setup Menu option also determines the resolution and frame rate of the live HDMI and SDI
outputs signals, except during playback. The PIX recorder can record Quicktime fi les in the follow-
ing resolutions and frame rates:
• 1080 p30
• 1080 p29.97
• 1080 p25
• 1080 p24
• 1080 p23.976
• 1080 i60
• 1080 i59.94
• 1080 i50
When Setup Menu option Video File Resolution/Rate is set to Same as Video Input, recorded
Quicktime fi les and HDMI and SDI output signals will be of the same resolution and frame rate as
the input video signal.
* Standard defi nition recording is only available for ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 Proxy.
• 1080 PsF 30
• 1080 PsF 29.97
• 1080 PsF 25
• 1080 PsF 24
• 1080 PsF 23.976
• 720 p60
• 720 p59.94
• 720 p50
• 720 p30
• 720 p29.97
• 720 p25
• 720 p24
• 720 p23.976
• 576i50 *
• 480i59.94 *
Progressive Segmented Frames (PsF)
Some cameras output video signal in progressive segmented frames (PsF). PsF is a method for
transmi ing progressive video in an interlaced stream. A device generates PsF signal by spli ing
each frame into two segments. PsF segments are the same as interlaced fi elds in that one segment
represents the even lines of a frame and the other segment represents the odd lines of a frame. PsF
segments diff er from interlaced fi elds in that there is no motion between each segment in a pair.
The PIX will automatically sense PsF signal from most cameras that output PsF over SDI. This is
accomplished through the use a fl ag inserted into the SDI signal by the camera. If a camera does not
insert this fl ag into the SDI stream or if it outputs PsF signal over HDMI, then the PIX se ing Video
Input PsF Detect can be set to Interpret 1080i as PsF. This will force the PIX to treat all 1080i
signal as if it were PsF and deinterlace it accordingly.
Selecting a Video Codec
Setup Menu option: Video Codec.
PIX has two families of intra-frame, DCT based codecs available: Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD,
with four levels of data compression available for each. Both codecs are intermediate codecs that
assist the editing process by eliminating the need to transcode video before importing into Final Cut
(ProRes) or Avid (ProRes or DNxHD).
ProRes is a variable data rate codec; DNxHD is a fi xed data rate codec. PIX recorders support all
compression levels and bit rates of DNxHD and ProRes and automatically record the correct bit rate
dependent upon the video input resolutions and frame rate. The data rates indicated in the Setup
Menu item Video
Codec indicate the maximum data rate at 1080p30.
DNxHD 36 Mb/s only supports 1080p signal. Standard defi nition recording is only available for ProRes
422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 Proxy.
21
Page 28
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Interruption of Signal During Recording
In the event that video signal is lost (an unplugged HDMI or SDI cable, for example) during recording, the PIX recorder will pause the recording and wait for video signal to be re-initialized. If video
signal is re-initialized within 10 seconds, the PIX recorder will begin recording again to a new fi le
of the same name with an “A” appended to the end. Further interruptions of signal during that take
will cause an alphabetic fi lename progression (“B”, “C”, etc).
Alignment of Audio and Video
An advantage to recording audio on the PIX recorders along with the video is the elimination of
audio/video sync problems in post. The PIX recorders have many options regarding audio sources
along with the two options for video inputs, HDMI and SDI. Given this fl exibility, care must still be
taken to ensure good audio/video sync.
If recording camera audio embedded on HDMI or SDI, then the audio/video alignment will be excellent provided the alignment is proper on the camera.
If recording audio using the PIX analog inputs or AES inputs, then a delay may need to be dialed in.
The reason for this is that some cameras have a delay of one or more frames from lens to SDI/HDMI
output. The PIX recorder on the other hand has no appreciable delay between audio (analog or AES
input) an video (SDI/HDMI input). This means that if the camera does have this delay, the audio
will lead the video as recorded by the PIX recorder. This delay can be adjusted via the Audio, Input
1 Delay and Input 2 Delay menus. Note that on some cameras, the lens-to-SDI/HDMI delay changes
with resolution/frame rate. The best practice is to test the audio/video sync using sticks on a test fi le
for each camera resolution/frame rate to be used on a project before starting.
Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion
PIX recorders feature powerful, hardware-based video scaling, frame rate conversion, and de-interlacing. This allows for converting the resolution and frame rate of video input to the recorded fi le
and to the HDMI and SDI outputs in real-time.
Video scaling and/or de-interlacing is active whenever the Setup Menu option Video File Resolution/Rate is set to something other than Same as Video Input. Any input signal can be converted
to any resolution. When set to record progressive frames, the PIX recorders will convert incoming
interlaced video to progressive frame video via its built-in, powerful, hardware-based de-interlacer.
The PIX recorders will also convert progressive segmented frame (PsF) video to progressive video
automatically if a progressive fi le (for instance 1080p30) is selected in Video File Resolution/Rate
(If an interlaced fi le is selected, the PIX recorder will record PsF signal unaltered, but the fi le will be
stamped as interlaced).
Frame rate conversion occurs whenever the frame rate of Video
the frame rate of the input video signal. Frame rate conversion is achieved by appropriately duplicating or dropping frames. The PIX recorder will auto-sense between integer and non-integer frame
rates (for instance 30 frames vs. 29.97 frames). The PIX will not frame rate convert between integer
and non-integer values. For example, if the incoming video signal is 1080i59.94, it can be converted
to 1080p29.97 or 720p59.94 but not 1080p30 or 720p60. The Setup Menu option Video File Resolution/Rate contains entries with a combination of integer and non-integer frame rates (such as
1080p30/29.97). When any of these options are selected, the PIX recorder will record in the indicated
integer frame rate if the input video is an integer frame or record in the indicated non-integer frame
rate if the input video is a non-integer frame rate.
File Resolution/Rate diff ers from
22
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 29
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Not all frame rate conversions are visually desirable. When the OSD Item File Resolution/Rate is
red, the conversion of the frame rate of the input video to the frame set by Video File Resolution/
Rate will contain a fi nite amount of motion judder. For example, if the incoming video is 720p60 and
Video
depending on the content. Conversions which are simply 1:2 or 2:1 (such as 1080i59.94 to 1080p29.97)
introduce no motion judder. For these conversions, the OSD Item File Resolution/Rate stays white.
When the input video signal is 720p24 or 720p23.976, up-, down-, and cross-conversion is not available.
File Resolution/Rate is set to 720p50, the cadence of dropped frames may be noticeable
3:2 Pulldown Removal
Many cameras which shoot with a shu er speed of 24/23.976 frames per second will output signal on
the HDMI or SDI output at 60i/59.94i. To achieve this, the camera performs a “3:2 pulldown” process. The 3:2 pulldown process splits each frame into 2 fi elds and duplicates a fi eld periodically. The
PIX recorders are capable of removing 3:2 pulldown from a 60i/59.94i signal and converting it back
to 24/23.976 progressive frames per second in real-time. The PIX 3:2 removal process actively views
video fi elds looking for duplicates. When these duplicates are sensed, then this cadence is locked in
and the appropriate extra fi elds are removed. The process depends on motion in the incoming video.
The OSD File Resolution/Rate changes from orange to white when this cadence is detected:
Orange: No 3:2 pulldown sensed in 60i/59.94i input signal. Input video is being converted to 24p/23.976p using a conversion
process which drops frames and may introduce judder.
White: 3:2 pulldown sensed in 60i/59.94i input video signal.
Input video signal is being converted to 24p/23.976p using 3:2
pulldown removal which recreates 24p/23.976p as it is captured from the camera’s shu er.
Playback
The PIX recorder can play back any Quicktime fi le that it records. Playback is shown on the onboard
LCD display and appears at both HDMI and SDI outputs. The PIX recorder will use a connected video source’s clock for its playback clock. If no video source is present, PIX will use its built-in clock.
The PIX recorder will always play the last recorded fi le when the Play (f) bu on is pressed from the
Main View. In the File View, pressing the Play (f) bu on will play the currently selected fi le. Push
the Stop () bu on anytime to stop playback and exit Playback Mode.
Playback Mode
Playing a fi le enters Normal Playback Mode; The Play (f) bu on and the OSD Items ABS Time,
Timecode, and Filename will be green to indicate this. Press the Play (f) bu on again during play-
back to pause playback (The Play bu on will fl ash green). Turn the Control Knob while playback is
paused to move forward or backward in single frame increments.
23
Page 30
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Fast Forward and Rewind
Hold down the Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) bu on during playback for 2x (double) speed
playback. When the Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) bu on is held down for more than 5 seconds,
playback will become 8x speed. Normal playback will resume when Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind
(<<) is released.
File Skip
A single push of the Fast Forward (>>) bu on during playback will begin playback of the next clip
(if it exists). A single push of the Rewind (<<) bu on during playback will skip to the beginning
of the currently playing fi le. If the Rewind (<<) bu on is pushed again immediately after it was
pushed, playback will skip to the beginning of the previous clip (if it exists). File Skip functions will
work while a clip playing and while it is paused.
Shuttle Mode
The PIX recorder is capable of various playback rates as well as reverse playback. These playback
features are accessible from Shu le Mode. Push the Control Knob while in Normal Playback Mode
(playing or paused) to switch to Shu le Mode in FFx1/2 mode. The OSD Items ABS Time, Time-
code, and Filename will be blue to indicate Shu le Mode. Turn the Control Knob to select among
the available playback directions and rates. The following table defi nes the playback directions and
speeds available when turning the Control Knob in Shu le Mode.
Reverse Forward
876543211/21/31/41/51/61/71/81/81/71/61/51/41/31/212345678
In Shu le Mode, the playback direction and speed will be indicated on the LCD if Display ABS
Time is set to On. The Fast Forward (>>) and Rewind (<<) bu ons will illuminate independently to
indicate the playback direction. Push the Control Knob while in Shu le Mode to pause playback.
Push the Play (f) bu on while in Shu le Mode to return to Normal Playback Mode.
Cue Points
During Playback or Shu le mode, pressing the FILES bu on will set a cue point. The previous
cue point is always displayed with green text in the lower left-hand corner of the OSD. To quickly
jump to the next or previous cue point, tap the Fast Forward (>>) bu on or Rewind (<<) bu on
respectively.
Looping
Looping playback can be enabled between consecutive cue points or
the beginning and end of the current clip. To toggle Looping Mode and
begin looping the currently playing clip, hold the Play (f) bu on for
1 second during Shu le Mode or Playback Mode. “Loop: Clip” will be
displayed with green text in the bo om left-hand corner of the OSD.
To loop between two consecutive cue points, hold down the Play (f)
bu on and press the Fast Forward (>>) bu on while playback is in
between the two cue points. The two points that are being looped
between will be displayed in green text in the bo om left-hand corner
of the OSD. To return to looping the entire clip, hold down the Play (f)
bu on and press the Rewind (<<) bu on.
Looping between cue points
Looping entire clip
To exit Looping mode, hold down the Play (f) bu on for 1 second.
24
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 31
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Playing Back Files on a Computer
Video fi les recorded with the Apple ProRes codec require Quicktime to be installed. Quicktime can
be downloaded from h p://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/. See h p://software.sounddevices.com/
Apple_ProRes_White_Paper_July_2009.pdf for more detailed information about the ProRes codec.
Video fi les recorded with the Avid DNxHD codec require DNxHD drivers to be installed. Visit h p://
www.avid.com/dnxhd to download DNxHD drivers and for more detailed information about the
DNxHD codec.
Synchronization and Timecode
This section gives a concise overview of timecode and video synchronization. This information applies primarily to the PIX 240 and its advanced timecode and synchronization options; however it is
useful information for PIX 220 and PIX 240 users alike. For information about the PIX 220’s timecode
capabilities see PIX 220 Timecode Features
Synchronization of video, audio, and associated timecode while recording video and audio has long
been a problematic area. Situations where several cameras are used can complicate issues further.
There may be sync issues between two (or more) cameras and/or between audio recorders because of
a) off set and b) drift. In a production environment (during recording), off set and drift are both terms
to describe a timing problem between the timecode signal from two or more audio or video recorders. In a post-production environment (a non-linear editor application), off set and drift are both
terms to describe a timing problem between two or more audio or video fi les.
Off set (matching the beginning or “head” of a take) occurs because the beginning of takes are not
aligned due to the absence or misuse of timecode. Drift (matching the end or “tail” of a take) occurs because diff erent recorders (audio or camera) run at diff erent rates - the beginning of fi les from
each may have zero off set, but by the end they drift apart. The PIX recorders were designed with
these problems in mind and include the most comprehensive and powerful synchronization features
available in a portable recorder. These features can be used to alleviate or eliminate off set and drift
problems in both production and post-production. While the PIX recorder’s design makes se ing the
parameters as easy as possible, a good understanding of synchronization is still necessary to properly operate the PIX recorder and ensure a trouble-free workfl ow.
In a camera, the shu er, video circuitry, audio sampling, and timecode all run off of one ‘heartbeat’
from its master internal clock. If this master clock is slightly fast, then the shu er, audio sampling,
and timecode will be slightly fast, and if the master clock is a slightly slow, the shu er etc will be a
bit slightly slow also.
When a PIX recorder’s video input is connected via HDMI or SDI to the camera, this heartbeat is
passed through the HDMI or SDI, and the PIX is synchronized to the camera’s internal clock as well.
The PIX video and audio circuitry is clocked off of this incoming video. The PIX recorder writes fi les
based on this clock as well - each audio sample and video frame wri en out to the fi le is synchro-
nized to the incoming video. This way, the PIX recorder is always completely in sync with the connected camera - there can never be any drift of audio or video between the camera and the PIX.
Drift problems in a workfl ow can arise when more than one camera is used on a shoot, as each
camera is driven off of its own internal master clock. Since internal master clock speed will always
vary from camera to camera (and vary based on temperature and time), each camera used will run
at a slightly diff erent shu er speed, audio sample rate and timecode rate. This is also true when
recording video on a camera and recording audio on a separate recorder, as each device has its own
internal master clock. Particularly problematic are long takes where there may be signifi cant drift
25
Page 32
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
from camera to camera from the beginning to end of the take’s fi le. Even if the heads match, the tails
of a take may not.
These drift problems can be mitigated during recording by using a Genlock (or “Sync”) Input on a
camera which takes over the camera’s internal master clock. Wiring several cameras’ Genlock Inputs
together forces all of the cameras to run at the exact same rate with no drift. This same concept applies to audio recorders using the Word Clock input. Genlock inputs are available only on higherend cameras and Word Clock inputs are available on higher-end audio recorders.
Off set problems are easier to overcome than drift problems. By feeding each recording device with
the same timecode signal, the fi les from diff erent recording devices can all be in sync and there will
be no off set in post-production.
The PIX 240 can address the synchronization issues of both off set and drift (heads and tails) via its
built-in Ambient® Lockit with Genlock Out and Timecode Reader. The PIX 240’s Ambient® Lockit
features an internal clock which has an accuracy of +/-0.2ppm (½ frame per 24 hours). Numerous PIX
240 recorders can be used to maintain extremely tight synchronization.
Timecode Reader
The PIX 240 includes a timecode reader which can accept incoming SMPTE timecode. The PIX 240
can read timecode from embedded SDI / HDMI, linear timecode fed into the “TC I/O” BNC connector, or the 5-pin LEMO® connector. The timecode reader is enabled whenever the Setup Menu
option Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode is set to Ext TC (LTC) or Ext TC (SDI, HDMI), which
indicates that it will read external timecode.
Timecode Reader operation is useful for simple cases where the PIX 240’s timecode follows the camera timecode. The timecode/sync of the PIX 240’s fi le will match exactly with the camera’s fi le with
zero-drift.
In situations where a consistent off set is observed between PIX 240 fi les and other production record-
ings, the PIX 240 can off set the timecode stamp. The Setup Menu option Timecode/Sync File
Start TC Offset allows the user to adjust the frame off set from -10 to +10 in increments of 1. This
se ing does not aff ect timecode on the PIX 240’s outputs.
For shoots involving more than one camera or an audio recorder, using the PIX 240’s Timecode Generator can be more benefi cial than using the Timecode Reader to achieve good heads and tails sync
between all recordings.
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Out
The PIX 240 includes an internal Ambient® ACL-203 Lockit which can be used as a master sync/
timecode source for cameras or audio recorders. The Lockit is an ultra-high accuracy sync/timecode
generator with < 0.2 ppm (½ frame per 24 hours) accuracy that is suitable as a master clock in all
levels of productions. With its internal, rechargeable ba ery, accurate timecode is maintained for up
to 2 hours after the PIX 240 is powered down. After 2 hours, the timecode value is reset. The ba ery
is recharged automatically.
Multi-camera shoots using cameras that accept genlock input can benefi t from the PIX 240’s built
in Ambient® Lockit as their master sync and timecode source. Each PIX 240’s fi les will have very
tightly synchronized recordings with matching heads and tails.
Additionally, even multi-camera shoots utilizing lower-cost cameras (with no genlock or timecode)
can benefi t from the built-in Lockit. By using the Timecode Generator to stamp the beginning of each
fi le, the heads of each take will match from several recorders, even if the tails drift due to using nongenlocked cameras.
26
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 33
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Setting the Sync Out
The se ing of this is parameter is found in Setup Menu option Timecode/Sync Sync Out. If not
using the Sync Out of the PIX 240, set the Sync Out to Off. When using the Lockit to generate the
Sync (genlock) for a camera, the frame rate and resolution must be set for the camera’s sync input.
Consult the camera’s documentation for information of which rates are accepted.
Additionally, there are two advanced modes under Timecode/Sync Sync Out: Genlock, Follows Video In and Wordclock, Follows Video In. Genlock, Follows Video In can be used to slave
another camera’s or audio recorder’s genlock input to the camera feeding the PIX. Likewise, Word-
clock, Follows Video In can be used to slave an external audio recorder to the camera driving the
PIX to achieve perfect audio sync with zero drift. Drift is less likely to be an issue when recordings
are kept short.
Advanced: Tuning the PIX’s internal Lockit
The PIX 240 contains a full Ambient® Lockit generator which has an ultra-stable, temperature-compensated internal oscillator. This oscillator comes from the factory pre-tuned to a very tight reference
central clock. This oscillator can be tuned by the user by utilizing Ambient’s ACC501 Clockit Controller. This can be helpful on a larger production utilizing several PIX 240s to have the least amount
of error possible. The tuning is performed by connecting the Clockit Controller to the PIX 240’s
LEMO connector and following the instrutions on the Clockit Controller.
PIX 220 Timecode Features
The PIX 220 is able to read timecode that is embedded on the HDMI video signal. Check your
camera’s documentation to determine if the camera is able to send timecode over its HDMI output.
When the Setup Menu option Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode is set to Ext TC (HDMI), and a
camera is sending valid timecode embedded in the HDMI signal, the PIX 220 will stamp recorded
fi les with this timecode. This also allows for the PIX 220 to optionally begin recording when it senses
advancing timecode. see Triggering Recording from External Timecode
Timecode Modes
Freerun Timceode Mode
Generator mode. Timecode runs continuously. The value can be set by “jamming value” in the Setup
Menu option Timecode/Sync Jam Received TC or by manually se ing a value from the Setup
Menu option Timecode/Sync
Record Run Timecode Mode
Generator mode. The recorder sends running timecode while recording and stationary timecode
while not recording. Timecode in this mode defaults to the last stationary value at power-up. When
switching to record run from another mode, the internal generator will stop at the last number generated. A user-defi ned value can be jammed into the internal generator from the Setup Menu option
Timecode/Sync Set Generator TC.
Set Generator TC.
External Timecode Mode (PIX 240)
Reader mode. The PIX 240’s internal timecode generator follows an external timecode signal appearing at the time code input or timecode embedded on the SDI or HDMI input (see SDI Input Embedded
Timecode). If the external timecode is removed the internal generator continues to run to preserve
continuous timecode.
27
Page 34
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Timecode Frame Rate
In External mode, if the incoming frame rate does not match the frame rate as set in Video File
Resolution/Rate, the timecode frame rate display will appear orange to notify the user. The PIX will
still record using the File Resolution/Rate.
External - HDMI Timecode Mode (PIX 220)
This information applies to the PIX 220 only. HDMI embedded timecode on the PIX 240 is treated like
all other external timecode sources. see External Timecode Mode (PIX 240)
When the Setup Menu option Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode is set to Ext TC (HDMI), and a
camera is sending valid timecode embedded in the HDMI signal, the PIX 220 will stamp recorded
fi les with this timecode.
Timecode Input Sources
LEMO 5-pin
The LEMO 5-pin connection provides access to timecode input, timecode output, and Ambient®
tuning. Several Sound Devices cable accessories split this connection to input and output connectors on BNC (XL-LB2), XLR (XL-LX), or LEMO 5-pin (XL-LL). To accept timecode at the LEMO 5-pin
input, the Setup Menu option Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode must be set to Ext TC (LTC). If
timecode is present on the Timecode BNC connection, it will take precedence over timecode on the
LEMO 5-pin connection.
Timecode BNC
The Timecode BNC will provide timecode output (by default) or timecode input. When the Setup
Menu option Timecode/Sync Timecode BNC is set to Timecode Input and Setup Menu option
Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode is set to Ext TC (LTC), timecode at Timecode BNC connection
will take precedence over timecode on the LEMO 5-pin input.
SDI Input Embedded Timecode
The PIX 240 can use timecode embedded in the SDI or HDMI input signal. Timecode/Sync Time-
code Mode must be set to Ext TC (SDI, HDMI).
HDMI Input Embedded Timecode
The PIX recorders can use timecode embedded in the HDMI input signal. Timecode/Sync Time-
code Mode must be set to Ext TC (SDI, HDMI) on the PIX 240 or Ext TC (HDMI) on the PIX 220.
Synchronization/Timecode Examples
The following examples illustrate common scenarios where synchronization can be employed with
the PIX 240 and other devices.
28
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 35
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Single Video Camera, no Genlock
In this scenario, the video camera is the master source of the video sync. The timecode can either be
read from the camera or be generated by the PIX 240. The accuracy of the recording is dependent on
the internal clock accuracy of the camera.
To receive timecode from the camera, set Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode to Ext TC (LTC) for
cameras that output standard SMPTE timecode to the PIX 240’s Timecode BNC or LEMO 5-pin
input. Alternatively, the PIX 240 can receive timecode from the SDI or HDMI input (if the camera
sends timecode in this way) by se ing Timecode/Sync Timecode Mode to Ext TC (SDI, HDMI).
The Setup Menu option Timecode/Sync Sync Out can be set to several valid se ings, including
the following:
• Off - sync signal is disabled.
• Genlock, Follows Video In - Genlock for another camera is derived from the video signal of
the single camera.
• Wordclock, Follows Video In - Wordclock for an audio device is derived from the video sig-
nal of the single camera.
Single Camera with Genlock Input, Genlocked from PIX
In this scenario, the PIX 240 is the master source of video sync. Set the output of the sync generator
to a selected rate and connect the PIX 240 Sync Out (Genlock) to the same camera. Feed the timecode
output of the PIX 240 into the timecode input of the camera.
Multiple Cameras with Genlock Input,
all Genlocked from a Single PIX
29
Page 36
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
In this scenario, a PIX 240 is the master sync source for multiple cameras , each with or without their
own PIX acting as a recorder. Because of this locked connection, the cameras can be run indefi nitely
and be assured of frame-accurate sync with no possibility of drift.
Set the output of the sync generator to a selected rate and connect the PIX 240 Sync Out (Genlock)
and timecode output to multiple cameras (“mult” the genlock output). This connection uses the PIX
240 as both the video sync source and timecode source. Heads and tails sync for the camera’s and
PIX fi les will be perfect.
Camera #1 to PIX #1, Camera #2 to PIX #2, No Genlock
In this scenario, each camera is its own master video sync source , but the PIX is the source of the
timecode. The PIX 240 records its fi les based on the camera’s clock. The heads will match perfectly,
but the tails may drift depending on the cameras’ clocks.
Camera to PIX with Word Clock Connection to Audio Recorder
The word clock output on the PIX 240 is synchronous with incoming video signal. The word clock
output can be used to sync external audio recorders to any camera. To enable word clock output, set
Setup Menu item Timecode/Sync Sync Out to Wordclock, Follows Video In.
External Control
Triggering Recording from External Timecode
The PIX 240 can be confi gured to record only when running timecode is present on the 5-pin
LEMO, the Timecode BNC, or embedded timecode on the SDI or HDMI input. The PIX 220 can be
30
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 37
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
confi gured to record only when running timecode is present on HDMI input. The device that is
sending timecode to the PIX recorder must be confi gured to send running timecode when recording
and stopped timecode when not recording (often referred to as “Rec Run”). To make the PIX recorder record automatically when running timecode is sensed on the timecode input:
1. Set Setup Menu option System
2. Make sure that the device that is sending timecode is confi gured to send stopped timecode
while stopped and running timecode while recording.
Triggering from external timecode will not cause the PIX 240 to automatically stamp external timecode
to recorded fi les. The timecode stamped to fi les is determined by the se ing Timecode/Sync Time-
code Mode
Rec Start/Stop to Timecode
Triggering Recording from SDI Flag Bits
Start and stop fl ags embedded in the SDI signal from some cameras can be used to start and stop
recording of the PIX 240. To enable this feature, set Setup Menu option System Rec Start/Stop to
the SDI Flag option that refers to the manufacturer of the connected camera.
LANC
The LANC protocol can be used to start and stop recording of the PIX. A standard LANC controller
can be plugged into the 2.5 mm LANC connector on the right panel of the PIX recorder. When Setup
Menu option System Rec Start/Stop is to LANC In, the PIX recorder will follow commands from
the LANC controller. LANC commands recognized by the PIX recorder are Start and Stop recording.
To send LANC commands from a controller to both a camera and a PIX recorder (or to use more
than one PIX recorder), parallel the LANC signal with a Y-cable running to both the camera and the
PIX. Set the Setup Menu option System Rec Start/Stop to LANC (parallel) for any paralleled PIX
units.
Switch Contact Closure
The 2.5 mm LANC connector can alternatively be confi gured to function as a standard GPIO logic
connection by se ing the Setup Menu option System Rec Start/Stop to Switch Closure or
Switch Momentary. When in either of these modes, the 2.5 mm TRS “LANC” connection is no
longer used as a LANC input and the recorder will no longer function with a LANC controller. The
wiring of the TRS connector is:
• Tip: Switch Input
• Ring: +5V LED voltage output (for illuminating an LED light for record tally)
• Sleeve: Ground
When the Setup Menu option System Rec Start/Stop to Switch Closure, recording will begin
when the Switch Input (tip) is connected to ground (sleeve) and recording will stop when the Switch
Input (tip) is disconnected from ground (sleeve). When the Setup Menu option System Rec
Start/Stop to Switch Momentary, recording will begin when the Switch Input (tip) is connected to
ground (sleeve) and recording will stop when the Switch Input (tip) is connected to ground (sleeve)
a subsequent time.
To use the LED output, connect an LED between the 2.5mm ring and sleeve with a series resistor.
The anode (+) of the LED should connect to the ring and the cathode (-) to the sleeve. A good starting
point for the resistor value is 220 ohms, but the value depends on the particular LED used. The ring
is internally connected to 5V when recording (and to 0V otherwise) with a series 100 ohm resistor.
31
Page 38
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
USB Keyboard
The PIX recorders support standard USB keyboards connected to the USB A connector on the Right
Panel. The keyboard can be used to navigate menus, enter text, and start and stop recording. The following table shows common functions for an a ached keyboard:
Keyboards with integrated USB hubs are not supported.
F1 Displays the Setup Menu. Functions the same as the MENU button.
F2 Displays the File View. Functions the same as the FILES button.
F3 Displays the Audio View. Functions the same as the AUDIO button.
Menu Key Displays the Setup Menu. Functions the same as the MENU button.
Arrow Keys Up / Down keys navigate menus and move the highlight. Right / Left keys move cursor during text entry.
Return/Enter Confirms highlighted elements. Functions the same as pushing the Control Knob.
Escape Exits / cancels current dialog.
Page Up
Page Down
End Moves the highlight to the end of a list.
Home Moves the highlight to the beginning of a list.
Moves the highlight to the top or bottom of displayed list elements.
Storage Devices
Supported Storage Devices
Sound Devices maintains a list of storage devices that are approved for use with the PIX recorders.
An up-to-date list of supported storage devices can be found online: h p://www.sounddevices.com/
approved
Approved mechanical drives are recommended for use only in stationary applications. Excessive vibration
or motion may cause data corruption when using mechanical drives.
PIX-CADDY
The PIX-CADDY allows for simple, quick, and solid connection and removal of drives for fi le stor-
age and exchange. When connected to a PIX recorder, whether powered on or off , the caddy’s USB
3.0, FireWire 800 connections are disabled. When the PIX-CADDY is removed from a PIX recorder, it
operates as a high-speed data interface for transferring fi les from the drive to a computer. Only one
data connection can be used at a time. See PIX-CADDY documentation for details on a aching a 2.5”
drive to the PIX-CADDY.
eSATA
An external storage device can be used instead of the PIX-CADDY. When the PIX-CADDY is removed, the eSATAp is exposed. An external storage device with an eSATAp connector can be
a ached to the PIX recorder’s eSATAp Connector with a standard eSATAp cable. The drive in the
enclosure must be an approved drive.
32
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 39
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
This port can be used to power an external drive via 5V eSATAp, or it can be used with powered
external enclosures using an eSATA (non-powered) cable.
File Storage
PIX recorders format and write to a UDF (v2.50) fi lesystem. The UDF fi lesystem is readable and writ-
able by Mac OS X, Windows 7, and Windows Vista. Files stored in a UDF fi lesystem are not restrict-
ed to 4GB, unlike FAT32 (a commonly utilized fi lesystem in other digital recorders). 2.5” drive and
CF storage devices to be used with the PIX recorder must be forma ed from the PIX recorder.
Mounting PIX forma ed UDF volumes to virtual machines is not supported.
UDF volumes are not readable by Windows XP. A third-party UDF driver that enables writing to
UDF volumes is available for Windows XP, however it is not offi cially supported for use with PIX for-
ma ed volumes: h p://www.softarch.com/EN/Product/WriteUDFWin.html
Formatting
To format a drive:
1. Make sure the CF or 2.5” drive to be forma ed is connected to the recorder.
2. Open Setup Menu option File Storage Erase/Re-format.
3. Choose the appropriate Erase/Re-format sub-option for the drive to be forma ed (SSD or
CF).
4. A confi rmation dialog will appear: “All data will be erased. Continue?”. Turn the control
knob to select OK.
5. Use the displayed on-screen keyboard (or an external USB keyboard, if a ached) to enter a
volume label for the drive, and then use the Control Knob to select OK to initiate the format.
Target Storage Device for Recording
The PIX recorder can record directly to approved CF or 2.5” drives. The Setup Menu option File
Storage Primary Drive controls which drive will be wri en to depending on which drives are
a ached. When the primary drive is full, the PIX recorder can be confi gured to automatically begin
recording to the other drive or stop recording, with the Setup Menu option File Storage When
Drive is Full.
Notes on automatic drive switching:
• If the drive that is set as the primary drive is not a ached when the Record bu on is pressed,
the PIX will record to the alternate drive (if present).
33
Page 40
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
• In order for automatic switching to occur, the drive to be switched to must be a ached and
mounted prior to hi ing Record. Drives that are not mounted prior to hi ing record will not be
available for automatic switching until recording is Stopped.
File Management and Metadata
File View
Files recorded on the PIX recorder are compiled in the File View as a list of clips. Push the Files
bu on to access the File View. Clips are arranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. Turn the
Control Knob to highlight individual rows in File View.
When the reel number is changed (File Storage Reel) and a new clip is recorded, a new group
will be created in the fi le list. Rows with a grey background indicate a group of clips by Reel num-
ber. The number of clips in the reel is indicated, and the total size (in GB) of the clips within the
reel is also indicated. To browse the clips within a group, highlight the group and push the Control
Knob.
Clips that exceed the time set in Setup Menu option File Storage File Split every will consist of
more than one fi le and be grouped into one row in the File View. Clips grouped in this way will be
indicated with a number following the clip name. This number represents the amount of fi les in the
clip. Pushing the Control Knob when a multi-fi le clip is highlighted will open a sub-list of the fi les
that make up the clip.
Reel group
Number of clips in the reel
indicated in brackets. Press
Control Knob to expand or
collapse.
Clip
Single file clip. Press Control
Knob to view details. Press
Play to play.
Clip
Multi-file clip. Number of
files in the clip indicated in
brackets. Press Control Knob
to expand or collapse. Press
Play to play first file.
File
File of a multi-file clip. Only
shown when clip is expanded.
Press Control Knob to view
details. Press Play to play.
File Details
Highlight a fi le and push the Control Knob to view the File Details of that fi le. File detail includes:
• Start time code
• Timecode frames-per-second
• Timecode user bits
• Video resolution
• Video frame rate
• Video codec
• Media
• File size
• Duration
• Audio Format
34
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 41
Deleting a File
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
To delete a fi le:
1. Push the fi les bu on to enter the File View.
2. Scroll with the Control Knob to highlight and select the fi le to be deleted.
3. Highlight and select the Delete option. A dialog will appear to confi rm the deletion. Turn the
Control Knob to highlight and select “OK”.
File Size Limit
To aid in maintaining manageable fi le sizes, the PIX recorder will automatically begin writing a new
fi le after a set amount of minutes has elapsed in a recording. The beginning of this new fi le will be
seamless to the ending of the previous fi le. The default time before spli ing the fi le is 60 minutes.
The Setup Menu option File Storage File Split every adjusts the amount of time before a fi le split
occurs.
File Naming
Files are named according to the fi le name format as set with Setup Menu option File Storage File
Name Format. The options for fi le name format include various combinations of CamID, Reel, Clip,
Scene/Shot, and Take metadata fi elds.
RED File Format
When the Setup Menu option File Storage File Name Format is set to RED File Format, the PIX
240 will:
• Generate fi les that follow the same naming convention used by RED cameras.
• Extract the CamID, Reel number, and Clip number from the SDI input signal from a RED One
or RED Epic camera and apply it to the fi le name and appropriate metadata fi elds of each
recorded fi le.
See Metadata
35
Page 42
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Metadata
Several parameters can be set within the Setup Menu File Storage to aid in the organization of fi les.
This metadata can be used in naming the fi le which is to be recorded. Folders are created on the 2.5”
drive or CF card based on the Reel number. The Reel number and start timecode value are recorded
within the Quicktime’s metadata fi elds.
CamID
The CamID fi eld consists of a single alpha character. It is intended to indicate which physical camera
shot the content for the take.
Reel
The reel can be considered a container for all assets generated during a recording session or day’s work. This fi eld con-
sists of a numeric value between 1 and 999. It is intended to
indicate what reel the recording is part of. The PIX recorder
will create a folder at the root level for each Reel. Recorded
fi les are placed inside the current Reel folder.
Clip
The Clip fi eld consists of a numeric value between 1 and 999. It is intended to indicate what clip
number the recording is. This fi eld can be set manually and will increment each time a new fi le is
recorded. The Clip number will reset to 1 when the Reel number is changed.
Scene/Shot
The Scene/Shot fi eld consists of a alpha-numeric value. Use this fi eld to indicate a descriptive name
for the current scene or shot.
Take
The Take fi eld consists of a numeric value between 1 and 999. It is intended to indicate what take
number the clip is, relative to the scene. This fi eld can be set manually and will increment each time
a new fi le is recorded. The Take number will reset to 1 when the Scene name is changed.
Transfering Files to a Computer
Quicktime fi les on PIX forma ed storage volumes (2.5” drive, CF card, or any external storage
device) can be copied to a computer by removing the storage device from the PIX recorder and connecting it to a computer. Storage devices forma ed with the PIX recorder use the UDF fi lesystem. See
File Storage
The Firewire 800 and USB 3.0 connectors on the PIX-CADDY are disabled when the PIX-CADDY is
a ached to the PIX recorder. When a aching the PIX-CADDY to a computer, either the Firewire 800
or the USB 3.0 connection must be used; Not both.
Sound Devices recommends fi rst copying fi les from the 2.5” drive or CF card to the computer fi rst
and then editing the fi les. It is not recommended to edit fi les directly off of the 2.5” drive or CF card.
Do not copy fi les from a computer (or any other host device) to a drive that is intended to be used by the
PIX recorder. If this occurs, it is advisable to format the drive with the PIX recorder before making new
recordings.
36
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 43
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Firmware Upgrades
At times, Sound Devices makes updates available for PIX recorders. These updates are easy to apply:
1. Download the new .prg fi le from the Sound Devices website.
2. Copy this fi le to the CF card or 2.5” drive, and insert into the PIX recorder.
3. Ensure that the power source for the PIX recorder is reliable. Power loss during a fi rmware
upgrade process can produce unexpected results.
4. From the System menu in the Setup Menu, select Firmware Update. The PIX recorder will
search for the .prg fi le and give the option to install the fi rst fi le that it fi nds (cancelling this
dialog will cause the PIX to search for another .prg on any a ached storage devices). When
the correct .prg fi le has been located, highlight the OK bu on and push the Control Knob to
begin the fi rmware update.
5. The PIX will verify that the fi le is not corrupted, then it will update the fi rmware. When done
the unit will need to be powered down and then back up.
Setup Management
Saving and Loading Setup Files
To save all of the se ings to a setup fi le, select the Setup Menu option Quick Setup Save Settings
to SSD or Save Settings to CF. Use the on-screen keyboard (or a ached USB keyboard) to enter
a name for the setup fi le. This will save all of the current se ings to an XML fi le on the root of the
selected storage device. To load a previously saved setup fi le, select the Setup Menu option Quick
Setup Load Settings from SSD or Load Settings from CF.
For a complete list of available Setup Menu options, see Setup Menu Options.
Forma ing a storage device will also remove any setup fi les that are on the drive. Setup fi les can be stored
on a computer and copied back to a CF or 2.5” drive to be loaded on the PIX recorder.
Custom Default Settings and Setup Menu Option Visibility
The Setup Menu option Quick Setup Load Factory Settings loads a setup that is saved inter-
nally to the PIX when it leaves the factory. It is possible to alter this “factory” setup, so that the Setup
Menu option Quick Setup Load Factory Settings will load a custom default.
It is also possible to hide specifi c Setup Menu parameters and options. This is useful for Setup Menu
options that are not commonly used in a particular workfl ow, or to simplify use when lending the
unit to another user.
To customize defaults and Setup Menu option visibility:
1. A ach a USB keyboard to the PIX recorder’s USB keyboard jack.
2. Press the MENU bu on to enter the Setup Menu.
3. Press Ctrl + Alt + F10 on the keyboard. If this is the fi rst time this action has been performed
since powering the PIX recorder up, a password dialog will appear. Enter the password (the
default password is “default”).
37
Page 44
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
4. After the correct password has been entered, the Se ings Customization Menu will appear.
Select Edit Menu & Default Values.
5. The Setup Menu will be shown with a colored background. There will be check boxes next to
each menu item. Navigate the menu with the Control Knob, as usual.
6. To to change the visibility of an item in the Setup Menu, push the spacebar on the keyboard
while the item is highlighted. Checked items will be displayed in the Setup Menu and unchecked items will not be displayed.
38
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 45
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Crossed out items will be hidden
7. Se ings changed at this point will become the default se ings.
8. When fi nished, press Esc or F1 on the keyboard. This will show the Se ings Customization
Menu again. Select any of the save options.
Keep a record of the password, if it is changed. A lost password could result in undesirable limitations.
The Se ings Customization Menu option Reset to Factory Settings will make all Setup Menu
items visible and revert default se ings to factory defaults.
39
Page 46
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Setup Menu Options
The Setup Menu controls a wide range of parameters for the PIX. The parameters are organized into
categories, making the setup Menu easy to navigate. The following tables show the parameter name,
a description, options available, and the factory default se ing where applicable.
Default se ings can be altered. See Setup Management
File Storage
# Parameter Name Description Options
Primary Drive
1
When Drive is Full
2
File Split Every
3
File Name Format
4
CamID »A
5
Reel
6
Clip »1
7
Scene/Shot » “Scene 1”
8
Take »1
9
Erase/Reformat
10
Selects which storage device to record to.
Whether or not to automatically switch to the other
storage device if the primary drive becomes full while
recording.
Choose the recording time that will elapse before a
new file is created automatically. Since ProRes and
DNxHD codecs are variable bit rate, the size of each
file will vary, even though the running time will be the
same.
The format for file names as they are written to the
drive.
» SSD
• CF
» Stop recording
• Switch to other drive
• 1 min
• 5 min
• 10 min
• 15 min
• 30 min
» 60 min
» Drive_Reel_Clip.mov
• Reel_Clip.mov
• CamID_Reel_Clip.mov
• Reel_Scene_Take.mov
• Scene_Take.mov
• RED File Format
(single alpha to “Z”).
• 1
(numeric)
(numeric)
(multi alphanumeric)
(numeric)
• Erase/Re-format: SSD
• Erase/Re-format: CF
40
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 47
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Video
# Parameter Name Description Options
Video Input
1
File Resolution/Rate
1
2
Codec
2
3
Input PsF Detect
3
4
Physical source to derive recorded video from. • HDMI
» SDI
The resolution and frame to convert input video to.
This will affect files recorded and all video outputs.
The video codec to use for encoding. Note for DNxHD
that the rates listed are assuming 1080p30. If a different resolution and frame rate is selected, the PIX
recorder will use the corresponding DNxHD data rate.
When set to “Auto”, the PIX will sense PsF signal
based on a flag within the signal stream. Most devices
with SDI output will provide this flag, however some
SDI outputs and all HDMI outputs will not provide this
flag. When sending PsF signal from these devices,
choose “Interpret 1080i as PsF”
» Same as Video Input
• 1080p30/29.97
• 1080p25
• 1080p24/23.976
• 1080i60/59.94
• 1080i50
• 1080PsF30/29.97
• 1080PsF25
• 1080PsF24/23.976
• 720p60/59.94
• 720p50
• 720p30/29.97
• 720p25
• 720p24/23.976
• 576i59 (PAL)
• 480i59.94 (NTSC)
• DNxHD 220x 220Mb/s, 10bit
• DNxHD 220 220Mb/s, 8bit
• DNxHD 145 145Mb/s, 8bit
• DNxHD 36 36Mb/s, 8bit
• ProRes 422HQ 220Mb/s, 10bit
» ProRes 422 145Mb/s, 10bit
• ProRes 422LT 100Mb/s, 8bit
• ProRes 422Proxy 36Mb/s, 8bit
» Auto
• Interpret 1080i as PsF
Audio
# Parameter Name Description Options
Audio Input
1
Analog 1 Source
2
Analog 2 Source
3
Physical source to derive recorded audio from.
Selects the input level and whether or not phantom
power should be applied to analog input 1.
Selects the input level and whether or not phantom
power should be applied to analog input 2.
» Analog XLR
• AES (Digital) XLR 1-2ch
• AES (Digital) XLR 1-4ch
• SDI/HDMI 2ch
• SDI 4ch
• SDI 6ch
• SDI 8ch
• Analog 2ch + SDI/HDMI 2ch
• Analog 2ch + SDI 4ch
• Analog 2ch + SDI 6ch
• OFF
» Mic
• Mic 48V
• Line
• Line 48V
» Mic
• Mic 48V
• Line
• Line 48V
41
Page 48
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
# Parameter Name Description Options
Analog 1 Low cut
4
Analog 2 Low cut
5
Low cut Slope
6
input Limiter (1,2)
7
Analog 1 Polarity
8
Analog 2 Polarity
9
Input 1 Delay
10
Input 2 Delay
11
Input 3 Delay
12
Input 4 Delay
13
Input Linking
12
14
Output Source - XLR
13
15
Output XLR 1 Attenuation
14
16
Output XLR 2 Attenuation
15
17
Headphone Source
16
18
Headphone: LCD A/V Align
17
19
Engages low-cut filter on analog Input 1 at the specified frequency.
Engages low-cut filter on analog Input 2 at the specified frequency.
Selects the curve of the analog low-cut filters. • 6dB/oct
Toggles input limiters on analog inputs.
Selects normal or inverse polarity for analog Input 1.
Selects normal or inverse polarity for analog Input 2.
Applies the specified amount (in milliseconds) of
digital delay to Input 1.
Applies the specified amount (in milliseconds) of
digital delay to Input 2.
Applies the specified amount (in milliseconds) of
digital delay to Input 3.
Applies the specified amount (in milliseconds) of
digital delay to Input 4.
Selects whether Input 1 and Input 2 gains are controlled independantly (Unlinked), together (1-2), or
together with MS decoding (1-2MS).
The audio channels sent to the analog XLR outputs.
Left of the comma represents left output and right of
the comma represents right output.
Attenuate analog output 1 by 1 dB increments.
Attenuate analog output 2 by 1 dB increments
The audio channels sent to the headphone output.
Left of the comma represents left headphone channel
and right of the comma represents right headphone
channel.
Delays audio to Headphone output to align with video
on LCD.
» OFF
• 40Hz
• 80Hz
• 120Hz
• 160Hz
• 200Hz
• 240Hz
» OFF
• 40Hz
• 80Hz
• 120Hz
• 160Hz
• 200Hz
• 240Hz
» 12dB/oct
»On
• Off
» Normal
• Reverse
» Normal
• Reverse
» 0ms
(numeric 0-200)
» 0ms
(numeric 0-200)
» 0ms
(numeric 0-200)
» 0ms
(numeric 0-200)
» Unlinked
• 1-2
• 1-2MS
» 1,2
• 3,4
• 5,6
• 7,8
• 1357,2468
• 12345678
» 0 dB
(numeric 0-20)
» 0 dB
(numeric 0-20)
» 1,2
• 3,4
• 5,6
• 7,8
• 1357,2468
• 12345678
» Off
• On
42
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 49
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Timecode/Sync
# Parameter Name Description Options
Timecode Mode
1
Drop Frame Enable
2
Sync Out
3
Timecode BNC
4
Auto-Record Hold Off » 0 sec
2
5
Jam Received TC
6
Jam time Of Day
7
Set Generator TC
8
Set Generator UBits
9
File Start TC Offset
3
10
Sets the running mode for the internal timecode
generator and/or the method which the PIX recorder
receives SMPTE timecode..
Enable or disable drop frame timecode.
Determines whether the signal on the Sync Output
BNC is genlock or wordclock, and determines the
sync reference for that signal. When settings of a
resolution / frame rate are selected, the Sync Out
BNC will supply genlock signal at the specified rate
that reference the internal Ambient® Lockit.
Selects whether the Timecode BNC functions as an
input or output for SMPTE timecode.
Opens a dialog that displays incoming timecode
value in realtime (RxTC), incoming userbits (UB),
transmitting/internal (Ambient® Lockit) timecode value
(GENTC), and transmitting/internal userbits (UB).
Sets the internal timecode clock to the current time
of day.
Sets the Ambient® Lockit timecode generator value in
HH:MM:SS.FF format.
Sets userbits of the Ambient® Lockit timecode
generator.
Sets the amount of offset (in frames) to apply to the
timecode value that is stamped to recorded files. This
setting does not affect timecode output of the PIX 240.
» Off
• Freerun
• Record run
• Ext TC (LTC)
» Ext TC (SDI, HDMI)
• Ext TC (HDMI) PIX 220 only
» Off
• On
» Off
• 1080p30
• 1080p29.97
• 1080p29.97df
• 1080p25
• 1080p24
• 1080p23.976
• 1080i60/PsF30
• 1080i59.94/PsF29.97nd
• 1080i59.94/PsF29.97df
• 1080i50/PsF25
• 1080PsF24
• 1080PsF23.976
• 720p60
• 720p59.94 (29.97nd)
• 720p59.94 (29.97df)
• 720p50
• 720p60
• 720p30
• 720p29.97nd
• 720p29.97df
• 720p25
• 720p24
• 720p23.976
• 576i50 (PAL)
• 480i59.94 (29.97nd NTSC)
• 480i59.94 (29.97df NTSC)
• Genlock, Follows Video In
• Wordclock, Follows Video In
• Timcode Output
» Timecode Input
(numeric 0-8)
• Push Control Knob to jam inter-
nal timecode to incoming (RxTC)
timecode.
• Push Menu button to back out.
» 00:00:00.00
(Timecode value)
» 00 00 00 00
(Hex: 00-FF for each slot)
»0
(numeric -10 to +10)
43
Page 50
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
LCD Monitor
# Parameter Name Description Options
Exposure Assist » False Color, 12-step
1
Focus Assist » Peaking
2
Zebra 1 Level » 70 IRE +/-5%
3
Zebra 2 Threshold » 85 IRE
4
Peaking Color
5
Peaking Sensitivity
6
Peaking Background Con-
7
trast
Flip Display » Off
8
• False Color, 4-step
• Zebras 1
• Zebras 2
• Zebras 1+2
• Edge Enhance
(numeric 50-108)
(numeric 70-108)
• White
» Red
• Blue
• Green
• Yellow
• High
» Mid
• Low
»1x
• 0.5x
• 0.25x
• No Background
• On
On-Screen Display
# Parameter Name Description Options
ABS Time
1
File Codec
2
File Name
3
File Resolution/Rate
4
Input - Audio
5
Input - Video
6
Headphone Source
7
Metering
8
Ext DC Status
9
Battery Status
10
Time/date
11
Display of absolute record time.
Display of current file codec
Display of current file name
Display of current file resolution
Display of auio input levels for channels 1 and 2
Display of input audio source and channel count
Display of headphone audio source
Display of audio meters for inputs 1 and 2
Display of voltage for external DC input
Display of voltage levels for both onboard Li-ion batteries
Display of time of day and date
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
44
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 51
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
# Parameter Name Description Options
12
12
13
14
Timecode
SSD Status
CF Status
Cue Marker
Display of current timecode value
Display of time remaining (or offline) status of the
SSD
Display of time remaining (or offline) status of the CF
card
Display of cue information during playback
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
»On
• Off
System
# Parameter Name Description Options
Test Signal Generator » Off
1
• On
Audio Tone Level
2
HP Warning Bell Level
3
Time Zone
4
Daylight Saving
5
Time Format
6
Date Format
7
Set Date/Time
8
Rec Start/Stop
9
Rec button File Split
10
Playback Mode
11
Shortcuts
12
Info
13
Update Software
14
The level (in dBFS) of generated audio tone.
Adjusts the level of the heaphone warning bell sound
Selects the international timezone
Toggles daylight saving on or off for the time-of-day
clock
Selects between 12 or 24 hour format for the time-ofday clock
Selects between MM/DD/YY and DD/MM/YY date
format
Set the time and date
Determines what method the PIX recorder uses to
automatically start and stop recording.
Whether or not a new file will be created when the
REC button is pushed during recording.
Upon reaching the end of a file during playback, the
PIX recorder will return to the Main View (Play Once)
or pause on the last frame (Play Once - Pause)
Displays a dialog that shows all shortcut button combinations. This is not a setting, but a helpful reference.
Displays a dialog indicating firmware version and
serial number. This is not a setting, but a helpful reference.
Searches attached drives for a .prg firmware file and
begins the firmware update process.
» -20dBFS
(numeric -40 - 0)
» -20dBFS
(Off to -12dBFS)
» (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US)
(All GMT zones)
» Off
• On
» 12h
• 24h
» MM/DD/YY
• DD/MM/YY
» Switch Closure
• Switch Momentary
• LANC In
• LANC Through
SDI Flag - RED
•
• SDI Flag - Panasonic
• SDI Flag - Panasonic (Varicam)
• SDI Flag - Canon
• SDI Flag - Sony
• SDI Flag - Arri
• SDI Flag - PIX
• Timecode
• On
» Off
» Play Once
• Play Once - Pause
45
Page 52
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Quick Setup
# Parameter Name Description Options
Load Factory Settings
1
Load Settings From SSD
2
Load Settings From CF
3
Save Settings to SSD
4
Save Settings to CF
5
Loads default setup
Loads selected setup from setups saved on the SSD • All settings files located on SSD
Loads selected setup from setups saved on the CF • All settings files located on CF
Opens dialog to name and save current setup to SSD
Opens dialog to name and save current setup to CF
Button Shortcuts
Button Combination Effect
AUDIO + Control Knob push Select headphone audio source.
AUDIO + Control Knob rotate Adjust headphone gain.
LCD + Control Knob push Adjust LCD and button brightness.
Hold LCD Turns off LCD display.
MENU + FILES Button lock options: Unlock Buttons, Lock Non-Transport Buttons, or Lock All Buttons.
STOP + REW False take.
LCD + AUDIO Toggle Zoom on LCD display
LCD + MENU Toggle Focus Assist on LCD display
LCD + FILES Toggle Exposure Assist on LCD display
PLAY + FF Begin looping between cue points when in loop playback mode
PLAY + REW Begin looping of clip when in loop playback mode
FILES When in playback mode: Set a cue point
Hold FILES When in playback mode: Delete last cue point
46
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 53
Connector Pin Assignments
Connector Pin Assignments Notes
XLR-F
(Analog inputs)
1–ground
2–signal (+)
3–signal (-)
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Mates with XLR-Male connector
7.5k ohm input impedance, mic level
20k ohm input impedance, line level, activebalanced
XLR-F
(AES inputs)
XLR-M 5-pin
(Analog outputs)
3.5mm TRS
(Headphone output)
BNC
(Timecode output)
BNC
(SDI input & SDI output)
BNC
(Genlock or Wordclock
output)
5-pin LEMO
Timecode I/O
2.5mm TRS
LANC
2.5mm TRS
GPIO
eSATAp Female
USB-A
Keyboard Input
1–ground
2–signal (+)
3–signal (-)
1– Ground
2– Channel 1 Positive (+)
3– Channel 1 Negative (-)
4– Channel 2 Positive (+)
5– Channel 2 Negative (-)
Tip–signal L
Ring–signal R
Sleeve–signal ground
Center pin–signal
Sleeve–ground
1–ground
2–SMPTE TC In
3–ASCII in/out
4–tuning out
5–SMPTE TC out
Tip–switch closure
Ring-LED driver
Shield–ground
Mates with XLR-Male connector
Transformer balanced
AES3 specification
Mates with XLR-Female 5-pin connector
120 ohm output impedance, active balanced
Mates with 3.5 mm TRS jack.
Mates with BNC male connector
Unbalanced, coaxial connection
Mates with BNC male connector
Unbalanced, coaxial connection, 75 ohm connectors recommended
Mates with BNC male connector
Unbalanced, coaxial connection, 75 ohm connectors recommended
Mates with male LEMO B-series connector
Pin assignments as viewed on panel-mounted
connector
Mates with 2.5 mm male connector
Mates with 2.5 mm male connector
Mates with eSATAp male connector
Accessible only when PIX-CADDY is not
inserted
For use with USB Keyboards only. Data transfer is not supported
Hirose 4-pin
DC Input
1 – ground
2 – not connected
3 – not connected
4 – DC (+)
10-17 Volt DC input. Mates with Sound Devices
XL-NPH and XL-WPH3 powering accessories.
See Accessories for details.
47
Page 54
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Specifi cations - PIX Recorders
Video
HDMI Input & Output
SDI Input & Output
Supported Resolutions /
Rates (Recording, Output,
and Input)
Up Conversion
Cross Conversion
Down Conversion
Frame Rate Conversion
LCD Display
Analog Audio
Frequency Response
THD + Noise
Input Topology
Mic Input Gain
Input Impedance
Input Clipping Level
Gain Matching
High-pass Filters
Mic Powering
Line Output Clipping Level
Output Attenuation
Output Topology
Version 1.4a input, Version 1.3a output, HDCP enabled on input
SMPTE 259 and 292
• 1080p30
• 1080p29.97
• 1080p25
• 1080p24
• 1080p23.976
• 1080i60
480i, 576i to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p, Pillar box, 10 bit
720p, 1080i, 1080p, PsF to 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 10 bit
720p, 1080i, or 1080p to 480i or 576i
• 24,25,30,50,60 to 24,25,30,50,60
• 23.976,29.97,59.94 to 23.976,29.97,59.94
• Automatic 3:2 pulldown removal in 23.976 and 24 modes
• Other pulldown cadences used: 2:2:2:4, 2:3:3:2, 3:2:3:2:2, and 2:2
5-inch LCD; 800x480 resolution
10Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.5dB re 1kHz
0.004% max (1kHz, 22Hz-22kHz BW)
Mic and Line: fully electronically balanced, RF, ESD, short, and overload protected;
pin-2 hot, pin-3 cold
0 to 70dB
3.3k
+8dBu min.
+/- 0.1dB channel to channel
40-240Hz in 40Hz increments, 6 or 12 dB/oct
48V DC in mic or line position
+18dBu
0-20 dB, 1 dB increments
Line: fully electronically-balanced, RF, ESD, short, and overload protected; pin-2 driven hot, pin-3
driven cold; let pin-3 float for unbalanced connections.
• 1080i59.94
• 1080i50
• 1080PsF30
• 1080PsF29.97
• 1080PsF25
• 1080PsF24
• 1080PsF23.976
• 720p60
• 720p59.94
• 720p50
• 720p30 (SDI)
• 720p29.97 (SDI)
• 720p25 (SDI)
• 720p24 (SDI)
• 720p23.976 (SDI)
• 576i50
• 480i59.94
Digital Audio
Sample Rate / Bit Depth
AES3
HDMI
SDI
48
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
48 kHz, 24-bit
4 channels via 2 balanced AES inputs on XLR 3-pin connectors, 110 ohm, 2 V p-p.
Accepts 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 96k, 192k sample rates.
2 channels embedded HDMI input, 8 channels embedded HDMI output.
Accepts 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 96k, 192k sample rates.
8 channels embedded SDI input, 8 channels embedded SDI output, 48k sample rate
Page 55
Storage
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
SSD
CompactFlash
External
Timecode and Sync
Modes Supported
Frame Rates
Accuracy
Timecode Inputs / Outputs
Timecode Input / Output Signal
(LEMO 5-pin and Timecode BNC)
Sync Output
Ambient® Lockit
Power
Batteries
External
PIX 240 Current Draw @ 12V
PIX 220 Current Draw @ 12V
Sound Devices approved 2.5” drives.
Sound Devices approved CompactFlash cards
eSATAp connection, supplies 5V @ 2A
Freerun, Record run, External
23.976, 24, 25, 29.97DF, 29.97ND, 30DF, 30ND
Holds accurate timecode for 2 hours after power is removed
• LEMO 5-pin (input and output)
• SDI Input BNC (input)
• SDI Output BNC (output)
20k ohm impedance, 0.3V p-p (–8 dBu) minimum / 1k ohm impedance, 3.0V p-p (+12 dBu)
• Analog bi-, tri-level sync / Genlock
• Wordclock (Square wave, 48 kHz sampling rate, 3.3vp-p, 75 ohm)
+/- 0.2ppm (½ frame per 24hrs) accuracy, field tunable via Ambient® Controller
• Operating batteries: removable 7.2 V (nominal) Sony L-type Li-ion
• Timecode battery, Internal Li-ion battery
• Time and date battery, CR3025 Li coin cell
10–18 V, via locking 4-pin Hirose connector, use Hirose #HR10-7P-4P (DigiKey# HR100-ND) for
locking mating DC connector; pin-1 (-), pin-4 (+).
1A stop mode, 2.4A record/play mode using SSD
0.8A stop mode, 1.9A record/play mode using SSD
See Sound Devices’ website for a list of
approved media:
http://www.sounddevices.com/approved
• HDMI Input Jack (Input)
• Timecode Input BNC (input or output)
See Powering
Physical
Size (H x W x D)
Weight
Environmental
Operating Temperature
5.5” x 4.0” x 2.4” (14 cm x 10.2 cm x 6.1 cm)
2.0 lbs
-10C to +40C
49
Page 56
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
PIX 220 & PIX 240 CE Declaration of Conformity
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22
Sound Devices, LLC
300 Wengel Drive
Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA
declares that the product, PIX 220 and PIX 240 Video Recorder is in conformity with and passes:
Product Family Application
EN 55103-1
EN 55103-2
Basic Standards (Emissions) Port Tested Test Descriptions Results
CISPR 22 (EN 55022) Enclosure Radiated Emissions, Class B Pass
CISPR 22 (EN 55022) AC Power Por ts Conducted Emissions, Class B Pass
IEC 61000-3-2 EN 61000-3-2 AC Power Ports
IEC 61000-3-3 EN 61000-3-3 AC Power Ports Voltage Fluctuation and Flicker Pass
*EN 55103-1
Phenomena 2,3
Basic Standards (Immunity) Port Tested Test Specifications Results
IEC 61000-4-2 EN 61000-4-2 Enclosure ESD: ±4kV Contact, ±8kV Air Discharge Pass
IEC 61000-4-3 EN 61000-4-3 Enclosure
IEC 61000-4-4 EN 61000-4-4
IEC 61000-4-4 EN 61000-4-4
IEC 61000-4-5 EN 61000-4-5 AC Input Ports
IEC 61000-4-5 EN 61000-4-5 Signal (>30m) Surge: ± 1kV Common Mode N/A
IEC 61000-4-6 EN 61000-4-6
IEC 61000-4-6 EN 61000-4-6
*EN 55103-2
Phenomena 3
IEC 61000-4-11 EN 61000-4-11 AC input ports
EN 55103-1 Enclosure Magnetic Emissions at 1 Meter 50Hz – 50kHz Pass
EN 55103-2 Enclosure Magnetic Immunity 50Hz – 10 KHz Pass
EMC-Product family standard for audio, visual, audio-visual and lighting control apparatus for
EMC-Product family standard for audio, visual, audio-visual and lighting control apparatus for
AC Power Ports
DC Power Ports
Signal (>3m), Con-
trol & Measurement
( >3m)
AC Power Ports
DC Power Ports
Signal (>3m)
(Control & Measure-
ment) (>3m)
professional use - Part 1: Emissions
professional use – Part 2: Immunity
Harmonic Current Emissions (through Amendment 14 of
3V/m, 80% AM @ 1kHz, 80-2700 MHz, 1% step
Surge: ±1kV Differential Mode (line to line)
±2kV Common Mode (line to ground)
3 V, 80% AM modulation @ 1kHz
Voltage Dips and Short Interruptions:
70%, 40% and 5% nominal for 10ms, 100ms, 1 sec and
IEC 61000-4-7)
Radiated RF Immunity:
EFT Burst: ±0.5 kV - ±2kV Pass
EFT Burst: ±0.5kV Pass
Conducted RF Immunity:
3 V 80% AM modulation @ 1kHz
Conducted RF Immunity:
5 sec (50Hz)
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
50
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 57
CE - CISPR Publication Dates
Standard # Date Am.1 Am. 2
ANSI C63.4 2003
CISPR 11 2009-05
CISPR 12 2007-05 2009-01
CISPR 14-1 2005-11 2008-11
CISPR 14-2 2001-11 2001-11 2008-05
CISPR 16-1-1 2006-03 2006-09 2007-07
CISPR 16-1-2 2003 2004-04 2006-07
CISPR 22 2008-09
CISPR 24 1997-09 2001-07 2002-10
EN 55011 2007-05
EN 55014-1 2006
EN 55014-2 1997
EN 55022 2006 2007
EN 60601-1-2 2007-03
EN 61000-3-2 2006-05
EN 61000-3-3 2008-12
EN 61000-4-2 2001 1998 2001
EN 61000-4-3 2006-07 2008-05
EN 61000-4-4 2004
EN 61000-4-5 2006-12
EN 61000-4-6 2007-08
EN 61000-4-8 1993 1994-01
* : Test not on LSR Scope of Accreditation
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Standard # Date Am.1 Am. 2
EN 61000-4-11 2004-10
EN 61000-6-1 2007-02
EN 61000-6-2 2005-12
EN 61000-6-3 2007-02
EN 61000-6-4 2007-02
EN 60601-1-2 2007-03
EN 61000-3-2 2005-11 2008-03 2009-02
EN 61000-3-3 2008-06
EN 61000-4-2 2008-12
EN 61000-4-3 2008-04
EN 61000-4-4 2004-07
EN 61000-4-5 2005-11
EN 61000-4-6 2008-10
EN 61000-4-8 2001-03
EN 61000-4-11 2004-03
EN 61326-1 2006-06
ISO 14082 1998-07
MIL Std. 461E 1999-08
*IEC 60601-2-25 1993 1999-05
*EN 50499 2008-03
EN 55103-1 2009
EN55103-2 2009
Tested by L. S. Compliance, Inc. Cedarburg, Wisconsin
June 14-20, 2011
Ma hew Anderson
Director of Engineering
Sound Devices, LLC
51
Page 58
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Software License
End-user license agreement for Sound Devices PIX Recorder Embedded Software / Firmware
Important Read carefully: This Sound Devices, LLC end-user license agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either
an individual or a single entity) and Sound Devices, LLC for the Sound Devices, LLC software product identifi ed above, which includes
computer software, embedded software, and may include associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation
(“SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By using, installing, or copying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms of this
EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not use or install the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
Software Product License
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws
and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
Grant of license. This EULA grants you the following limited, non-exclusive rights: In consideration of payment of the licensee fee, Sound
Devices, LLC, as licensor, grants to you, the licensee, a non-exclusive right to use this copy of a Sound Devices, LLC software program
(hereinafter the “SOFTWARE”) on a single product and/or computer. All rights not expressly granted to licensee are reserved to Sound
Devices, LLC.
Software ownership. As the licensee, you own the hardware on which the SOFTWARE is recorded or fi xed. Sound Devices, LLC shall
retain full and complete title to the SOFTWARE and all subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the media or form on or in
which the original copies may exist. The license is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE.
Copyright. All rights, title, and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT (including, but not limited to, any images, photographs,
animations, video, audio, music, text, and “applets” incorporated into the SOFTWARE PRODUCT) and any copies of the SOFTWARE
PRODUCT are owned by Sound Devices, LLC or its suppliers. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Therefore, you must treat the SOFTWARE PRODUCT like any other copyrighted material, except that you may
make copies as only provided below. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
Restrictions on use. Licensee may not distribute copies of the SOFTWARE or accompanying materials to others. Licensee may not
modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works based on the SOFTWARE or its accompanying printed or written materials.
Transfer restrictions. Licensee shall not assign, rent, lease, sell, sublicense, or otherwise transfer the SOFTWARE to another party without prior written consent of Sound Devices, LLC. Any party authorized by Sound Devices, LLC to receive the SOFTWARE must agree to
be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement.
Termination. Without prejudice to any other rights, Sound Devices, LLC may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and
conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and all of its component par ts.
Limited Warranty
No warranties. Sound Devices, LLC expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT and
any related documentation is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fi tness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The entire risk arising
out of use or performance of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT remains with you.
No liability for damages. In no event shall Sound Devices, LLC or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without
limitation, damages for loss of business profi ts, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising
out of the use of or inability to use this Sound Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of
such damages. In any case, Sound Devices, LLC’s entire liability under any provision of this evaluation license shall be limited to the
greater of the amount actually paid by you for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or U.S. $5.00. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
Governing Law
This agreement and limited warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Wisconsin.
52
v. 2.0 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Page 59
PIX 220/PIX 240 User Guide and Technical Information
Warranty and Technical Support
Warranty & Service
Sound Devices, LLC warrants the PIX 240 and PIX 220 Portable Video Recorder against defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase.
This is a non-transferable warranty that extends only to the original purchaser. Sound Devices,
LLC will repair or replace the product at its discretion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe
service conditions will be addressed on an individual basis. THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES
SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE. SOUND DEVICES, LLC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOUND DEVICES, LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. Because some jurisdictions do not permit
the exclusion or limitations set forth above, they may not apply in all cases.
For all service, including warranty repair, please contact Sound Devices for an RMA (return merchandise authorization) before sending your unit in for repair. Product returned without an RMA
number may experience delays in repair. When sending a unit for repair, please do not include accessories, including SSD drives, CF cards, ba eries, power supplies, carry cases, cables, or adapters
unless instructed by Sound Devices.
Sound Devices, LLC
Service Repair RMA #XXXXX
300 Wengel Drive
Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA
telephone: (608) 524-0625
Technical Support / Bug Reports
For technical support and bug reporting on all Sound Devices products contact:
Sound Devices, LLC
E-mail: support@sounddevices.com
web: www.sounddevices.com/support/
Telephone: +1 (608) 524-0625 / Toll-Free in the U.S.A.: (800) 505-0625
Fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
Sound Devices hosts a user support forum. The URL is:
h p://forum.sounddevices.com
Sound Devices cannot guarantee that a given computer, software, or operating system confi gura-
tion can be used satisfactorily with the PIX recorder based exclusively on the fact that it meets our
minimum system requirements.
53
Page 60
Page 61
PIX 220 and PIX 240, v 2.0 - Printed in U.S.A.
Loading...