Sony SRW-5500 Manual

The Sony SRW-5500 is a professional high-definition digital videocassette recorder designed for broadcast and production environments. It supports multiple HD formats including HDCAM SR, HDCAM, and HDV, features 12-channel digital audio recording, dual-link HD-SDI and SD-SDI inputs/outputs, advanced editing capabilities, and comprehensive monitoring functions. Below are key sections covering safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and technical specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Front & Rear Panel Controls 5. Connecting External Devices 6. Basic Recording & Playback 7. Advanced Editing Functions 8. Audio Configuration 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory & Compliance 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: HDCAM SR/HDCAM/HDV playback/recording deck, Remote Control Unit, HD-SDI/SD-SDI I/O, Analog composite/component I/O, AES/EBU and analog audio I/O, RS-422A remote interface.

Feature	Description
Format Support	HDCAM SR (4:4:4, 4:2:2), HDCAM, HDV, Digital Betacam playback
Video I/O	Dual-link HD-SDI, SD-SDI, analog component (Y/Pb/Pr), composite
Audio Channels	12-channel digital audio (AES/EBU), 4-channel analog XLR
Recording Time	Up to 124 minutes with HDCAM SR tape (124 min cassette)
Remote Control	RS-422A 9-pin interface for edit controller connection
Monitoring Outputs	HD/SD-SDI monitor output, analog composite monitor output
Power Requirements	100V to 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions	19-inch rack mountable (width: 482mm, height: 177mm, depth: 470mm)
Weight	Approximately 18 kg (39.7 lbs)
Operating Temperature	5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)

Installation & Setup

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

Rack mounting: Use provided brackets; secure with M5 screws. Allow minimum 10cm clearance at rear for ventilation.
Power connection: Connect supplied power cord to AC inlet; ensure voltage matches local supply (100-240V AC).
Video connections: Connect HD-SDI/SD-SDI cables to INPUT/OUTPUT connectors as required.
Audio connections: Connect XLR cables for analog audio; AES/EBU for digital audio.
Remote control: Connect edit controller via RS-422A 9-pin D-sub connector.
Turn power ON using rear panel switch; allow 60 seconds for initialization.

WARNING! Unit is heavy; use two people for installation. Ensure proper grounding to prevent electrical shock.

Specifications

Video Recording System: HDCAM SR: 4:4:4 RGB/4:2:2 YCbCr, 10-bit quantization. HDCAM: 3:1:1 compression, 8-bit.
Sampling Frequency: HD: 74.25 MHz (4:4:4), 74.25/74.25 MHz (4:2:2). SD: 13.5 MHz.
Audio System: 12-channel AES/EBU (48 kHz, 24-bit), 4-channel analog (XLR balanced).
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Better than 54 dB (HDCAM SR 4:2:2 mode).
Tape Speed: Approximately 167.4 mm/s (HDCAM SR 1080/60i).
Fast Wind Time: Less than 90 seconds for 124-minute cassette.
Power Consumption: Approximately 180 W (typical operation).
Interfaces: HD-SDI (BNC x4), SD-SDI (BNC x2), analog component (BNC x3), composite (BNC), AES/EBU (XLR x6), analog audio (XLR x4), RS-422A (9-pin), GPI (9-pin).

Front & Rear Panel Controls

Front Panel: POWER button, EJECT, PLAY, STOP, REC, REW, FF, PAUSE, JOG/SHUTTLE dial, STATUS display, MENU buttons.

Remote Control Unit (optional): TRANSPORT controls, MENU navigation, ASSIGN buttons, numeric keypad, SHIFT, ENTER.

Menu System: SYSTEM menu (setup, initialization), AUDIO menu (channel assignment, levels), INPUT/OUTPUT menu (signal routing, format selection), MAINTENANCE menu (head cleaning, diagnostics). Settings: Format selection (1080/60i, 720/60p, etc.), audio reference level (+4 dBu/-20 dBFS default), time code settings (drop/non-drop frame), user bits.

Connecting External Devices

Camera/Server: HD-SDI OUT to deck INPUT. Monitor: HD-SDI MONITOR OUT to monitor. Audio Console: AES/EBU OUT to console INPUT. Edit Controller: RS-422A to controller port.

Power OFF all devices before making connections.
Use high-quality 75-ohm BNC cables for video; shielded XLR for audio.
Set INPUT SELECT on front panel or menu (HD-SDI, SDI, analog).
Verify signal presence via STATUS display or monitor output.

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

Basic Recording & Playback

Supports HDCAM SR, HDCAM, HDV cassettes.

Insert cassette: Press EJECT to open tray; insert tape with window facing out; close tray.
Record: Select input source; press REC and PLAY simultaneously (or REC then PLAY).
Playback: Press PLAY; use JOG/SHUTTLE for variable speed search.
Stop: Press STOP; rewind with REW.
Pause: Press PAUSE during playback; resume with PLAY.
Time code: Displayed on STATUS; set via menu for record run/free run.
Audio monitoring: Select channels via AUDIO MONITOR buttons; adjust level with AUDIO LEVEL knob.
Eject: Press STOP then EJECT; wait for tape to unload completely.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged tapes. Keep tapes away from magnetic fields.

Advanced Editing Functions

Edit via RS-422A remote: Assemble edit, insert edit (video, audio 1-12, time code). Preroll: Adjustable 3-10 seconds. Audio split edit: Independent in/out points for audio vs. video. Time code regeneration: Regenerate continuous time code during insert edits. Color framing: Automatic phase adjustment for SD sources.

Audio Configuration

Channel assignment: Map input channels to record tracks (1-12). Level adjustment: Set record levels via menu or front panel knobs. Reference level: +4 dBu analog, -20 dBFS digital (default). Monitoring: Select channels for monitor output (mono, stereo, mix). Audio delay: Adjust audio delay relative to video (0-200 ms).

Maintenance & Cleaning

Power off before cleaning. Use dry, lint-free cloth for exterior. Tape path cleaning: Use Sony cleaning cassette (PCL-1000CA) every 100 hours of operation. Head cleaning: Automatic via menu (MAINTENANCE > HEAD CLEANING) or manually with cleaning fluid and chamois stick (trained personnel only).

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasives. Replace cleaning cassette after 30 uses.

Regulatory & Compliance

FCC Part 15 Class A: May cause interference in residential areas. CE marked for European compliance. RoHS compliant. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For technical support, contact Sony Professional Solutions at 1-800-686-7669 or visit www.sony.com/professional.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, circuit breaker	Check power cord connection; verify outlet voltage; check circuit breaker.
Tape not loading	Cassette damaged, moisture condensation	Use undamaged cassette; wait for condensation to clear (auto indicator lights).
No video output	Cable, input selection, format mismatch	Check cable connections; verify INPUT SELECT setting; ensure format compatibility.
Audio distortion	Level too high, sample rate mismatch	Reduce record level; ensure 48 kHz sample rate for digital audio.
Time code errors	Dirty time code head, tape damage	Clean time code head; use new tape.
Remote control not working	Cable, address setting, power	Check RS-422A cable; verify remote address (menu SYSTEM > REMOTE); ensure deck powered.

Reset: Menu > SYSTEM > INITIALIZE (resets to factory defaults).

Service: Contact Sony authorized service center. Do not attempt internal repairs.