Sound Devices PIX 250i User Manual
PIX 250i
Rack Mount Production Video Recorder
User Guide
Firmware rev. 2.10
E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33, Reedsburg, WI, USA
+1 (608) 524-0625 • Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
www.sounddevices.com
support@sounddevices.com
PIX 250i User Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Manual Conventions .............................1
Panel Descriptions 2
Front Panel ......................................2
Rear Panel
......................................3
PIX-CADDY 2 (Optional)
Menu and Navigation 6
Main View ......................................6
Menu ..........................................7
Audio Screen ....................................8
File List .........................................9
LCD ...........................................11
Inputs and Outputs 12
Video Inputs ...................................12
Video Outputs ..................................12
Audio Inputs ...................................13
Audio Outputs ..................................14
...........................5
Ethernet 16
Video Monitoring Features 17
Exposure Assist .................................17
Focus Assist ....................................19
Zoom .........................................21
Flip Display .....................................21
Recording 22
Sound Devices File Format ........................22
File Splitting ....................................23
False Take ......................................23
Selecting Video File Resolution and Frame Rate .....23
Selecting a Video Codec .........................24
Interruption of Signal During Recording ............24
Alignment of Audio and Video ...................24
Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion 26
Up and Down Conversion ........................27
Playback 29
Playback Operation .............................29
Shuttle Playback Mode
Cue Marker
....................................30
..........................30
Looping Playback ...............................31
Playback Mode
Play List
.................................31
........................................32
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PIX 250i User Guide
Non-Native File Playback .........................33 Playing Back Files on a Computer .................33
Synchronization and Timecode 34
Sync Reference .................................35
Timecode Reader ...............................35
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync
Out ...........................................36
Powering 40
Network Grouping 41
Grouped Settings ...............................41
Pushing Settings to Group ........................42
External Control 44
RS-422 .........................................44
Table of Contents
Web Interface - PIXNET ..........................44
PIXNET Unit Page Main View and Menu Tabs .......48
Timecode Modes ................................36
Timecode Frame Rate ............................37
Timecode Input Sources ..........................37
Synchronization/Timecode Examples ...............37
Group Auto-Configuration .......................42
Grouped Transport ..............................42
Triggering Recording from External Timecode .......50
Triggering Recording from SDI Flag Bits ............50
USB Keyboard ..................................52
Storage and File Management 53
Storage ........................................53
Metadata ......................................54
File Management ...............................55
Setup Management and Firmware Upgrades 59
Saving and Loading Setup Files ....................59
Custom Default Settings and Setup Menu Option Visibil-
ity ............................................59
Factory Restore .................................61
Firmware Upgrades .............................61
Setup Menu Options 62
File Storage ....................................62
Video .........................................63
Audio .........................................64
Timecode/Sync ..................................65
LCD Monitor ...................................66
On-Screen Display ...............................67
Remote Control .................................67
Network .......................................68
System ........................................68
Quick Setup ....................................69
Button Shortcuts 70
Connector Pin Assignments 71
Appendix A - Supported Files 73
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PIX 250i User Guide
Specifications 74
SDI ............................................74
HDMI .........................................74
Video Input Resolutions / Rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Video Codecs and Files ...........................74
Up/Down/Cross Conversion .......................74
Frame Rate Conversion ..........................74
LCD ...........................................74
Audio Recording ................................75
Analog Audio ..................................75
Digital Audio ...................................75
File Storage ....................................75
Timecode and Sync ..............................75
Control ........................................76
Keyboard ......................................76
Power .........................................76
Physical ........................................76
Declaration of Conformity 77
Software License 78
Warranty and Technical Support 79
Table of Contents
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PIX 250i User Guide
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.
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 250i and the sound waves logo are registered trademarks of Sound Devices, LLC.
Limitation of Liability
LIMITATION ON SOUND DEVICES’ LIABILITY. 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 MODIFICATIONS, REPAIRS,
OR ALTERATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT, OR FAILURE TO STRICTLY COMPLY WITH SOUND DEVICES, LLC’S OPERATING AND
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SOUND DEVICES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
TO THE END USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR COSTS, EXPENSES, DIRECT DAMAGES, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, PUNITIVE
DAMAGES, SPECIAL DAMAGES, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS, THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OR THE PARTIES’ RELATIONSHIP,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OR RELATED TO THE DELETION OR OTHER LOSS OF AUDIO
Table of Contents
OR VIDEO RECORDINGS OR DATA, REDUCED OR DIMINISHED AUDIO OR VIDEO QUALITY OR OTHER SIMILAR AUDIO OR
VIDEO DEFECTS ARISING FROM, RELATED TO OR OTHERewISE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PRODUCTS OR THE END USER’S USE
OR OPERATION THEREOF, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE CLAIMED UNDER CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY
OTHER THEORY. “CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES” FOR WHICH SOUND DEVICES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE SHALL INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, PENALTIES, DELAY DAMAGES, LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND OTHER DAMAGES AND LIABILITIES WHICH END USER SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY OR WHICH END USER OR ANY OTHER PARTY MAY INCUR RELATED TO
OR ARISING OUT OF ITS CONTRACTS WITH ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES. NOTWITHSTANDING AND WITHOUT
LIMITING THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL SOUND DEVICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT OF DAMAGES IN EXCESS
OF AMOUNTS PAID BY THE END USER FOR THE PRODUCTS AS TO WHICH ANY LIABILITY HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO EXIST.
SOUND DEVICES AND END USER EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THE PRICE FOR THE PRODUCTS WAS DETERMINED IN CONSIDERATION OF THE LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND DAMAGES SET FORTH HEREIN AND SUCH LIMITATION HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR AND CONSTITUTES AN AGREED ALLOCATION OF RISK WHICH SHALL SURVIVE THE DETERMINATION
OF ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION THAT ANY REMEDY HEREIN FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
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v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
Introduction
The PIX 250i is a rack-mountable, production video recorder with extensive audio and video processing capabilities. The foundation of the PIX 250i is hardware-based, 10-bit video up/down/cross
conversion, and hardware-based encoding to Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD codecs. These features
allow for fast, reliable acquisition of video (at any standard HD or SD resolution and frame rate) and
audio (up to 16 tracks from Analog, AES, HDMI, or SDI sources) to ready-for-edit, industry standard
QuickTime .mov files.
Files are recorded simultaneously on (up to) 2 separate, 2.5” SSD storage devices via two front panel
PIX-CADDY slots. This redundancy in local, removable storage devices, coupled with standard,
Ethernet-based file transfer features further reduces steps in the production workflow. Gigabit Ethernet network ports enable remote access to recorded files and the ability to transfer them quickly into
a post-production environment.
Full-featured precision timecode and sync reference I/O using Ambient Clockit core technology is
provided to allow tight synchronization with external equipment in complex multi-machine configurations. The PIX 250i supports various external control options: RS-422, GPIO, SDI flags, Timecode
triggering, and an embedded web server for network-based remote control. Network Grouping
functionality enables linked, frame-synchronized recording and playback of multiple PIX 250i units
connected to a standard Ethernet network.
This User Guide details installation and operation of the PIX 250i. This User Guide corresponds to
PIX 250i firmware version 2.10. User Guide revisions are released at the same time as firmware updates and available online:
http://www.sounddevices.com/products/pix250i/downloads/
Manual Conventions
Several formatting features have been included to make navigating the guide easier.
• Physical buttons on the PIX 250i are represented with capital letters (REC button, MENU, etc).
All physical button names are detailed in the Panel Descriptions section.
• Button combinations are represented with the plus (+) symbol. For example: “Press LCD + AUDIO” means to first hold down LCD, then press AUDIO, and finally release both buttons.
• 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 MENU is pushed, and the parameter is an
item in the list displayed when that category is selected (by pressing in on the Control Knob).
• Blue italicized text references sections of the user guide containing contextually relevant information. When viewing this document on a computer, this text can be clicked to jump to the named
section.
Introduction
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PIX 250i User Guide
Panel Descriptions
Front Panel
Panel Descriptions
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1) Control Knob
The Control Knob can be both turned and
pressed. Use the Control Knob to navigate between menu settings and to select
menu items. Pressing during playback or
stop will toggle Shuttle mode. Turning
while playback is paused will jog forward
or backward by single frames.
2) AUDIO Button
Displays the Audio Screen. From the
Audio Screen: Select audio input sources,
Arm/disarm tracks, Set audio input gain
and delay, View audio input levels, and
Edit audio track names.
3) LCD Button
Toggles the On-Screen Display. Hold for
2 seconds to toggle LCD on/off. Press to
return to the Main View.
4) Handle
This handle is designed to provide a gripping point for tilting down the LCD.
101214 13 1115
5) LCD Display
Displays operating information when the
On-Screen Display (OSD) is active(See
“On-Screen Display”, page 6), user in-
terface, source video, and playback video.
5-inch display; 800x480 resolution.
6) FILES Button
Displays the File List View. Press FILES +
Fast Forward (>>) during record or playback to add a Cue Marker. Press FILES +
Rewind (<<) to delete a Cue Marker.
7) MENU Button
Displays the Setup Menu.
8) Play Button
Plays the most recently recorded file
when pressed. In the File List View, plays
the selected file from the File List. Toggles
Play and Pause in Playback mode. Press
and hold Play to activate Loop Play. (See
“Playback”, page 34)
9) Stop Button
Stops an active recording or playback.
When Stopped, hold the Stop button to
display the next filename.
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v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
10) Fast Forward Button
When Stopped, press to cue up the next
file for Playback. During Playback or
Pause, press once to jump to the next Cue
Marker, press and hold to increase playback speed. Continue to hold for faster
speeds.
11) REC Button
Begins recording. Optional: Splits the
recording and begins writing a new
file when pressed while recording.
[System - Rec Button File Split].
12) Rewind Button
When Stopped, press to cue up the previous file for Playback. During Playback
and Pause, press once to jump to the
previous Cue Marker or beginning of the
file, press and hold to reverse playback
speed. Continue to hold for faster reverse
speeds.
Rear Panel
13) Headphone Volume Knob
Adjusts the overall volume of the headphones. NOTE: the headphone output is
capable of ear-damaging levels. Take care
when adjusting among signal sources.
14) Headphone Output 1/4”
TRS stereo headphone connector. Can
drive headphones from 8 to 100 ohms to
very high headphone levels.
15) USB Keyboard Input
USB A female connector to connect a
USB keyboard. Keyboards can be used to
navigate and control the PIX 250i. Keyboards with integrated USB hubs are not
compatible.
1
1) DC Power Input (XLR 4-pin)
Accepts 10–27 volts DC. XLR 4-pin connector is wired pin-1 ground, pin-4 positive (+). (See “Powering”, page 40)
2) Timecode Output (BNC)
SMPTE timecode output.
3) Timecode Input (BNC)
SMPTE timecode input.
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11
4) SYNC Output (BNC)
Selectable Genlock or Wordclock output.
Configured with Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Out].
5) SYNC Input (BNC)
Genlock input. Configured with
[Timecode/Sync] Setup Menu options Sync Ref - Video Playback or
Sync Ref - Audio Playback.
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Panel Descriptions
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PIX 250i User Guide
Panel Descriptions
6) Digital Audio Input/Output (DB-25)
8 channels of AES digital audio input and
8 channels of AES digital output. Outputs configured with Setup Menu option
[Audio - Line Output]. (See “Connector Pin
Assignments”, page 71)
7) Analog Audio Outputs (XLR)
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio outputs. Same signal as DB-25 Analog Audio outputs channels 1 and 2.
8) Analog Audio Inputs (XLR)
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio inputs. If both XLR and DB-25
signals are connected, the signal will be
combined.
9) Ethernet (RJ-45)
Attaches to 1G or 100M Ethernet networks. Provides Network Grouping (See
“Network Grouping”, page 41), web ac-
cess for remote control (See “Web Interface
- PIXNET”, page 44), and network file
service. (See “Storage and File Manage-
ment”, page 53)
10) RS-422 Control (DB-9)
Connects to RS-422 Controllers for external control of the PIX 250i. (See “RS-422”,
page 44)
11) GPIO Remote (Phoenix 10-pin)
Logic contact points for remote control.
(See “GPIO (General Purpose Input / Out-
put)”, page 50)
12) SDI Video Input (BNC)
SDI video input. Accepts 3G-SDI, HDSDI, or SD-SDI signal with up to 16 channels of embedded audio.
13) SDI Video Output (BNC)
SDI video output. Provides 3G-SDI, HDSDI, or SD-SDI signal with up to 16 channels of embedded audio.
14) HDMI Video Input (HDMI)
Accepts HDMI (1.4a) signal with 8
channels of embedded audio. The PIX
250i does not record or display content
encoded with HDCP.
15) HDMI Video Output (HDMI)
Provides HDMI (1.3) signal with 8
channels of embedded audio. Audio
configured with Setup Menu option
[Audio - HDMI/AES Output].
16) USB Connection
Connect to a Windows computer to load
firmware with PIX Loader software
(Available on the Sound Devices website).
(See “Setup Management and Firmware
Upgrades”, page 68)
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v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
PIX-CADDY 2 (Optional)
The PIX-CADDY 2 is an accessory to connect approved 2.5” drives to the front-panel drive bays.
When removed from a PIX 250i, the PIX-CADDY 2 operates as a high-speed drive interface to Mac
OS and Windows computers via the onboard FireWire800, USB 3.0, or the optional PIX-DOCK Thunderbolt interface.
For reliable operation, it is imperative that the 2.5” drive be firmly screwed to the PIX-CADDY 2 with
the supplied screws. Some thinner drives may require the use of the PIX-SHIM accessory to ensure a
solid fit.
PIX-CADDY CF PIX-CADDY 2
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2
6
7
3
8
1) FireWire 800
FireWire 800 connector. Requires a powered FireWire 800 or 400 port. Backward
compatible when using Firewire 800 to
400 cable.
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
and SATA III drives. Sound Devices maintains a list of tested and approved SSD’s
or hard drives for use with PIX video
recorders. Visit www.sounddevices.com/ap-
proved for an up-to-date list of tested and
approved drives.
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2
1
5) Activity LED
Illuminates when recording, playing,
reading, or writing to the attached 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 2 to the recorder.
Press both latches to remove the caddy
assembly.
7) Screw Holes
For reliable operation, it is imperative that
the 2.5” drive be firmly screwed to the
PIX-CADDY 2 with the supplied screws.
8) CF Slot
Connector for approved CompactFlash
media. Sound Devices maintains a list of
tested and approved CF cards. Visit www.
sounddevices.com/approved for an up-to-
date list of tested and approved drives.
Panel Descriptions
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PIX 250i User Guide
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, LCD will toggle the OSD on and off. Items included in the OSD are configured with the
Setup Menu option [On-Screen Display]. When factory settings are loaded from the [Quick Setup]
menu item all OSD items are shown.
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Menu & Navigation
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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On-Screen Display Menu
Item Description
1. Audio Metering
2. Headphone Source Current headphone routing selection.
3. Date/Time The current time and date.
4. Group Number
5. Input - Video Resolution and frame rate of the video input signal.
6. File Resolution/Rate Displays the resolution and frame rate of the file being recorded or played. The File Resolution/
7. File Codec The presently selected video codec. This information will update for recording and playback.
8. Sync Reference The current source of synchronization. This information will update for recording and playback.
9. Cue Marker Cue marker and playback looping information is displayed here during record and playback.
Levels of audio tracks 1 and 2. Shown here in Top (wide) mode. Can be re-positioned with
Setup Menu option [On-Screen Display - Audio Metering].
Displays the selected network group in [Network - Network Group] as well as the
amount of units in that group in parentheses.
Rate field is displayed in different colors to indicate conversion methods. (See “Video Scal-
ing and Frame Rate Conversion”, page 26)
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13
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v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
Item Description
10. Timecode Current timecode and frame rate of the recording or playing file.
11. Audio Source Audio sample rate, bit depth, and channel count.
12. RS-422 Status
13. IP Address Network IP address of the PIX 250i.
14. Drive 1-2 (D1-D2)
status
15. ABS Time Absolute Time: Displays the elapsed time of the file being recorded or played and the transport
16. File Name Name of the current file. Holding Stop shows the next file name.
RS-422 is displayed when [Remote Control - RS-422] is on.
Displays the status and remaining record time of each drive (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), No Fmt (when
media is not formatted), Network (when drive mode is Ethernet File Transfer), or
R/O (when drive mode is Read Only). An asterisk indicates that the drive is On in
[File Storage - Drive record/Network Mode]. When recording, all drives that are be-
ing written to are displayed in red. When Stopped or in Playback, the green drive is the current
default playback drive. Drive status field is orange when a drive is busy.
status (Stop, REC, Play, Fast Forward, and Rew).
Target drives, ABS Time, File Name, Timecode, and Cue Marker OSD fields change colors to indicate
the various transport states, White = Stopped, Red = Record, Green = Play/Pause, Blue = Rew/Fast
Forward/Shuttle.
Menu
Press MENU (keyboard: F1) to enter the Setup Menu. Most settings of the PIX 250i are accessed and
changed from the Setup Menu. Navigate between menu items by turning the Control Knob and
pressing it to select. When in a menu, press MENU to go back to the previous screen.
Menu & Navigation
The Setup Menu is not accessible when in Record or Playback. If the Setup Menu is open when record or
playback is engaged, the Setup Menu will close and return to the Main View.
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PIX 250i User Guide
Audio Screen
From any screen, press AUDIO (keyboard: F3) to view the Audio Screen. The Audio Screen displays
all audio input levels and provides configuration of Track Arming, Track Naming, Input Source
selection, Input Gain, and Input Delay. The Audio Screen by default displays 16 tracks at a time. This
can be changed to 8 or 16 track displays in [Audio - Audio Screen Meters].
To make adjustments in the Audio Screen:
1. Rotate the Control Knob to move the blue highlighter to the desired track.
2. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on parameters for the track. The highlighter
will become orange.
3. Rotate the Control Knob to move the orange highlighter to the desired parameter.
4. Press the Control Knob to edit the highlighted parameter.
5. Rotate the Control Knob to adjust the value or seing. If editing Track Names, use the the onscreen keyboard or aached USB keyboard.
6. Press the Control Knob to save the new seing. The highlighter will become blue and once
again highlight the entire track.
Menu & Navigation
Headphone Source
Highlighted Track
Drive Statuses
Timecode Value
Expanded Meters
Sync Source/Sample Rate
Timecode Frame Rate
Transport StatusAbsolute Time
File Name
Press AUDIO while viewing an Audio Screen to toggle Expanded Meters. Input Source, Gain, and
Delay parameters are removed to accommodate for higher resolution meters.
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v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
Other audio related settings are accessible from the Setup Menu option Audio.
File List
Press FILES (keyboard: F2) to display the File List; A list of all of the recorded takes. Takes are arranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. Turn the Control Knob to highlight an item. Press Play
to start playback of the highlighted take. Press the Control Knob (Press and hold for multi-file clips)
to perform functions based on which item is highlighted.
1
2
3
6 7 8
1) Next Take
Information for the next take.
2) Current Take
Information for the current take. Item is
red while recording.
3) Reel Group
A group of clips organized by reel number. Takes below are part of the indicated
reel. Number in brackets indicates number of clips in the reel. Press Control Knob
to expand or collapse list of takes in this
reels.
4) Multi-File Take
Take consisting of multiple files. Number
of files in the take represented by number
in brackets. Press Control Knob to expand
or collapse list of files in this take. Press
and hold Control Knob to access take
details for all files in the take.
5) Take
Represents a single take. Press Control
Knob to view Take Details Screen. Press
Play to play take immediately.
6) Name
The name or number of the take, file,
or reel. Number in brackets indicates
amount of clips in the reel or amount of
files in the take.
7) Date and Time
Date and time the take or reel was created.
8) Size
Total size of the take, file, or reel.
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Menu & Navigation
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PIX 250i User Guide
The selected drive is displayed on the top of the screen. To view the contents of other drives, scroll
to the top of the list. A pop up box appears with a list of all available drives. Select the desired drive
and press the Control Knob.
While in the File List press FILES to collapse all Reel folders and multi-file takes to ease file navigation.
Take Details Screen
From the File List, highlight a file and press the Control Knob to view the Take Details Screen. To
view Multi-file Take details, highlight the menu item with the file extension then press and hold the
Control Knob. Take Details include:
Menu & Navigation
• Start timecode
• Timecode frames-per-second
• Timecode user bits
• Video resolution and rate
• File creation date and time
• Video codec
• Media
• File size
• Duration
• Audio Format
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File functions are also available in the Take Details Screen:
• Delete: Deletes the take or le (Conrmation dialog). (See “Deleting a File”, page 57)
• Add to Play List: Adds the take to the Play List. (See “Play List”, page 32)
• Remove from Play List: Removes the take from the Play List. (See “Play List”, page 32)
• Empty Play List: Empties the entire Play List. (See “Play List”, page 32)
v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
LCD
From the Main View (See “Main View”, page 6), press LCD to toggle
the On-Screen Display (OSD) on or off, press and hold LCD for two seconds to turn off the LCD, press again to turn on. From all other views,
press LCD to return to the Main View.
The LCD Control Panel provides adjustments to the LCD backlight,
image brightness, image contrast, image chroma, and button backlight.
To access the LCD Control Panel, press LCD + Control Knob. The parameter with the orange slider bar is the selected parameter. To toggle
through the parameters press the Control Knob. To adjust the setting,
turn the Control Knob. Press LCD again to exit back to the Main View.
PIX 250i User Guide
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Menu & Navigation
PIX 250i User Guide
Inputs and Outputs
Video Inputs
The PIX 250i accepts video input signals over HDMI, HD-SDI, and single link 3G-SDI Level A and B.
The PIX 250i does not accept analog video signals. See the Specifications section for a complete list of
supported frame rates.
HDMI
The PIX 250i accepts HDMI version 1.4a video and audio. Supported video resolutions and rates are
listed in the Specifications section. The PIX 250i HDMI input accepts up to 10-bit, 4:4:4 video, up to 8
channels of embedded audio. The PIX 250i also accepts Sony’s proprietary timecode over HDMI. The
digital audio embedded in the HDMI stream (32 kHz – 192 kHz) is always re-sampled to 48 kHz.
720p30/29.97, 720p25, and 720p24/23.976 are not supported on the HDMI input or the HDMI output.
Inputs & Outputs
HDCP copy protection prevents direct digital-to-digital copying of copyrighted material. Protected
DVDs, Blu-Rays, and streaming content with HDCP encryption is not valid content and will be ignored
by the PIX 250i.
SDI
The SDI input on the PIX 250i accepts video with embedded audio (up to 16 channels) and embedded SMPTE timecode. This connection accepts digital video up to 12-bit, with up to 4:4:4 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 250i with no auto-negotiation or sample rate conversion.
The PIX 250i supports 3G-SDI single link, but not dual-link HD-SDI.
Timecode over SDI is not available when recording in standard definition
Video Outputs
Both HDMI and SDI outputs are active simultaneously. This allows for conversion from SDI to
HDMI and HDMI to SDI.
The output video signal source is the signal present at the currently selected video input (Setup
Menu option [Video - Video Input]), except during video playback. The resolution and frame rate of
the output stream is determined by the Setup Menu option [Video - File Resolution/Rate] setting,
except during video playback. The SDI Output is capable of sending HD (4:2:2 10-bit) or 3G (4:4:4
12-bit), this is set in [Video - SDI Output Type].Video playback signal is sent to the HDMI and SDI
Outputs.
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Standard Definition video is always output using HD Mode because 3G does not support Standard
Definition.
v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
The output video stream contains up to 16 tracks of embedded audio for SDI and 8 tracks for HDMI.
Timecode and record start and stop flags are included on the SDI output.
Timecode overlay can be added to the HDMI and/or SDI output signal in
[Video - Video Output OSD]. The timecode overlay is displayed in various colors to indicate the current transport state of the PIX 250i: White = Stopped, Red = Record, Green = Playback.
Audio Inputs
The PIX 250i can record up to 16 tracks from a variety of audio input sources:
Input Type Count Connector(s) Gain Details
Analog 2 1-2: XLR (LINE IN 1/2)
AES Digital 8 1-8: DB-25 (CH 1-8 AES IN/OUT)
HDMI Digital 8 1-8: HDMI Input
SDI Digital 16 1-16: SDI Input
Analog Audio Inputs
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Off, -25
to 50 dB
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Balanced, Line-level, XLR.
Selectable between AES or HDMI with Setup
Menu option [Audio - HDMI/AES Select]
Selectable between AES or HDMI with Setup
Menu option [Audio - HDMI/AES Select]
The PIX 250i has two, high-performance, line-level analog audio inputs on XLR3-M connectors.
Digital Audio Inputs
The PIX 250i accepts digital audio from HDMI, SDI, and AES/EBU inputs. All audio is sampled at
48kHz.
AES3
The PIX 250i accepts AES3 (AES/EBU) digital signals with sampling rates from 32 kHz up to 192
kHz and bit depths up to 24-bits. AES3 inputs are sample rate converted to 48 kHz.
HDMI / SDI Embedded Audio
The PIX 250i accepts 8 channels of embedded digital audio on the HDMI Video Input or 16 channels
of digital audio on the SDI input.
Sample Rate Converters
All digital inputs have Sample Rate Converters. These help ensure synchronization of digital audio
from multiple sources.
Choosing Audio Sources
Audio Input Source is selected in the Audio Screen in the Source column. To setup an input:
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen. If the Source column is not visible, press AUDIO
again to reveal it.
Inputs & Outputs
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Source column.
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PIX 250i User Guide
For quick general audio source configurations use [Audio - Audio Input Quick Setup]. (See “Setup
Menu Options”, page 62)
Input Gain Control
Audio Input Gain is set in the Audio Screen in the Gain column. To adjust the gain of an audio track:
Inputs & Outputs
5. Press the Control Knob to open the Audio Source options window. Select the general type of
input to be used from O, Line In, HDMI/AES In, or SDI In and press the Control Knob again
to open up all options for that input type.
6. Press the Control Knob to make a selection and exit the Audio Input Source options window.
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen. If the Gain column is not visible, press AUDIO
again to reveal it.
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Gain column.
5. Press the Control Knob to edit the gain value. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the gain in 1
dB increments. Gain is adjusted in real time. The available gain range depends on the audio
input source. (See “Audio Inputs”, page 13)
6. Once the desired gain value is set, press the Control Knob to exit the gain window.
Input Gain can be linked in [Audio - Input Gain Linking]. When linked, adjust any channel’s gain
value to adjust the gain of all channels. Gain offsets from channel to channel are maintained. If this is
not desired, unlink the gain and set all gain values to the same value, then re-link input gain.
Input Delay Control
Audio Input Delay is set in the Audio Screen in the Delay column. Delay is adjustable from 0 to 400
mS. To adjust the delay of an audio track:
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen. If the Delay column is not visible, press AUDIO
again to reveal it.
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Delay column.
5. Press the Control Knob to edit the delay value. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the delay in 1
mS increments.
6. Once the desired delay value is set, press the Control Knob to exit the delay window.
Input Delay can be linked in [Audio - Input Delay Linking]. When linked, adjust any channel’s delay
value to adjust the delay of all channels. Delay offsets from channel to channel are maintained. If this
is not desired, unlink the delay and set all delay values to the same value then re-link input delay.
Audio Outputs
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Analog Audio Outputs
The two analog outputs of the PIX 250i are active-balanced, line-level outputs (+18dBu max).
At factory default, the source of the Analog Line Outputs 1-2 is tracks 1 and 2, respectively.
v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
Any of the available 16 Tracks can be sent to the Line Outputs. Line Output routing is set in
[Audio - Line Output].
Digital Audio Outputs (HDMI/AES)
AES and HDMI Outputs are active at all times but these two outputs share the same source. At
factory default, the source of the HDMI/AES Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respectively. Any of the
available 8 Tracks can be sent to the HDMI/AES Outputs. HDMI/AES Output routing is set in
[Audio - HDMI/AES Output].
SDI Audio Outputs
The SDI video output embeds up to 16 channels of digital audio. At factory default, the source of the
SDI Audio Outputs 1-16 is tracks 1 to 16, respectively. Any of the availabe 16 Tracks can be sent to
the SDI Output. SDI Output routing is set in: [Audio - SDI Output].
Headphone Output
The PIX 250i 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 250i’s headphone output is a flexible tool for monitoring audio. The headphone level is
adjusted using the Headphone Volume Knob.
To quickly select a headphone source, press and hold AUDIO, then turn the Control Knob. The
Headphone Source can also be selected in the Setup Menu option [Audio - HP Source]. To solo a
track, enter the Audio Screen, highlight the track, then press AUDIO + LCD. The solo headphone
source will be indicated on the top-left of the Audio Screen (HP: Solo8 for example). To stop solo of a
track, highlight the soloed track, then press AUDIO + LCD.
Warning Bells are sent to the headphone monitor to alert the user of various states such as transport
changes, and errors such as No Media Connected or No Input Signal Detected. The loudness of these
warning bells is adjustable from Off, -60 to -12 dBFS in [System - HP Warning Bell Level]. At factory
default, the warning bells are set to -40 dBFS.
Inputs & Outputs
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PIX 250i User Guide
Ethernet
The PRI and SEC Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the PIX 250i are used for a variety of PIX 250i
functions/features:
• Network Grouping (See “Network Grouping”, page 41)
• File Transfer (Samba) (See “Transferring Files”, page 57)
• Web Browser Control (See “Web Interface - PIXNET”, page 44)
Up to four PIX 250i units can be daisy-chained using their built-in Ethernet switches. If using five or
more PIX 250i units, Sound Devices recommends using an external Ethernet Switch in a star configuration.
The PIX 250i can either be allocated an IP address from a DHCP server (recommended) or over Linklocal networking. Link-local networking is a protocol which automatically allocates a 169.254.x.x IP
address in the absence of any DHCP server. If a DHCP server is available, the PIX 250i will automatically use it if [Network - Auto IP Settings] is set to On.
Alternatively, the IP address can be configured manually. When Setup Menu option
[Network - Auto IP Settings] is set to Off, Setup Menu options [Network - IP Address],
[Network - Subnet Mask], and [Network - Gateway] are enabled. When these settings are improp-
Inputs & Outputs
erly set, the PIX 250i may be unreachable in the network or may cause conflicts resulting in other
devices in the network being unreachable. Consult with an IT technician to determine the appropriate settings when connecting to a large network.
The PIX 250i uses on-board Auto-MDIX (crossover detection) to allow for direct connection to a computer or to a network.
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v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
Video Monitoring Features
The PIX 250i includes various monitoring features to assist with exposure and focus. These functions
only affect signal on the LCD display and will never affect the recorded video or the video output
signal.
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 pressing
LCD + FILES. 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 activate when exposure assist is toggled on.
FILES
The following image is a luminance ramp signal displayed on a PIX 250i with no exposure assist enabled. Screen shots in the following sections show the effect of the various Exposure Assist features
on this test signal.
False Color
Video Monitoring Features
False Color exposure assist mode replaces pixels with a specific 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.
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PIX 250i User Guide
Video Monitoring Features
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
Zebras
Zebra stripe exposure assist mode overlays diagonal stripes over areas that are in a defined luminance range (Zebra 1) or above a defined 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 Threshold].
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.
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v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 250i User Guide
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 pressing LCD + MENU. 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 finds sharp edges in a video (based on luminance) and replaces pixels in those areas to highlight the edges.
The Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Peaking Sensitivity] sets sensitivity level of the Peaking
filter. A setting of High will be more sensitive and highlight more edges.
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.
MENU
Video Monitoring Features
The color of the Peaking marks can be set with the Setup Menu option
[LCD Monitor - Peaking Color].
The following image comparison demonstrates the effect of Peaking on an image with a shallow
depth-of-field and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal length (bottom).
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PIX 250i User Guide
Video Monitoring Features
Edge Enhance
The Edge Enhance filter uses an algorithm which enhances the variation of the luminance of all
edges present in the video image. The following image comparison demonstrates the effect of Edge
Enhance on an image with a shallow depth-of-field and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal
length (bottom).
20
v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
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