PIX 260i
User Guide and Technical Information
Firmware rev. 1.01
Sound Devices, LLC
E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 • Reedsburg, WI • USA
+1 (608) 524-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625
www.sounddevices.com
support@sounddevices.com
Table of Contents
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Introduction ..................................1
Manual Conventions ................................1
Video Mode and Audio Mode ..........................1
Panel Descriptions ............................2
Front Panel ........................................2
Rear Panel ........................................3
PIX-CADDY 2 (Optional) .............................5
Menu and Navigation ..........................6
LCD .............................................6
Main View .........................................6
On-screen Display ..................................6
Menu ............................................8
Audio Screen ......................................8
File List ...........................................9
File Details .......................................11
Inputs and Outputs ...........................12
Video Inputs ......................................12
HDMI ...........................................12
SDI ............................................12
Video Outputs ....................................12
Audio Inputs .....................................13
Analog Audio Inputs ................................13
XLR (1-2) ........................................13
DB25 (1-8) .......................................13
Digital Audio Inputs ................................13
HDMI / SDI Embedded Audio ........................13
AES3 ...........................................13
Dante Audio Inputs .................................14
Dante Redundancy ................................15
Sample Rate Converters ............................15
Choosing Audio Sources ............................15
Input Level Control .................................15
Input Delay Control ................................16
Audio Outputs ....................................16
Analog Audio Outputs ..............................16
Digital Audio Outputs (AES/HDMI) .....................16
Dante Audio Outputs ...............................16
SDI Audio Outputs .................................16
Headphone Output .................................16
Ethernet ....................................18
Video Monitoring Features .....................19
Exposure Assist ...................................19
False Color .......................................19
Zebras ..........................................20
Focus Assist ......................................21
Peaking .........................................21
Edge Enhance ....................................22
Zoom ...........................................23
Flip Display .......................................23
Recording ...................................24
Selecting Video File Resolution and Frame Rate ..........25
Progressive Segmented Frames (PsF) .................25
Selecting a Video Codec ............................25
Interruption of Signal During Recording .................26
Alignment of Audio and Video ........................26
Audio Track Arming ................................26
Audio Mode ......................................26
F Sampling Rate Modes ............................27
48.048k and 48.048kF ..............................27
Fostex DV40 ......................................27
47.952k and 47.952kF ..............................27
Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion .......28
3:2 Pulldown Removal ..............................28
Up and Down Conversion ...........................29
Down-Conversion ..................................29
Up-Conversion ....................................30
Playback ....................................31
Playback Operation ................................31
Fast Forward and Rewind ...........................31
File Skip .........................................31
Shuttle Playback Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Cue Marker ......................................32
Cue Marker Looping ................................32
Play List .........................................33
Playback Mode ....................................34
Playback Rate of Audio Files .........................34
Non-Native File Playback ............................34
Exporting QT Files for 260i Playback ...................35
Playing Back Files on a Computer ....................35
Synchronization and Timecode .................36
Sync Reference ...................................37
Video Mode Synchronization .........................37
Audio Mode Synchronization .........................37
Timecode Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Out 38
Setting the Sync Out ...............................38
Timecode Modes ..................................38
Freerun Timceode Mode ............................38
Record Run Timecode Mode .........................38
External Timecode Mode ............................39
Timecode Frame Rate ..............................39
Timecode Input Sources ............................39
Timecode BNC ....................................39
SDI or HDMI Input Embedded Timecode ................39
Synchronization/Timecode Examples ..................39
Single Video Camera, no Genlock .....................39
Single Camera with Genlock Input, Genlocked from PIX ....40
Multiple Cameras with Genlock Input, all Genlocked from a Single
PIX ............................................40
Camera #1 to PIX #1, Camera #2 to PIX #2, No Genlock ..41
Camera to PIX with Word Clock Connection to Audio Recorder 41
External Control ..............................42
RS422 ..........................................42
PIX Grouping .....................................42
Group Transport ...................................42
Non-Grouping Settings and Functions ..................42
Web Interface - PIXNET .............................43
PIXNET All Units Page ..............................43
PIXNET Unit Page .................................44
PIXNET Unit Page Main View and Menu Tabs ............45
Main View ........................................45
Clips Menu .......................................45
File Storage Menu .................................45
Video Menu ......................................45
Audio Menu ......................................45
TC Menu ........................................46
OSD Menu .......................................46
Remote Menu .....................................46
Network Menu ....................................46
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
System Menu .....................................46
Triggering Recording from External Timecode ............46
Triggering Recording from SDI Flag Bits ................47
GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) .................47
USB Keyboard ....................................47
Storage and File Management ..................49
Storage ..........................................49
PIX-CADDY ......................................49
e S ATA ...........................................49
Supported Storage Devices ..........................49
Formatting .......................................49
Target Storage Device for Recording ...................50
Metadata ........................................50
CamID ..........................................50
Reel ............................................50
Clip .............................................50
Scene/Shot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Ta k e ............................................51
Audio Track Name (Audio Only) .......................51
File Management ..................................51
File Size Limit .....................................51
File Naming ......................................51
RED File Format ..................................51
Arri File Format ...................................52
Folder Structure ...................................52
Deleting a File ....................................52
Transferring Files ..................................52
USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt ..........................52
Ethernet File Transfer (Samba) .......................53
Setup Management and Firmware Upgrades ......54
Saving and Loading Setup Files ......................54
Custom Default Settings and Setup Menu Option Visibility ..54
Firmware Upgrades ................................56
Setup Menu Options ..........................57
Video/Audio Mode .................................57
File Storage ......................................57
Video ...........................................58
Audio ...........................................59
Timecode/Sync ...................................60
LCD Monitor ......................................62
On-Screen Display .................................62
Remote Control ...................................63
Network .........................................63
System ..........................................64
Quick Setup ......................................65
Button Shortcuts .............................65
Connector Pin Assignments ...................66
Appendix A - Supported Files ..................69
Specifications - PIX 260i .......................70
SDI .............................................70
HDMI ...........................................70
Video Input Resolutions / Rates .......................70
Video Codecs and Files .............................70
Up/Down/Cross Conversion ..........................70
Frame Rate Conversion .............................70
LCD ............................................70
Audio Recording ...................................70
Analog Audio .....................................71
Digital Audio ......................................71
File Storage ......................................71
Timecode and Sync ................................71
Control ..........................................72
Keyboard ........................................72
Powe r ...........................................72
Physical .........................................72
PIX 260i CE Declaration of Conformity ...........73
CE - CISPR Publication Dates ..................74
Software License ............................75
Warranty and Technical Support ................76
Warranty & Service ................................76
Technical Support / Bug Repor ts .....................76
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 modifications, 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 260i, and the sound waves logo are registered trademarks of Sound Devices, LLC.
v. 1.010 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Introduction
The PIX 260i is a rack-mountable, production video recorder with extensive audio and video processing capabilities. The foundation of the PIX 260i is hardware-based, 10-bit video up/down/cross
conversion, and hardware-based encoding to Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD codecs (both at up
to 12 bit 4:4:4). These features allow for fast, reliable acquisition of video (at any standard HD or
SD resolution and frame rate) and audio (up to 32 tracks from Analog, AES, HDMI, SDI, or Dante
sources) to ready-for-edit, industry standard Quicktime .mov les.
Files are recorded simultaneously on (up to) 4 separate, 2.5” SSD storage devices via two front panel
PIX-CADDY slots and two rear panel eSATAp connections. This redundancy in local, removable
storage devices, coupled with standard, Ethernet-based le transfer features further reduces steps in
the production workow. Gigabit Ethernet network ports enable remote access to recorded les and
the ability to transfer them quickly into a post-production environment.
Full-featured precision timecode and sync reference I/O using Ambient Lockit core technology is
provided to allow tight synchronization with external equipment in complex multi-machine congurations. The PIX 260i supports various external control options: RS422, GPIO, SDI ags, Timecode
triggering, and an embedded web server for network-based remote control.
This User Guide details installation and operation of the PIX 260i. This User Guide corresponds to
PIX 260i rmware version 1.010. User Guide revisions are released at the same time as rmware
updates and available online:
hp://www.sounddevices.com/products/pix260i/downloads/
Manual Conventions
Several formaing features have been included to make navigating the guide easier.
• 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 buon 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 specic controls or functions (such as Control Knob, Menu Buon, 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.
Video Mode and Audio Mode
Thoughout this User Guide, the terms Video Mode and Audio Mode will be used. The PIX 260i is
capable of recording video and audio together into a Quicktime .mov le (Video Mode) or recording audio only to a .wav le (Audio Mode). The mode is determined by the Setup Menu option
[Video/Audio Mode - Video/Audio Mode]. When set to [Video + Audio (Quicktime), the PIX 260i is
in Video Mode. When set to Audio Only (Wave), the PIX 260i is in Audio Mode.
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Panel Descriptions
Front Panel
1 2 3 54 6 7 8 9
1) Control Knob
The Control Knob can be both turned and
pressed. Use the Control Knob to navi-
gate between menu seings and to select
menu items. Pressing during playback or
stop will toggle to Shule 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/o.
4) Handle
This handle is designed to provide a gripping point for tilting down the LCD.
5) 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.
101214 13 1115
6) Files Button
Displays the File Browser Screen. Press
during record or playback to add a Cue
Marker, press and hold to delete a Cue
Marker (Video Mode).
7) Menu Button
Displays the Setup Menu.
8) Play Button
Plays the most recently recorded le
when pressed. In the File List View, plays
the selected video le from the File List.
Pauses video during playback. Press and
hold Play to activate Loop Play.
9) Stop Button
Stops an active recording or playback.
When Stopped, hold the Stop buon to
display the next lename.
10) Fast-Forward Button
When Stopped, press Fast-Forward to
cue up the next le 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.
2
v. 1.01 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
11) Record Button
Begins recording. Optional: Splits the
recording and begins writing a new
le when pressed while recording.
[System - Rec Button File Split]
12) Rewind Button
When Stopped, press Rewind to cue up
the previous le for Playback. During
Playback and Pause, press once to jump
to the previous Cue Marker or beginning
of the le, press and hold to reverse playback speed. Continue to hold for faster
reverse speeds.
Rear Panel
13) Headphone Volume Knob
14) Headphone Output 1/4”
15) USB Keyboard Input
42 31 6 7 8
Adjusts the overall volume of the headphones. NOTE: the headphone output is
capable of ear-damaging levels. Take care
when adjusting among signal sources.
TRS stereo headphone connector. Can
drive headphones from 8 to 100 ohms to
very high headphone levels.
USB A female connector to connect a USB
keyboard. Keyboards can be used to navigate, control, and enter metadata into the
PIX 260i. Keyboards with integrated USB
hubs are not compatible.
1095
1) DC Power Input (XLR 4-pin)
Accepts 10–27 volts DC. XLR 4-pin connector is wired pin-1 ground, pin-4 positive (+).
2) SYNC Output (BNC)
Selectable genlock or wordclock output.
Congured with Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Out].
3) SYNC Input (BNC)
Wordclock input. Congured with Setup Menu options
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only]
4) Timcode Output (BNC)
SMPTE timecode output.
13141516171819 1112
5) Timcode Input (BNC)
SMPTE timecode input.
6) Digital Audio Input/Output (DB-25)
8 channels of AES digital audio input
and 8 channels of AES digital output. See
Pinout section for wiring details
7) Ch. 1-8 Analog Audio Output (DB-25)
8 channels of balanced, line-level
analog audio output. See Connector Pin
Assignments
8) Ch. 1-8 Analog Audio Input (DB-25)
8 channels of balanced, line-level
analog audio input. See Connector Pin
Assignments
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
9) Analog Audio Outputs (XLR)
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio outputs.
10) Analog Audio Inputs (XLR)
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog
audio inputs.
11) Ethernet (RJ-45)
Aaches to 1G or 100M Ether networks.
Provides Dante connectivity (see Dante),
web access for remote control (see Web
Control), and network le service. see File
Management
12) RS-422 Control (DB-9)
Connects to RS-422 Controllers for external control of the PIX 260i. See RS-422
13) External Drive Connections (eSATAp)
Connector for approved 2.5-inch SATA
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.
14) SDI Video Input (BNC)
SDI video input. Accepts 3G-SDI, HD-
SDI, or SD-SDI signal with up to 16 channels of embedded audio.
15) SDI Video Output (BNC)
SDI video output. Provides 3G-SDI, HD-
SDI, or SD-SDI signal with up to 16 channels of embedded audio.
16) HDMI Video Input (HDMI)
Accepts HDMI (1.4a) signal with 8
channels of embedded audio. The PIX
260i does not record or display content
encoded with HDCP.
17) HDMI Video Output (HDMI)
Provides HDMI (1.3) signal with 8 channels of embedded audio.
18) GPIO Remote (Phoenix 10-pin)
Logic contact points for remote control.
See GPIO
19) USB Connection
Factory use only.
4
v. 1.01 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
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 260i, 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 rmly screwed to the PIX-CADDY 2 with
the supplied screws.
3
5
6
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
and SATA III 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.
4
2
5) Activity LED
Illuminates when recording, playing,
reading, or writing to the aached 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.
7) Screw Holes
For reliable operation, it is imperative that
the 2.5” drive be rmly screwed to the
PIX-CADDY 2 with the supplied screws.
5
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Menu and Navigation
LCD
From the Main View, press the LCD buon to toggle the On-Screen Display (OSD) on or o, press and hold the LCD buon for two seconds to
turn o the LCD, press again to turn on. From all other views, press the
LCD buon to return to the Main View.
The LCD Control Panel provides adjustments to the LCD backlight,
buon backlight, image brightness, image contrast, and image chroma.
To access the LCD Control Panel, hold down the LCD buon then
press the 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 seing turn the Control Knob. Press LCD again to
exit back to the Main View.
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 buon will toggle the OSD on and o. Items included in the OSD are congured with the Setup Menu option On-Screen Display. When factory seings are loaded from the
Quick Setup menu item all OSD items are shown.
6
v. 1.01 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
On-screen Display Menu
Item Description
1. ABS Time Absolute Time: Displays the elapsed time of the file being recorded or played and the transport
2. File Codec The presently selected video codec (Video Mode) or when in Audio Mode the OSD will display
3. File Name Name of the current file. Pressing STOP shows the next file name
4. File Resolution/Rate Displays the resolution and frame rate of the file being recorded or played (Video Mode). In Au-
5. Audio Source Audio sample rate, bit depth, and channel count. In Audio Mode, flashes red to indicate
6. Input - Video Resolution and frame rate of the incoming video input.
7. Headphone Source Current headphone routing selection.
8. Audio Metering Levels of audio inputs 1 and 2.
9. Time/Date The current time and date.
10. Timecode Current timecode and frame rate of the recorder or playing file.
11-14. Drive 1-4 (D1-D4)
status
15. RS422 Status
16. Cue Marker Cue marker and playback looping information is displayed here during record and playback.
17. Sync Reference The current source of synchronization. This information will update for recording and playback.
18. Group Number
19. IP Address Network IP address of the PIX 260i
status (Stop, Rec, Play, FF, and REW).
“Audio Only”. This information will update for recording and playback.
dio Mode the file type (WAV) is displayed. The File Resolution/Rate field is displayed in different colors to indicate conversion methods. See Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion
[Audio - Sample Rate] does not match [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only].
Displays the status and remaining record time of each drive (when video input is present or
in Audio Mode) 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), or “Network” (when [Network - Ethernet File Transfer] is set to On).
An asterisk indicates that the drive is On in [File Storage - Record to Drive] when
recording or stopped. When recording all drives that are recording 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 being accessed for writing or reading.
RS422 is displayed when [Remote Control - RS422] is on.
Displays the selected network group in [Network - Network Group].
Target drives, ABS Time, File Name, Timecode, and Cue Marker OSD elds change colors to indicate
the various transport states, White = Stopped, Red = Record, Green = Play/Pause, Blue = REW/FF/
Shule.
7
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Menu
Press the MENU buon (keyboard: F1) to enter the Setup Menu. Most seings of the PIX 260i 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 the MENU buon to go back to the previous
screen. See Setup Menu Options for a complete list of all available options.
The Setup Menu is not accessable 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.
Audio Screen
Press the AUDIO buon (keyboard: F3) to enter the Audio Screen. The Audio Screen displays all
audio input levels and provides conguration of Track Arming, Track Naming, Input Source selection, Input Gain, and Input Delay. Turn the Control Knob to move the blue highlighter vertically and
press the FF and RW buons to move the highlighter horizontally. Press the Control Knob to edit the
highlighted seing, press again to save and exit. To exit the Audio Screen press either the Audio or
LCD buons.
When transport is stopped, holding the Stop buon while the highlighter is on a Track Name or
Input Source eld will display the full name of that eld. When recording or playing back, pushing
the Stop buon in the Audio Screen will stop playback.
8
v. 1.01 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
The Audio Screen by default displays 16 tracks at a time. This can be changed to 8, 16, or 32 track
displays in [Audio - Audio Screen Meters].
Other audio related seings are accessible from the Setup Menu option Audio.
File List
Press the FILE buon (keyboard: F2) to display the File List; A list of all of the clips. Clips are arranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. Turn the Control Knob to highlight an item. Press
Play to start playback of the highlighted clip. Press the Control Knob to perform functions based on
which item is highlighted:
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.
Multi-file 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.
9
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
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 or .wav 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 a
.mov or .wav extension
Creation Time/Date
Reel Folder or file creation
time and date.
File Size
Size in GB of a single clip
or file.
Reel Size
Total size in GB of the entire
Reel folder.
Multi-file Clip Size
Total size in GB of a multi-file
clip.
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. See File Management and
Metadata
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.
10
v. 1.01 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
While in the File List press the Files buon to collapse all Reel folders and multi-le clips to ease le
navigation.
The File List is not available when in Record or Playback. If the File List is open when record or playback
is engaged, the File List will close and return to the Main View.
It is recommended that les in the same play list or reel be of the same resolution, frame rate, and codec.
File Details
From the File List, highlight a le and press the Control Knob to view the File Details of that le.
To view Multi-le Clip details, highlight the menu item with le extension then press and hold the
Control Knob. File Details include:
• Start time code
• Timecode frames-per-second
• Timecode user bits
• Video resolution
• Video frame rate
• Video codec/ Broadcast Wave
• Media
• File size
• Duration
• Audio Format
11
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Inputs and Outputs
Video Inputs
The PIX 260i accepts video input signals over HDMI, HD-SDI, and single link 3G-SDI Level A and B.
The PIX 260i does not accept analog video signals. See the specications section for a complete list of supported frame rates.
HDMI
The PIX 260i accepts HDMI version 1.4a video and audio. Supported video resolutions and rates
are listed in the specications section. The PIX 260i HDMI input accepts up to 10 bit, 4:4:4 video,
up to 8 channels of embedded audio. The PIX 260i also accepts Sony’s proprietary timecode over
HDMI. In Video Mode, the digital audio embedded in the HDMI stream (32 kHz – 192 kHz) is
always re-sampled to 48 kHz. In Audio Mode it is re-sampled to the sample rate determined by the
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only].
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 260i.
SDI
The SDI input on the PIX 260i 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 260i with no auto-negotiation or sample rate conversion.
The PIX 260i supports 3G-SDI single link, but not dual-link HD-SDI.
Timecode over SDI is not available when recording in standard denition
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] seing,
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.
Standard Denition video is always output using HD Mode because 3G does not support Standard
Denition.
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
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 ags 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 cur-
rent transport state of the PIX 260i, Stopped = white, Red = Record, Green = Playback.
Audio Inputs
The PIX 260i can record up to 32 tracks from a vast array of audio input sources in both Video and
Audio modes:
Input Type Count Connector(s) Gain Details
Analog 8
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
Dante 32 1-32: Ethernet
1-8: DB-25 (CH 1-8 LINE IN)
1-2: XLR (LINE IN 1/2)
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Off, -25
to 50 dB
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Off, -25
to 20 dB
Balanced, Line-level. Channels 1-2 on DB-25
connector are summed with respective XLR connectors.
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]
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only]
should be set to SDI when using any SDI Audio
Inputs (Audio Only Mode). See Sample Rate
Converters for details
See Dante Audio Inputs for full details
Analog Audio Inputs
The PIX 260i has eight, high-performance, line-level analog audio inputs.
XLR (1-2)
The XLR balanced inputs accept line-level signals. These inputs are shared with Channels 1 and 2 of
DB25 Analog Audio Input connector. Channels 1 and 2 of this connector are summed with channels
1 and 2 of the DB25 connector, respectively..
DB25 (1-8)
Eight analog, line-level inputs are provided on the DB25 Analog Audio Input connector. This connector is wired in the Tascam fashion (see Connector Pin Assignments). Channels 1 and 2 of this connector
are summed with channels 1 and 2 XLR Analog Audio Inputs, respectively.
Digital Audio Inputs
The PIX 260i accepts digital audio from HDMI, SDI, and AES/EBU inputs. In Video Mode, all
audio is sampled at the sample rate determined by the video input stream, typically 48kHz. In
Audio Mode, the sample rate is determined by the [Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate] when
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only] is set to Internal.
HDMI / SDI Embedded Audio
The PIX 260i accept 8 channels of embedded digital audio on the HDMI Video Input or 16 channels
of digital audio on the SDI input.
AES3
The PIX 260i accepts AES3 (AES/EBU) digital signals with sampling rates from 32 kHz
up to 192 kHz and bit depths up to 24-bits. In Video mode, AES3 inputs are sample rate
13
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
converted to 48k. In Audio Mode, they are sample rate converted to the sampling rate set
in Setup Menu option [Audio -Audio Mode Sample Rate] (except when Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref- Audio Only] is set to AES 1-2 in which case the sampling rate is determined by the embedded clock within the AES3 stream). see Audio Mode
Dante Audio Inputs
Dante delivers an easy-to-setup, self-conguring, plug-and-play digital audio network that uses
standard Internet Protocols over 100Mb and/or Gigabit Ethernet. Dante reliably distributes mul-
tichannel digital audio with sub-millisecond latency and sample-accurate record and playback
synchronization over CAT 5 cabling. Up to 32 Dante audio channels can be selected in any combination from any Dante audio device on the same Dante network. Should they be necessary, sample rate
converters are automatically activated for all Dante audio inputs.
An input Source can be set to an available Dante channel from the PIX 260i or from the Dante Controller application (Available from Audinate’s website: hp://www.audinate.com/) running on a com-
puter aached to the network. To select a Dante source from the PIX 260i, follow the instructions in
the Choosing Audio Sources section of this guide.
To route Dante channels with the Dante Controller application:
1. Open the Dante Controller application.
2. Select the Routing tab. This table displays Dante devices with available outputs (“Dante
Transmiers”) horizontally, and Dante devices with available inputs (“Dante Receivers”)
vertically. PIX 260i units will be represented by their PIX names per Setup Menu option
[Network - This PIX’s Name].
3. Click the plus symbol (+) where the column of the desired Dante transmiing device intersects with the row of the PIX 260i you wish to set input sources on. This expands the table to
display a matrix of the transmiing device’s outputs to the PIX 260i’s inputs.
4. Click the slots in the matrix where you wish to route or un-route audio channels. A green
circle with a check mark will appear in slots that are routed.
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Dante Redundancy
When [Network - Dante Redundancy Mode] is set to On, the PIX 260i’s Primary and Secondary Ethernet ports both transmit Dante Audio data over separate networks. This provides a fail safe of the
Dante system if one of the networks should fail.
In Dante Redundancy Mode, two separate networks must be run and they CANNOT be connected to one
another. Connect any computer running Dante Controller to the PIX 260’s PRI Ethernet network.
See hp://www.audinate.com/ for further information on the Dante protocol.
Sample Rate Converters
Dante, AES, and HDMI inputs all have Sample Rate Converters. These help ensure syncronization of
digital audio from multiple sources. SDI Audio Inputs do not have Sample Rate Converters. When
using SDI Audio in Audio Only mode the [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only] should be set
to Video Input (SDI/HDMI). Any other conguration could result in undesired audio artifacts such
as clicks and pops. In Video Mode, SDI audio cannot be used when using HDMI as the Video Input
source.
Choosing Audio Sources
Audio Input Source is selected in the Audio Screen in the Source column. To setup an input:
1. Press the Audio buon to access the Audio Screen.
2. Select the Source box for the desired track using the Control Knob to move vertically and
REW and FF to move le and right.
3. 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, SDI In, or Dante and press the Control
Knob again to open up all options for that input type.
4. Press the Control Knob to make a selection and exit the Audio Input Source options window.
Dante sources must be connected in order to select them as audio input sources.
For quick general audio source congurations use [Audio - Audio Input Quick Setup]. See Setup
Menu for full list of options
Input Level Control
Audio Input Gain is set in the Audio Screen in the Gain column. To adjust the gain of an audio track:
1. Press the Audio buon to access the Audio Screen.
2. Select the Gain box for the desired track using the Control Knob to move vertically and REW
and FF to move le and right.
3. 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 audio
input source. See Audio Inputs
4. Once the desired gain value is set, press the Control Knob to exit the gain window.
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
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 osets from channel to channel are maintained. If this is
not desired, unlink the gain and set all gain values to the same value then relink 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 the Audio buon to access the Audio Screen.
2. Select the Delay box for the desired track using the Control Knob to move vertically and REW
and FF to move le and right.
3. Press the Control Knob to edit the delay value. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the delay in 1
mS increments.
4. 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 osets from channel to channel are maintained. If this
is not desired, unlink the delay and set all delay values to the same value then relink input delay.
Audio Outputs
Analog Audio Outputs
The eight analog outputs of the PIX 260i are active-balanced, line-level outputs (+18dBu max). At factory default, the source of the Analog Line Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respectively. Any of the availabe 32 Tracks can be sent to the Line Outputs. Line Output routing is set in [Audio - Line Output].
Digital Audio Outputs (AES/HDMI)
AES and HDMI Outputs are active at all times but these two outputs share the same source. At
factory default, the source of the AES/HDMI Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respctively. Any of the
availabe 32 Tracks can be sent to the AES/HDMI Outputs. AES/HDMI Output routing is set in
[Audio - HDMI/AES Output].
Dante Audio Outputs
Tracks 1-32 are permanently routed to Dante Outputs 1-32 respectively. Up to four PIX 260i units can
be daisy-chained using their built-in internal Ethernet switches. If using ve or more PIX 260i units,
Sound Devices recommends using an external Ethernet Switch in a star conguration.
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 32 Tracks can be sent to the
SDI Output. SDI Output routing is set in: [Audio - SDI Output].
Headphone Output
The PIX 260i 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 260i’s headphone output is a exible tool for monitoring audio. The headphone level is adjusted using the Headphone Volume Knob.
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
To quickly select amongst headphone sources, Press and hold the Audio buon while turning the Control Knob. The Headphone Source can also be selected in the Setup Menu option
[Audio - HP Source].
Warning Bells are sent to the headphone monitor to alert the user of various states, such as record/
stop, and errors such as No Media Connected, or No Input Signal Detected. The loudness of these
warning bells is adjustable from O, -60 to -12 dBFS in [System - HP Warning Bell Level]. At factory
default, the warning bells are set to -40 dBFS.
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Ethernet
The PRI and SEC Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the PIX 260i are used for a variety of PIX 260i
functions/features:
• Dante (32-Channel Audio I/O over network) See Dante Audio Inputs and Outputs for details.
• PIX Grouping See PIX Grouping for details.
• File Transfer (Samba) See Ethernet File Transfer - Samba for details.
• Web Browser Control See Web Interface - PIXNET for details.
A key use of the Web Browser is to allow the user to remotely instigate a transfer of PIX 260i recorded les to a network destination of their choice. Access to le transfer and web browser is via the IP
Address indicated in the Network Setup Menu and the OSD. See Network for further details.
Up to four PIX 260i units can be daisy-chained using their built-in internal Ethernet switches. If us-
ing ve or more PIX 260i units, Sound Devices recommends using an external Ethernet Switch in a
star conguration.
The PIX 260i 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 even in absence of any DHCP server. If a DHCP server is available, the PIX 260i will automatically use it if [Network - Auto IP Settings] is set to On. See Ethernet File Transfer (Samba) and Web
Interface - PIXNET
The PIX 260i uses on-board Auto-MDIX (crossover detection) to allow for direct connection to a computer or to a network.
Dante uses a separate IP Address which is congured automatically when connected to other Dante
devices. This IP Address is displayed when connected to a computer running Dante Controller, a
free-of-charge application available from Audinate. See the following link for details about Dante
Controller’s capabilities.
hp://www.audinate.com/
In Dante Redundancy Mode, two separate IP Addresses are used by Dante. See Dante Redundancy
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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
Video Monitoring Features
The PIX 260i includes various monitoring features to assist with exposure and focus. These functions
only aect signal on the LCD display and will never aect 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 holding
down the LCD buon and pressing the FILES buon. 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.
The following image is a luminance ramp signal displayed on a PIX 260i with no exposure assist en-
abled. Screen shots in the following sections show the eect of the various Exposure Assist features
on this test signal.
FILES
False Color
False Color exposure assist mode replaces pixels with a specic 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 260i User Guide and Technical Information
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 dened luminance range (Zebra 1) or above a dened 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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PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information
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 sub-
ject. Focus assist is enabled by holding down the LCD buon and pressing the MENU buon. 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 nds 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
lter. A seing 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
The color of the Peaking marks can be set with the Setup Menu option
[LCD Monitor - Peaking Color].
The following image comparison demonstrates the eect of Peaking on an image with a shallow
depth-of-eld and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal length (boom).
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