Sony HDCAM-SR SRW5100 Manual

The Sony HDCAM-SR SRW5100 is a professional high-definition digital videocassette recorder designed for HDCAM SR format recording and playback. It supports 1080/60i, 50i, 30PsF, 25PsF, 24PsF, and 720/60P, 50P formats, features 12-channel digital audio recording, dual-link HD-SDI I/O, optional 4:4:4 RGB recording, and extensive remote control capabilities via RS-422A. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Recording and Playback 8. Menu Configuration 9. Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: HDCAM SR tape transport, front panel controls, LCD display, Remote Control connector, HD-SDI INPUT/OUTPUT, AUDIO INPUT/OUTPUT, TIME CODE I/O, RS-422A REMOTE port.

Feature	Description
HDCAM SR Format	Records and plays back HDCAM SR tapes at 440 Mbps
Video Formats	1080/60i, 50i, 30PsF, 25PsF, 24PsF, 720/60P, 50P
Audio Channels	12-channel digital audio (48 kHz/24-bit)
HD-SDI I/O	Dual-link HD-SDI for 4:4:4 RGB (optional)
Remote Control	RS-422A 9-pin remote port for system integration
Tape Transport	High-speed search, pre-read editing capability
LCD Display	Shows status, time code, audio levels, menu
Power	AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz auto-switching
Dimensions	Standard 19-inch rack mountable (with optional kit)
Weight	Approximately 15 kg (33 lbs)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper ventilation and rack space.

Rack mounting: Use optional rack mount kit; secure with screws.
Connect video: Use BNC cables for HD-SDI INPUT/OUTPUT.
Connect audio: Use XLR cables for AUDIO INPUT/OUTPUT channels 1-12.
Connect remote: Use RS-422A cable for remote control.
Connect time code: Use BNC for TIME CODE IN/OUT.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Unit is heavy; use two people for rack mounting. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; initialize settings.

Set video format: Press MENU, navigate to SYSTEM > VIDEO FORMAT, select desired format (e.g., 1080/60i).
Set audio reference: In AUDIO menu, set reference level (+4 dBu or -18 dBFS).
Set time code: In TIME CODE menu, set generator to FREE RUN or REC RUN.
Calibrate inputs: Use test signals to align video and audio levels.
Load tape: Insert HDCAM SR tape, ensure proper threading.

CAUTION! Ensure proper grounding; avoid static discharge.

Specifications

Recording Format: HDCAM SR (440 Mbps).
Video Signal: 10-bit, 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 RGB (optional).
Audio Signal: 12-channel, 48 kHz/24-bit linear PCM.
Inputs/Outputs: HD-SDI (x2), AUDIO XLR (in/out), TIME CODE BNC, RS-422A REMOTE.
Tape Speed: Standard play: 101.5 mm/s; High speed search up to 100x.
Power Consumption: Approx. 120W.
Operating Temp: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).
Storage Temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, PLAY, STOP, REC, FF, REW, JOG/SHUTTLE knob, MENU, ENTER.

Remote: RS-422A control for external editors; supports Sony 9-pin protocol.

Menu System: SYSTEM (video format, setup), AUDIO (level, reference, channel assign), TIME CODE (generator, reader), MAINTENANCE (head cleaning, diagnostics). Settings: Video format selection, audio channel mapping, time code mode, remote ID.

Connecting Devices

HD-SDI: Connect to camera or switcher. Audio: Connect mixer or audio interface. Remote: Connect editing controller.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
Use 75-ohm BNC cables for HD-SDI; ensure proper impedance.
Use balanced XLR cables for audio to minimize noise.
Set remote ID if multiple recorders are used.

Tip: Label cables for easy identification in multi-unit setups.

Recording and Playback

Supports HDCAM SR tapes; pre-read editing for insert edits.

Insert tape: Press EJECT, load HDCAM SR tape.
Record: Press REC; use remote for synchronized recording.
Playback: Press PLAY; use JOG/SHUTTLE for frame-accurate search.
Edit: Use pre-read function for insert edits without picture break.
Audio monitoring: Use front panel meters or external monitor.
Time code: Display and regenerate as needed.
High-speed search: Use FF/REW for rapid cueing.
Status check: LCD shows tape remaining, errors, format.

WARNING! Do not use damaged tapes; keep tapes away from magnets.

Menu Configuration

System Menu: Video format, interface, remote ID. Audio Menu: Input level, output level, channel assignment. Time Code Menu: Generator mode, reader mode, user bits. Maintenance Menu: Head cleaning, error log, factory reset.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning of video heads is essential. Use Sony cleaning cassette as per manual. Keep vents clear of dust.

CAUTION! Do not use generic cleaning tapes; follow recommended intervals.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; may cause interference in residential areas. CE compliant. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/professional or contact Sony Professional Solutions.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cable/outlet	Check AC cable; ensure outlet is live; check fuse.
No video output	Cables/format mismatch	Check HD-SDI cables; ensure format matches source.
Audio distortion	Levels/clipping	Adjust input levels; check for overload.
Tape not loading	Tape damage/transport	Eject and reinsert; check for tape damage; clean tape path.
Remote not working	Cable/ID setting	Check RS-422A cable; verify remote ID matches.
Dropouts in playback	Dirty heads	Run cleaning cassette; inspect heads for wear.

Reset: Menu > Maintenance > Factory Reset if available (backup settings first).

Service: Contact Sony Professional Support or authorized service center.