Digidesign 2001 Junipero Serra BoulevardDaly City, CA 94014-3886 USAtel: 650·731·6300fax: 650·731·6399 Technical Support (USA) tel: 650·731·6100fax:

SYNC I/O Guide6

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 7chapter 2Installation and ConfigurationHardware ConnectionsThe following are the primary hardware connec-tion

SYNC I/O Guide 8 To connect SYNC I/O to a Pro Tools|24 MIX system: 1 Make sure power is off on all equipment. 2 Connect one end of the included

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 9 To connect SYNC I/O to Pro Tools|HD interfaces: 1 Using a BNC cable, connect the Loop Sync Out of the SY

SYNC I/O Guide 10 When Pro Tools launches, the SYNC I/O Word Clock Out port will switch to 256x Slave Clock output. In stand-alone use, you can manua

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 11 Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation Mode To connect a machine for Remote 9-Pin Deck Emulation mode (Windows Syste

SYNC I/O Guide 12 Character Generator for Window Burn SYNC I/O can also generate a Window burn while using the same video source signal as the video

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 13 To supply AES/EBU clock reference from SYNC I/O: Connect the SYNC I/O AES/EBU output to the AES/EBU inp

SYNC I/O Guide 14 Configuring Pro Tools|HD and SYNC I/O Pro Tools provides SYNC I/O configuration and firmware update controls. These establish com-muni

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 15Configuring SYNC I/O in the Pro Tools Session Setup WindowWhen connected through Loop Sync and en-abled in

Copyright This guide is copyrighted ©2004 by Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Digidesign”), with all rights reserved. Unde

SYNC I/O Guide16The Clock Source menu follows your selection of SYNC I/O for Clock Reference, and automati-cally switches to SYNC I/O. (You can also c

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 17Sample RateThe SYNC I/O sample rate is determined by the current Pro Tools session sample rate. In Stand-al

SYNC I/O Guide18PAL/NTSC Video FormatChoose PAL or NTSC format for the session us-ing the Video Format selector in the Session Setup window. If the se

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 19Configuring Pro Tools|24 MIX with SYNC I/OSYNC I/O can be used with a Pro Tools|24 MIX system as an alternat

SYNC I/O Guide20Firmware MessagesThe following messages may appear during firmware updating:Firmware Not Found If no compatible firmware is found in t

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 21TroubleshootingStatus LEDs The status LEDs (LOCKED and SPEED CAL) on the SYNC I/O front panel and in the Se

SYNC I/O Guide22

Chapter 3: SYNC I/O Hardware and Software 23chapter 3SYNC I/O Hardware and SoftwareSYNC I/O Front PanelControls and DisplaysAll SYNC I/O local control

SYNC I/O Guide24Sample Rate LEDs These green or yellow LEDs show the current SYNC I/O sample rate. Pull Up and Pull Down are available for all sample

Chapter 3: SYNC I/O Hardware and Software 25Parameters and Values When configuring SYNC I/O with the Set, Run/Stop and other pa-rameter controls, the

Contents iii contents Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SYNC I/O Guide26SYNC I/O Back PanelBi-Phase/Tach/GPI/PilotThis is an accessory port for Bi-Phase, Tach, and Pilot signals (specific cables are require

Chapter 3: SYNC I/O Hardware and Software 27Video In/OutVideo In Receives a signal from an NTSC/PAL video source for clock or VITC positional refer-en

SYNC I/O Guide28Word Clock In/OutWord Clock In Receives (1x sample rate) Word Clock, for clock reference purposes only. Word Clock is often used with

Chapter 3: SYNC I/O Hardware and Software 29Time Code WindowThe time code display mirrors the LED Time Code Display on the SYNC I/O front panel, dis-p

SYNC I/O Guide30LTC Output LevelThis control adjusts the analog audio level of the SYNC I/O LTC output, from –24 dBu to +9 dBu.Freewheel DurationThis

Chapter 3: SYNC I/O Hardware and Software 31Bi-Phase/Tach ParametersUsed for specialized applications that involve film or other equipment that output

SYNC I/O Guide32

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 33chapter 4Using SYNC I/OSYNC I/O settings can be controlled in three ways: From Pro Tools Provides access to most SYNC I/O

SYNC I/O Guide34SYNC I/O Controls in Pro Tools, SYNC I/O Setup Software Utility, and the SYNC I/O Front PanelTable 5. SYNC I/O controls in Pro Tools,

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 35Front Panel Generator/Parameter SwitchesThe Generator/Parameter Controls are labelled SET, DOWN, UP, and RUN/STOP/CLEAR/ES

Sync I/O Guide iv Compensating for Time Code Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Generatin

SYNC I/O Guide36Edit ModeTo enter Parameter/Value Edit mode: Press Set (when time code numbers are visible in the LED Time Code Display). The first pr

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 37Serial Time Code with MachineControlMachineControl-equipped Pro Tools systems can utilize serial time code through either

SYNC I/O Guide38From SYNC I/O Setup software utility (Windows only): Select the appropriate Digital clock reference option from the Clock Ref pop-up

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 39To resolve SYNC I/O to Linear Time Code from Pro Tools: In the Sync Setup section of the Session Setup window, choose an

SYNC I/O Guide40From SYNC I/O Setup software utility (Windows only): Select Pilot Tone from the SYNC I/O Setup Clock Ref pop-up menu.Bi-Phase/Tach an

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 41To resolve SYNC I/O to its internal clock:From Pro Tools: In the SYNC Setup section of the Pro Tools Session Setup window

SYNC I/O Guide42SYNC I/O will only output rates within the lim-its of the current sample rate. If a varispeed value results in an output frequency (sa

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 43Make sure you select the appropriate clock refer-ence, sample rate, frame rate, and freewheel du-ration. Also make sure th

SYNC I/O Guide44To use VITC as SYNC I/O positional reference:From Pro Tools: In the SYNC Setup section of the Session Setup window, select VITC from

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 45From SYNC I/O Setup software utility (Windows only): Select Auto Switch LTC/VITC from the SYNC I/O Setup Positional Ref p

Chapter 1: Introduction 1 chapter 1 Introduction Welcome to the Digidesign SYNC I/O, a multi-purpose synchronization peripheral for Pro Tools systems

SYNC I/O Guide465 Repeat until you have finished setting SYNC I/O to the desired generator start time. 6 Press Set. The LED Time Code Display stops f

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 47Compensating for Time Code OffsetsYou can offset the display of incoming time code in the Pro Tools application. This is u

SYNC I/O Guide48Requirements for Read/Regeneration of LTC, VITC and MTCLTC The external positional reference must be moving at normal, 1x forward spee

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 49Generator Start TimeTo set the generator start frame:From Pro Tools: Configure the Session Setup window as appro-priate fo

SYNC I/O Guide50To generate LTC using Pro Tools:1 In the Time Code Settings section of the Ses-sion Setup window, select Using SYNC under Generator.

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 51To prevent destruction of the original VITC code, SYNC I/O will not re-apply (regenerate) VITC onto the same video stream

SYNC I/O Guide52To generate VITC internally using the front panel controls:1 Ensure that SYNC I/O is connected in-line with a video source and video

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 53MTC Generation/RegenerationMTC (MIDI Time Code) is a serial digital signal. In many ways, you can think of it as an inaudi

SYNC I/O Guide54Window Dub RequirementsExisting Video Signal SYNC I/O can only burn a window dub onto an existing video signal. This means that at lea

Chapter 4: Using SYNC I/O 55To enable a window dub using the front panel controls:1 Press Set, and use the Down and Up switches to display Burn Enabl

SYNC I/O Guide 2 SYNC I/O Features SYNC I/O supports all Pro Tools|HD sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz. SYNC I/O provides the fol

SYNC I/O Guide56

Chapter 5: Additional Operational Information 57chapter 5Additional Operational InformationFront Panel Generator/Parameter ControlsThis section detail

SYNC I/O Guide58Set Generator Start TimeLets you set a start time for the SYNC I/O time code generator. See “Generator Start Time” on page 49.Digital

Chapter 5: Additional Operational Information 59To choose the VITC read lines:1 Select VITC Read Lines (rdr LInE), using the Set, Down, and Up switch

SYNC I/O Guide60To set the freewheel duration:1 Select Freewheel Length (FrEE LEn), using the Set, Down, and Up switches. 2 Press Set again. The LED

Chapter 5: Additional Operational Information 614 When you have chosen your desired option, press Set. SYNC I/O retains the setting, even when powere

SYNC I/O Guide62USD Compatibility ModeThis setting lets you turn USD emulation on and off, to support older Pro Tools systems and other audio systems.

Chapter 5: Additional Operational Information 63Calibrating the SYNC I/O OscillatorSYNC I/O provides a feature for calibrating the frequency of the on

SYNC I/O Guide646 When you reach a value that matches the sticker’s value, stop scrolling and press Set. The LED Time Code Display will return to sho

Chapter 5: Additional Operational Information 65Managing and Selecting Video InputsSYNC I/O has two independent video inputs, re-ferred to as “Video I

Chapter 1: Introduction 3 System Requirements For complete system requirements, visit the compatibility page of the Digidesign Web site (www.Digidesi

SYNC I/O Guide66Figure 1. Video Input Flow diagramAB Video RoutingClock Reference SettingVideo OutputWord Clock OutputSuper Clock OutputAES/E

Appendix A: Additional Synchronization Information 67appendix aAdditional Synchronization InformationVideo and VITC SignalsBlack Burst and House Video

SYNC I/O Guide68Example of VITC Timing RuleAs an example, if you are using LTC as a posi-tional reference from a 3/4-inch U-Matic VTR, then that VTR s

Appendix A: Additional Synchronization Information 69Examples of Auto-Switch LTC/VITC◆ SYNC I/O will switch to LTC for positional ref-erence during hi

SYNC I/O Guide70Using just Word Clock, it is possible to create a “chain” of digital devices in your studio by pick-ing one source as the Word Clock m

Appendix A: Additional Synchronization Information 71This explains how SYNC I/O can use a Bi-Phase/Tach signal to deduce the direction, and how it als

SYNC I/O Guide72

Appendix B: Technical Specifications 73appendix bTechnical SpecificationsGeneralNominal Sample RatesPull Up/Down Sample Rate44100 48000 88200 96000 1764

SYNC I/O Guide74GeneralFrame Rates 30 fps30 fps drop-frame29.97 fps29.97 fps drop-frame25 fps24 fps23.976 fpsVariable Speed Override ±699 cents (±58.2

Appendix B: Technical Specifications 75Shock 5 G maxOperating Temperature 32 to 131 degrees F (0 to 55 degrees C)Storage Temperature -40 to 176 degrees

SYNC I/O Guide4Digidesign RegistrationMake sure to complete and return the registra-tion card included with SYNC I/O. Registered users will receive pe

SYNC I/O Guide76Rear Panel ConnectorsConnector SpecificationsLTC InFormat: SMPTE/EBU 80-bit longitudinal, drop frame/non-drop frameConnector: 3-pin XL

Appendix B: Technical Specifications 77Video (Main) OutLevel: 1V p-pSource Impedance: 75 ohms(VITC In)Format SMPTE 90-bit, drop frame/non-drop frameLin

SYNC I/O Guide78Word Clock InLevel: 0 to .5 V (low), 2.0 to 6.0 V (high)Connector: BNC FemaleWord Clock OutLevel: TTL (3.3 V typical)Connector: BNC Fe

Appendix B: Technical Specifications 79(Pilot In)Level: 100 mV to 5.5 V p-p, differentialFrequency Range: 50/60 Hz nominalImpedance: 200K ohms(GPI In)D

SYNC I/O Guide80MIDI Time Code (MTC) OutCurrent Rating: 15 mA current loopRate: 31.25 KilobaudConnector: 5-pin DIN femaleCable Length: 50 feet (15 met

Appendix C: Wiring Diagrams and Pin Assignments 81appendix cWiring Diagrams and Pin AssignmentsLTCThe SYNC I/O LTC In and LTC Out connectors are balan

SYNC I/O Guide82Bi-Phase/GPI/Pilot Bi-Phase/GPI/Pilot GPOUT3_BXREF=912V_OUTVR1678321XREF=9GPOUT0_BXREF=9GPOUT1_AXREF=9GPOUT1_BXREF=9GPOUT2_AXREF=9GPOU

Appendix C: Wiring Diagrams and Pin Assignments 83Bi-phase/Tach OptoCoupler Input Bi-phase/TachXREF=13BIPHBXREF=13BIPHAXREF=9BIPHA_IXREF=9BIPHB_IU5325

SYNC I/O Guide84GPI Relay OutputsGPI Relay OutputXREF=9GPOUT2_E2XREF=9GPOUT3_E2XREF=9GPOUT3_AXREF=9GPOUT2_AXREF=9GPOUT1_E2XREF=9GPOUT1_AXREF=9GPOUT0_A

Appendix C: Wiring Diagrams and Pin Assignments 85GPI (TTL)/MTC OutputsGPI TTL/MTC OutputNCFB20123R3J107426531XREF=4MIDI_OUTXREF=13GPOUT3_EXREF=13GPOU

Chapter 1: Introduction 5About www.digidesign.comThe Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com) is your best source for information to help you get the

SYNC I/O Guide86GPI (opto) InputsGPI (opto) InputXREF=2GPIN3_IXREF=2GPIN2_IXREF=2GPIN1_IXREF=2GPIN0_IXREF=9GPIN0XREF=9GPIN2XREF=9RET0XREF=9RET1XREF=9R

Appendix C: Wiring Diagrams and Pin Assignments 87Connector Pin AssignmentsConnector Pin AssignmentsMac Serial PortPin # Name Description Mac Connecti

SYNC I/O Guide888GPOUT2_B GPI Relay 2, contact B9GPOUT3_A GPI Relay 3, contact A10GPOUT3_B GPI Relay 3, contact B11OPTRETURN Return from Bi-phase/Tach

Appendix C: Wiring Diagrams and Pin Assignments 89SYNC I/O Serial Cable Pin Assignments(Macintosh)The following table shows the pin assignments for Di

SYNC I/O Guide90GPI Relay Wiring for Fader-StartThe Universal Slave Driver provides a total of four Relay-level GPI outputs on pins 3/4, 3-10 of the D

Index 91Numerics14/16 VITC line pair 511x 69256x Slave Clock 109-pin 18MachineControl serial time code 37Port 1 and 2 28Aabsolute time code (and LTC)

Sync I/O Guide92Ffactory defaults, reset 64fader startand GPI wiring 90overview of 62using 62wiring instructions 90Feet+Frame Rate 17fields (odd/even)

Index 93NNTSCabout 30or PAL, selecting 61null clock 69Ooperating 33oscillator reset 63PPALabout 30and Pilot tone speed 39or NTSC, selecting 61phasesee

Sync I/O Guide94SYNC I/O 1checking status in SYNC I/O Setup 29control options for 33SYNC I/O Setupoverview 28setting up 18Status 29time code display 2