Sony SRW5500-2 Manual

The Sony SRW5500-2 is a professional high-definition video tape recorder designed for broadcast and production environments. It supports multiple HD formats, features advanced audio/video processing, dual-channel recording capability, extensive I/O interfaces, network connectivity for remote operation, and robust error correction. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Dual HDSDI inputs/outputs, Analog component I/O, AES/EBU digital audio, RS-422 remote control, Ethernet port, LCD front panel display, Dual tape transport system.

Feature	Description
HD Format Support	1080i, 720p, 1080p (selectable)
Recording Media	1/2-inch HDCAM SR tape cassettes
Dual Channel	Simultaneous record/playback of two channels
Video I/O	HD-SDI (4:2:2, 4:4:4), Analog Component (Y/Pb/Pr)
Audio I/O	AES/EBU (8ch), Analog XLR (4ch), Embedded audio in HD-SDI
Remote Control	RS-422 serial interface, Ethernet TCP/IP
Error Correction	Advanced Reed-Solomon code for data integrity
Power Requirements	100-240V AC, 50/60Hz auto-switching
Front Panel Controls	Transport keys, Menu navigation, Status LEDs
Monitoring Outputs	HD-SDI monitor out, Headphone jack

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install in 19-inch rack or stable surface.

1. Rack mounting: Use provided brackets and secure with screws.
2. Connect video sources: Use HD-SDI BNC connectors for digital video; Component for analog.
3. Connect audio sources: Use XLR for analog audio; AES/EBU for digital.
4. Connect control interfaces: RS-422 for serial control; Ethernet for network.
5. Connect monitoring: HD-SDI to monitor; headphones to front panel jack.
6. Plug into AC power source.

WARNING! Unit is heavy; use two people for rack installation. Ensure adequate ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; initialize system via front panel menu.

1. Set system format: Navigate to SYSTEM > FORMAT, select desired HD format (e.g., 1080i/59.94).
2. Configure inputs: In INPUT menu, assign sources to CH1/CH2 (HD-SDI, Component).
3. Set audio reference: In AUDIO menu, select reference level (+4dBu or -18dBFS).
4. Set timecode: Initialize timecode generator or set to external reference.
5. Network setup: In NETWORK menu, assign IP address for remote control.

CAUTION! Allow unit to reach operating temperature before critical recording.

Specifications

• Video System: HD 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/59.94, 720p/50, 1080p/23.98PsF.
• Signal Processing: 10-bit, 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 RGB (optional).
• Tape Speed: Standard play: 101.5 mm/s; Fast forward/rewind: approx. 160x.
• Recording Time: Up to 124 minutes with SRW-124 tape.
• Audio: 12 channels (4 analog, 8 digital AES/EBU), 48kHz/24-bit.
• Interfaces: HD-SDI x4, Component, RS-422, Ethernet (100BASE-TX), GPI.
• Power Consumption: Approx. 200W (typical operation).
• Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).
• Dimensions: 19" (W) x 5.25" (H) x 17.5" (D) rack mount.
• Weight: Approx. 15 kg (33 lbs).

Controls and Settings

Access menu via front panel MENU button or remote control. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, TRANSPORT controls (PLAY, STOP, REC, FF, REW), MENU, NAVIGATION wheel, STATUS display.

Remote Control (optional): Full transport control, menu navigation, preset recall.

System Menu: Format selection, input/output configuration, reference signal. Audio Menu: Level adjustment, channel mapping, reference level. Network Menu: IP configuration, protocol settings (Sony P2, VDCP). Maintenance: Head cleaning, error log, system diagnostics.

Connecting Devices

Video Sources: HD cameras, switchers via HD-SDI. Audio Sources: Mixers, audio interfaces via XLR/AES. Control: Editing controllers via RS-422; PCs via Ethernet.

1. Power off all devices before making connections.
2. Use 75-ohm BNC cables for HD-SDI; ensure proper termination.
3. Match audio input levels to system reference.
4. Select source via front panel INPUT button or menu.

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

Recording & Playback

Supports HDCAM SR tape cassettes (SRW-1 series).

1. Load tape: Press EJECT, insert cassette label side out.
2. Record: Press REC + PLAY; monitor via front panel meters and HD-SDI output.
3. Playback: Press PLAY; use shuttle dial for variable speed search.
4. Edit functions: Assemble edit, insert edit (video/audio).
5. Timecode: Read/write LTC and VITC; regenerate or preset.
6. Dual channel: Select CH1/CH2 for independent or simultaneous operation.
7. Preroll: Configure for stable edits (typically 3-5 seconds).
8. Metadata: Record and playback clip metadata (UMID, etc.).

WARNING! Do not use damaged tapes. Allow tape to fully stop before ejecting.

Network & Remote Control

Ethernet Control: Configure IP address for remote operation via Sony protocols (e.g., P2). RS-422 Control: Connect to edit controller for machine control. Remote Monitoring: Status and error messages accessible via web interface (optional).

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance. Use Sony-approved cleaning cassettes. Clean tape path (heads, guides, capstan) every 50 hours of operation. Check error log in maintenance menu for preventive alerts.

CAUTION! Power off before cleaning. Do not touch video heads directly.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15 Class A: Complies with limits for commercial equipment. CE marked for European compliance. Copyright © Sony Corporation. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. For technical support, visit pro.sony.com or contact Sony Professional Solutions at 1-800-686-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, circuit breaker	Check AC connection; verify power switch; reset breaker.
Tape not loading	Cassette, mechanism	Ensure correct tape type; check for obstruction; clean loading mechanism.
No video output	Cables, format mismatch	Verify HD-SDI cable/termination; check input/output format settings.
Audio distortion	Levels, reference	Adjust input levels; check audio reference setting; verify sample rate.
Timecode errors	Sync, generator	Check external reference; regenerate timecode; clean timecode head.
Network not connecting	IP settings, cable	Verify IP address/subnet; test Ethernet cable; restart unit.

Reset: Menu > System > Initialize (caution: resets all settings).

Service: Contact Sony Professional Support: 1-800-686-7669; pro.sony.com