HD Digital Videocassette Recorder

HDW-250

Preliminary
In support of the many challenges and opportunities inherent in the transition to DTV systems, Sony has already developed a full range of HDVS (High Definition Video Systems) products. A digital HD camcorder, system cameras, VTRs, switchers, multi- effects, etc., are among the products now in use with many major broadcast and production companies, particularly in the USA and Japan. Working in the harsh world of day -to - day operational use, these products are graphically demonstrating the leadership that Sony has earned from over 20 years of research into HD technology. Joining this Sony HDVS family is the HDW-250, a portable digital HD VTR that is designed to be used together with the Sony HDC-750A Multipurpose Portable Camera, strengthening your field recording capability. With its outstanding portability and long recording time of 124 minutes, it is a valuable enhancement of the Sony HDCAM product range, especially as a backup VTR for the Sony HDW-700 Digital HD Camcorder. The models in this range, which already includes the HDW-500 Digital HD Editing VTR and HDW-700 Digital HD Camcorder, are widely acknowledged for their superb picture quality and reliability -and particularly for the familiar way in which they operate. This significant technical achievement has already been recognized by Sony receiving both an Award from the Motion Picture and Television Engineering Society of Japan, and the Award of Technical Advancement from the Institute of Image Information and Television Engineers. The HDW-250 HD VTR inherits all the advantages of the established DVW-250 Digital BETACAM Portable VTR, especially its excellent operability. Multiple inputs and outputs, and powerful interfacing capabilities, are major features providing the flexibility required for DTV to coexist with SDTV-which is still the major system for most users. For improved field operation in limited access situations, a new design of remote controller, the RM-B150, provides control of both VTR and camera. The HDW-250 is the ideal digital HD portable recorder. It will support a wide range of applications in your HD production program, from highly mobile field acquisition to studio and OB vehicle use.
HDCAM format-superb picture quality and 124 min recording time
The State-of-the-art HD recording technology provides 35 mm film-like picture quality and long recording times that contributes to lower running costs, 124 minutes from an L cassette and 40 minutes from an S cassette
Excellent operability- familiar operation, compact and lightweight
The HDW-250, a rugged, compact digital HD VTR, has the intuitive Betacam-style of operation familiar to most operators. It shares its excellent portability, robustness and compact size with the renowned Digital BETACAM portable VTR
Built-in NTSC analog composite down- converter
To maintain an interface with SDTV equipment, still the major system for most users, a high-quality NTSC analog composite down-converter is built in as standard. It includes an NTSC image enhancer function. System Configuration
Standard HD-SDI interface for simple connections
The built-in HD-SDI (High Definition Serial Digital Interface, to the SMPTE 292M standard)provides a convenient, HD baseband digital interface with other video equipment via a single coaxial cable.
Multiple inputs and outputs for wide -ranging applications
To provide the flexibility required for field recording, editing, and monitoring in DTV and SDTV systems, the HDW-250 the following inputs and outputs. HD-SDI input and output through a single coaxial cable for a smart system connection 26-pin camera cable interface Analog audio 4-channel inputs and outputs (A to D conversion at 20 bits and D to A at 18 bits) 1125/525 switchable Ref. Sync input and output NTSC analog composite output, with on/off switchable character superimposition HD analog Y/Pb/Pr component monitoring output, with on/off switchable character superimposition
Remote control with the RM-B150

The HDW-250 can be remotely controlled from the RM-B150, a new remote controller developed for the HDW Series. A Sony HD video camera , connected to the HDW-250 with an HDCZ-Series 26pin camera cable, can also be controlled from the RM-B150. This unique function is useful where confirmation playback is required from the HDW-250 in limited access situations. HDW-250 shown
100 meters, camera to recorder
The camera and HDW-250 can be separated by up to 100 meters of cable, either by using HD-SDI connections or a 26-pin HDCZ Series cable in conjunction with an HDCD-50 HD Signal Distributor.
Low power consumption for longer record time
Thanks to its sophisticated new circuitry, the HDW-250 provides a continuous record time of approximately 100 minutes from one BP-L60A battery.
External battery operation
As well as the internal battery, an external battery can be connected to provide a longer operating time. As the external battery has priority, there is no interruption when hot-swapping the internal battery, which contributes to a longer continuous record time.

HDCAM tape

Sony has created a new metal magnetic particle tape, the HDCAM tape. This has a C/N (Carrier to Noise Ratio) of 45 dB, to ensure high-integrity digital HD recording in the field. This HDCAM tape has many new features, but is in the same price range as Digital BETACAM tape to keep running costs low.

System Examples

Field frequency 60/59.94 Hz and effective scanning line 1080/1035 switchable
Thanks to its advanced design, the HDW-250 is the ideal digital HD portable VTR for DTV systems. Switchable field/line scanning frequencies make it convenient to use for international HD program exchange convenience.It can also be interfaced with the SDTV environments that still dominate the broadcast and video production industries.
BKDW-250, carrying case (1) Maintenance manual part-1 (1) Operation manual (1)

HD video cassette

Video head cleaning cassette
Maintenance manual part-2
BCT-124HDL/64HDL/ 40HD/22HD

BCT- HD12CL

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery charger for four BP-L60A batteries

AC adaptor

Remote control unit

BP-L60A

BC-L100

AC-550

RM-B150

General

Dimensions (W x H x D) Mass Power requirements Power consumption Operating temperature Storage temperature Humidity 317 x 154 x 349 mm Approx. 7.8 kg DC 12+5.0/-1.0 V Max.52 W (Rec. mode, Confi.Off) 0C to +40 C (+32 F to +104 F) -20 C to +60 C (-4 F to +140 F) 25 % to 85 % (relative humidity)

Band width S/N ratio Differential gain Differential phase Y/C delay K factor (2T pulse)
0~5.5 MHz 0.7 dB 56 dB or more 2 % or less 2 or less 15 ns or less 1 % or less
Digital Audio Performance
Sampling frequency Quantization Input A/D quantization Output D/A quantization Frequency response Dynamic range Distortion Cross talk Wow and Headroom Emphasis 48 kHz (synchronized with video) 20 bits / sample 20 bits / sample 18 bits / sample 20 Hz to 20 kHz + 0.5 dB/-1.0 dB (0 dBu 1 kHz) 100 dB or more (at 1kHz, emphasis ON) 0.03% or less (at 1 kHz, emphasis ON) -80 dB or less (at 1 kHz, between D/A channels) Below measurable level 20 dB (18dB) T1=50s, T2=15s (ON / OFF selectable)
Tape Format and Transport
HDCAM 12.65 mm (1/2 inches) 96.7 mm/s Max.124 min with large cassette (BCT-124 HDL) Max. 40 min with small cassette (BCT- 40 HDL) Fast forward/rewind time Approx. 7 min with large cassette (BCT-124 HDL) Approx. 2.5 min with small cassette (BCT- 40 HDL) Fast forward/rewind speed Max. 24 times Search speed Max. 8 times (2/5/8 selectable) Servo lock time 4.5 s or less (from Standby On) Load/unload time 6 s or less (with small cassette / large cassette) Battery BP - L60A Recommended tapes HDCAM cassette BCT-22 / 40 / 64 / 124 HDL Recording format Tape width Tape speed Record/playback time

Input / output signals

SDI (Serial Digital Interface) HD serial digital component embed audio 4 channels (non-compressed) SMPTE 259M HD SDI input BNC x 1 HD SDI output BNC x 1 Camera (26-pin x 1) Analog component input Analog audio input Reference sync output Return video output Y : 1.0 Vp-p, 75 (sync negative) R-Y/B-Y : 0.7 Vp-p, 75 -60/-20/+4 dBu selectable High impedance, balanced TRI SYNC 0.6 Vp-p, 75 (sync negative) Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 (sync negative)
Digital Video Performance
Sampling frequency Y : 74.25 MHz Pb/Pr : 37.125 MHz Quantization I/O interface 10 bits / sample Bit reduction 8 bits / sample Error correction Reed-Solomon code Error concealment Adaptive three dimensional Compression Co - efficient recording system Channel coding S - NRZI PR - IV Digital Input to Analog Component Output (Playback on standard playback machine) Bandwidth Y : 0.5~21.0 MHz 0.5 dB Pb/Pr : 0.5~7.00 MHz 0.5 dB S/N ratio 58 dB or more K factor (2T pulse) 1 % or less Analog Component Input to Analog Component Output (Playback on standard playback machine) A/D quantization 10 bits / sample Bandwidth Y : 0.5~21.0 MHz 1.0 dB Pb/Pr : 0.5~7.00 MHz 1.0 dB S/N ratio 56 dB or more K factor (2T pulse) 2 % or less Analog Component Input to Analog Composite Output (Playback on standard playback machine) A/D quantization 10 bits / sample
Video Analog composite reference input BNC x 1 1125/60 or 1125/59.94 TRI SYNC 0.6 Vp-p, 75 (sync negative) 525/59.94 Black burst 0.286 Vp-p, 75 (sync negative) Analog HD component output BNC x 3 Y/Pb/Pr : 0.1 Vp -p, 75 (sync negative) Superimpose ON/OFF selectable Analog composite output BNC x 1 1.0 Vp-p,75 (syncnegative) Superimpose ON/OFF selectable Audio Analog audio input XLR x 4 -60/-20/+4 dBu selectable High impedance, balanced XLR x 4 +4 dBu (0 dBu) Low impedance, balanced Stereo standard jack (x 1) -17 dBu Stereo mini jack ( x 1) -17 dBu BNC x 1 0.5~18 Vp -p, impedance 10 k 10% BNC x 1 1.0 Vp -p (75 ), 2.2 Vp -p (10 k )

Analog audio output Headphone Earphone Time code input Time code output

HDW-250 Connector Panel

1999 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate. Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Sony, HDVS and Betacam are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

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Printed in Japan

Chapter 8 Editing System Configuration
8-1 Configuration in Which an Editor Is Not Used... 8-1 8-2 Configuration in Which an Editor Is Used... 8-2

Appendixes

Error and Warning Messages.. A-1 Error Messages.. A-1 Warning Messages.. A-2 Error/Warning Indicators on the Status Indication Panel, WARNING Indicator Conditions, and Warning Beeps. A-3 Error Log.. A-5 Using the Shoulder Strap and Carrying Case. A-7 Specifications.. A-8 Index.. I-1

1-1 Features

Chapter 1 Overview Chapter 1 Overview
The HDW-250 is a high-definition, HDCAM1)-format portable digital videocassette recorder that uses largescale LSI circuitry to achieve the same lightness, smallness, and ease of use of conventional digital Betacam recorders.
1-1-1 Features of the HDW-250
The following are some of the features of the HDW250. Design suitable for field operations The compact and lightweight design of the VTR (with a main-unit weight of approximately 7.8 kg (17 lb 3 oz)) makes it ideal for use in the field. Its 40-watt power consumption (during recording with the MODE switch set to SAVE, the CONFI switch set to OFF, and the output from both the HD SDI OUT connector and the COMPOSITE MONITOR OUT connector turned off) supports about 1.5 hours of continuous shooting when powered by an optional battery pack. High-speed, color-playback searching The VTR supports searching with color playback at speeds of 2, 5, or 8 normal speed. Ease of operation with two LCD panels Two LCD panels on the front panel provide the convenience of simultaneously viewing unit status and time data (on the smaller LCD) and audio level meters, video level meters, setup menu, and error messages (on the larger LCD). Different audio level meter display modes allow adjustments to be made more finely, while a backlight facilitates viewing under dark conditions. Input interface An HD analog component signal from the camera or HD SDI signal can be selected as the input signal. In the HD SDI format, which is based on the SMPTE 291M, 292M, 299M (BTA S-004B, -005B, -006B)/ ARIB STD B-4 high-definition component serial digital interface format, a single BNC coaxial cable carries one component video signal, four channels of digital audio signal, and time code in time-division multiplex. These signals are then separated for conversion to parallel data. Audio signals undergo A/D conversion that allows them to be recorded digitally.
1) HDCAM is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Output interface Component video signals are converted into serial data, multiplexed with audio signal and time code, and then output in a high-definition serial digital interface format. A high-definition analog component signal is output for monitoring. Output of an analog composite signal is also supported using the internal downconverter. Audio signals undergo digital-to-analog conversion, and are then output.
Advanced recording and playback functions

1-1-2 HDCAM Format

Based on the Digital Betacam format, the HDCAM format retains the same ease of use of its predecessor, while yielding high-performance, high-definition digital recording and playback. The HDCAM format uses the following technologies: Bandwidth restrictions and a new coefficient recording system providing data compression by a factor of seven Powerful error-correcting codes High-performance, high-accuracy heads providing highly reliable, narrow-track recording and playback Together, these technologies support a recording time of 120 minutes or more on an L-size, 1/2-inch HDCAM cassette the same size as a conventional Digital Betacam cassette.
....... 1) Tele-File A system for saving and recalling recording-related information using a cassette label that incorporates a non-contact memory IC. Tele-File is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

1-2 System Configuration

The following figure shows one example of a system configuration centered on the HDW-250.
For details on connector names, see 4-1-1 Connecting Digital Equipment (page 4-1) and 4-1-2 Connecting Analog Equipment (page 4-2).

Digital equipment

HD color video camera

Analog equipment

Earphone
Headphones Microphone HD color video camera Component signal

HD VTR etc.

Tape recorder etc.
Switching HDW-250 HD SDI video/audio input channel HD SDI video/audio output channel Four audio input channels (1 to 4) Video input NTSC video output Four audio output channels (composite)
VTR etc. VTR, FPU (Field Pickup Unit), etc. NTSC video monitor Stereo amplifier A camera control signal channel ISR or editor RM-B150 Remote Control Unit Speakers Component HD video output (Y/PB/PR)

A control signal channel

Video monitor
One example of an HDW-250 system configuration
1-3 Getting the Best Performance From the VTR
Precautions concerning operation and storage

Related manuals

In addition to this operation manual, the following manuals have been prepared for use with the VTR. Consult them as necessary. Maintenance manual part 1 (supplied) Describes VTR maintenance procedures. Maintenance manual part 2 (not supplied) Contains circuit diagrams and adjustment procedures required for the maintenance of the VTR.
Protect the VTR from violent shocks Violent impacts to the VTR may damage the internal circuitry and mechanism or the external finish. After use Turn the power off. When not using the VTR for an extended period of time Remove the cassette and battery pack. Operating and storage locations Store the VTR at a level place that is well ventilated. Avoid operating or storing the VTR at a place subject to the following conditions: Extreme heat or coldness Dust Humidity Severe vibration Strong magnetic fields Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, or in the proximity of heating equipment

....... 1) E-E (Electric-to-Electric) signal A signal that passes solely through internal circuitry, and not through pathways in which magnetic conversion take place, such as magnetic heads and tapes. 2) E-E (Electric-to-Electric) mode A state in which E-E signal can be monitored. Commonly used to monitor input signals before they are recorded.
The function of this button varies according to the VTR status and the button with which it is simultaneously pressed, as follows:
When pressed The VTR does the following: together with STOP p button Exits from standby mode. (page 2-2) REW 0 button (page 22) F FWD ) button (page 23) ENTER button (this page) Does a search in the reverse direction. Each press of the REW 0 button changes the search speed (to 2, 5, or 8). Does a search in the forward direction. Each press of the F FWD ) button changes the search speed (to 2, 5, or 8). Sets an IN point. The time code at the time the ENTER button is pressed is recorded as the IN point. If the automatic assemble recording mode is selected, the next recording operation automatically starts from this point. For details on selecting the recording mode, see the section about the REC MODE in the EDIT menu (page 7-6). To start recording from the IN point in assemble recording mode Use the PREROLL button (see this page) to cue to the IN point.
! ENTER button and indicator The function of this button varies according to the VTR status and the button with which it is simultaneously pressed. Setting a cue point Press this button during recording, playback, or in standby mode to set the current time code as a cue point. When a videocassette with a MLB-1B-100 memory label for the Tele-File system (not supplied) is inserted, cue point data can be recorded to the memory label and later recalled using the TELE FILE menu. Setting an IN point Press this button while holding down the FUNC button (see page 2-3). The indicator lights up when an IN point is entered. The time data for the IN point appears in the INFORMATION (see page 4-3). To delete an IN point, press this button while holding down the [SHIFT]/DEL button (see page 2-10) in any menu other than TELE FILE menu. ! KEY INHI (inhibit) switch Use this switch to prevent misoperations due to accidental key operations. ON: All operation buttons are disabled. OFF: Only the STOP p and ENTER buttons are operable if the VTR is recording. All buttons are operable under all other conditions.
PREROLL button Cues to the starting point of the last (this page) recording.
9 PREROLL button and indicator Press to cue to EOS1). When an IN point has been set, press to cue to the IN point. When ASM (assemble) or AUTO (automatic assemble) recording mode is selected, the VTR cues up to a point about 3 seconds before the EOS or IN point. The indicator flashes while the VTR is cueing. Press this button while holding down the FUNC button (see page 2-3) to cue to the starting point of the last recording.

5 AUDIO PB (playback) LEVEL controls Turn to adjust the playback levels of the channels output to the HD SDI OUT connector (see page 2-15) and AUDIO OUT connectors (see page 2-13). The adjustment is effective only when PB VOLUME in the AUDIO menu is set to VAR (see page 7-12). 6 POWER switch Turns the VTR on or off. This switch also controls the power supply to the camera connected to the CAMERA connector (see page 2-15) and the remote controller connected to the CAMERA REMOTE connector (see page 2-16).
Functions of the display buttons Display item Audio level Video Setup INFORTELE FILE Error log1) RF meters level menu MATION menu1) CHECK meters screen screen1) Display buttons DISPLAY button Changes to Changes the next to the item setup menu Changes to the next item Changes to the next item
CHANNEL (channel condition) screen1)
Changes Changes Changes Changes to the next to the next to the next to the item item item audio level meters

UP button

No change No change Moves the cursor ( ) * up
No change Selects the Selects the No change No change upper cue upper log point Selects the Selects the No change No change lower cue lower log point
DOWN/FREEZE button Freezes the No change Moves the playback cursor ( ) * down picture or cancels the freeze SET/FINE/SEARCH button
Freezes the playback picture or cancels the freeze Changes No change Selects the No change the display item with mode the cursor (between ( ) * FULL and FINE)
Locates the selected cue point
Switches the detailed display of the selected item

No change No change

1) These items are factory-set so that they do not appear when the DISPLAY button is pressed. To display these items, use DISP SEL in the SYSTEM menu (see page 7-13).
2-1-4 Time Code Setting Controls
Grasp the projection and pull forward.
1 SUPERIMPOSE switch 2 DISPLAY switch For use by service personnel only 3 F-RUN/R-RUN switch 4 [ADVANCE]/INS button 5 [SHIFT]/DEL button
SUPER DISPLAY F-RUN ADVANCE

ON LTC

REAL TIME
REC ON OFF SET LTC U-BIT ON

EXT-LOCK/U-BIT

OFF VITC R-RUN

UTILITY

VITC U-BITOFF
6 REAL TIME REC/[SET] switch 7 REAL TIME LTC/VITC switch 8 EXT-LOCK/U-BIT switch 9 DF/NDF switch ! DIAG button
1 SUPERIMPOSE switch Specifies whether or not information on the status of the VTR (PLAY, FF, etc.) and time code values are superimposed on the video signal output from the COMPOSITE MONITOR OUT connector and ANALOG HD COMPONENT MONITOR OUT connector (see page 2-15). ON: Information is superimposed. OFF: Information is not superimposed.

5 BREAKER button When a power surge occurs in the VTR, the breaker activates and cuts off the power. The button pops out at this time. Do an internal examination of the VTR. If the problem is not a persistent one, push in the button. If the system has returned to normal, power will be restored. 6 MODE switch Specifies the output signals and the power consumption. SAVE: Power consumption is considerably reduced. Set the switch to this position when using a battery pack. PB/EE: E-E mode signals are output when the VTR is stopped, fast-forwarding, or rewinding. PB: Video and audio signals recorded on the tape are output when the VTR is stopped, fast-forwarding, or rewinding. (Depending on the playback conditions, video and audio signals may not be output correctly.) 7 Battery pack compartment Insert the BP-90A/BP-L60A Battery Pack into this compartment, which is located behind the cover on the opposite side of the connector panel.

3-1 Power Supply

Chapter Chapter 3 Preparations 3
The VTR can be powered by any of the following sources: BP-90A Nickel-cadmium Battery Pack BP-L60A Lithium Ion Battery Pack Power supplied to the DC IN 12V connector (e.g., from an AC-550/AC-DN2A AC Adaptor).
Pull down the divider inside the battery compartment, and then insert the battery pack with the cord facing towards you.
3-1-1 Using a Battery Pack
Using the BP-90A Battery Pack
The capacity of the BP-90A is not sufficient to supply power to the camera.
For details on powering the camera, see 3-1-3 Turning the Power Supply to the Camera From the VTR On or Off on page 3-3.
Attach the cord to the connector inside the battery compartment, and then tuck the cord completely into the compartment.

Preparations

Connector
A BP-90A Battery Pack provides about 80 minutes of continuous recording (when the MODE switch is set to SAVE, the CONFI switch to OFF, and both SDI OUT in the VIDEO (HD) menu and D.CONV OUT in the VIDEO (NTSC) menu to OFF (see pages 7-10 and 11)). Before using the battery pack, charge is with the BC410 Battery Charger. Charging takes about two hours and thirty minutes.
For details on charging the battery pack, refer to the operation manual supplied with the BC-410 Battery Charger.
Close the battery pack compartment cover.

3-2 Cassettes

This section lists the cassette which can be used and provides information on their handling.
3-2-3 Loading and Unloading a Cassette

Eliminating tape slack

Before loading a cassette, insert you fingers into the reels and turn them gently in the direction shown by the arrows in the figure below. When the reels cannot turn any further, all slack will be eliminated.

3-2-1 Cassette Types

Use HDCAM cassettes with 1/2-inch tape.
HDCAM cassettes Maximum recording time 40 minutes 124 minutes
Cassette size Small cassette Large cassette Note
Digital Betacam cassettes cannot be used with this VTR. Cassette storage Store the cassettes at a location with normal levels of temperature and humidity.
3-2-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure of Recordings
To prevent accidental erasure of the a cassette, push in the red record-protect tab on the reverse side of the cassette. To enable recording again, restore the tab to its original position.

Loading a cassette

It is not possible to load a cassette until the VTR is turned on.

Large cassette

Small cassette position
Push in the record-protect tab Preventing accidental erasure of recordings

Small cassette

Large cassette position
Turn on the VTR. Pull up the cassette compartment cover.
Confirm that the HUMID indication is not on in the status indication panel. Then insert the cassette.
For information on what to do if the HUMID indication appears, refer to Error/Warning Indicators on the Status Indication Panel, WARNING Indicator Conditions, and Warning Beeps on page A-3.
3-2-4 Checking the Remaining Time on the Tape
You can check the remaining recording time on the tape in the following two ways: Using the status indication panel When a tape is loaded, the TAPE indication lights up in the status indication panel and the seven segments flash. When the tape transport starts, the segments continue to flash for several seconds. The number of segments that light up indicate the remaining time on the tape. All seven segments light up when 30 minutes or more remain. Each segment equals 5 minutes of remaining time on the tape. The relationship between the number of segments and the remaining time is shown in the following figure:
When the cassette is fully inserted, the cassette compartment cover closes automatically.

Unloading the cassette

30 minutes or more 25 to 30 minutes 20 to 25 minutes
15 to 20 minutes 10 to 15 minutes 5 to 10 minutes Less than 5 minutes

Recording

AUDIO IN

Headphones

HD SDI OUT

HD SDI IN

REMOTE
VTR, camera, etc. with digital output in HD SDI format
Remote controller supporting the Sony 9-pin protocol
Video monitor, VTR, etc. with digital input in HD SDI format
Connecting digital equipment
4-1-2 Connecting Analog Equipment
The following figure shows an example of the connections required when using the VTR with a camera, another VTR, video monitor, and other equipment with analog inputs and outputs.
Microphone, tape recorder, etc. HD color video camera with component video output

CAMERA

COMPOSITE

REFERENCE IN

AUDIO OUT
VTR, camera, etc. with sync signal output
Audio monitor equipment such as stereo amplifier
HD video monitor, another VTR, etc. with component video input
NTSC video monitor, another VTR, etc. with composite video input
Camera, video remote controller, etc. supporting the Sony 700 protocol
Connecting analog equipment

CAMERA REMOTE

ANALOG HD COMPONENT
4-1-3 Checking the VTR Status
Before the start of recording, check the recording conditions and VTR status, and change them if necessary.

Checking the VTR status

Press the DISPLAY button (one of the display buttons) repeatedly to display the INFORMATION screen in the signal level and menu panel. To display the INFORMATION screen using the DISPLAY button, set INFORMATI in the SYSTEM menu to ON (see page 7-13).
IN: Displays the time code or CTL of the IN point created by pressing the ENTER button while holding down the FUNC button, or created by an external editing device. When recording in ASM (assemble) or AUTO (auto assemble) mode, the VTR displays the time code or CTL of the starting point of the current recording. When no time data is available, : : : is displayed. 5 Power source and voltage Indicates the power source and its voltage. DC IN XX.X (XX.X): An external power supply is being used. The value without parentheses to the right of the DC IN indication is the voltage of the external power supply, and the value within parentheses is the voltage of the battery pack. BATT XX.X (XX.X): The battery pack is being used. The value without parentheses to the right of the BATT indication is the voltage of the battery pack, and the value within parentheses is the voltage of the external power supply. 6 T-FILE (Tele-File information) Displays the status of the memory label attached to the inserted cassette. NONE: There is no MLB-1B-100 memory label (not supplied) attached to the cassette or there is no cassette. READY: The memory label is in write-ready status. WPROTECT The memory label is write-protected. : 7 MODE (operation mode) Indicates the operation mode of the VTR. When a warning is issued, the warning display and a message appear as follows:

Displaying and adjusting the video input/ output level
Check the video input and output levels using the video level meters.
DISPLAY button Signal level and menu panel

SDI IN

Displaying and adjusting the video input/output level
4-1-5 Making Audio Input Settings
Selecting the audio input signal
Select the audio input signal as follows:
Recording the same audio signal on channels 3 and 4 and channels 1 and 2
Set DOUBL REC in the AUDIO menu to ON (see page 7-12).
Adjusting the recording level
It is possible to adjust the recording level for analog input.
CAMERA connector AUDIO IN connectors Audio input level switches CAMERA/LINE switches
When the video input is digital When the selected video input signal is a digital signal in the SDI format, it is possible to specify whether to use the audio signal in the SDI signal as the audio input to the VTR or to use the analog signal input from the AUDIO IN connectors or CAMERA connector. This setting can be done using INPUT 1/2 and INPUT 3/4 in the AUDIO menu (see page 7-12). When ANA is selected for INPUT 1/2 and INPUT 3/4 in the AUDIO menu, select the audio input signal as you would for an analog video input signal. When the video input is analog If the video input is analog, analog audio input is selected regardless of the INPUT 1/2 and INPUT 3/4 settings in the AUDIO menu. Use the CAMERA/ LINE switches to select analog signals for the audio input. CAMERA The audio signal input from the : CAMERA connector is selected instead of the audio signal input from the corresponding AUDIO IN connector. Set the corresponding audio input switch to 20. LINE: The audio signal input from an AUDIO IN connector is selected.
Signal level and menu panel
Set the audio input level switches so that they correspond with the input level. Press the FUNC button. The VTR switches to E-E mode. If the audio level meters do not appear in the signal level/menu panel, press the DISPLAY button repeatedly until the audio level meters appear.
Specify the level meter display mode. There are two modes for displaying the audio level meters: FULL (display range: 60 to 0 dB) and FINE (display range: 20 to 2 dB). Pressing the SET/FINE/SEARCH button changes the audio level meter display mode. When FULL mode is selected, nothing appears in the space below the FINE indication at the top-left corner; when FINE mode is selected, a black block appears below the FINE indication at the top-left corner and FINE appears at the top-left of the audio level meters. Select the FULL mode first to make a rough adjustment, then select the FINE mode for fine adjustment.
While monitoring the level meter, turn the recording level control for the audio channel to adjust the recording level.

This VTR is equipped with an internal battery for use as a backup power supply for the time code generator. The time code generator can thus continue running even when you change the battery pack. The backup battery lasts for about five years.
4-1-8 Locking the Time Code Generator to an External Signal
It is possible to lock the VTRs time code generator to an external time code generator, or an external time code generator to the VTRs time code generator.
....... 1) Drop frame mode The frame rate in the NTSC color system is 29.97 frames per second, while time code is based on a rate of 30 frames per second. The discrepancy that results between the two rates is corrected by a drop frame method by which frame numbers are skipped at appropriate intervals, thereby maintaining values that are consistent with the actual elapsed time. 2) Non-drop frame mode As its name implies, frames are not skipped in this mode, and the discrepancy between the 30-frame-per-second time code and the actual elapsed time is not corrected.
Locking the VTR to an external time code generator
Locking the users bits value to an external signal
First lock the VTR to an external time code source, and then set the EXT-LOCK/U-BIT switch to ON to lock the users bits value of the VTR to the users bits value included in the external time code. When the EXT-LOCK/U-BIT switch is set to OFF, the users bits value is not affected by the external signal.
Select the external time code source to which the VTR will be locked by setting EXT TC IN in the TIME CODE menu (see page 7-7). TC IN: The VTR locks to the time code input from the TC IN connector. SDI: The VTR locks to the VITC included in the signal input from the HD SDI IN connector. When TC IN is selected Connect the time code output from the external device to the TC IN connector of the VTR.
See the connections for the first HDW-250 shown in the figure Connection example for time-code-locking of multiple HDW-250 units on page 4-12.
Selecting the signal output to the TC OUT connector
Select the signal to be output to the TC OUT connector by setting TC OUT in the TIME CODE menu (see page 7-7). GEN: The signal generated by the internal time code generator is output. AUTO: During recording or in E-E mode, the signal generated by the internal time code generator is output. During playback, the LTC recorded on the tape is output.

For details on the setting, see Non-display and saving of error/warning messages in the error log on page A-5.
To check remaining time on the tape Use REMAIN TM in the CHAR OUT menu (see page 7-8). OFF: Remaining time is not displayed. ON: Remaining time is always displayed. 10M: Remaining time is displayed when it is 10 minutes or less.
When remaining time on the tape is 23 minutes

TCR. : : : 1 8

When remaining time on the tape is 5 minutes
When remaining time on the tape is 100 minutes or more
Examples of remaining time display
Shifting the superimpose position
The superimpose position of the display contents can be shifted vertically in 24 levels. Use CHAR V in the CHAR OUT menu (see page 7-8) to shift the position.
Outputting the playback time code from the TC OUT connector
Use TC OUT in the TIME CODE menu (see page 7-7) to output time code from the TC OUT connector during playback.

6-1 TELE FILE Menu

Using the TELE FILE menu, you can recall and update cue point information or cassette management information recorded on an MLB-1B-100 memory label (not supplied) attached to the inserted cassette. All TELE FILE menu operations can be done through the HDW-250 control panel or on an external personal computer. Set REMOTE in the SYSTEM menu (see page 7-14) to select the HDW-250 or personal computer. Before using an external personal computer Do the following: Install the MLZ-100 Memory Label Application Software (not supplied). Set REMOTE in the SYSTEM menu to TELEF (see page 7-14).
For details on operations using an external personal computer, refer to the Users Guide supplied with the MLZ100.
The letter P appears to the right of cue point number for cue points that have been write-protected on an external personal computer.
Cue point data cannot be write-protected using the HDW-250.
TELE FILE FUNC 1 10:23:45:10:24:56:11:16:02:P 11:37:03:12:48:04:P 12:59:05:23 EOS --:--:--:--
HDW-250 control panel operations are used in the explanations below.
6-1-1 Displaying the TELE FILE Menu
To display the TELE FILE menu

Do the procedure below.

To display the TELE FILE menu automatically Set T/F P-UP in the TELE FILE menu to ON (see page 7-12). Whenever a cassette with a memory label is inserted in the HDW-250, the TELE FILE menu appears in the display (except when the setup menu is displayed).
To exit the TELE FILE menu
Press the DISPLAY button in the adjustment controls. The audio level meters appear in the display.
Press the DISPLAY button in the adjustment controls repeatedly until the setup menu appears in the display. Press the UP or DOWN/FREEZE button repeatedly to move the cursor (*) to TELE FILE (under DISP SEL) (see page 7-13). Press the SET/FINE/SEARCH button. Press the UP or DOWN/FREEZE button to select ON. Press the SET/FINE/SEARCH button. Press the DISPLAY button repeatedly until the list of cue point data in the TELE FILE menu appears in the display.

SERVO A/V REFERENCE SELECT EXTERNAL REFERENCE SELECT STILL TIMER SEARCH SPEED FREEZE MODE
Indications on the display
SV/AV REF EXT REF STILL TMR SEARCH FREEZE REC MODE PREROLL REC RUN EXT TC IN PHASE CRC TCG CF FLG TC OUT CHAR V CHAR TYPE DISP INFO

REC MODE PREROLL TIME

TIME CODE
REC RUN EXTERNAL TC IN PHASE CORRECTION TCG CF FLAG TC OUT

CHAR OUT

CHARACTER V POSITION CHARACTER TYPE DISPLAY INFORMATION select CHARACTER WARNING DISPLAY at dual line mode REMAIN TIME
CHAR WANG REMAIN TM VITC/NTSC VITC POSI1 VITC POSI2 SDI OUT MSTR LEV Y LEVEL PB LEVEL PR LEVEL SETUP LEV SYNC PHSE FINE ROUNDING

VITC (NTSC)

VITC (NTSC) VITC POSITION-1 select (NTSC) VITC POSITION-2 select (NTSC)

VIDEO (HD)

SDI OUT MASTER LEVEL Y LEVEL PB LEVEL PR LEVEL SETUP LEVEL (HD) SYNC PHASE (HD) FINE (HD) ROUNDING

Chapter 7

Setup Operations

VIDEO (NTSC)

DOWNCONVERTER OUT DOWNCONVERTER MODE LETTER BOX MODE H CROP POSITION SETUP LEVEL (NTSC) SYNC PHASE (NTSC) FINE (NTSC) CROSS COLOR DETAIL GAIN COMPOSITE CHROMA BANDWIDTH
D. CONV OUT D. CONV MOD LBOX MODE H CROP PS SETUP NTS SYNC NTSC FINE NTSC CROSS COL DETAIL GA COMPOSITE INPUT 1/2 INPUT 3/4 EMPHASIS DOUBL REC PB VOLUME T/F P-UP
INPUT 1/2 INPUT 3/4 EMPHASIS DOUBLE REC PB VOLUME

TELE FILE

TELE FILE POP UP <TELE FILE FORMAT> THREAD CLEAR WRITE PROTECT FORMAT EXEC
THREAD CLER W PROTECT FORMAT EXEC V TEST SG A TEST SG CAM POWER

SYSTEM

VIDEO TEST SG AUDIO TEST SG CAMERA POWER SUPPLY <DISPLAY SELECT> IN/OUT SIGNAL INFORMATION TELE FILE ERROR LOG RF CHECK CHANNEL CONDITION <LOAD/SAVE> LOAD <SAVE> <REMOTE> REMOTE BAUD RATE CAMERA REMOTE <SYSTEM> FREQUENCY HD LINE SAVE
IN/OT SIG INFORMATI TELE FILE ERROR LOG RF CHECK CHANNEL LOAD SAVE REMOTE BAUD CAM REMOT FREQUENCY HD LINE AUTO TRCK

TRACKING

AUTO TRACKING
7-2 Basic Setup Procedure

Using the setup menus

Press the SET/FINE/SEARCH button to select the item to be changed. If you select an item enclosed in angle brackets More sub-items will appear when you press the SET/FINE/SEARCH button. If you select an item enclosed in angle brackets Go to step 5.

1 2,4,6 3,5,7

Press the DISPLAY button in the adjustment controls repeatedly until the list of top menus and their items appear in the signal level and menu panel. Press the UP or DOWN/FREEZE button repeatedly to move the asterisk cursor (*) to the item to be changed. To move to the first item of the next top menu Hold down the UP or DOWN/FREEZE button.
Press the UP or DOWN/FREEZE button repeatedly to move the asterisk cursor to the subitem to be changed. When more items are displayed when you press the SET/FINE/SEARCH button, repeat step 3 and this step. Press the SET/FINE/SEARCH button to select the item (or sub-item). The current setting of the selected item flashes. Press the UP or DOWN/FREEZE button repeatedly to change the setting. To restore the item to its factory setting Press the UP button and DOWN/FREEZE button simultaneously.

For details on the error/warning indicators on the status indication panel, WARNING indicator conditions, and warning beeps, see Error/Warning Indicators on the Status Indication Panel, WARNING Indicator Conditions, and Warning Beeps on page A-3.
The warning messages and their meanings are listed below: BATTERY NEAR END: The voltage of the battery pack has fallen into the warning range. CAM DC SUPPLY OFFED: To maintain power to the VTR, power from the BP-90A to the camera has been cut. CAM DC SUPPLY ON WITH BP90: The power supply to the camera has been set to on with the use of the BP-90A. INVALID SDI: The serial digital input signal data is invalid. LOST LOCK: Capstan servo lock has been lost during playback, recording or editing. NO CAM INPUT: The signal input from the CAMERA connector has been specified as the servo reference signal, but there is no signal input from that connector.
NO EXTERNAL REFERENCE VIDEO: The specified reference signal has not been input. NO LTC REPRODUCED: LTC is not recorded on the tape. NO PB RF: The playback heads cannot read digital data from the tape correctly. NO SDI INPUT: The signal input from the HD SDI IN connector has been specified as the servo reference signal, but there is no signal input from that connector. PREROLL FAILED: Prerolling to a cue point has not been completed because of some reason: e.g. no existence on the tape of the time code which has been set as a cue point. When this warning message is displayed, confirm the position where the tape has been stopped before the next recording. RF TROUBLE: An abnormality in RF level has been detected during playback or recording. ASM IN ERROR: During recording in assemble mode or automatic assemble mode, the continuity of the video signal was broken because of a discontinuity in the time code in the pre-roll segment of the source tape, or because of the lack of a specified recording starting point on the destination tape. TAPE END: End of tape is detected.
Message Error/warning WARNING indicator(s) indicator Error SERVO lights message up Flashes (4 times/second) Beep Continuous
TAPE NEAR END: Remaining time on the tape is running out. TELEFILE ERROR: An error has been detected during a memory label writing or reading operation. VIDEO PLL UNLOCKED: The video clock generator PLL is not locked to the input video reference signal.
Error/Warning Indicators on the Status Indication Panel, WARNING Indicator Conditions, and Warning Beeps
When an error message or a warning message is issued, an error/warning indicator appears on the status indication panel, the WARNING indicator lights up or fl-ashes, and a beep is output to the EARPHONE connector and HEADPHONES connector. Use the following table to determine the appropriate measures to be taken to resolve the error. To turn off the beep Set ALARM in the DIAG menu to OFF.

For details on the DIAG menu, refer to the maintenance manual part 1 (supplied).
VTR action Cause Remedy For information on resolving the problem, refer to maintenance manual part 1 (supplied). Stop the tape. Keep the VTR turned on and wait until the HUMID indicator turns off.
Recording continues only The servo lock if possible. Or all has been lost. operations are canceled.

HUMID lights up

Lights up

Continuous

Recording continues. If the tape is stuck on the head drum, recording stops. Playback, fastforwarding, or rewinding stops. Recording stops.

Condensation has formed.

SLACK lights up

Flashes (4 times/second)

Tape is not Eject the cassette. wound properly. For details, refer to the maintenance manual part 1 (supplied). For information on resolving the problem, refer to maintenance manual part 1 (supplied). Replace the battery pack and turn the VTR back on.
RF, SERVO, HUMID, and SLACK flash
Recording continues only System error if possible. Or all has occurred. operations are canceled.
BATT flashes (1 time/ second)

Recording stops.

Battery pack has exhausted.
Message Error/warning WARNING indicator(s) indicator Warning TAPE flashes message (1 time/ second) Flashes (1 time/second)

Beep One beep per second

VTR action Recording continues.

Remedy

Tape is running Replace the out. cassette if necessary.
All operations are canceled.

End of tape.

Replace the cassette.

Flashes (1 time/second)

One beep per second

Recording continues.

Voltage of the battery pack has fallen into the warning range. Power is currently being supplied from an external AC power source, but the BP-90A Battery Pack is inserted and CAM POWER in the SYSTEM menu is set to ON.
Replace the battery pack.

Four beeps per second

Power to the camera will be cut off when the power source switches to the battery pack.
Do one of the following: Remove the BP90A or replace it with the BP-L60A. Set CAM POWER in the SYSTEM menu to OFF.
Power to the camera has An attempt was Do one of the been cut off. made to supply following: power to the Supply power to camera from a the VTR and the BP-90A. camera using an external AC power source. Remove the BP90A or replace it with a BP-L60A. Set CAM POWER in the SYSTEM menu to OFF. Recording continues but recording may not be done properly. Proper playback may also not be possible. Video heads may be clogged, or there is some other fault in recording/ playback system. Clean the heads with a BCTHD12CL Cleaning Cassette. If RF remains on after the head cleaning, turn off the VTR and consult your Sony service personnel.

RF lights up

Error Log
The error log records the time and time code at which all errors and warning messages were output during VTR operations and the VTR condition. The error log can contain a maximum of 99 items.