sony SRW5100-2 manual

The Sony SRW5100-2 is a professional HDCAM-SR tape deck designed for high-end video production and post-production environments. It supports playback and recording of HDCAM, HDCAM SR, Digital Betacam, Betacam SX, and MPEG IMX formats, offering 4:4:4 RGB and 4:2:2 component video recording, 12-channel digital audio, and advanced editing capabilities. 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. Tape Operation 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Front-loading tape mechanism, Remote Control panel, Multi-format playback support, HD/SD-SDI inputs/outputs, Analog component video I/O, AES/EBU and analog audio I/O, RS-422A remote interface.

FeatureDescription
Format SupportHDCAM SR, HDCAM, Digital Betacam, Betacam SX, MPEG IMX
Video Recording4:4:4 RGB and 4:2:2 component, 10-bit quantization
Audio Channels12-channel digital audio (AES/EBU)
Inputs/OutputsHD/SD-SDI, analog component, AES/EBU, analog audio, RS-422A
Remote ControlRS-422A interface for edit controller connection
Tape TransportFront-loading mechanism with quick access
Power100-240V AC, 50/60Hz auto-switching
DisplayFront panel fluorescent display for status and timecode
EDIT SEARCHAllows frame-accurate search during editing
POWERTurns deck on/off

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable rack or surface.

  1. Rack mounting: Use optional rack mount kit; secure with provided screws.
  2. Connect video sources: Use HD/SD-SDI or analog component cables.
  3. Connect audio: Use AES/EBU XLR or analog audio cables.
  4. Connect remote: Use RS-422A cable for edit controller.
  5. Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Unit is heavy; use two people for lifting and rack mounting. Ensure adequate ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on deck; configure initial settings.

  1. Set input/output format: Use menu to select HD/SD-SDI or analog.
  2. Configure audio: Set reference level, sampling frequency (48 kHz).
  3. Set timecode: Preset timecode generator or use external reference.
  4. Calibrate tape transport: Perform auto-calibration with reference tape.

CAUTION! Ensure stable power source; use proper grounding.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menu via front panel buttons or remote. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, PLAY, STOP, REC, REW, FF, PAUSE, JOG/SHUTTLE dial.

Remote: POWER, TRANSPORT controls, MENU, SET, JOG/SHUTTLE, AUDIO MONITOR select, INPUT select.

Video: Input select (HD-SDI/SD-SDI/ANALOG), output format, setup level. Audio: Reference level (-18 dBFS/-20 dBFS), channel assignment, monitor select. System: Timecode preset, interface settings, maintenance functions.

Connecting Devices

Video: HD/SD-SDI BNC or analog component BNC. Audio: AES/EBU XLR or analog XLR. Remote: RS-422A D-sub 9-pin.

  1. Turn off deck and devices before connecting.
  2. Match cables to ports (e.g., BNC for video, XLR for audio).
  3. Select input via INPUT button (SDI, ANALOG).

Tip: Use high-quality cables for HD-SDI signals; keep cable runs under 100 meters.

Tape Operation

Supports HDCAM SR, HDCAM, Digital Betacam tapes.

  1. Insert tape: Press EJECT to open slot; insert tape label side up.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; use JOG/SHUTTLE for frame-accurate search.
  3. Record: Press REC and PLAY simultaneously; ensure record enable is on.
  4. Stop: Press STOP; eject with EJECT button.
  5. Fast wind: Press REW or FF for high-speed winding.
  6. Variable speed: Use JOG/SHUTTLE dial during play for slow motion.
  7. Timecode display: View on front panel display; set with menu.
  8. Audio monitoring: Select channels with AUDIO MONITOR buttons.

WARNING! Do not force tape insertion; keep tapes clean and stored properly.

Advanced Features

Edit Search: Enables frame-accurate search during RS-422A remote editing. Audio Channel Assign: Flexible mapping of 12 audio channels. Maintenance Functions: Head cleaning, tape transport calibration, error log viewing.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Clean exterior with dry cloth; use approved head cleaner tape as needed.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents; perform regular head cleaning per usage hours.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; complies with limits for commercial use. Copyright © Sony Corporation; all trademarks belong to Sony. For support, visit www.sony.com/professional or contact Sony Professional Support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cable/outletCheck power cable connection; verify outlet function.
Tape not loadingTape format/damageEnsure tape is correct format; inspect for damage; clean tape path.
No video outputCable/input settingCheck cable connections; verify input/output format settings.
Audio distortionLevel settings/cablesAdjust audio reference level; check XLR cable connections.
Remote not workingCable/interfaceCheck RS-422A cable; verify remote interface setting in menu.

Reset: Menu > System > Initialize if available.

Service: Contact Sony Professional Support; authorized service centers only.

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