PIX 260i Packing List

Thank you for purchasing the PIX 260i Video Recorder. Please make certain that this package con-
tains the listed items below.
1) PIX 260i Video Recorder
1) Power Supply
1) 10-Pin Phoenix Screw Terminal Block
4) Adhesive Rubber Feet
1) Printed User Guide
1) Purchase Registration Card

July, 2019
PIX 260i
Rack Mount Production Video Recorder
User Guide
Firmware rev. 2.10

E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33, Reedsburg, WI, USA www.sounddevices.com

+1 (608) 524-0625 • Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655 support@sounddevices.com
 PIX 260i User Guide

Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Manual Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Video Mode and Audio Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Panel Descriptions 2
Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 PIX-CADDY 2 (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Menu and Navigation 6

Main View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 File List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Metadata Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Audio Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 LCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Inputs and Outputs 13

Table of Contents
Video Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Audio Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Video Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Audio Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Ethernet 19

Video Monitoring Features 20

Exposure Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Focus Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Flip Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Recording 25
Sound Devices File Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Interruption of Signal During Recording. . . . . . . . . . . . 27
File Splitting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Alignment of Audio and Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
False Take. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Audio Track Arming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Selecting Video File Resolution and Frame Rate . . . . . 26 Audio Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Selecting a Video Codec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 F Sampling Rate Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion 31

Up and Down Conversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Playback 34
Playback Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Playback Rate of Audio Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Shuttle Playback Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Non-Native File Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Cue Marker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Playing Back Files on a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Looping Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Playback Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Play List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Synchronization and Timecode 39

Sync Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Timecode Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Timecode Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Timecode Frame Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Timecode Input Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Synchronization/Timecode Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Network Grouping 46
Grouped Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Group Auto-Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Pushing Settings to Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Grouped Transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

External Control 49
RS-422. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Triggering Recording from SDI Flag Bits. . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Web Interface - PIXNET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output). . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
PIXNET Unit Page Main View and Menu Tabs . . . . . . . 53 USB Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Triggering Recording from External Timecode. . . . . . . 55

Storage and File Management 58

Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Audio File Metadata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Table of Contents

Metadata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 File Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Setup Management and Firmware Upgrades 67

Saving and Loading Setup Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Factory Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Custom Default Settings and Setup Menu Option Visibil- Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
ity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Setup Menu Options 70

Video/Audio Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 On-Screen Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
File Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Remote Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Audio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Timecode/Sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Quick Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
LCD Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Button Shortcuts 79

Connector Pin Assignments 80

Appendix A - Supported Files 83

Specifications 84
SDI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Video Input Resolutions / Rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Video Codecs and Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Up/Down/Cross Conversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 File Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Frame Rate Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Timecode and Sync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
LCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Audio Recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Analog Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Digital Audio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Physical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Declaration of Conformity 87

Software License 88

Warranty and Technical Support 89

Warranty & Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Technical Support / Bug Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Table of Contents

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Copyright Notice and Release

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the expressed written permission of SOUND DEVICES,
LLC. SOUND DEVICES is not responsible for any use of this information.
Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh, OSX, and ProRes are registered trademarks of Apple,
Inc. DNxHD is a registered trademark of Avid, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their
respective owners.
PIX 260i, and the sound waves logo are registered trademarks of Sound Devices, LLC.

Limitation of Liability
LIMITATION ON SOUND DEVICES’ LIABILITY. SOUND DEVICES, LLC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE PURCHASER OF THIS
PRODUCT OR THIRD PARTIES FOR DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS, OR EXPENSES INCURRED BY PURCHASER OR THIRD PAR-
TIES AS A RESULT OF: ACCIDENT, MISUSE, OR ABUSE OF THIS PRODUCT OR UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS, REPAIRS,
OR ALTERATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT, OR FAILURE TO STRICTLY COMPLY WITH SOUND DEVICES, LLC’S OPERATING AND
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SOUND DEVICES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
TO THE END USER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR COSTS, EXPENSES, DIRECT DAMAGES, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, PUNITIVE
DAMAGES, SPECIAL DAMAGES, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS, THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OR THE PARTIES’ RELATIONSHIP,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OR RELATED TO THE DELETION OR OTHER LOSS OF AUDIO
OR VIDEO RECORDINGS OR DATA, REDUCED OR DIMINISHED AUDIO OR VIDEO QUALITY OR OTHER SIMILAR AUDIO OR
VIDEO DEFECTS ARISING FROM, RELATED TO OR OTHERewISE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PRODUCTS OR THE END USER’S USE
Table of Contents

OR OPERATION THEREOF, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE CLAIMED UNDER CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY
OTHER THEORY. “CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES” FOR WHICH SOUND DEVICES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE SHALL INCLUDE, WITH-
OUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, PENALTIES, DELAY DAMAGES, LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND OTHER DAMAGES AND LIABILI-
TIES WHICH END USER SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO PAY OR WHICH END USER OR ANY OTHER PARTY MAY INCUR RELATED TO
OR ARISING OUT OF ITS CONTRACTS WITH ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES. NOTWITHSTANDING AND WITHOUT
LIMITING THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL SOUND DEVICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT OF DAMAGES IN EXCESS
OF AMOUNTS PAID BY THE END USER FOR THE PRODUCTS AS TO WHICH ANY LIABILITY HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO EXIST.
SOUND DEVICES AND END USER EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THE PRICE FOR THE PRODUCTS WAS DETERMINED IN CONSID-
ERATION OF THE LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND DAMAGES SET FORTH HEREIN AND SUCH LIMITATION HAS BEEN SPECIFI-
CALLY BARGAINED FOR AND CONSTITUTES AN AGREED ALLOCATION OF RISK WHICH SHALL SURVIVE THE DETERMINATION
OF ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION THAT ANY REMEDY HEREIN FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

iv
v. 2.10 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
 PIX 260i User Guide

Introduction
The PIX 260i is a rack-mountable, production video recorder with extensive audio and video pro-
cessing capabilities. The foundation of the PIX 260i is hardware-based, 10-bit video up/down/cross
conversion, and hardware-based encoding to Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD codecs. These features
allow for fast, reliable acquisition of video (at any standard HD or SD resolution and frame rate) and
audio (up to 32 tracks from Analog, AES, HDMI, SDI, or Dante sources) to ready-for-edit, industry
standard QuickTime .mov files.
Files are recorded simultaneously on (up to) 4 separate, 2.5” SSD storage devices via two front panel
PIX-CADDY slots and two rear panel eSATAp connections. This redundancy in local, removable
storage devices, coupled with standard, Ethernet-based file transfer features further reduces steps in
the production workflow. Gigabit Ethernet network ports enable remote access to recorded files and
the ability to transfer them quickly into a post-production environment.
Full-featured precision timecode and sync reference I/O using Ambient Clockit core technology is
provided to allow tight synchronization with external equipment in complex multi-machine configu-
rations. The PIX 260i supports various external control options: RS-422, GPIO, SDI flags, Timecode
triggering, and an embedded web server for network-based remote control. Network Grouping
functionality enables linked, frame-synchronized recording and playback of multiple PIX 260i units
connected to a standard Ethernet network.
This User Guide details installation and operation of the PIX 260i. This User Guide corresponds to
PIX 260i firmware version 2.10. User Guide revisions are released at the same time as firmware up-

Introduction
dates and available online:
http://www.sounddevices.com/products/pix260i/downloads/

Manual Conventions
Several formatting features have been included to make navigating the guide easier.
• Physical buttons on the PIX 260i are represented with capital letters (REC button, MENU, etc).
All physical button names are detailed in the Panel Descriptions section.
• Button combinations are represented with the plus (+) symbol. For example: “Press LCD + AU-
DIO” means to first hold down LCD, then press AUDIO, and finally release both buttons.
• Setup Menu items are indicated with this text: [Menu Category - Parameter], where the menu
category is one of the items in the list displayed when MENU is pushed, and the parameter is an
item in the list displayed when that category is selected (by pressing in on the Control Knob).
• Blue italicized text references sections of the user guide containing contextually relevant informa-
tion. When viewing this document on a computer, this text can be clicked to jump to the named
section.

Video Mode and Audio Mode

Throughout this User Guide, the terms Video Mode and Audio Mode will be used. The PIX 260i is
capable of recording video and audio together into a QuickTime .mov file (Video Mode) or record-
ing audio only to a .wav file (Audio Only Mode). The mode is determined by the Setup Menu option
[System - Video/Audio Mode]. When set to [Video + Audio (QuickTime), the PIX 260i is in Video
Mode. When set to Audio Only Poly (Wave) or Audio Only Mono (Wave) the PIX 260i is in Audio
Mode.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Panel Descriptions
Front Panel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Panel Descriptions

15 14 13 12 11 10

1) Control Knob 5) LCD Display

The Control Knob can be both turned and Displays operating information when the
pressed. Use the Control Knob to navi- On-Screen Display (OSD) is active(See
gate between menu settings and to select “On-Screen Display”, page 6), user in-
menu items. Pressing during playback or terface, source video, and playback video.
stop will toggle Shuttle mode. Turning 5-inch display; 800x480 resolution.
while playback is paused will jog forward
6) FILES Button
or backward by single frames.
Displays the File List View. Press FILES +
2) AUDIO Button Fast Forward (>>) during record or play-
Displays the Audio Screen. From the back to add a Cue Marker. Press FILES +
Audio Screen: Select audio input sources, Rewind (<<) to delete a Cue Marker.
Arm/disarm tracks, Set audio input gain
7) MENU Button
and delay, View audio input levels, and
Displays the Setup Menu.
Edit audio track names.
8) Play Button
3) LCD Button
Plays the most recently recorded file
Toggles the On-Screen Display. Hold for
when pressed. In the File List View, plays
2 seconds to toggle LCD on/off. Press to
the selected file from the File List. Toggles
return to the Main View.
Play and Pause in Playback mode. Press
4) Handle and hold Play to activate Loop Play
This handle is designed to provide a grip- (Video Mode). (See “Playback”, page 34)
ping point for tilting down the LCD.
9) Stop Button
Stops an active recording or playback.
When Stopped, hold the Stop button to
display the next filename.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

10) Fast Forward Button 13) Headphone Volume Knob

When Stopped, press to cue up the next Adjusts the overall volume of the head-
file for Playback. During Playback or phones. NOTE: the headphone output is
Pause, press once to jump to the next Cue capable of ear-damaging levels. Take care
Marker, press and hold to increase play- when adjusting among signal sources.
back speed. Continue to hold for faster
14) Headphone Output 1/4”
speeds.
TRS stereo headphone connector. Can
11) REC Button drive headphones from 8 to 100 ohms to
Begins recording. Optional: Splits the very high headphone levels.
recording and begins writing a new
15) USB Keyboard Input
file when pressed while recording.
USB A female connector to connect a USB
[System - Rec Button File Split]
keyboard. Keyboards can be used to navi-
12) Rewind Button gate, control, and enter metadata into the
When Stopped, press to cue up the previ- PIX 260i. Keyboards with integrated USB
ous file for Playback. During Playback hubs are not compatible.
and Pause, press once to jump to the
previous Cue Marker or beginning of the
file, press and hold to reverse playback
speed. Continue to hold for faster reverse
speeds.

Panel Descriptions
Rear Panel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11

1) DC Power Input (XLR 4-pin) 3) SYNC Input (BNC)

Accepts 10–27 volts DC. XLR 4-pin con- Selectable Genlock or Wordclock input.
nector is wired pin-1 ground, pin-4 posi- Configured with Setup Menu option
tive (+). [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out].
2) SYNC Output (BNC) 4) Timecode Output (BNC)
Selectable genlock or wordclock output. SMPTE timecode output.
Configured with [Timecode/Sync] Setup
5) Timecode Input (BNC)
Menu options Sync Ref - Video Playback
SMPTE timecode input.
or Sync Ref - Audio Playback.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

6) Digital Audio AES I/O (DB-25) 13) External Drive Connections (eSATAp)
8 channels of AES digital audio input Connector for approved 2.5-inch SATA
and 8 channels of AES digital output. (See drives. Sound Devices maintains a list of
“Connector Pin Assignments”, page 80) tested and approved media for use with
PIX video recorders. Visit www.soundde-
7) Ch. 1-8 Analog Audio Output (DB-25)
vices.com/approved for an up-to-date list of
8 channels of balanced, line-level analog
tested and approved media.
audio output. Configured with Setup
Menu option [Audio - Line Output]. (See 14) SDI Video Input (BNC)
“Connector Pin Assignments”, page 80) SDI video input. Accepts 3G-SDI, HD-
SDI, or SD-SDI signal with up to 16 chan-
8) Ch. 1-8 Analog Audio Input (DB-25)
nels of embedded audio.
8 channels of balanced, line-level ana-
log audio input. If both XLR and DB-25 15) SDI Video Output (BNC)
signals are connected, the signal will be SDI video output. Provides 3G-SDI, HD-
combined. (See “Connector Pin Assign- SDI, or SD-SDI signal with up to 16 chan-
ments”, page 80) nels of embedded audio.
9) Analog Audio Outputs (XLR) 16) HDMI Video Input (HDMI)
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog Accepts HDMI (1.4a) signal with 8
audio outputs. channels of embedded audio. The PIX
260i does not record or display content
10) Analog Audio Inputs (XLR)
encoded with HDCP.
2 channels of balanced, line-level analog
Panel Descriptions

audio inputs. Same signal as DB-25 Ana- 17) HDMI Video Output (HDMI)
log Audio outputs channels 1 and 2. Provides HDMI (1.3) signal with 8
channels of embedded audio. Audio
11) Ethernet (RJ-45)
configured with Setup Menu option
Attaches to 1G or 100M Ethernet net-
[Audio - HDMI/AES Output].
works. Provides Dante connectivity (See
“Dante Audio Inputs”, page 15), Network 18) GPIO Remote (Phoenix 10-pin)
Grouping (See “Network Grouping”, page Logic contact points for remote control.
46), web access for remote control (See (See “GPIO (General Purpose Input / Out-
“Web Interface - PIXNET”, page 49), and put)”, page 56)
network file service. (See “Storage and File
19) USB Connection
Management”, page 58)
Connect to a Windows computer to load
12) RS-422 Control (DB-9) firmware with PIX Loader software
Connects to RS-422 Controllers for exter- (Available on the Sound Devices website).
nal control of the PIX 260i. (See “RS-422”, (See “Setup Management and Firmware
page 49) Upgrades”, page 68)

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 PIX 260i User Guide

PIX-CADDY 2 (Optional)
The PIX-CADDY 2 is an accessory to connect approved 2.5” drives to the front-panel drive bays.
When removed from a PIX 260i, the PIX-CADDY 2 operates as a high-speed drive interface to Mac
OS and Windows computers via the onboard FireWire800, USB 3.0, or the optional PIX-DOCK Thun-
derbolt interface.

For reliable operation, it is imperative that the 2.5” drive be firmly screwed to the PIX-CADDY 2 with
the supplied screws. Some thinner drives may require the use of the PIX-SHIM accessory to ensure a
solid fit.

PIX-CADDY CF PIX-CADDY 2

5
2 3

Panel Descriptions
4
2
8
1

1) FireWire 800 5) Activity LED

FireWire 800 connector. Requires a pow- Illuminates when recording, playing,
ered FireWire 800 or 400 port. Backward reading, or writing to the attached 2.5”
compatible when using Firewire 800 to drive. Do not remove the caddy while the
400 cable. Activity LED is illuminated. LED does not
illuminate when connected to a computer’s
2) eSATAp
eSATA port.
High-speed data transfer over 5V
eSATAp. Requires a 5V powered eSATAp 6) Release Latches
port. Secures the PIX-CADDY 2 to the recorder.
Press both latches to remove the caddy
3) USB 3.0
assembly.
High-speed data transfer over USB 3.0
(backward compatible with USB 2.0). 7) Screw Holes
For reliable operation, it is imperative that
4) 2.5” Drive Slot
the 2.5” drive be firmly screwed to the
Connector for approved 2.5-inch SATA II
PIX-CADDY 2 with the supplied screws.
and SATA III drives. Sound Devices main-
tains a list of tested and approved SSD’s 8) CF Slot
or hard drives for use with PIX video Connector for approved CompactFlash
recorders. Visit www.sounddevices.com/ap- media. Sound Devices maintains a list of
proved for an up-to-date list of tested and tested and approved CF cards. Visit www.
approved drives. sounddevices.com/approved for an up-to-
date list of tested and approved drives.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Menu and Navigation

Main View
The Main View displays the live or playback video and the On-Screen Display. The Main View is the
default view which appears when no other views or menus are selected.

On-Screen Display
The On-Screen Display (OSD) provides information superimposed over the Main View. From the
Main View, LCD will toggle the OSD on and off. Items included in the OSD are configured with
the Setup Menu option On-Screen Display. When factory settings are loaded from the Quick Setup
menu item all OSD items are shown.

2 11

3 12
Menu & Navigation

4 13

6
14
7

9 15

10 16

On-Screen Display Menu

Item Description
1. Audio Metering Levels of audio tracks 1 and 2. Shown here in Top (wide) mode. Can be re-positioned with
Setup Menu option [On-Screen Display - Audio Metering]
2. Headphone Source Current headphone routing selection.
3. Date/Time The current time and date.
4. Group Number Displays the selected network group in [Network - Network Group] as well as the
amount of units in that group in parentheses.
5. Input - Video Resolution and frame rate of the video input signal.
6. File Resolution/Rate Displays the resolution and frame rate of the file being recorded or played (Video Mode). In
Audio Mode the file type (WAV) is displayed. The File Resolution/Rate field is displayed in
different colors to indicate conversion methods. (See “Video Scaling and Frame Rate
Conversion”, page 31)
7. File Codec The presently selected video codec (Video Mode) or WAV Poly/Mono (Audio Mode). This infor-
mation will update for recording and playback.
8. Sync Reference The current source of synchronization. This information will update for recording and playback.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Item Description
9. Cue Marker Cue marker and playback looping information is displayed here during record and playback.
10. Timecode Current timecode and frame rate of the recording or playing file.
11. Audio Source Audio sample rate, bit depth, and channel count. In Audio Mode, flashes red to indicate
[Audio - Sample Rate] does not match [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only].
12. RS-422 Status RS-422 is displayed when [Remote Control - RS-422] is on.
13. IP Address Network IP address of the PIX 260i
14. Drive 1-4 (D1-D4) Displays the status and remaining record time of each drive (when video input is pres-
status ent) or remaining space in GB (when no video input is present), Offline (when no
media is present), Mounting (when media is becoming ready), No Fmt (when
media is not formatted), Network (when drive mode is Ethernet File Transfer), or
R/O (when drive mode is Read Only). An asterisk indicates that the drive is On in
[File Storage - Drive record/Network Mode]. When recording, all drives that are be-
ing written to are displayed in red. When Stopped or in Playback, the green drive is the current
default playback drive. Drive status field is orange when a drive is busy.
15. ABS Time Absolute Time: Displays the elapsed time of the file being recorded or played and the transport
status (Stop, REC, Play, Fast Forward, and Rew).
16. File Name Name of the current file. Holding Stop shows the next file name

Target drives, ABS Time, File Name, Timecode, and Cue Marker OSD fields change colors to indicate
the various transport states, White = Stopped, Red = Record, Green = Play/Pause, Blue = Rew/Fast
Forward/Shuttle.

Menu & Navigation

Menu
Press MENU (keyboard: F1) to enter the Setup Menu. Most settings of the PIX 260i are accessed and
changed from the Setup Menu. Navigate between menu items by turning the Control Knob and
pressing it to select. When in a menu, press MENU to go back to the previous screen.

The Setup Menu is not accessible when in Record or Playback. If the Setup Menu is open when record or
playback is engaged, the Setup Menu will close and return to the Main View.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Audio Screen
From any screen, press AUDIO (keyboard: F3) to view the Audio Screen. The Audio Screen displays
all audio input levels and provides configuration of Track Arming, Track Naming, Input Source
selection, Input Gain, and Input Delay. The Audio Screen by default displays 16 tracks at a time. This
can be changed to 8, 16, or 32 track displays in [Audio - Audio Screen Meters].
To make adjustments in Audio Screens:
1. Rotate the Control Knob to move the blue highlighter to the desired track.
2. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on parameters for the track. The highlighter
will become orange.
3. Rotate the Control Knob to move the orange highlighter to the desired parameter.
4. Press the Control Knob to edit the highlighted parameter.
5. Rotate the Control Knob to adjust the value or setting. If editing Track Names, use the the on-
screen keyboard or attached USB keyboard.
6. Press the Control Knob to save the new setting. The highlighter will become blue and once
again highlight the entire track.

Sync Source/Sample Rate Absolute Time Transport Status

Menu & Navigation

Headphone Source

Highlighted Track

Drive Statuses
Timecode Value

Timecode Frame Rate File Name

Expanded Meters
Press AUDIO while viewing an Audio Screen to toggle Expanded Meters. Input Source, Gain, and
Delay parameters are removed to accommodate for higher resolution meters.

Other audio related settings are accessible from the Setup Menu option Audio.

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 PIX 260i User Guide
File List
Press FILES (keyboard: F2) to display the File List; A list of all of the recorded takes. Takes are ar-
ranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. Turn the Control Knob to highlight an item. Press Play
to start playback of the highlighted take. Press the Control Knob (Press and hold for multi-file clips)
to perform functions based on which item is highlighted.

Menu & Navigation

6 7 8

1) Next Take 5) Take

Information for the next take. Represents a single take. Press Control
Knob to view Take Details Screen or edit
2) Current Take
metadata. Press Play to play take imme-
Information for the current take. Item is
diately.
red while recording.
6) Name
3) Reel Group
The name or number of the take, file,
A group of clips organized by reel num-
or reel. Number in brackets indicates
ber. Takes below are part of the indicated
amount of clips in the reel or amount of
reel. Number in brackets indicates num-
files in the take.
ber of clips in the reel. Press Control Knob
to expand or collapse list of takes in this 7) Date and Time
reels. Date and time the take or reel was cre-
ated.
4) Multi-File Take
Take consisting of multiple files. Number 8) Size
of files in the take represented by number Total size of the take, file, or reel.
in brackets. Press Control Knob to expand
or collapse list of files in this take. Press
and hold Control Knob to access take
details for all files in the take.

The selected drive is displayed on the top of the screen. To view the contents of other drives, scroll
to the top of the list; A pop up box appears with a list of all available drives. Select the desired drive
and press the Control Knob.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

While in the File List press FILES to collapse all Reel folders and multi-file clips to ease file naviga-
tion.

Take Details Screen

From the File List, highlight a file and press the Control Knob to view the Take Details Screen. To
view Multi-file Take details, highlight the menu item with the file extension then press and hold the
Control Knob. Take Details include:
• Start timecode • Video codec/ Broadcast Wave
• Timecode frames-per-second • Media
• Timecode user bits • File size
• Video resolution and rate • Duration
Menu & Navigation

• File creation date and time • Audio Format

File functions are also available in the Take Details Screen:

• Delete: Deletes the take or file (Confirmation dialog). (See “Deleting a File”, page 65)
• Notes, Scene, Take, Track Names, and Circled: Edit iXML / bEXT metadata of audio takes. (See
“Metadata”, page 60)
• Add to Play List: Adds the audio or video take to the Play List. (See “Play List”, page 37)
• Remove from Play List: Removes the audio or video take from the Play List. (See “Play List”, page
37)
• Empty Play List: Empties the entire Play List. (See “Play List”, page 37)

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Metadata Screen
The Metadata screen gives you quick access to certain metadata for the previous, current, and next
WAV recordings, letting you change the data in an instant.
The metadata you can edit includes:

Scene Use any alphanumeric value to name the scene.

Take Use numeric values to name the take.
Circled Options include: Yes | No
Notes Type any brief notes maually or select from a pre-defined, customizable list of 20 most commonly used phrases.

To access the Metadata screen, do one of the following:

• Press AUDIO + MENU.
• From an attached keyboard, press Ctrl+M.

If accessing the Metadata screen while recording, focus will be on the Scene field for the current take, so
that field will be highlighted. If accessing the Metadata screen while in standby (stopped) mode, the Scene
field for the next take will have the focus and appear highlighted.

Menu & Navigation

To navigate the Metadata screen, do any of the following:
• Turn the Control knob to scroll vertically.
• Press the REW or FF buttons to move horizontally.
• From an attached keyboard, use the Arrow keys to navigate vertically or horizontally.
• Press the Control knob to make a selection.

Scrolling down and beyond the Notes field will display a customizable, predefined phrase list, letting you
make quick notes with the most common wording. Scroll up to exit the list and return to the Metadata
screen.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Phrase List
The phrase list is a feature that lets you predefine a list of up to twenty most commonly used phras-
Menu & Navigation

es, which can be added to WAV files as part of the Notes metadata. This list, once defined, can be
used via the Metadata screen or the Take Details screen.
To define the phrase list:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. Select File Storage > Phrase List Manager. The Phrase List appears.
3. Select Add New Phrase.
4. Enter the text for that phrase.

Take Details Screen

While detailed file information is available via the FILES button, the Metadata screen also provides
quick access to viewing take details for the previous, current, or next WAV recordings.
To access the Take Details View from the Metadata screen:
1. Use the Control knob to scroll up to the column header row: PREVIOUS CURRENT NEXT
2. Press the REW or FF buttons to move horizontally to select the previous, current or next take.
3. Push in the Control knob to display the details for the chosen take.

LCD
From the Main View, press LCD to toggle the On-Screen Display (OSD)
on or off, press and hold LCD for two seconds to turn off the LCD,
press again to turn on. From all other views, press LCD to return to the
Main View.
The LCD Control Panel provides adjustments to the LCD backlight,
button backlight, image brightness, image contrast, and image chroma.
To access the LCD Control Panel, press LCD + Control Knob. The pa-
rameter with the orange slider bar is the selected parameter. To toggle
through the parameters press the Control Knob. To adjust the setting,
turn the Control Knob. Press LCD again to exit back to the Main View.
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 PIX 260i User Guide

Inputs and Outputs

Video Inputs
The PIX 260i accepts video input signals over HDMI, HD-SDI, and single link 3G-SDI Level A and B.

The PIX 260i does not accept analog video signals. See the specifications section for a complete list of sup-
ported frame rates.

HDMI
The PIX 260i accepts HDMI version 1.4a video and audio. Supported video resolutions and rates
are listed in the Specifications section. The PIX 260i HDMI input accepts up to 10-bit, 4:4:4 video,
up to 8 channels of embedded audio. The PIX 260i also accepts Sony’s proprietary timecode over
HDMI. In Video Mode, the digital audio embedded in the HDMI stream (32 kHz – 192 kHz) is
always re-sampled to 48 kHz. In Audio Mode it is re-sampled to the sample rate determined by the
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only].

720p30/29.97, 720p25, and 720p24/23.976 are not supported on the HDMI input or the HDMI output.

Inputs & Outputs

HDCP copy protection prevents direct digital-to-digital copying of copyrighted material. Protected
DVDs, Blue-Rays and streaming content with HDCP encryption is not valid content and will be ignored
by the PIX 260i.

SDI
The SDI input on the PIX 260i accepts video with embedded audio (up to 16 channels) and embed-
ded SMPTE timecode. This connection accepts digital video up to 12-bit, with up to 4:4:4 color sam-
pling. Unlike the HDMI interface, which auto-negotiates rates between devices, what comes out of a
camera’s SDI output is received by the PIX 260i with no auto-negotiation or sample rate conversion.
The PIX 260i supports 3G-SDI single link, but not dual-link HD-SDI.

Timecode over SDI is not available when recording in standard definition

Video Outputs
Both HDMI and SDI outputs are active simultaneously. This allows for conversion from SDI to
HDMI and HDMI to SDI.
The output video signal source is the signal present at the currently selected video input (Setup
Menu option [Video - Video Input]), except during video playback. The resolution and frame rate of
the output stream is determined by the Setup Menu option [Video - File Resolution/Rate] setting,
except during video playback. The SDI Output is capable of sending HD (4:2:2 10-bit) or 3G (4:4:4
12-bit), this is set in [Video - SDI Output Type].Video playback signal is sent to the HDMI and SDI
Outputs.

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 PIX 260i User Guide
Standard Definition video is always output using HD Mode because 3G does not support Standard
Definition.

The output video stream contains up to 16 tracks of embedded audio for SDI and 8 tracks for HDMI.
Timecode and record start and stop flags are included on the SDI output.
Timecode overlay can be added to the HDMI and/or SDI output signal in
[Video - Video Output OSD]. The timecode overlay is displayed in various colors to indicate the cur-
rent transport state of the PIX 260i: White = Stopped, Red = Record, Green = Playback.

Audio Inputs
The PIX 260i can record up to 32 tracks from a vast array of audio input sources in both Video and
Audio modes:

Input Type Count Connector(s) Gain Details

1-8: DB-25 (CH 1-8 LINE IN) Balanced, Line-level. Channels 1-2 on DB-25
Off, -25
Analog 8 connector are summed with respective XLR con-
1-2: XLR (LINE IN 1/2) to 20 dB nectors.

1-8: DB-25 (CH 1-8 AES IN/OUT) Off, -25 Selectable between AES or HDMI with Setup
AES Digital 8 to 50 dB Menu option [Audio - HDMI/AES Select]
Off, -25 Selectable between AES or HDMI with Setup
HDMI Digital 8 1-8: HDMI Input to 20 dB Menu option [Audio - HDMI/AES Select]
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only]
Inputs & Outputs

Off, -25 should be set to SDI when using any SDI Audio
SDI Digital 16 1-16: SDI Input to 20 dB Inputs (Audio Only Mode). See Sample Rate
Converters for details
Off, -25
Dante 32 1-32: Ethernet See Dante Audio Inputs for full details
to 20 dB

Analog Audio Inputs

The PIX 260i has eight, high-performance, line-level analog audio inputs.

XLR (1-2)
The XLR balanced inputs accept line-level signals. These inputs are shared with Channels 1 and 2 of
DB-25 Analog Audio Input connector. Channels 1 and 2 of this connector are summed with channels
1 and 2 of the DB-25 connector, respectively.

DB-25 (1-8)
Eight analog, line-level inputs are provided on the DB-25 Analog Audio Input connector. This con-
nector is wired in the Tascam fashion (See “Connector Pin Assignments”, page 80). Channels 1 and 2
of this connector are summed with channels 1 and 2 XLR Analog Audio Inputs, respectively.

Digital Audio Inputs

The PIX 260i accepts digital audio from HDMI, SDI, and AES/EBU inputs. In Video Mode, all
audio is sampled at the sample rate determined by the video input stream, typically 48kHz. In
Audio Mode, the sample rate is determined by the [Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate] when
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only] is set to Internal.

AES3
The PIX 260i accepts AES3 (AES/EBU) digital signals with sampling rates from 32 kHz up to
192 kHz and bit depths up to 24-bits. In Video mode, AES3 inputs are sample rate converted

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 PIX 260i User Guide

to 48 kHz. In Audio Mode, the sample rate conversion is determined by Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref- Audio Only]. see Audio Mode

HDMI / SDI Embedded Audio

The PIX 260i accepts 8 channels of embedded digital audio on the HDMI Video Input or 16 channels
of digital audio on the SDI input.

Dante Audio Inputs

Dante delivers an easy-to-setup, self-configuring, plug-and-play digital audio network that uses
standard Internet Protocols over 100Mb and/or Gigabit Ethernet. Dante reliably distributes mul-
tichannel digital audio with sub-millisecond latency and sample-accurate record and playback
synchronization over CAT 5 cabling. Up to 32 Dante audio channels can be selected in any combina-
tion from any Dante audio device on the same Dante network. Should they be necessary, sample rate
converters are automatically activated for all Dante audio inputs.
An input Source can be set to an available Dante channel from the PIX 260i or from the Dante
Controller application (Available from Audinate’s website: http://www.audinate.com/) running on a
computer attached to the network. To select a Dante source from the PIX 260i, follow the instructions
in the Choosing Audio Sources section of this guide (See “Choosing Audio Sources”, page 16).
To route Dante channels with the Dante Controller application:
1. Open the Dante Controller application.

Inputs & Outputs

2. Select the Routing tab. This table displays Dante devices with available outputs (“Dante
Transmitters”) horizontally, and Dante devices with available inputs (“Dante Receivers”)
vertically. PIX 260i units will be represented by their PIX names per Setup Menu option
[Network - This PIX’s Name].
3. Click the plus symbol (+) where the column of the desired Dante transmitting device inter-
sects with the row of the PIX 260i you wish to set input sources on. This expands the table to
display a matrix of the transmitting device’s outputs to the PIX 260i’s inputs.
4. Click the slots in the matrix where you wish to route or un-route audio channels. A green
circle with a check mark will appear in slots that are routed.

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 PIX 260i User Guide
Inputs & Outputs

Dante Redundancy
When [Network - Dante Redundancy Mode] is set to On, the PIX 260i’s Primary and Secondary
Ethernet ports both transmit Dante Audio data over separate networks. This provides a fail safe of
the Dante system if one of the networks should fail.

In Dante Redundancy Mode, two separate networks must be run and they CANNOT be connected to one
another. Connect any computer running Dante Controller to the PIX 260’s PRI Ethernet network.

See http://www.audinate.com/ for further information on the Dante protocol.

Sample Rate Converters

Dante, AES, and HDMI inputs all have Sample Rate Converters. These help ensure syncronization of
digital audio from multiple sources. SDI Audio Inputs do not have Sample Rate Converters. When
using SDI Audio in Audio Only mode the [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only] should be set
to Video Input (SDI/HDMI). Any other configuration could result in undesired audio artifacts such
as clicks and pops. In Video Mode, SDI audio cannot be used when using HDMI as the Video Input
source.

Choosing Audio Sources

Audio Input Source is selected in the Audio Screen in the Source column. To setup an input:
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen. If the Source column is not visible, press AUDIO
again to reveal it.
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Source column.
5. Press the Control Knob to open the Audio Source options window. Select the general type of
input to be used from Off, Line In, HDMI/AES In, or SDI In and press the Control Knob again
to open up all options for that input type.
6. Press the Control Knob to make a selection and exit the Audio Input Source options window.

Dante sources must be connected in order to select them as audio input sources.

For quick general audio source configurations use [Audio - Audio Input Quick Setup]. (See “Setup
Menu Options”, page 70)

Input Gain Control

Audio Input Gain is set in the Audio Screen in the Gain column. To adjust the gain of an audio track:
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen. If the Gain column is not visible, press AUDIO
again to reveal it.
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-

Inputs & Outputs

lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Gain column.
5. Press the Control Knob to edit the gain value. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the gain in 1
dB increments. Gain is adjusted in real time. The available gain range depends on the audio
input source. (See “Audio Inputs”, page 14)
6. Once the desired gain value is set, press the Control Knob to exit the gain window.
Input Gain can be linked in [Audio - Input Gain Linking]. When linked, adjust any channel’s gain
value to adjust the gain of all channels. Gain offsets from channel to channel are maintained. If this is
not desired, unlink the gain and set all gain values to the same value, then re-link input gain.

Input Delay Control

Audio Input Delay is set in the Audio Screen in the Delay column. Delay is adjustable from 0 to 400
mS. To adjust the delay of an audio track:
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen. If the Delay column is not visible, press AUDIO
again to reveal it.
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Delay column.
5. Press the Control Knob to edit the delay value. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the delay in 1
mS increments.
6. Once the desired delay value is set, press the Control Knob to exit the delay window.
Input Delay can be linked in [Audio - Input Delay Linking]. When linked, adjust any channel’s delay
value to adjust the delay of all channels. Delay offsets from channel to channel are maintained. If this
is not desired, unlink the delay and set all delay values to the same value then re-link input delay.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Audio Outputs

Analog Audio Outputs

The eight analog outputs of the PIX 260i are active-balanced, line-level outputs (+18dBu max). At fac-
tory default, the source of the Analog Line Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respectively. Any of the avail-
able 32 Tracks can be sent to the Line Outputs. Line Output routing is set in [Audio - Line Output].

Digital Audio Outputs (HDMI/AES)

AES and HDMI Outputs are active at all times but these two outputs share the same source. At
factory default, the source of the HDMI/AES Outputs 1-8 is tracks 1 to 8, respectively. Any of the
available 32 Tracks can be sent to the HDMI/AES Outputs. HDMI/AES Output routing is set in
[Audio - HDMI/AES Output].

Dante Audio Outputs

Tracks 1-32 are permanently routed to Dante Outputs 1-32 respectively. Up to four PIX 260i units can
be daisy-chained using their built-in internal Ethernet switches. If using five or more PIX 260i units,
Sound Devices recommends using an external Ethernet Switch in a star configuration.

SDI Audio Outputs

The SDI video output embeds up to 16 channels of digital audio. At factory default, the source of the
Inputs & Outputs

SDI Audio Outputs 1-16 is tracks 1 to 16, respectively. Any of the availabe 32 Tracks can be sent to
the SDI Output. SDI Output routing is set in: [Audio - SDI Output].

Headphone Output

The PIX 260i is capable of driving headphones to extremely high sound pressure levels. Hearing experts
advise against exposure to high sound pressure levels for extended periods.

The PIX 260i’s headphone output is a flexible tool for monitoring audio. The headphone level is
adjusted using the Headphone Volume Knob.
To quickly select a headphone source, press and hold AUDIO then turn the Control Knob. The Head-
phone Source can also be selected in the Setup Menu option [Audio - HP Source]. To solo a track,
enter the Audio Screen, highlight the track, then press AUDIO + LCD. The solo headphone source
will be indicated on the top-left of the Audio Screen (HP: Solo8 for example). To stop solo of a track,
highlight the soloed track, then press AUDIO + LCD.
Warning Bells are sent to the headphone monitor to alert the user of various states such as transport
changes, and errors such as No Media Connected or No Input Signal Detected. The loudness of these
warning bells is adjustable from Off, -60 to -12 dBFS in [System - HP Warning Bell Level]. At factory
default, the warning bells are set to -40 dBFS.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Ethernet
The PRI and SEC Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the PIX 260i are used for a variety of PIX 260i
functions/features:

• Dante (32-Channel Audio I/O over network) (See “Dante Audio Inputs”, page 15)
• PIX Grouping (See “Network Grouping”, page 46)
• File Transfer (Samba) (See “Transferring Files”, page 65)
• Web Browser Control (See “Web Interface - PIXNET”, page 49)
Up to four PIX 260i units can be daisy-chained using their built-in Ethernet switches. If using five or
more PIX 260i units, Sound Devices recommends using an external Ethernet Switch in a star configu-
ration.
The PIX 260i can either be allocated an IP address from a DHCP server (recommended) or over Link-
local networking. Link-local networking is a protocol which automatically allocates a 169.254.x.x IP
address in the absence of any DHCP server. If a DHCP server is available, the PIX 260i will automati-
cally use it if [Network - Auto IP Settings] is set to On.
Alternatively, the IP address can be configured manually. When Setup Menu option
[Network - Atuo IP Settings] is set to Off, Setup Menu options [Network - IP Address],
[Network - Subnet Mask], and [Network - Gateway] are enabled. When these settings are improp-
erly set, the PIX 260i may be unreachable in the network or may cause conflicts resulting in other
devices in the network being unreachable. Consult with an IT technician to determine the appropri-

Ethernet
ate settings when connecting to a large network.

The PIX 260i uses on-board Auto-MDIX (crossover detection) to allow for direct connection to a com-
puter or to a network.

Dante uses a separate IP Address which is configured automatically when connected to other Dante
devices. This IP Address is displayed when connected to a computer running Dante Controller, a
free-of-charge application available from Audinate. See the following link for details about Dante
Controller’s capabilities.
http://www.audinate.com/

In Dante Redundancy Mode, two separate IP Addresses are used by Dante. (See “Dante Redundancy”,
page 16)

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Video Monitoring Features

The PIX 260i includes various monitoring features to assist with exposure and focus. These functions
only affect signal on the LCD display and will never affect the recorded video or the video output
signal.

Exposure Assist

LCD
+ FILES

Exposure assist features mark areas of the video image based on the exposure level. With over- or
under-exposed areas of the image clearly marked, adjustments can be made on the camera to ensure
that the signal reaching the recorder has a proper exposure. Exposure Assist is enabled by pressing
LCD + FILES. When Exposure Assist is enabled, “EXP” is displayed on the OSD in yellow text.
Video Monitoring Features

When exposure assist is enabled, False Color or Zebra stripes will be overlaid on the LCD monitor
signal. The Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Exposure Assist] determines which mode will acti-
vate when exposure assist is toggled on.
The following image is a luminance ramp signal displayed on a PIX 260i with no exposure assist en-
abled. Screen shots in the following sections show the effect of the various Exposure Assist features
on this test signal.

False Color
False Color exposure assist mode replaces pixels with a specific color relative to the luminance level.
The two types of False Color (selectable from Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Exposure Assist])
are 12-step and 4-step.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

12-step False Color mode divides the monitor signal into 12

luminance ranges and assigns a color to each.
12-step
100-108 Red
95-99 Orange
85-94 Yellow
79-84 Light Yellow
59-78 Light Grey
53-58 Pink
49-52 Medium Grey
43-48 Green
23-42 Dark Grey
13-22 Light Blue
3-12 Blue
0-2 White

Video Monitoring Features

4-step False Color mode divides the monitor signal into 4
ranges and assigns a color to all but one range (this range is
displayed without chroma). The table below illustrates the
colors as they relate to luminance levels (IRE).

4-step
101+ Red
99-100 Orange
3-98 N/A
0-2 Blue

Zebras
Zebra stripe exposure assist mode overlays diagonal stripes over areas that are in a defined lumi-
nance range (Zebra 1) or above a defined luminance threshold (Zebra 2). The range for Zebra 1 is 5%
above and below the IRE value of Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Zebra 1 Level]. The range for
Zebra 2 is everything above the IRE value of Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Zebra 2 Threshold].
The options for Zebra display (selectable from Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Exposure Assist])
are Zebra 1, Zebra 2, or both Zebra 1 and Zebra 2 simultaneously.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Zebra 2 Zebra 1
70 IRE (+/- 5%) 85 IRE
Video Monitoring Features

Focus Assist

LCD
+ MENU

Focus Assist features mark sharp edges in the video image to assist in focusing on the desired sub-
ject. Focus assist is enabled pressing LCD + MENU. The word “FOCUS” is displayed in yellow text
on the OSD when Focus Assist is enabled. There are two available Focus Assist modes: Peaking and
Edge Enhance.

Peaking
Peaking finds sharp edges in a video (based on luminance) and replaces pixels in those areas to high-
light the edges.
The Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Peaking Sensitivity] sets sensitivity level of the Peaking
filter. A setting of High will be more sensitive and highlight more edges.
The Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Peaking Background Contrast] is used to adjust the area of
the video image that is not highlighted while Peaking is enabled.
The color of the Peaking marks can be set with the Setup Menu option
[LCD Monitor - Peaking Color].
The following image comparison demonstrates the effect of Peaking on an image with a shallow
depth-of-field and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal length (bottom).

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Video Monitoring Features

Edge Enhance
The Edge Enhance filter uses an algorithm which enhances the variation of the luminance of all
edges present in the video image. The following image comparison demonstrates the effect of Edge
Enhance on an image with a shallow depth-of-field and a short focal length (top) and a longer focal
length (bottom).

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Zoom

LCD
+ AUDIO

The Zoom function enlarges the video image to a 1:1 pixel ratio. To toggle Zoom on and off, press
LCD + AUDIO. When Zoom is enabled, “ZOOM” is displayed on the OSD in yellow text and all
other OSD elements are hidden. When zoomed, turning the Control Knob moves vertically and Re-
wind and Fast Forward buttons move left and right, respectively.

Flip Display
Some mounting situations require the PIX 260i (or camera) to be upside-down. The
LCD output can be vertically inverted to facilitate upside-down operation with the
Setup Menu option [LCD Monitor - Verical Flip Display]. The Setup Menu option
[LCD Monitor - Horizontal Flip Display] option reverses the LCD output signal hoizontally (mirror
image).
Video Monitoring Features

Vertical and Horizontal flipping affect the video image on the LCD screen only. Recorded content and
HDMI/SDI outputs are not affected.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Recording
The PIX 260i can record video and audio together to a QuickTime .mov file (Video Mode) or
audio only to a .wav file (Audio Mode). File type is selected in [System - Video/Audio Mode].
The PIX 260i can record to up to four drives simultaneously or in sequence (Setup Menu
option [File Storage - Video Record Mode]). Each drive can be configured indepen-
dently to be available for recording, available for playback (read-only), shared on the net-
work via Samba, or switched to network sharing after becoming full (Setup Menu option
[File Storage - Drive Record/Network Mode]). Any number of PIX 260i units can be assigned to one
of four available network groups for frame synchronized record and playback of video on multiple
units simultaneously (See “Network Grouping”, page 46).
Pressing the REC button will start recording provided there is valid video signal present (Video
Mode) or at least one audio track is armed (Audio Mode). Recording will continue until the Stop ()
button is pressed or until all available media is full. Record and Stop can also be triggered by other
devices via a web browser, RS-422, GPIO, SDI Triggers, and Timecode. External control of such func-
tions is set in Remote Control. (See “External Control”, page 50) (See “Synchronization and Timecode”,
page 39)
While recording, the REC button will illuminate red and the OSD items Timecode, File Name, ABS
Time, and drives actively recording turn red. The PIX 260i is a record-priority device and will enter
record any time the REC button is pressed. If the PIX 260i is not ready to record when a record com-
mand is given, the PIX 260i will enter a Record Pending state. In this state the REC key will flash red.
This is usually caused by file storage mounting or response time, loss of video input, or Play/Pause/

Recording
Shuttle.

The Setup Menu is not accessible during recording and playback. The File List is not accessible dur-
ing Playback.

Sound Devices File Format

During recording the PIX 260i writes to a temporary file format. Video files are written with the
extension .SDV and audio files are written with the extension .SDA. When recording is stopped, the

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 PIX 260i User Guide

file is “finalized” to a standard Quicktime (.MOV extension) for video takes or a standard Broadcast
Wave format (.WAV extension) for audio takes. The Sound Devices file format allows for reliable
recovery of content in situations where power was lost or a drive was removed during recording.
Upon powering up, the PIX 260i will search for any .SDA or .SDV files on all drives and finalize
them to their respective .WAV or .MOV formats.

.SDV and .SDA files can also be recovered to .MOV and .WAV files on a Windows computer using the
FileSafe utility. (See “FileSafe Utility and the Sound Devices File Format”, page 58)

File Splitting
When the Setup Menu option [System - REC button File Split] is set to On, pushing the REC button
during recording will split the file manually. Recorded files are split automatically when the time of
Setup Menu option [File Storage - QuickTime File Split every] is reached (Video Mode) or the file
size of Setup Menu option [File Storage - Wave File Split Every] is reached (Audio Mode). In both
cases, a new file will be created and grouped with the other files from the clip in the File View (see
File Management and Metadata).

Audio tracks on video files will not split seamlessly. Some small, brief clicks may occur on some audio
tracks in split video files. The video content of video files will always split seamlessly. The audio content
of .WAV files (Audio Mode) will always split seamlessly.
Recording

False Take
To discard the last take and delete the file (False take), press Stop () button + Rewind (<<) button. A
dialog box will appear warning that the last take will be deleted and indicate the file name. Use the
Control Knob to highlight OK and press the Control Knob to confirm.

Selecting Video File Resolution and Frame Rate

The PIX 260i can record video in numerous resolutions and frame rates. The Setup Menu option
[Video - File Resolution/Rate] sets the resolution and frame rate of recorded QuickTime files. This
Setup Menu option also determines the resolution and frame rate of the live HDMI and SDI output
signals, except during playback. The PIX 260i can record QuickTime files in the following resolutions
and frame rates:
• 1080 p 30 • 1080 PsF 30 • 720 p 30 **
• 1080 p 29.97 • 1080 PsF29.97 • 720 p 29.97 **
• 1080 p 25 • 1080 PsF 25 • 720 p 25 **
• 1080 p 24 • 1080 PsF 24 • 720 p 24 **
• 1080 p 23.976 • 1080 PsF 23.976 • 720 p 23.976 **
• 1080 i 60 • 720 p 60 • 576 i 50 *
• 1080 i 59.94 • 720 p 59.94 • 480 i 59.94 *
• 1080 i 50 • 720 p 50
When Setup Menu option [Video - File Resolution/Rate] is set to Same as Video Input, recorded
QuickTime files and video output signals will be of the same resolution and frame rate as the input
video signal.

* Standard definition recording is only available for ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 Proxy.

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** Not supported over HDMI

Progressive Segmented Frames (PsF)

Some cameras output video signal in progressive segmented frames (PsF). PsF is a method for
transmitting progressive video in an interlaced stream. A device generates PsF signal by splitting
each frame into two segments. PsF segments are the same as interlaced fields in that one segment
represents the even lines of a frame and the other segment represents the odd lines of a frame. PsF
segments differ from interlaced fields in that there is no motion between each segment in a pair.
The PIX 260i will automatically sense PsF signal from most cameras that output PsF over SDI. This
is accomplished through the use of a flag inserted into the SDI signal by the camera. If a camera does
not insert this flag into the SDI stream or if it outputs PsF signal over HDMI, then the Setup Menu
option [Video - Input PsF Detect] can be set to Interpret 1080i as PsF. This will force the PIX 260i to
treat all 1080i signal as if it were PsF and deinterlace it accordingly.

Selecting a Video Codec

Setup Menu option: [Video - Codec].
The PIX 260i has two families of intra-frame, DCT-based codecs available: Apple ProRes and Avid
DNxHD, with five levels of compression for ProRes and four levels of data compression available for
DNxHD. Both codecs are intermediate codecs that assist the editing process by eliminating the need
to transcode video before importing into Final Cut (ProRes) or Avid (ProRes or DNxHD).

Recording
ProRes is a variable data rate codec and DNxHD is a fixed data rate codec. PIX 260i supports all
compression levels and bit rates of ProRes and DNxHD and automatically records the correct bit rate
dependent upon the video input resolutions and frame rate. The data rates indicated in the Setup
Menu item [Video - Codec] indicate the maximum data rate at 1080p30.

DNxHD 36 Mb/s only supports 1080p signal. Standard definition recording is only available for ProRes
422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 Proxy.

Interruption of Signal During Recording

In video mode, in the event that video signal is lost (an unplugged HDMI or SDI cable, for example)
during recording, the PIX 260i will pause the recording and wait for video signal to be re-initialized.
If video signal is re-initialized recording will begin again to a new file of the same name with an
“A” appended to the end. Further interruptions of signal during that take will cause an alphabetic
filename progression (“B”, “C”, etc).

In Audio Mode, loss of video signal will have no affect on the transport state unless the video signal is the
sync reference source.

Alignment of Audio and Video

An advantage to recording audio on the PIX 260i along with the video is the elimination of audio/
video sync problems in post. The PIX 260i has many options regarding audio sources along with the
two options for video inputs, HDMI and SDI. Given this flexibility, care must still be taken to ensure
good audio/video sync.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

If recording camera audio embedded on HDMI or SDI, then the audio/video alignment will be ex-
cellent provided the alignment is proper on the camera.
If recording audio using the dedicated audio inputs (Analog, AES, or Dante), then a delay may need
to be dialed in. The reason for this is that some cameras have a delay of one or more frames from lens
to SDI/HDMI output. The PIX 260i on the other hand has no appreciable delay between audio and
video. This means that if the camera does have this delay, the audio will lead the video as recorded
by the PIX 260i. Note that on some cameras, the lens-to-SDI/HDMI delay changes with resolution/
frame rate. The best practice is to test the audio/video sync using a clapper slate on a test file for
each camera resolution/frame rate to be used on a project before starting. See Audio Input Delay Con-
trol for details

Audio Track Arming

Up to 32 Tracks of audio can be recorded in both Audio and Video modes. Armed audio tracks will
have a red background in the Arm column. Unarmed audio tracks will have a black background in
the Arm column. Tracks must be armed in the Audio Screen in order for them to be recorded. To arm
or disarm Tracks for recording:
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen.
2. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired track.
3. Press the Control Knob to focus the highlighter on the selected track’s parameters. The high-
lighter will become orange and focus on a single column in the track.
4. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight the Arm column (The Arm column is the left-most col-
Recording

umn and displays the track number).

5. Press the Control Knob to access the Arm Menu. Turn the Control Knob to select On, Off,
All On, or All Off. (All On and All Off will change the arming status of all tracks, regardless
of which track is selected).

Changing a track’s Input Source to Off will disarm the track.

Audio Mode
When Setup Menu option [System - Video/Audio Mode] is set to Audio Only Poly (Wave) or
Audio Only Mono (Wave) the PIX 260i is in Audio Mode. In Audio Mode, the PIX 260i records only
audio signal to uncompressed PCM .wav files.

Polyphonic or Monophonic WAV Files

Audio Only Poly (Wave) mode writes a single file to each target drive per take. All armed audio
tracks are interleaved into a single file.
Audio Only Mono (Wave) mode writes a file for each armed track to each target drive per take.
Mono files will be named according to [File Storage - File Name Format] with the addition of an
underscore (“_”) character followed by the track number at the end of the file name.
If File Name Format is set to Reel-Scene-Take_Track Name, a WAV mono file will be given names in
the following format: <Reel>-<Scene>-<Take>_<Track #Track Name>.
For example, if Reel=141001, Scene=101A, Take=001, Track=01, and the Track 1 Name is Boom, then
the file’s name would be 14001-101A-001_01Boom.WAV

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Mono Wave files can be written to a maximum of 2 SSD’s. Recording Mono Wave files to a mechanical
(spinning) hard drive is not supported.

Poly (Wave) File Format writes a single file to each target drive per take. All armed audio tracks are
interleaved into a single file.

If File Name Format is set to Reel-Scene-Take_Track Name, but WAV poly files are being recorded, the
alternative format of Reel-Scene-Take will be used.

Audio Mode Settings

Certain Setup Menu options apply only to Audio Mode:

• [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only Mode]: This determines the sync reference source clock
for audio mode. The source can be set to Internal, Word Clock (Sync In), AES1-2, Video Input (SDI/
HDMI), or Video Ref (Sync In).

After changing the Sync Reference in Audio Mode, allow approximately 10 seconds before recording.

• [Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate]: This menu option only applies when the
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only Mode] is set to Internal. The default sample rate is 48
kHz. Audio Mode allows for 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz recordings.
• [Audio - Audio Mode Bit Depth]: The bit depth of recorded audio in Audio Mode. The default Bit

Recording
Depth is 24. Audio Mode allows for 16- or 24-bit recordings.
• [Audio Mode - Pre-Roll Time]: In Audio Mode, a continuous audio buffer of up to 10 seconds
is maintained. The Pre-Roll Time will be “added” to the front of all audio recordings. Timecode
stamps are automatically adjusted to match the Pre-Roll time.

Changing the armed status of any track, changing the value of Setup Menu option
[Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate], or changing the current audio synch reference will reset the pre-
roll buffer.

• [File Storage - Wave File Split Every]: The file size that will cause a .wav file split in Audio Mode.
At factory default audio files will automatically split when the file size reaches 4 GB. Audio record-
ings can also be split when the file size reaches 2 GB.
• [Timecode/Sync - Frame Rate (Audio Only)]: The frame rate that will be stored in the iXML and
Bext area of the .wav file. The default frame rate is 29.97 non-drop. The available frame rate options
are 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97 drop-frame, 30, 30 drop-frame.
If the synchronization source (Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Reference -Audio Only])
is lost while in record, the recording will stop. The Sync Reference OSD field will flash red
if the synchronization source is not present. The Audio Input OSD field will flash red if there
is a mismatch between the currently selected audio sync referenece sample rate and the
[Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate] setting.
Playback of audio clips is the same as video clips. see Playback Operation

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 PIX 260i User Guide

F Sampling Rate Modes

48.048k and 48.048kF

The 48.048kF mode (F can stand for “fake”, “faux”, or “Fostex”) is a specific compatibility mode for
use with the Fostex DV40 software (1.74 and previous), Avid, Final Cut Pro, and other post-produc-
tion environments that do not recognize audio files written at 48.048 kHz. In this mode WAV files are
recorded at a 48.048 kHz sampling rate but are stamped at 48 kHz. When played, they will play back
0.1% slower than real time.
One use for the 48.048kF mode is to force a 0.1% speed reduction (pull down) of audio to match
MOS-telecined film (24 fps-to-NTSC) in non-linear edit systems, such as Avid or Final Cut Pro. Since
the file is stamped as a 48 kHz file, the edit system will play it back at 48 kHz and not at 48.048 kHz.
This “audio pull down” will match the transferred picture without the need for an intermediate step
through other software to create the pull down.
The timecode frame rate (actual recording rate) is forced to 30 ND in 48.048kF mode. The audio file,
however, is stamped with a 29.97 ND frame rate, along the 48 kHz sampling rate. It will appear as if
the file was originally recorded at a 48 kHz sampling rate at a TC rate of 29.97 ND.

Fostex DV40
When using files recorded in the 48.048kF mode in with a DV40 with early software, set the DV40
timecode frame rate to 29.97ND. Timecode stamps will properly match the original timecode start
times.
Recording

47.952k and 47.952kF

Both 47.952 and 47.952kF settings use a record sampling rate of 47.952 kHz, 0.1% lower than 48 kHz.
The 47.952kF mode, however, identifies the file as being recorded at 48 kHz. Additionally there are
two frame rate options in 47.952kF mode. The timecode frame rate can be set to 23.97 while the file is
identified as 24ND or it can be set to 29.97ND while the file is identified as 30ND. By default, when
47.952kF mode is selected the frame rate is changed to 29.97ND and identified as 30ND unless the
Frame Rate was already set to 23.97 in which case it will remain at 23.97.

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Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion

The PIX 260i features powerful, hardware-based video scaling, frame rate conversion, and de-inter-
lacing. This allows for converting the resolution and frame rate of input video signal to the recorded
file and to the HDMI and SDI outputs in real-time.
Video scaling and/or de-interlacing is active whenever the Setup Menu option
[Video - File Resolution/Rate] is set to something other than Same as Video Input. Any sup-
ported input signal can be converted to any available resolution. When set to record progres-
sive frames, the PIX 260i will convert incoming interlaced video to progressive frame video
via its built-in, powerful, hardware-based de-interlacer. The PIX 260i will also convert progres-
sive segmented frame (PsF) video to progressive video automatically if Setup Menu option
[Video - File Resolution/Rate] is set to a progressive frame format (for example 1080p30). If Setup
Menu option [Video - File Resolution/Rate] is set to interlaced format (for example 1080PsF30), the

Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion

PIX 260i will record PsF signal unaltered, but the file will be stamped as interlaced.
Frame rate conversion occurs whenever the frame rate of [Video - File Resolution/Rate] differs
from the frame rate of the input video signal. Frame rate conversion is achieved by appropriately
duplicating or dropping frames. The PIX 260i will auto-sense between integer and non-integer frame
rates (for instance 30 frames vs. 29.97 frames). The PIX 260i will not frame rate convert between
integer and non-integer frame rate values. For example, if the incoming video signal is 1080i59.94,
it can be converted to 1080p29.97 or 720p59.94 but not 1080p30 or 720p60. The Setup Menu option
[Video - File Resolution/Rate] contains entries with a combination of integer and non-integer frame
rates (such as 1080p30/29.97). When any of these options are selected, the PIX 260i will record in the
indicated integer frame rate if the input video is an integer frame rate or record in the indicated non-
integer frame rate if the input video is a non-integer frame rate.
Not all frame rate conversions are visually desirable. When the OSD Item File Resolution/Rate is
red, the conversion of the frame rate of the input video will contain a finite amount of motion judder.
For example, if the incoming video is 720p60 and [Video - File Resolution/Rate] is set to 720p50,
the cadence of dropped frames may be noticeable depending on the content. Conversions that are
simply 1:2 or 2:1 (such as 1080i59.94 to 1080p29.97) introduce no motion judder. For these conver-
sions, the OSD Item File Resolution/Rate remains white.

When the input video signal is 720p24 or 720p23.976, up-, down-, and cross-conversion is not available.

3:2 Pulldown Removal

Many cameras which shoot with a shutter speed of 24/23.976 frames per second will output signal
on the HDMI or SDI output at 60i/59.94i. To achieve this, the camera performs a “3:2 pulldown”
process. The 3:2 pulldown process splits each frame into 2 fields and duplicates a field periodically.
The PIX 260i is capable of removing 3:2 pulldown from a 60i/59.94i signal and converting it back to
24/23.976 progressive frames per second in real-time. The PIX 3:2 removal process actively views
video fields looking for duplicates. When these duplicates are sensed, then this cadence is locked in
and the appropriate extra fields are removed. The process depends on motion in the incoming video.
The OSD item File Resolution/Rate changes from orange to white when this cadence is detected:

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Orange: No 3:2 pulldown sensed in 60i/59.94i input signal.

Input video is being converted to 24p/23.976p using a conver-
sion process which drops frames and may introduce judder.

White: 3:2 pulldown sensed in 60i/59.94i input video signal.

Input video signal is being converted to 24p/23.976p using 3:2
pulldown removal which recreates 24p/23.976p as it is cap-
tured from the camera’s shutter.

It is important that 3:2 pulldown be sensed before beginning a recording. If recording begins before 3:2
pulldown is sensed, 3:2 pulldown will not be applied properly.
Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion

Up and Down Conversion

Standard-definition video resolution employs a 4:3 aspect ratio, and high-definition video resolution
employs a 16:9 aspect ratio. Up-conversion is the process of fitting standard-definition video (with a
4:3 aspect ratio) into a high-definition, 16:9 frame. Down-conversion is the opposite process.
The PIX 260i has various options for up and down conversion:

Down-Conversion
Letterbox: Maintains the same height and width ratio. Results in blank bar at top and bottom of im-
age.
Crop: Left and right side of image is cropped to fit into 4:3. Results in missing image at sides of pic-
ture.
Anamorphic: Image is horizontally squashed to fit into 4:3. Results in a narrow looking image.

16 4

9 Letterbox 3

Crop

Anamorphic

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Up-Conversion
Anamorphic: Image is horizontally stretched to fit into 16:9. Results in a wide looking image.
Pillarbox: Increases size and maintains same ratio. Results in blank bar at right and left of image and
picture cropped at top and bottom.
Zoom 14x9: Maintains same size but fills in remaining screen space with blank bar on the right and
left of image.
Zoom Wide: Increase size and maintains ratio to full screen 16:9. Results in top and bottom being
cropped.

4 16

Video Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion

3 Anamorphic 9

Pillarbox

Zoom 14x9

Zoom Wide

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Playback
The PIX 260i has a very powerful playback engine that allows for playback of QuickTime .mov
files and PCM .wav files whether the files were generated by the PIX 260i or elsewhere (See “Ap-
pendix A - Supported Files”, page 83). Playback video is shown on the onboard LCD display and
is sent to the video outputs. The PIX 260i’s video playback clock is determined by the setting in
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Reference -Video Playback]. Audio Only playback clock is determined by
the setting in [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref -Audio Only Mode].
Any number of PIX 260i units can be assigned to one of four available network groups for frame
synchronized record and playback of video on multiple units simultaneously (See “Network Group-
ing”, page 46).

Playback Operation
The current Playback drive is indicated by the green Drive Status OSD field. From the Main View,
pressing the Play () button after a recording will play the most recent file. Using the Rewind (<<)
and Fast Forward (>>) buttons, previously recorded files can also be cued for playback. The file cued
up for Playback is displayed in the File Name field of the OSD.
To browse files on the Playback drive, press FILES. This will display the File List of the current Play-
back drive. Pressing Play () in the File List will play the currently highlighted file.
To browse files on another drive, scroll beyond the top of the File List to access the drive selection
Playback

list. When a file is played, the drive it is played from will become the current Playback drive. When
a new take is recorded, the lowest numbered drive it is written to will become the current Playback
drive.
In Playback Mode the Play () button and the OSD Items ABS Time, Timecode, Filename and
Drive Indicator are green. While in Playback Mode, pause playback by pressing the Play () button
again. The Play button flashes green to indicate playback is paused. Press the Stop () button any
time to stop playback and exit Playback Mode.
Frame-by-frame scrolling (similar to the traditional Jog function) is supported when playing back
QuickTime .mov files. To scroll through a video file frame by frame, pause playback then turn the
Control Knob to increase/decrease the video file in one frame increments.
Various looping playback functions are supported. In Video Mode, a single file or a section of a
file (defined by cue markers) can be continuously looped by entering Looping Playback Mode (See
“Looping Playback”, page 36). Additionally, a list of files can be defined as a Play List and the Play
List can also be looped (See “Play List”, page 37).
Playback audio of both QuickTime .mov and PCM .wav files is routed to audio outputs as deter-
mined by output routing options in the [Audio] Setup Menu section. (See “Audio Outputs”, page 18)

Fast Forward and Rewind

Video Mode: Hold down the Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) button during playback for 2x
(double) speed playback. When the Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) button is held for five seconds
or more the playback will become 16x speed. Normal playback will resume when Fast Forward (>>)
or Rewind (<<) is released.
Audio Mode: Hold down the Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) button during playback scrub for-
ward or backward. As the Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) button is held down, playback speed in
that direction will increase (up to 50x). Release the button to resume playback in real time.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

File Skip
From Stopped Mode, press Fast Forward to skip to the next file on the current Playback drive. Press
Rewind once to skip to the previous file on the current Playback drive.
During Playback, press Fast Forward (>>) to jump to the next Cue Marker (if applicable) or begin
playback of the next clip (if it exists). Press Rewind (<<) to jump to the previous Cue Marker (if ap-
plicable) or to the beginning of the current file. Immediately press Rewind (<<) again to skip to the
previous file’s last Cue Marker (if applicable) or beginning. File Skip functions will work while a clip
is playing and while it is paused.

If the last file played was a sibling file of a mono WAV take, skipping will occur between that take’s sib-
ling files rather than the default behavior of skipping between takes. When the first or final sibling file is
navigated away from, file skipping will again occur between takes.

Shuttle Playback Mode

In Shuttle Playback Mode the PIX 260i is capable of playing back at various rates in forward and in
reverse.
To immediately enter Shuttle Playback Mode from the Main View, press the Control Knob. The cued
file will begin playback at half speed (Fast Forwardx1/2). Shuttle Playback Mode can also be ac-
cessed while a file is playing back or when paused by pressing the Control Knob.
When Shuttle Playback Mode is active, the OSD items ABS Time, Timecode, Filename, and

Playback
Drive Indicator are displayed in blue. Turn the Control Knob to select playback direction and rate.
The following table defines the playback directions and speeds available when turning the Control
Knob in Shuttle Playback Mode.

Reverse Forward
32 16 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1/2 1/3 1/4 1/5 1/6 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/7 1/6 1/5 1/4 1/3 1/2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 16 32

In Shuttle Playback Mode, the playback direction and speed will be indicated on the LCD if Setup
Menu option [Display - ABS Time] is set to On. The Fast Forward (>>) and Rewind (<<) buttons will
illuminate independently to indicate the playback direction. Press the Control Knob while in Shuttle
Mode to pause playback. Press the Play () button while in Shuttle Mode to return to Playback
Mode.

Cue Marker
During Record, Playback, Pause, or Shuttle mode, press FILES + Fast Forward (>>) to set a
Cue Marker. To delete a Cue Marker, press FILES + Rewind (<<) . A dialog box appears asking
Delete Cue Marker? Cue (number), select OK to delete and Cancel to ignore. Cue Markers added
or deleted during record are applied to all available drives. Cue Markers added or deleted during
playback or shuttle mode are only applied to the current playback drive.
To quickly jump to the next or previous Cue Marker, press Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) re-
spectively. The previous Cue Marker is displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the OSD when
[On-Screen Display - Cue Marker] is On. The OSD field will be displayed in various colors depend-
ing on the current transport status: Red = Record, Green = Play, Blue = Rewind/Fast Forward/Shuttle.
Content between consecutive cue markers is referred to as a “segment”. The beginning and end
points of a file are effectively cue markers. A file with a single cue marker will have 2 segments
(From the beginning of the file to Cue 1 and from Cue 1 to the end of the file).

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Looping Playback

Playback Looping is available in Video Mode only.

Looping playback can be enabled for a segment or the entire clip. To

toggle looping playback and begin looping the entire currently playing
clip, hold Play () for 1 second. Loop: Clip will be displayed in the bot-
tom left-hand corner of the OSD if [On-Screen Display - Cue Marker] is
set to On. Loop: Clip will be followed by / Cue number when playback Looping entire clip
is within a segment (where number indicates the last cue marker).
To loop a segment, press Play () + Fast Forward (>>) while playback
is in that segment. The looped segment is displayed on the bottom left-
hand corner of the OSD. To return to looping the entire clip, press Play
() + Rewind (<<). Looping a segment
To exit looping, hold down Play () for 1 second.

Playback Mode
By default, when a file is selected for playback, the PIX 260i will play the file immedi-
ately and stop playback when the end of the file is reached. The Setup Menu options
[System - Playback Start mode] and [System - Playback mode] alter this behavior. When
[System - Playback Start mode] is set to Pause on First Frame, a file will begin playback in a paused
Playback

state on the first frame. This is useful for “loading” a clip so that playback can be manually triggered
without any start up delay.
The Setup Menu option [System - Playback mode] affects how playback will continue after the end
of a file is reached (assuming no user transport commands are called):

Playback mode Behavior

Play Once Playback stops when the end of the file is reached.
Play Once - Pause Playback pauses on last frame when the end of the file is reached.
Play All Playback continues with the next file in the File List. This process is repeated until all files in
the File List have been played at which point playback stops.
Play All - Pause Playback pauses at the first frame of the next file. This process is repeated until all files in
the File List have been played or Stop is pressed.
Play All - Loop Playback continues with the next file in the File List. This process is repeated until all files
in the File List have been played at which point playback begins at the beginning of the File
List.
Play List Playback continues with the next file in the Play List. This process is repeated until all files in
the Play List have been played at which point playback stops.
Play List - Pause Playback pauses at the first frame of the next file in the Play List. This process is repeated
until all files in the Play List have been played or Stop is pressed.
Play List - Loop Playback continues with the next file in the Play List. This process is repeated until all files
in the Play List have been played at which point playback begins at the beginning of the Play
List.

It is recommended that files in the same Play List or reel be of the same resolution, frame rate, and codec.

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 PIX 260i User Guide
Play List
Files can be added to a Play List to be played back in a specific order. Play List functions are accessed
from the File Detail view of any file. By default, the PIX 260i will play files in the order that they are
arranged in the File List. To play back files in the order of the Play List, [System - Playback Mode]
must be set to one of the Play List modes. To add a file to the Play List:
1. Press FILES to view the File List.
2. Highlight the desired file, then press the Control Knob to enter the Take Details view. (If the
desired take is a multi-file clip, highlight the item with the bracket, then press and hold the
Control Knob.)

Playback
Add to Play List will add the file to the end of the Play List. Remove from Play List will remove the
file from the Play List and decrease the position of all files above in the Play List. Empty Play List
will clear the Play List completely (note that this function affects the entire Play List).
Files in a Play List are indicated with a number in the File List:

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 PIX 260i User Guide

It is recommended that files in the same Play List or reel be of the same resolution, frame rate, and codec.

Playback Rate of Audio Files

Audio files (WAV) are always played back at the sample rate of the PIX 260i. The sample rate that
the file was originally recorded at (and that is stamped in the file’s header) will be ignored by PIX
260i during playback, and the PIX 260i will play the file at the current sample rate, as determined
by Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only Mode]. When Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only Mode] is set to Internal, audio files will play back at the
sample rate of Setup Menu option [Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate], even in Video Mode.

Non-Native File Playback

The PIX 260i can playback QuickTime .mov files and PCM .wav files generated by third party ap-
plications and devices.

Exporting QuickTime Files for 260i Playback

When exporting QuickTime files for PIX 260i playback be sure to set audio to 48kHz. The PIX 260i
cannot playback more than two QuickTime tracks of audio. If multi-channel audio is required, it is
recommended that the multi-channel audio is interleaved into a single QuickTime audio track.

Playing Back Files on a Computer

Playback

Video files recorded with the Apple ProRes codec require QuickTime to be installed. QuickTime can
be downloaded from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/. See http://software.sounddevices.com/
Apple_ProRes_White_Paper_July_2009.pdf for more detailed information about the ProRes codec.
Video files recorded with the Avid DNxHD codec require DNxHD drivers to be installed. Visit http://
www.avid.com/dnxhd to download DNxHD drivers, and for more detailed information about the
DNxHD codec.
Audio files are industry standard .wav files that adhere to the Broadcast Wave File standard (BWF).
Each file includes the original broadcast extension (bext) and a complete iXML section. Sound De-
vices Wave Agent software is a free, powerful tool for working with Broadcast WAV Files. See www.
waveagent.com.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Synchronization and Timecode

Synchronization of video, audio, and associated timecode while recording video and audio has long
been a problematic area. Situations where several cameras are used can complicate issues further.
There may be sync issues between two (or more) cameras and/or between audio recorders because
of a) offset and b) drift. In a production environment (during recording), offset and drift are both
terms to describe a timing problem between the timecode signal from two or more audio or video re-
corders. In a post-production environment (a non-linear editor application), offset and drift are both
terms to describe a timing problem between two or more audio or video files.
Offset (matching the beginning or “head” of a take) occurs because the beginning of takes are not
aligned due to the absence or misuse of timecode. Drift (matching the end or “tail” of a take) occurs
because different recorders (audio or camera) run at different rates - the beginning of files from each
may have zero offset, but by the end they drift apart. The PIX 260i was designed with these problems
in mind and includes the most comprehensive and powerful synchronization features available in a
production recorder. These features can be used to alleviate or eliminate offset and drift problems in
both production and post-production. While the PIX 260i’s design makes setting the parameters as
easy as possible, a good understanding of synchronization is still necessary to properly operate the
PIX 260i and ensure a trouble-free workflow.

Synchronization & Timecode

In a camera, the shutter, video circuitry, audio sampling, and timecode all run off of one “heartbeat”
from its source internal clock. If this source clock is slightly fast, then the shutter, audio sampling,
and timecode will be slightly fast. If the source clock is a slightly slow, the shutter, etc will also be
slightly slow.
When a PIX 260i’s video input is connected via HDMI or SDI to a camera or other video source,
this “heartbeat” is passed through the HDMI or SDI. The PIX 260i video and audio circuitry can be
clocked off of this incoming signal. In other words, the PIX 260i references this clock and synchro-
nizes its own clock to it. The PIX 260i writes files based on this clock as well - each audio sample and
video frame written out to the file is synchronized to the incoming video. This way, the PIX 260i is
always completely in sync with the connected video source - there can never be any drift of audio or
video between the camera and the PIX. (See “Sync Reference”, page 40)
Drift problems in a workflow can arise when more than one camera is used on a shoot, as each cam-
era is driven off of its own internal source clock. Since internal source clock speed will always vary
from camera to camera (and vary based on temperature and time), each camera used will run at a
slightly different shutter speed, audio sample rate, and timecode rate. This is also true when record-
ing video on a camera and recording audio on a separate recorder, as each device has its own inter-
nal source clock. Particularly problematic are long takes where there may be significant drift from
camera to camera from the beginning to the end of the take’s file. Even if the heads match, the tails of
a take may not.
These drift problems can be mitigated during recording by using a Genlock (or “Sync”) Input on a
camera which takes over the camera’s internal source clock. Wiring several cameras’ Genlock Inputs
together forces all of the cameras to run at the exact same rate with no drift. This same concept ap-
plies to audio recorders using the Word Clock input. Genlock inputs are available only on higher-end
cameras and Word Clock inputs are available on higher-end audio recorders.
Offset problems are easier to overcome than drift problems. By feeding each recording device with
the same timecode signal, the files from different recording devices can all be in sync and there will
be no offset in post-production.
The PIX 260i can address the synchronization issues of both offset and drift (heads and tails) via its
built-in Ambient® Lockit with Genlock Out and Timecode Reader. The PIX 260’s Ambient® Lockit
features an internal clock which has an accuracy of +/-0.2ppm (½ frame per 24 hours). Numerous
PIX 260i recorders can be used to maintain extremely tight synchronization.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Sync Reference
The following table lists the available sources for sync reference. Depending on the current Mode
(Audio or Video) and the transport state, some of these sources might not be available.

Signal Connection OSD

HDMI video HDMI input Sync: HDMI
SDI video SDI input Sync: SDI
Genlock SYNC IN Sync: VidRef
Wordclock SYNC IN Sync: WCK
AES channels 1-2 Digital Audio I/O (DB-25) Sync: AES1-2
Internal None Sync: Int

By default, the currently referenced synchronization source is always displayed on the OSD pre-
ceded by Sync:. When valid signal is present at the selected source, the OSD label will be displayed
in white text. When no valid signal is present at the selected source, the OSD label will flash and the
text will be red.
Synchronization & Timecode

Video Mode Synchronization

Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Video Playback].
In Video Mode the PIX 260i’s sync source is always the incoming video signal when stopped and
while recording. This is to ensure that the PIX 260i is always in sync with the incoming video source.
During Playback of QuickTime files, the PIX 260i can reference its own Internal clock, Video Input
(SDI/HDMI), or Genlock signal at the SYNC IN BNC.
When [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Video Playback] is set to Video Ref (Sync In), and no valid signal
is present at the SYNC IN connector when playback is initiated, a warning dialog will appear on the
LCD.
When [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Video Playback] is set to Video Input (SDI/HDMI), and the
playback file’s resolution and rate are different than the Video Input, the PIX 260i will automatically
use its Internal clock. The OSD label will flash with red text during playback to indicate that the sync
source is not present.

Audio Mode Synchronization

Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Audio Only Mode].
In Audio Mode, the audio sync reference source is used for both Record and Playback. Sync refer-
ence for Audio Only mode can be the PIX 260i’s own Internal clock, Wordclock (Sync In), AES 1-2,
Video Input (SDI/HDMI), or Video Ref (Sync In).
The supported sample rates for audio synchronization are those available in the Setup Menu option
[Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate]. The PIX 260i will only lock to supported sample rates from any
source (including external sources). When an unsupported sample rate is present at the sync refer-
ence source, the OSD label will flash red to indicate there is no synchronization occurring.

Timecode Reader
The PIX 260i includes a timecode reader which can accept incoming SMPTE timecode. The
PIX 260i can read timecode from embedded SDI/HDMI or linear timecode fed into the
TC IN BNC connector. The timecode reader is enabled whenever the Setup Menu option

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 PIX 260i User Guide

[Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] is set to any Ext TC mode which indicates that it will read exter-
nal timecode.
Timecode Reader operation is useful for simple cases where the PIX 260i’s timecode follows the cam-
era timecode. The timecode of the PIX 260i’s file will match exactly with the camera’s file with zero-
drift since the PIX 260i is always synchronized with video input during recording in Video Mode. see
Video Mode Synchronization).
In situations where a consistent offset is observed between PIX 260i files and other produc-
tion recordings, the PIX 260i can offset the timecode stamp on each file. The Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - File Start TC Offset] allows for adjustment of the frame offset from -10 to +10 in
increments of 1 frame. This setting does not affect timecode on the PIX 260i’s outputs.
For shoots involving more than one camera or an audio recorder, using the PIX 260i’s Timecode Gen-
erator can be more beneficial than using the Timecode Reader to achieve good heads and tails sync
between all recordings.

Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Out

The PIX 260i includes an internal Ambient® ACL-203 Lockit which can be used as a source sync/
timecode source for cameras or audio recorders. The Lockit is an ultra-high accuracy sync/timecode

Synchronization & Timecode

generator with < 0.2 ppm (½ frame per 24 hours) accuracy that is suitable as a source clock in all
levels of productions. With its internal, rechargeable battery, accurate timecode is maintained for up
to 2 hours after the PIX 260i is powered down. After 2 hours, the timecode value is reset. The battery
is recharged automatically.
Multi-camera shoots using cameras that accept genlock input can benefit from the PIX 260i’s built-in
Ambient® Lockit as their source sync and timecode source. Files from multiple PIX 260i recorders
will have very tightly synchronized recordings with matching heads and tails.
Additionally, even multi-camera shoots utilizing lower-cost cameras (with no genlock or timecode)
can benefit from the built-in Lockit. By using the Timecode Generator to stamp the beginning of each
file, the heads of each take will match from several recorders, even if the tails drift due to using non-
genlocked cameras.

Setting the Sync Out

The setting of this is parameter is found in Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out]. When
the Sync Out of the PIX 260i is not needed, set this option to Off. When using the Lockit to gener-
ate the Sync (genlock) for a camera, the frame rate and resolution must be set for the camera’s sync
input. Consult the camera’s documentation for information of which rates are accepted.
Additionally, there are two advanced modes under [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out]:
Genlock, Follows Video In and Wordclock, Follows Video In. Genlock, Follows Video In can be
used to sync another camera or audio recorder’s genlock input to the camera feeding the PIX. Like-
wise, Wordclock, Follows Video In can be used to sync an external audio recorder to the camera
driving the PIX to achieve perfect audio sync with zero drift. Drift is less likely to be an issue when
recordings are kept short.

It is not possible to pass the Sync Input signal to the Sync Output (this is not a loopthrough).

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Timecode Modes

Freerun Timecode Mode

Generator mode. Timecode runs continuously. The value can be set by “jamming value” in the Setup
Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Jam Received TC] or by manually setting a value from the Setup
Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Set Generator TC].

Freerun Auto Mute

Functions the same as Freerun mode except timecode signal is muted from the timecode output
when the PIX 260i is in Stopped mode. This allows rec-run functionality when Rec Run mode is not
suitable (e.g. Multi-camera shoots).

Record Run Timecode Mode

Generator mode. The PIX 260i sends running timecode while recording and stationary timecode
while not recording. Timecode in this mode defaults to the last stationary value at power-up. When
switching to Record Run from another mode, the internal generator will stop at the last number gen-
erated. A user-defined value can be jammed into the internal generator from the Setup Menu option
Synchronization & Timecode

[Timecode/Sync - Set Generator TC].

24 Hour Run Timecode Mode

Generator mode. Timecode runs continuously. When this Time Code Mode is selected or when the
time/date is altered, the timecode value is jammed to the value of the time-of-day clock. The value
can be set by “jamming value” in the Setup Menu options [TIMECODE/SYNC - Jam Received TC] or
[TIMECODE/SYNC - Jam Time Of Day]. The value can also be set manually from Setup Menu option
[TIMECODE/SYNC - Set Generator TC].

24h Run Auto Mute

Functions the same as 24h Run mode except timecode signal is muted from the timeocde output
when the PIX 260i is in Stopped mode. This allows rec-run functionality when Rec Run mode is not
suitable (e.g. Multi-camera shoots).

External Timecode Mode

Reader mode. The PIX 260’s internal timecode generator follows an external timecode signal appear-
ing at the BNC Timecode Input, timecode embedded on the SDI or HDMI input (See “SDI or HDMI
Input Embedded Timecode”, page 43). If the external timecode is removed the internal generator
continues to run to preserve continuous timecode.

External Timecode Halt Mode

Reader mode. Identical to normal External Timecode mode, except that when external timecode
is removed (signal is lost), the internal timecode does not continue. When Setup Menu option
[Remote Control - Rec Start/Stop] is set to Timecode, this mode will cause the PIX 260i to stop
recording when timecode signal is disconnected or invalid (In addition to stopping when stationary
timecode is received).

Timecode Frame Rate

When using external timecode and the incoming frame rate does not match the frame rate as set in
Video - File Resolution/Rate, the timecode frame rate display will appear orange to notify the user.
The PIX will still record using the File Resolution/Rate.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Timecode Input Sources

Timecode BNC
The Timecode Input BNC accepts standard SMPTE timecode signal.

SDI or HDMI Input Embedded Timecode

The PIX 260i can use timecode embedded in the SDI or HDMI (Sony) input signal.
[Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] must be set to Ext TC (SDI, HDMI).

Synchronization/Timecode Examples
The following examples illustrate common scenarios where timecode and synchronization can be
employed with the PIX 260i and other devices.

Single Video Camera, no Genlock

Synchronization & Timecode

SDI/HDMI

In this scenario, the video camera is the source of the video sync. The timecode can either be read
from the camera or be generated by the PIX 260i. The accuracy of the recording is dependent on the
internal clock accuracy of the camera.
To receive timecode from the camera, set [Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] to one of the external
timecode modes for cameras that output standard SMPTE timecode to the PIX 260i’s Timecode BNC.
Alternatively, the PIX 260i can receive timecode from the SDI or HDMI input (if the camera sends
timecode in this way) by setting [Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] to Ext TC (SDI, HDMI).
The Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out] can be set to several valid settings, including
the following:

• Off - sync signal is disabled.

• Genlock, Follows Video In - Genlock for another camera or device is derived from the video sig-
nal of the single camera.
• Wordclock, Follows Video In - Wordclock for an audio device is derived from the video signal of
the single camera.
Single Camera with Genlock Input, Genlocked from PIX

SDI/HDMI

Genlock

In this scenario, the PIX 260i is the source of video sync. Set the output of the sync generator to a
selected rate and connect the PIX 260i Sync Out (Genlock) to the same camera. Feed the time-code
output of the PIX 260i into the timecode input of the camera.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Multiple Cameras with Genlock Input, all Genlocked from a Single PIX

A SDI/HDMI

Genlock A

B SDI/HDMI

In this scenario, a PIX 260i is the source sync source for multiple cameras, each with or without their
own PIX acting as a recorder. Because of this locked connection, the cameras can be run indefinitely
and be assured of frame-accurate sync with no possibility of drift.
Set the output of the sync generator to a selected rate and connect the PIX 260i Sync Out (Genlock)
Synchronization & Timecode

and timecode output to multiple cameras (“mult” the genlock output). This connection uses the PIX
260i as both the video sync source and timecode source. Heads and tails sync for the camera and PIX
files will be perfect.

Camera #1 to PIX #1, Camera #2 to PIX #2, No Genlock

A SDI/HDMI

B SDI/HDMI

In this scenario, each camera is its own video sync source , but the PIX 260i is the source of the
timecode. The PIX 260i records its files based on the camera’s clock. The heads will match per-
fectly, but the tails may drift depending on the cameras’ clocks.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Camera to PIX with Wordclock Connection to Audio Recorder

SDI/HDMI

Wordclock

INPUT
788T PWR

ARM ARM
MENU
R C
1 3 5 7 L D
A E
2 4 6 8 HDD
B F
0 0
dBFS dBFS
IN CF EX REC

The wordclock output on the PIX 260i is synchronous with incoming video signal. The wordclock
output can be used to sync external audio recorders to any camera. To enable wordclock output, set
Setup Menu item [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out] to Wordclock, Follows Video In.

Synchronization & Timecode

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Network Grouping
When multiple rack-mounted PIX video recorders (PIX 250i, PIX 260i, or PIX 270i) or the 970 Audio
Recorder are in use on an Ethernet network, they can be grouped together for transport control and
linking of most setup options. Setup Menu option [Network - Network Group] assigns the PIX 260i
to one of four available groups.

In this section, the term “unit” refers to PIX 250i, PIX 260i, or PIX 270i Video Recorders, or the 970
Audio Recorder, unless otherwise specified.

There is no "source/ sync" relationship in Network Groups. All units in a group are “source”.
Transport commands and settings changes made on any unit in a group will ripple to all other
units in the group. If a transport command or settings change has to be made to only one unit in a
group, the unit must be temporarily removed from the group before making the change. To quickly
toggle between No Group and the current group setting, press MENU + Control Knob.
Requirements and considerations when setting up Network Groups:
• The maximum number of units supported in a single group is currently 10. Increasing the amount
of units in a group increases the time of response for grouped transport commands and auto-con-
figuration.
PIX Grouping

• It is recommended that timecode be distributed individually to each unit in a group rather than
“daisy-chained” through units in a group.
• Allow all units in a group to auto-configure before proceeding with grouped operations. See the
following section for details. (See “Group Auto-Configuration”, page 47)
• For frame-synchronized recording, Setup Menu option [Video - File Resolution/Rate] must be set
to Same as Video Input on all units in the group. (See “Grouped Transport”, page 47)
• For frame-synchronized recording, video input signal to all units in the group must be of the same
resolution and frame rate. (See “Grouped Transport”, page 47)
• Shuttle, Fast Forward, and Rewind functions are linked, however frame-synchronization is not
guaranteed while these functions are occurring. Frame synchronization will resume when return-
ing to Playback/Pause mode. Normal (1x) playback, Pause, and Jog will always be frame synchro-
nized. (See “Grouped Transport”, page 47)
• Frame-synchronous recording and playback is possible on the PIX 260i and PIX 270i only. Al-
though transport commands are transmitted to PIX 250i units in a group, recording and playback
on PIX 250i units is not frame-synchronized.
• Some settings are not linked even when units are in the same group. (See “Grouped Settings”, page
47)

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Grouped Settings
A settings change of any unit in the group will be rippled through to all other units in the group,
with some exceptions. The following settings and functions will always apply only to the unit that
they are made on, and not ripple through to other units in the group (or be pushed when Setup
Menu option [Network - Grouping - Push Settings to Group] is used):
• All [Network] options. • [Timecode/Sync - Jam Time of Day]
• All [Quick Setup] options. • [Timecode/Sync - Set Generator TC]
• [File Storage - Erase/Re-format] • [Timecode/Sync - Set Generator UBits]
• [Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] • [System - Set Date/Time]
• [Timecode/Sync - Jam Received TC] • [System - Update Software]

Pushing Settings to Group

When a unit is assigned to a group, none of its settings are immediately changed. Subse-
quent settings changes to any unit in the group will be applied to all units in the group. To
copy all settings from one unit to the rest of the units in the group, access Setup Menu option
[Network - Grouping - Push settings to group]. This will copy all grouped settings to all other units
in the group.

Group Auto-Configuration
When changes are made to a Network Group, all units in the group must auto-configure. It is im-

PIX Grouping
portant to allow all units in the group to complete auto-configuration before proceeding with any
grouped operations (Transport control, settings changes, etc). While configuring, units will display
a dialog message: Configuring Network: Please Wait... Wait 10 seconds after this dialog has cleared
before proceeding with grouped operations.
Common tasks that will cause a group to auto-reconfigure:

• A unit on the LAN is powered on or off.

• A unit is connected or disconnected from the LAN.
• A unit is added or removed from a group via [Network - Network Group].

Grouped Transport
Transport control (Record, Play, Pause, Stop, Jog, Shuttle, Fast Forward, and Rewind) of grouped
units is linked. Recording and playback is frame-synchronized among PIX 260i and PIX 270i units
in a group. When a file is selected for playback, all units in the group will play the file of that same
name if it exists. If no file of that name exists, grouped units will play the most recently played or
recorded file.
Adding and removing cue markers, jumping to cue markers, and looped playback is not supported
in grouped units. These features can be effectively used in a grouped unit setup; However, manual
setup on each unit in the group is required. Following are step-by-step instructions to using these
features with grouped units. Failure to comply with these recommendations can result in undesired
behavior if any one of these features is in use while units are grouped. This could include:

• Out-of-sync playback between grouped units

• Some units in the group dropping out of playback prematurely
• Some units playing back the wrong file
• Sluggish transport control response time

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 PIX 260i User Guide

To effectively use Loop Play Mode with grouped units:

1. Press and hold Play until the OSD reads LOOP.
2. Repeat step 1 on all units in the group. Now when a clip is looped, the units will remain in
sync.
To effectively use Cue Markers with grouped units:
1. Playback a file.
2. Find the spot in the file in which a cue marker is to be placed.
3. Pause Playback.
4. Press FILES + Fast Forward to lay a cue marker.
5. Repeat step 4 for all units in the group. Now when jumping to a cue marker on one unit all
units in the group will also jump to the cue point and remain in sync.
To loop between cue points on grouped units:
1. With Loop Mode on and Cue Markers all set, locate the cue point in which the loop will
begin.
2. Press Play + Fast Forward to change the Loop behavior from Loop Clip to Loop Segment
mode. The OSD will display the loop points (for example Cue 1 - Cue 2).
3. Repeat step 2 on all units in the group. All units in the group will now loop between the
selected cue points and remain in sync.
PIX Grouping

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 PIX 260i User Guide

External Control
RS-422
The PIX 260i conforms to the Sony P2 (9-pin) machine control standard over RS-422. The PIX
260i acts as a sync only, not as a source. To enable RS-422 set [Remote Control - RS-422] to On.
The following table lists all commands supported by the PIX 260i as well as how those
commands are supported on three popular RS-422 controllers.

Command DNF ST300 JLC-ES450 SONY PDW-HR1

(Player Mode)
RECORD Yes Yes n/a
Stop RECORDING Yes Yes n/a
Play Yes Yes Yes
PAUSE Yes Yes Yes
Stop Playback Yes No (Pause only) Yes
Fast Forward Yes Yes Yes
Rewind Yes Yes Yes
JOG Yes Yes Yes

External Control
SHUTTLE Yes Yes Yes
T-BAR Yes n/a n/a
REC and Play TIMECODE Yes Yes Yes
GOTO (LOCATE to TIMECODE) Yes Yes n/a
VAR n/a n/a Yes
PREV n/a Yes Yes
NEXT n/a Yes Yes
IN ENTRY n/a Yes Yes
OUT ENTRY n/a Yes Yes
IN ENTRY TRIM n/a Yes Yes
OUT ENTRY TRIM n/a Yes Yes
IN ENTRY GOTO n/a Yes Yes
OUT ENTRY GOTO Yes Yes Yes
IN/OUT ENTRY DELETE Yes Yes Yes
IN/OUT ENTRY RECALL Yes Yes Yes

* To access Fast ForwardV mode on the ES450, press SHIFT + F.FWD. Then use the F.FWD or Rewind
keys for NEXT /PREV file selection.

Web Interface - PIXNET

When either the primary (PRI) or secondary (SEC) Ethernet ports on the PIX 260i rear panel are con-
nected to an Ethernet network (via switch or router), or direct to a computer (ad-hoc), the PIX 260i
can be controlled remotely via PIXNET. PIXNET is a built-in web server with an intuitive GUI and
is accessed with an HTTP connection using a web browser. The interface is designed for use with

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 PIX 260i User Guide

current versions of Chrome and Safari. Multiple PIX 260i’s can be accessed at the same time from the
same web browser window using tabs.

PIXNET only supports a single client (browser) connection to a PIX 260i at one time. Accessing
PIXNET on a single PIX 260i from multiple clients simultaneously is not supported. Control access to
PIX 260i units with Setup Menu option [Network - Authentication].

The PIX 260i’s web IP address must be determined before accessing PIXNET:
1. Make sure that the PIX 260i is powered on and connected to a network or directly to a com-
puter via one of the rear panel Ethernet connectors.
2. The PIX 260i must have a unique name when controlling multiple PIX 260i units via PIXNET.
Verify that the PIX 260i has a unique name in [Network - This PIX’s Name].
3. The PIX 260i can automatically find a unique IP Address when
[Network - Auto IP Settings] is set to On. This is the recommended method for setting
up IP connections on the PIX 260i. If needed, the IP settings can be manually entered. To
manually enter IP settings, set [Network - Auto IP Settings] to Off. Then manually en-
ter [Network - IP Address - Subnet Mask -Gateway] values.
4. PIXNET supports connection to a single client. Control access to the PIX 260i by configuring a
user name and password from Setup Menu option [Network - Authentication].
5. Open the web browser and enter the IP address displayed on the PIX 260i OSD or listed in
External Control

[Network - IP Address] into the web browser’s address bar. Enter the credentials supplied in
step 4 when prompted.

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PIXNET All Units Page

When PIXNET is launched the first page displayed is the All Units Page. This is a quick overview
of all units connected to the network. Information available is PIX Name, IP Address, File, Video
Input details, Format details, and assigned Group number. From this page, a unit can be allotted to
a particular group (See “Network Grouping”, page 46). Click on the Name to open the Unit Page for
that particular unit.

1 2

External Control
3 4 5 6 7 8

1) Address Bar 6) Video Input Details

Type in PIX 260i IP Address to connect to Displays the resolution, frame rate, and
PIXNET. source (SDI or HDMI) of incoming video
signal.
2) Unit Page Tabs
Each Unit Page can be opened in a sepa- 7) Format Details
rate browser tab. When unit is in Video Mode: Displays
details of the video codec the unit is set to
3) Unit Name
record. When unit is in Audio Mode: Dis-
Lists all units connected to the network.
plays sample rate, but depth, and armed
Click on a Name to open the Unit Page
track count.
for a particular unit.
8) Group
4) IP Address
Displays Group settings for all units cur-
Displays the IP Address for all units cur-
rently on the network. Group settings can
rently on the network.
be edited using the drop-down menu for
5) Take Details each unit.
When unit is in Video Mode: Displays
the resolution and frame rate that the
unit is configured to record. When unit
is in Audio Mode: Displays WAV Poly or
WAV Mono.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

PIXNET Unit Page

The Unit page allows for near full remote control of the 260i via the web browser.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1
10

11

22
21 12
20
19 13
14

18
15
17 16

1) All Units Page button 11) File Format

Click to return to All Units Page. Displays current file format (poly or
External Control

mono WAV files). Click to change format.

2) Previous
During playback, jumps to the begin- 12) Drive Status 1-4
ning of the file or previous cue marker. In Displays the drive status of all drives
Stopped mode, loads previous file. (D1-D4).
3) Rewind 13) Absolute Time
Acts as Rewind Button. When selected Time elapsed since beginning of current
the clip will reverse at 2x speeds. recording or currently playing file.
4) Play 14) Metadata Bar
Functions as Play button. Click the word “Metadata” or the Arrow
to expand or contract the Metadata View
5) Stop
for previous, current, and next takes.
Functions as Stop Button.
15) Timecode
6) Unit Name and IP Address
Displays the current timecode value.
Displays the name and IP Address of the
current unit. 16) Frame Rate
Displays the current timecode frame rate.
7) Fast Forward
Acts as Fast Forward button. When se- 17) File Name
lected the clip advances at 2x speeds. Displays the current file name.
8) Next 18) Menu Tabs
Jumps to the next file. Click on each tab to display the respective
menu.
9) Record
Functions as Record Button. 19) Armed Channel Count
Displays the current amount of armed
10) Group
audio channels. This is the amount of
Displays current Group setting, quickly
tracks that will be contained in the next
change designated group or remove from
take recorded.
group using the drop-down menu.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

20) Bit Depth 22) Headphone Source

Displays the current audio bit depth. Audio source for headphone output.
21) Sample Rate
Displays the current audio sample rate.

PIXNET Unit Page Metadata View

To show the Metadata View, click the Arrow button located on far end of the Metadata bar, which
acts as a toggle that expands or contracts the view for the previous, current, and next takes.

While metadata is visible, you can still scroll down to see the tabs—Clips, File Storage, Video, etc. While
you may click any of the tabs to open them and view the data associated with the tabs, the Metadata View
and the Clips data cannot be viewed simultaneously. If the Metadata View is expanded, clicking on the
Clips tab will contract the Metadata View and display clip information.

External Control
From this expanded view, you may edit the metadata—Scene, Take, Circled, and Notes—for the pre-
vious, current, and next takes. Changes made to the Notes field for the next take, however, will only
apply to the very next recording. It is not retained for subsequent recordings after that one.

PIXNET Unit Page Main View and Menu Tabs

The Unit Page can display many different menus. The menus are accessed by clicking on the tabs of
the Unit Page.

Not all PIX 260i menu items or features are available from PIXNET.

Main View
The Main View is always the first to appear when a Unit Page is open and is displayed whenever no
other tab is selected. The contents of this view are covered in detail in PIXNET Unit Page.

Clips Menu
The Clips Menu is the PIXNET version of the 260i File List. From the Clips Menu, select a drive. The
currently selected drive contents are displayed. Reel, File name and location, creation date, and file
size are all displayed.
Click on the Play icon next to a file name to playback the file.
Click the Gear icon to edit the next take’s scene, take, and notes metadata, or click the Pencil icon to
edit the current or previous take’s scene, take, notes, and circled status.
Click the Circled I icon to view QuickTime file details, including the start timecode stamp, timecode
frames per second, user bits, duration, codec, and audio formats.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

File Storage Menu

File Storage Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser. In this
menu the Ethernet File Transfer option can be remotely activated. This allows for remote transfer of
files from the unit.

Video Menu
Video Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser.
External Control

Audio Menu
The Audio Menu provides quick access to the various PIX 260i audio settings and windows. These
are separated by the views Audio Settings, Tracks, and Output Matrix. When Audio Settings is se-
lected, the PIX 260i Audio Setup Menu options are displayed and can be edited directly from the web
browser.

Audio Tracks
The Audio Tracks screen allows all the same adjustments as the Audio Screen on the PIX 260i itself:

1 2 3 4

1) Track Name 3) Gain Controls

Click to edit. Slider and drop-down menu controls
input gain level.
2) Track Source
Hover cursor (or touch) to access menu of 4) Input Delay
available audio input sources. Set delay of input signal in milliseconds.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

5) Armed Track (On) 7) Armed Track (Off)

Track is armed with an active input Track is armed with input source set to
source and will be written during record- Off and will be not be recorded. Click to
ing. Click to unarm. unarm.
6) Unarmed Track
Track is not armed. Click to arm.

Audio Output Matrix

When Output Matrix is selected, a comprehensive track-to-output matrix appears. From this view
route any track to any output.

TC Menu
Timecode/Sync Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser.

OSD Menu
Timecode/Sync Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser.

Remote Menu
Remote Control Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web brows-
er.

External Control
Network Menu
Network Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser.

Changing settings in this menu can disconnect the web browser from PIXNET

System Menu
System Setup Menu settings are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser.

Triggering Recording from External Timecode

The PIX 260i can be configured to start recordings when incoming timecode begins rolling and
stop when it becomes stationary. This is generally referred to as Record Run timecode. The source
time-code device should be setup in this manner. To configure the PIX 260i to follow Record Run
com-mands:
1. Set Setup Menu option [Remote Control - Rec Start/Stop] to Timecode.
2. Make sure that the device that is sending timecode is configured to send stationary
timecode while stopped and running timecode while recording. To cause the PIX 260i
to stop recording when linear timecode signal is absent (disconnected), set Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] to Ext TC (LTC Halt).
3. Some cameras do not send the correct timecode in the first few seconds of a recording, or
they send short bursts of timecode causing the PIX 260i to record short unintentional files or
incorrect timecode values. The [Timecode/Sync - Auto Record Hold Off] feature is designed
to eliminate these issues. When a hold off value is applied, the PIX 260i will begin capturing
the moment timecode begins rolling but will only go into record if a valid timecode signal is
present after the hold off time has elapsed.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Triggering from external timecode will not cause the PIX 260i to automatically stamp ex-
ternal timecode to recorded files. The timecode stamped to files is determined by the setting
[Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode]

Triggering Recording from SDI Flag Bits

Start and stop flags embedded in the SDI signal from some cameras can be used to
start and stop recording of the PIX 260i. To enable this feature, set Setup Menu option
[Remote Control - Rec Start/Stop] to the SDI Flag option that refers to the manufacturer of the
connected camera. Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] must also be set to
Ext TC (SDI,HDMI).

GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output)

The 10-pin Phoenix connector provides six GPIO logic points. These can be used as simple-closure
inputs, and to drive LEDs or relays. The following table lists the pin assignments of the GPIO con-
nector.

Pin Function
- (-) Ground. Provides access to ground for triggering logic-low connections.
1 REC Input. Triggers PIX 260i record.
External Control

2 Play Input. Triggers PIX 260i play.

3 Stop Input. Triggers PIX 260i stop.
4 (unused)
5 (unused)
6 REC Output. Activates upon PIX 260i record.
7 Play Output. Activates upon PIX 260i play.
8 Stop Output. Activates upon PIX 260i stop.
+5V +5V DC Output. Constant source of +5V for triggering logic high connections.

GPIO inputs (pins 1, 2, and 3) and GPIO outputs (pins 6, 7, and 8) can be set to “logic high” or “logic
low”. Logic high connections will trigger to the presence of +5V (GPIO input) or output +5V when
the function is active (GPIO output). Logic low connections will trigger when connected to ground
(GPIO input) or become connected to ground when the function is active (GPIO output).
To configure GPIO connections as logic high or logic low, access Setup Menu option
[Remote Control - GPIO Inputs] or [Remote Control - GPIO Outputs].
The GPIO Outputs can be used to drive LEDs with a proper series resistor. Resistor values will vary
from LED to LED, 470 ohms is a good starting point.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

USB Keyboard
The PIX 260i supports standard USB keyboards connected to the USB A connector on the front panel.
The keyboard can be used to navigate menus, enter text, and control PIX 260i Transport functions.
The following table shows common functions for an attached keyboard:

Keyboards with integrated USB hubs are not supported.

Key Function
F1 Functions the same as MENU button.
F2 Functions the same as FILES button.
F3 Functions the same as AUDIO button.
F4 Functions the same as LCD button.
Menu Key Functions the same as MENU button.
Ctrl + R Functions the same as the REC button.
Ctrl + S Functions the same as the Stop button.
Space Bar Functions the same as the Play button.
Arrow Keys Up/Down function the same as Control Knob turn.
Left/Right function as Escape and Enter keys respectively in Setup Menu.

External Control
Left/Right function the same as Rewind and Fast Forward keys during playback.
Return/Enter Functions the same as pressing the Control Knob.
Ctrl + L Loop Mode toggle.
Ctrl + Q Add Cue Marker
Shift + Ctrl + Q Delete Cue Marker
Ctrl + Alt + F10 Enters Menu Customization. (In Setup Menu only)
Escape Exits / cancels current dialog.
Page Up Moves the highlight to the top or bottom of displayed list elements.
Page Down
End Moves the highlight to the end of a list.
Home Moves the highlight to the beginning of a list.

F1, F2, F3, and F4 keys can be pushed in combinations to activate button shortcuts, just like their respec-
tive buttons on the PIX 260i. See Shortcuts

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Storage and File Management

Storage
The PIX 260i records on up to four separate storage devices simultaneously. There are two PIX-CAD-
DY slots on the front panel that are accessed by pulling the LCD Handle forward and tilting the LCD
down. Additionally, there are two eSATAp connections on the rear panel. The four drive connections
are numbered 1 to 4. Functions on the PIX 260i will refer to the drives using these numbers.

PIX-CADDY 2 and PIX-CADDY CF

Drives 1 and 2 are PIX-CADDY slots behind the LCD on the Front panel.
The PIX-CADDY 2 and PIX-CADDY CF allow for simple, quick, and solid connection and removal
of drives for file storage and exchange. When connected to a PIX 260i, whether powered on or off,
the caddy’s USB 3.0 and FireWire 800 connections are disabled. When the caddy is removed, it oper-
ates as a high-speed data interface for transferring files from the drive to a computer. Only one data
connection can be used at a time. See PIX-CADDY 2 documentation for details on attaching a 2.5”
Storage & File Management

drive to the PIX-CADDY.

The PIX-CADDY CF supports CF cards instead of 2.5” drives. It functions the same as the PIX-CAD-
DY except that it does not support Video or Mono WAV File recording.

eSATA
Drives 3 and 4 are eSATAp connections on the Rear panel. These connections can be used to power
an external drive via 5V eSATAp, or they can be used with powered external enclosures using an
eSATA (non-powered) cable. It is important to use an approved drive and external enclosure to en-
sure proper performance. An up-to-date list of supported storage devices can be found online: http://
www.sounddevices.com/approved

Supported Storage Devices

Sound Devices maintains a list of storage devices that are approved for use with the PIX 260i. An up-
to-date list of supported storage devices can be found online: http://www.sounddevices.com/approved

Approved mechanical drives are recommended for use only in stationary applications. Excessive vibration
or motion may cause data corruption when using mechanical drives.

The PIX 260i formats and writes to an exFAT filesystem. The exFAT filesystem is readable and writ-
able by Mac OS X, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista. Files stored in an exFAT filesystem
are not restricted to 4GB, unlike FAT32 (a commonly utilized filesystem in other digital recorders).
Storage devices to be used with the PIX 260i must be formatted by the PIX 260i.

Drives formatted to UDF with earlier versions of PIX firmware can still be used in the current PIX 260i.

Windows XP is not compatible with exFAT volumes by default. The Microsoft update KB955704
(http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=19364) will allow Windows XP to read and
write to exFAT volumes.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Mac OSX 10.6.4 and below does not support exFAT volumes.

Formatting
To format a drive:
1. Make sure the drive to be formatted is connected to the recorder and note which drive num-
ber it is.
2. Open Setup Menu option [File Storage - Erase/Re-format].
3. Choose the Erase/Re-format: Drive Number for the drive to be formatted or
Erase/Re-format: All Drives option.
4. A confirmation dialog will appear: “All data will be erased. Continue?”. Use the Control
Knob to select OK.
5. Use the displayed on-screen keyboard (or an external USB keyboard, if attached) to enter a
volume label for the drive, and then use the Control Knob to select OK to initiate the format.
When formatting all drives at once, the volume label is applied to all drives but each drive
will be suffixed with a dash and drive number to distinguish between drives.

Storage & File Management

Drive formatting can alternatively be initiated from PIXNET under the File Storage menu.

Drive Modes
Each of the four drive slots can be set to Read Only, Record,
Ethernet File Transfer, or Switch to Network upon Full from the Setup Menu option
[File Storage - Drive Record/Network Mode].
• Read Only: Drives in this mode will not be written to during recording. Any compatible files on
the drive will still be available for playback and the drive can still be formatted.
• Record: Drives in this mode will be written to for recording. This is the default mode.
• Ethernet File Transfer: Drives in this mode will be shared to the network as a standard Samba
share (see Ethernet File Transfer) and cannot be recorded to, formatted, or accessed for playback
from the unit.
• Switch to Network upon Full: Drives in this mode will be in Record mode until they are filled.
Once filled, they will be put into Ethernet File Transfer mode.

When [File Storage - Video Record Mode] is set to Simultaneous, a drive that becomes full will
only mount as a network share when the last drive that is set to Switch to Network upon Full becomes
full.

Record Mode (Simultaneous or Sequential)

The Setup Menu option [File Storage - Video Record Mode] determines how drives will be written
to during recording. When set to Simultaneous (the default setting), all drives that are online and set
to Record will be written to at the same time.
When set to Sequential (available in Video Mode only), the lowest numbered drive that is online
and set to Record mode will be written to. When that drive is full the recording will continue on the
next available drive that is online and set to Record mode. If no drive is available, recording will
stop. The order of drives when recording sequentially is from lowest (Drive 1) to highest (Drive 4).

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Metadata
Several parameters can be set within the Setup Menu File Storage to aid in the organization of files.
Some of this metadata can be used in naming the file which is to be recorded. Folders are created on
the drives based on the Reel number. QuickTime files contain reel and timecode metadata.
Broadcast Wave files contain bEXT and iXML chunks that store various metadata information such
as timecode, scene, take, notes, and audio track names. WAV file scene, take, and notes metadata can
be edited on the PIX 260i, from the Take Details Screen (See “Take Details Screen”, page 10) or the
Quick Metadata Screen (See “Metadata Screen”, page 11).

PIX recorders support SMPTE-315M camera positioning metadata for ProRes recordings, but DNxHD
files generated by the recorders will not contain SMPTE-315M metadata.

CamID
The CamID field consists of a single alpha character. It is intended to indicate which physical camera
shot the content for the take.
Storage & File Management

Reel
The reel can be considered a container for all assets gener-
ated during a recording session or day’s work. This field
consists of a numeric value between 1 and 999. It is intended
to indicate what reel the recording is part of. The PIX 260i
will create a folder at the root level for each Reel. Recorded
files are placed inside the current Reel folder. This value is
alpha-numeric.

Clip
The Clip field consists of a numeric value between 1 and 999. It is intended to indicate what clip
number the recording is. This field can be set manually and will increment each time a new file is
recorded. The Clip number will reset to 1 when the Reel number is changed.

Scene/Shot
The Scene/Shot field consists of an alpha-numeric value. Use this field to indicate a descriptive name
for the current scene or shot.
To quickly increment the Scene/Shot value, press Stop + Fast Forward from the
Main View. How the Scene/Shot value increments depends on the current setting of
[File Storage - Scene Increment Mode]:
Numeric: (Default) If the current Scene/Shot value does not have a number on the end, the number 1
will be appended. Otherwise, the last number will be incremented by 1.
Character: If the current Scene/Shot value does not have an alpha character on the end, the let-
ter “A” will be appended. Otherwise, the last letter will be incremented alphabetically. If the final
character is “Z” it will be changed to “A” and - if an alpha character precedes it - that character will
be incremented alphabetically; Otherwise a preceding “A” will be added so that the resulting Scene/
Shot value ends in “AA”.
Off: Scene Increment shortcut will have no effect.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Take
The Take field consists of a numeric value between 1 and 999. It is intended to indicate what take
number the clip is, relative to the scene. This field can be set manually and will increment each time
a new file is recorded. The Take number will reset to 1 when the Scene name is changed.

Audio Track Name (Audio Only)

Audio Track Names are stored in the metadata of the Broadcast Wave File only. Audio Track Names
are set in the Audio Screen in the Name column. To edit the name of an audio track:
1. Press AUDIO to access the Audio Screen.
2. Select the Name box for the desired track using the Control Knob to move vertically and
Rewind and Fast Forward to move left and right.
3. Press the Control Knob to edit the track name.
4. Use the displayed on-screen keyboard (or an external USB keyboard, if attached) to enter
a new track name, and then use the Control Knob to select OK to save and exit back to the
Audio Screen.

Audio File Metadata

Storage & File Management

PIX 260i Broadcast Wave Files include iXML (revision 1.5) data and bEXT chunk data. For bEXT and
iXML-aware software applications this data is available. For applications that don’t recognize bEXT
or iXML, this information is ignored. The following chart details the supported metadata param-
eters.

• iXML: Metadata stored in the Broadcast Wave iXML chunk

• bEXT: Metadata stored in the Broadcast Wave bEXT chunk
• FMT: Metadata stored in the Broadcast Wave Format chunk
4 = supported

Notes
Metadata Type U = Entered by User Read Write
M = Automatically Entered by the Machine
Reel (Tape) iXML, bEXT U: [File Storage - Ree] 4 4
Scene iXML, bEXT U: [File Storage - Scene] or via editing next take 4 4
metadata.
Take iXML, bEXT M: Automatic
U: [File Storage - Take] or via editing next take 4 4
metadata.
Notes iXML, bEXT U: via take metadata editing. 4 4
Circle Take iXML U: via take metadata editing. 4 4
File UID iXML M: Unique File Identifier 4
File Sample Rate iXML, FMT U: [Audio - Audio Mode Sample Rate] 4 4
Digitizer Sample Rate iXML U: Actual sample rate of AD converter 4
Bit Depth iXML, FMT U: [Audio - Audio Mode Bit Depth] 4 4
Channels iXML, FMT U: Total amount of armed tracks when take was recorded. 4 4
Frame Rate iXML, bEXT U: [Timecode/Sync - Frame Rate (Audio Only)] 4 4
TC Flag (ND or NDF) iXML, bEXT U: [Timecode/Sync - Frame Rate (Audio Only)] 4
Start Time Code iXML, bEXT M: Stored as a sample count since midnight 4 4

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Duration M 4 4
U-Bits iXML, bEXT U: [Timecode/Sync - Set Generator UBits] 4 4
Time Code Sample Rate iXML M 4
Track Information
Channel Index iXML M: Track Number 4
Interleave Index iXML M: Order of armed tracks. 4
Track Name iXML, bEXT U: via Track Names on Audio Screen 4 4
Speed Information
Master Speed iXML M 4
Current Speed iXML M 4
Speed Note iXML M 4
Originator Information
Originator bEXT M 4
Creation Date bEXT M 4 4
Creation Time bEXT M 4 4
Originator Reference bEXT M
Storage & File Management

4
Software Version bEXT M 4
File Set Information
Family UID iXML M: shared by files belonging to the same take 4
Total Files iXML M; number of files representing a take 4
File Set Index iXML M 4
File History
Original File Name iXML M 4

Editing Audio Metadata

Audio metadata can be edited from the PIX 260i before, during, or after recording. Metadata edits
to a take will ripple to that same take on all drives. To edit the Notes, Scene, Take, Track Names, or
Circled field of any audio take:
1. Press FILES to access the File List.
2. Rotate the Control Knob to highlight a recorded take, the currently recording take (indicated
with red text), or the next take (always on top of the list with a date label of “Next Take”):

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Next Take

Current (recording)Take

Previous (recorded) Takes

Storage & File Management

3. Press the Control Knob to access the Take Details screen. (For multi-file entries, hold the
Control Knob)
4. Rotate the Control Knob to select the desired field for editing.
5. Press the Control Knob and use the on-screen keyboard or attached USB keyboard to enter
text.
6. When finished, Select OK on the on-screen keyboard or press Enter on an attached USB key-
board. Changes made to the currently recording take and to previously recorded takes will
be written immediately.
The special list item “Next Take”, represents the file name and metadata for the take that will
be written the next time record is engaged. This entry does not represent a file on the drive. The
Scene and Take fields of the next take can be edited. Values entered into Scene and Take fields
of the next take will also be entered into Setup Menu options [File Storage - Scene/Shot] and
[File Storage - Take] (respectively).
To enter notes for the Next Take:
1. Press FILES.
2. Select the Next Take file.
3. Select the Notes option.
4. Enter text for the note. Data entered in the Notes field for the Next Take will only apply to the
very next recording. It is not retained for subsequent recordings after that one.
The Use Phrase option is also available when viewing take details from the File List, and it may be
used to add common phrases into notes for the Previous, Current, or Next Takes.
To use the phrase list:
1. Press FILES.
2. Select a file.
3. Select the Use Phrase option.
4. Select the phrase you want to use from the predefined list.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

File Management
The PIX 260i provides several tools for file management and metadata entry. File management of
files to be recorded is managed in File Storage. File management for files previously recorded mate-
rial is handled in the File List. See File List and Take Details for navigation and basic overview.

File Size Limit

To aid in maintaining manageable file sizes, the PIX 260i will automatically begin writing a new file
after a set amount of minutes has elapsed in a recording (Video Mode) or after a file size limit has
been reached (Audio Mode). The beginning of this new file will be seamless to the ending of the
previous file. The Setup Menu option [File Storage - QuickTime File Split every] adjusts the amount
of time before a file split occurs in Video Mode. In Audio Mode, the default file size is 4GB. This can
be reduced to 2 GB in [File Storage - Wave File Split every].

File Naming
Files are named according to the file name format as set with Setup Menu option
[File Storage - File Name Format]. The options for file name format include various combinations of
Drive Name, CamID, Reel, Clip, Scene/Shot, and Take metadata fields. The file name format can also
be prefixed with the PIX Name as defined in [Network - This PIX’s Name]. To prefix the file name
Storage & File Management

with the PIX name, set [File Storage - File Name Prefix] to PIX Name.

RED File Format

When the Setup Menu option File Storage - File Name Format is set to RED File Format, the PIX
260i will:

• Generate files that follow the same naming convention used by RED cameras.
• Extract the CamID, Reel number, Clip number, and date from the SDI input signal from a RED
camera and apply it to the file name and appropriate metadata fields of each recorded file. (See
“Metadata”, page 60)
Camera Letter

A001_C002_0502.mov

Reel Clip Number Date

Arri File Format

When the Setup Menu option [File Storage - File Name Format] is set to Arri File Format, the PIX
260i will:

• Generate files that follow the same naming convention used by Arri cameras.
• Extract the CamID, Reel number, and Clip number from the SDI input signal from the Arri camera
and apply it to the file name and appropriate metadata fields of each recorded file. (See “Metadata”,
page 60)
Camera Index Clip Index

B001C001_120601_R1RA.mov

Reel Clip Counter Date Unique Camera ID

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Folder Structure
All files generated by the PIX 260i are placed into a Reel folder. The Reel Folder name is defined by a
setting in [File Storage - Reel Format], and the number is defined by the Reel metadata, which is set
in [File Storage - Reel].
For the folder name, the default is Custom, which lets you set your own alphanumeric value for Reel
folder names. The alternative option is Daily, which if chosen, automatically generates folder names
based on the system’s date in the YYMMDD format, where Y is a two-digit numerical value for year,
M for month, and D for the day.
When using the RED or Arri File Formats, the PIX 260i will generate a Reel folder based on the cam-
era’s reel metadata.

Deleting a File
Any file that appears in the Take List can be deleted directly from the PIX 260i. To delete a file:
1. Press FILES to enter the File List.
2. Scroll with the Control Knob to highlight and select the file to be deleted. Once highlighted,
press the Control Knob to enter the Take Details view.

Storage & File Management

3. Highlight and select the Delete option. A dialog will appear to confirm the deletion. Turn the
Control Knob to highlight and select “OK”.

Deleting a file removes it from the current drive only. If the same take was written to other drives, the file
will remain on those drives unless manually deleted.

Transferring Files
USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt
Files on PIX 260i formatted storage volumes can be copied to a computer by removing the storage
device from the PIX 260i and connecting it to a computer. Storage devices formatted with the PIX
260i recorder use the exFAT filesystem. See File Storage
The Firewire 800 and USB 3.0 connectors on the PIX-CADDY are disabled when the PIX-CADDY is
attached to the PIX 260i. When attaching the PIX-CADDY to a computer, either the Firewire 800 or
the USB 3.0 connection must be used; not both.
Sound Devices recommends first copying files from the drive to the computer and then editing the
files. It is not recommended to edit files directly off of the drive.

Do not copy unsupported files from a computer (or any other host device) to a drive that is intended to be
used by the PIX 260i. If this occurs, it is advisable to format the drive with the PIX 260i before making
new recordings. See Appendix A for currently supported files

Ethernet File Transfer (Samba)

Samba is an industry standard networking protocol that enables files to be transferred between
the PIX 260i and any device with access to the network (A computer running Mac OSX, Windows,
or Linux for example). Ethernet File Transfer can be initiated remotely via PIXNET (web browser
interface). Ethernet supports data rates up to a theoretical maximum of 1Gbps. In reality, data trans-
fer speeds over Ethernet are dependent on network traffic and many other factors. To transfer files
between the PIX 260i and another network device:

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 PIX 260i User Guide

1. Attach an Ethernet cable from either PIX 260i Ethernet port to a computer or a LAN (Local
Area Network) connection.
2. Enter Setup Menu [File Storage - Drive Record/Network Mode] to access the Record/Net-
work mode menu for all drives.
3. Select the drive to be mounted and set its mode to Ethernet File Transfer. This drive is now
attached to the Network and unavailable to the PIX 260i for read or write actions. The Drive
Status field on the OSD will read “Network” in this mode.
4. Now the drive is ready to be accessed via the network. The IP address to use
for network access to the PIX 260i is shown on the OSD and in Setup Menu
[Network - IP Address]. The user name and password are configured from Setup Menu op-
tion [Network - Authentication].
• Mac OSX: From the Finder, select Go > Connect to Server. Enter the PIX 260i address as
“smb://[IP Address]” then click Connect. Enter the user name and password.
Storage & File Management

• Windows: Click the Start button (or press the Windows key on the keyboard). In the
search box, enter the PIX 260i address as “\\[IP Address]”. Enter the user name and pass-
word.

5. Drives that are in Ethernet File Transfer mode will appear as folders in the mounted volume
on the computer. When no drives are set to Ethernet File Transfer mode, a folder titled “No_
Drives_Attached” will appear instead.
6. Set the drive’s mode to Record to remove it from the network and make it available for
recording and playback on the PIX 260i. Allow time for the drives to remount before Record-
ing or Playing back files. The Drive Status OSD field will return to white when the drives are
ready.

FileSafe Utility and the Sound Devices File Format

During recording, PIX recorders store data in a temporary file format with the extension .SDV (for
video) or .SDA (for audio). When the recording is completed, the file is converted to its standard
respective format (.MOV or .WAV). In the event of unintended drive removal or power loss during
recording, these files can be recovered by the PIX recorder itself or with the FileSafe software utility.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Upon powering up, the PIX recorder will search all connected drives for .SDV and .SDA files and
convert them to their respective .MOV or .WAV format.
The FileSafe utility (currently available for Windows OS) can be used to recover .SDA and .SDV files
in the absence of a PIX recorder. Download the FileSafe utility from the Sound Devices website:
http://www.sounddevices.com/products/filesafe/downloads/

Sound Reports
Sound reports are comma-delineated CSV files based on WAV file metadata. The headers for these
reports are customizable. You can create sound reports in a specific folder to a single drive only or in
a current folder for all applicable drives.

Sound reports (CSV files) do not appear in the File list.

Setup Management & Firmware Upgrades

To manage sound report headers:
1. Press MENU.
2. Select File Storage > Sound Report Info.
3. Modify each option as needed.
To create a sound report in the current folder, do either of the following:
• Press the AUDIO + FILES buttons simultaneously.
• From an attached keyboard, press Ctrl+P.

Sound reports created in current folders are saved for all applicable drives.

To create a sound report on a specific Reel folder:

1. Press FILES.
2. Select the Reel folder in which you want to create the sound report.
3. Either press and hold the Control knob to enter the Folder Options menu, or from an at-
tached keyboard, press the Right Arrow key.
4. Select Create Sound Report. The CSV file is created in the specified folder only on that drive.
To view a sound report (CSV file):
1. Eject the drive from the unit and attach it to a computer.
2. Navigate to the Current or Reel folder in which the report was created.
3. Open the report in any application supporting CSV format, such as Excel for spreadsheets.

Setup Management and Firmware Upgrades

Saving and Loading Setup Files
To save all of the current settings to a setup file, select the Setup Menu option
[Quick Setup - Save Settings to Drive 1]. Use the on-screen keyboard (or attached USB key-
board) to enter a name for the setup file. This will save all of the current settings to an XML
file at root of Drive 1. To load a previously saved setup file, select the Setup Menu option

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 PIX 260i User Guide

[Quick Setup - Load Settings from Drive 1]. The setup XML file will have to be copied to the root of
Drive 1 prior to attempting to load it.
For a complete list of available Setup Menu options, see Setup Menu Options.

Formatting a storage device will also remove any setup files that are on the drive. Setup files can be stored
on a computer and copied back to the root of a PIX 260i drive to be loaded on the PIX 260i.

Custom Default Settings and Setup Menu Option Visibility

The Setup Menu option [Quick Setup - Load Factory Settings] loads a setup that is saved internally
to the PIX when it leaves the factory. It is possible to alter this “factory” setup, so that the Setup
Menu option [Quick Setup - Load Factory Settings] will load a custom default.
It is also possible to hide specific Setup Menu parameters and options. This is useful for Setup Menu
Setup Management & Firmware Upgrades

options that are not commonly used in a particular workflow, or to simplify use when lending the
unit to another user.
To customize defaults and Setup Menu option visibility:
1. Attach a USB keyboard to the PIX 260i’s USB keyboard port.
2. Press MENU to enter the Setup Menu.
3. Press Ctrl + Alt + F10 on the keyboard. If this is the first time this action has been performed
since powering the PIX 260i up, a password dialog will appear. Enter the password (the de-
fault password is “default”).
4. After the correct password has been entered, the Settings Customization Menu will appear.
Select Edit Menu & Default Values.
5. The Setup Menu will be shown with a colored background. There will be check boxes next to
each menu item. Navigate the menu with the Control Knob or keyboard arrows, as usual.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

6. To change the visibility of an item in the Setup Menu, press the spacebar on the keyboard
while the item is highlighted. Checked items will be displayed in the Setup Menu and un-
checked items will not be displayed.

Setup Management & Firmware Upgrades

Crossed out items will be hidden

7. Settings changed at this point will become the default settings.

8. When finished, press Esc or F1 on the keyboard. This will show the Settings Customization
Menu again. Select any of the save options.

Keep a record of the password if it is changed. A lost password could result in undesirable limitations.

The Settings Customization Menu option Reset to Factory Settings will make all Setup Menu items
visible and revert default settings to factory defaults.

Factory Restore
To fully restore the unit to its factory firmware state, hold Fast Forward Stop while booting the PIX
260i up, until the Main View appears. This will load factory default settings and restore some set-
tings that are normally not affected by performing [Quick Setup - Load Factory Settings], such as
restoring the network user name and password to “guest”.

Firmware Upgrades
At times, Sound Devices makes firmware updates available for PIX 260i. These updates are easy to
apply:
1. Download the new .prg file from the Sound Devices website.
2. Copy this file to an approved drive, and connect to the PIX 260i.
3. Ensure that the power source for the PIX 260i is reliable. Power loss during a firmware up-
grade process can produce unexpected results.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

4. From the System menu in the Setup Menu, select Firmware Update. The PIX 260i will search
for the .prg file and give the option to install the first file that it finds (cancelling this dialog
will cause the PIX to search for another .prg on any attached storage devices). When the cor-
rect .prg file has been located, highlight the OK button and press the Control Knob to begin
the firmware update.
5. The PIX will verify that the file is not corrupted, then it will update the firmware. When done
the unit will need to be powered down and then back up.

Firmware updates can take several minutes to complete. Never pull power during a firmware update.

Various functions and ports may become inactive while firmware is updating.

Setup Menu Options

The Setup Menu controls a wide range of parameters for the PIX 260i. The parameters are organized
into categories, making the Setup Menu easy to navigate. The following tables show the parameter
name, a description, options available, and the factory default setting where applicable.
Setup Menu Options

Default settings can be altered. See Setup Management

Video/Audio Mode

# Parameter Name Description Options

Switch between Video Mode (audio and video informa-
tion recorded to QuickTime .mov files) and Audio »» Video + Audio (QuickTime)
Video/Audio Mode Only Mode (audio recorded to .wav files and video not • Audio Only Poly (Wave)
1 recorded). Poly records a single file per take, with all
armed tracks interleaved. Mono records a file for each • Audio Only Mono (Wave)
track, per take.

File Storage

# Parameter Name Description Options

Simultaneous mode records each take to all available
drives. Sequential mode records takes to one drive »» Simultaneous
1 Record Mode
until it is full or otherwise unavailable, then records to • Sequential
the next available drive.
A sub-menu with 4 items representing each drive slot.
Options presented here are available for each of the
4 drive slots. Off: Drive is not used. Record: Drive will
be written to during recording and is unavailable for • Off
network file transfer. Ethernet File Transfer: Drive is »» Record
2 Drive Record/Network Mode
available for network access via Samba and unavail- • Ethernet File Transfer
able for recording and playback. Switch to Network • Switch to Network upon Full
upon Full: Drive is effectively in Record mode until it
becomes full, at which point it is effectively in Ethernet
File Transfer mode.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

# Parameter Name Description Options

• 1 min
• 5 min
Choose the maximum file recording time. When set
time is exceeded a new .mov file is created automati- • 10 min
cally. Since ProRes and DNxHD codecs are variable • 15 min
3 QuickTime File Split Every bit rate, the file size of each file will vary, even though • 30 min
the running time will be the same. (Maximum file time • 1 hour
is approximately 10 hours for 30fps video and less, • 2 hours
and approximately 6 hours for 50fps video or more).
• 3 hours
»» 10 hours
Choose the file size limit of .wav files. When the limit • 2 GB
4 Wave File Split Every is reached, the PIX 260i will create a new .wav file
(labeled sequentially) and continue recording. »» 4 GB

»» Drive-Reel-Clip
• Reel-Clip
• CamID-Reel-Clip
File Name Format The format for file names as they are written to the • Reel-Scene-Take
5 drive.
• Scene-Take
• RED File Format
• Arri File Format
Text to be placed before all other charac- • Off
6 File Name Prefix ters in each file name. PIX Name is set in
[Network - This PIX’s Name] »» PIX Name

Setup Menu Options

»» A
7 CamID An identifying character for a camera
(single alpha to “Z”).
Current Reel number. When the Reel number is • 1
8 Reel
altered, the Clip number is reset to 1 (numeric)
Current Clip number. When the Reel number is »» 1
9 Clip
altered, the Clip number is reset to 1 (numeric)
Current Scene name. When the Scene name is »» “Scene 1”
10 Scene/Shot
altered, the Take number is reset to 1. (multi alphanumeric)
Current take number. When the Scene name is »» 1
11 Take
altered, the Take number is reset to 1. (numeric)
• Disabled
Scene Increment Mode The method used to increment the Scene/Shot value
when Stop+Fast Forward is pressed on the Main View. »» Numeric
12
• Character
• Erase/Re-format: Drive 1
Format any or all attached drives. When all is se- • Erase/Re-format: Drive 2
Erase/Reformat lected, all drives will share the same volume label but
13 • Erase/Re-format: Drive 3
each drive name will be suffixed with a unique drive
number. • Erase/Re-format: Drive 4
• Erase/Re-format: All drives

Video

# Parameter Name Description Options

• HDMI
1 Video Input Physical source to derive recorded video from.
»» SDI

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# Parameter Name Description Options

»» Same as Video Input
• 1080p30/29.97
• 1080p25
• 1080p24/23.976
• 1080i60/59.94
• 1080i50
• 1080PsF30/29.97
The resolution and frame to be recorded and sent to • 1080PsF25
2 File Resolution/Rate
video outputs. • 1080PsF24/23.976
• 720p60/59.94
• 720p50
• 720p30/29.97
• 720p25
• 720p24/23.976
• 576i50 (PAL)
• 480i59.94 (NTSC)
• DNxHD 220x 220Mb/s, 10bit
• DNxHD 220 220Mb/s, 8bit
• DNxHD 145 145Mb/s, 8bit
The video codec to use for encoding. Note for DNxHD • DNxHD 36 36Mb/s, 8bit
Codec that the rates listed are assuming 1080p30. If a differ-
3 • ProRes 4444 330Mb/s, 12bit
ent resolution and frame rate is selected, the PIX 260i
• ProRes 422HQ 220Mb/s, 10bit
Setup Menu Options

will use the corresponding DNxHD data rate.

»» ProRes 422 145Mb/s, 10bit
• ProRes 422LT 100Mb/s, 8bit
• ProRes 422Proxy 36Mb/s, 8bit
• 4:3->16:9 Anamorphic
Method for converting SD input video to HD recorded »» 4:3->16:9 Pillar Box
4 Up Conversion
content. • 4:3->16:9 Zoom 14:9
• 4:3->16:9 Zoom Wide
»» 16:9->4:3 Letterbox
Down Conversion Method for converting HD input video to SD recorded • 16:9->4:3 Crop
5 content.
• 16:9->4:3 Anamorphic
When set to “Auto”, the PIX will sense PsF signal
based on a flag within the signal stream. Most devices
with SDI output will provide this flag, however some »» Auto
6 Input PsF Detect
SDI outputs and all HDMI outputs will not provide this • Interpret 1080i as PsF
flag. When sending PsF signal from these devices,
choose “Interpret 1080i as PsF”
HD output type employs SMPTE 292M / HD-SDI on »» HD (4:2:2 10-bit)
7 SDI Output Type SDI output. 3G output type employs SMPTE 424M /
3G-SDI on SDI output. • 3G (4:4:4 12-bit)

»» Off
Superimpose the current timecode over the video sig- • SDI out
8 Video Output OSD nal on the selected output. Timecode value appears in
lower left corner of the frame. • HDMI out
• SDI + HDMI out

Audio

# Parameter Name Description Options

• 44.1 kHz
• 47.952k
• 47.952kF
1 Audio Mode Sample Rate The sample rate of recorded .wav files
»» 48k
• 48.048k
• 48.048kF

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 PIX 260i User Guide

# Parameter Name Description Options

• 16-bits
2 Audio Mode Bit Depth The bit depth of recorded .wav files
»» 24-bits

Audio Mode Pre-Roll Time The amount of pre-record buffer for audio-only record- »» 2 secs
3 ing. 0-10 seconds in 1 second increments. (numeric)
When Input Gain is linked, adjusting an Input’s gain »» Off
4 Input Gain Linking adjusts all Input Gains by the same amount. Any
offsets at the time of linking are maintained. • On

When Input Delay is linked, adjusting an Input’s delay »» Off

5 Input Delay Linking adjusts all Input delays by the same amount. Any
offsets at the time of linking are maintained. • On

»» HDMI Inputs
6 HDMI/AES Select Choose between HDMI or AES for digital audio input.
• AES Inputs
• 1,2
• 3,4
• 5,6
• 7,8
• 9,10
• 11,12
• 13,14
• 15,16
Choose the source for Headphone output and the 2 • 17,18

Setup Menu Options

7 HP Source
channel meters on the OSD. • 19,20
• 21,22
• 23,24
• 25,26
• 27,28
• 29,30
• 31,32
• All tracks summed - mono
»» All tracks summed - stereo
Sub-menu. Choose output source for each line output • Track 1 - Track 32 (per output)
8 Line Out Source
(1-8) »» Track 1-8 (per output)
Sub-menu. Choose output source for HDMI and AES • Track 1 - Track 32 (per output)
9 HDMI/AES Output
outputs (1-8) »» Track 1-8 (per output)
Sub-menu. Choose output source for SDI output • Track 1 - Track 32 (per output)
10 SDI Output
(1-16) »» Track 1-16 (per output)
»» Off
11 Audio Signal Generator Enable audio test to all outputs.
• On
»» -20 dBFS
12 Audio Tone Level Level of audio test tone (dBFS)
(numeric -40 to 0)
• 8
Audio Screen Meters Amount of audio tracks displayed at a time in the Au-
13 »» 16
dio Screen. (All 32 tracks are accessible by scrolling)
• 32

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# Parameter Name Description Options

»» 1-8: Off
• 9-16: Off
• 17-24: Off
• 25-32: Off
• 1-32: Off
• 1-8: Line In 1-8
• 9-16: Line In 1-8
14 Audio Input Quick Setup Choose from preset audio input source schemes. • 17-24: LineIn 1-8
• 25-32: Line In 1-8
• 1-8: HDMI/AES In 1-8
• 9-16: HDMI/AES In 1-8
• 17-24: HDMI/AES In 1-8
• 25-32: HDMI/AES In 1-8
• 1-16: SDI In 1-16
• 17-32: SDI In 1-16

Timecode/Sync

# Parameter Name Description Options

»» Internal
Sync Ref - Video Playback The reference for synchronization of playback clock
1 • Video Ref (Sync In)
for Video Mode.
Setup Menu Options

• Video Input (SDI/HDMI)

»» Internal
• Wordclock (Sync in)
The reference for synchronization of recording and • Video Ref (Sync In)
2 Sync Ref - Audio Only
playback clocks for Audio Only mode. • AES1-2
• Dante
• Video Input (SDI/HDMI)
• Off
• Freerun
• Freerun Auto Mute
Sets the running mode for the internal timecode gen- • Record Run
3 Timecode Mode erator and/or the method which the PIX 260i receives • 24h Run
SMPTE timecode.. • 24h Run Auto Mute
• Ext TC (LTC)
• Ext TC (LTC Halt)
»» Ext TC (SDI, HDMI)
• 23.976
• 24
• 25
Frame Rate (Audio Only) The frame rate of timecode stamped to .wav files
4 »» 29.97
(Audio Mode). This setting is ignored in Video Mode.
• 29.97 DF
• 30
• 30 DF
»» Off
5 Drop Frame Enable Enable or disable drop frame timecode.
• On

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 PIX 260i User Guide

# Parameter Name Description Options

»» Off
• 1080p30
• 1080p29.97
• 1080p25
• 1080p24
• 1080p23.976
• 1080i60/PsF30
• 1080i59.94/PsF29.97
• 1080i50/PsF25
Determines whether the signal on the Sync Output • 1080PsF24
BNC is genlock or wordclock, and determines the • 1080PsF23.976
Sync Out sync reference for that signal. When settings of a • 720p60
6 resolution / frame rate are selected, the Sync Out
BNC will supply genlock signal at the specified rate • 720p59.94 (29.97)
that reference the internal Ambient® Lockit. • 720p50
• 720p30
• 720p29.97
• 720p25
• 720p24
• 720p23.976
• 576i50 (PAL)
• 480i59.94 (29.97 NTSC)
• Genlock, Follows Video In

Setup Menu Options

• Wordclock, Follows Video In
Sets the duration that a valid timecode sig-
nal has to be recognized by the PIX 260i
before generating a new take when using ex- »» 0 sec
7 Auto-Record Hold Off
ternal timecode to trigger recording (When (numeric 0-8)
[Remote Control - Rec Start/Stop] is set to
Timecode.
Opens a dialog that displays incoming timecode • Push Control Knob to jam inter-
value in realtime (RxTC), incoming userbits (UB), nal timecode to incoming (RxTC)
8 Jam Received TC timecode.
transmitting/internal (Ambient® Lockit) timecode value
(GENTC), and transmitting/internal userbits (UB). • Push MENU to back out.

Jam time Of Day Sets the internal timecode clock to the current time
9 of day.
Sets the Ambient® Lockit timecode generator value in »» 00:00:00.00
10 Set Generator TC
HH:MM:SS.FF format. (Timecode value)
Sets the four-field format for the UBits Generator to
the default, which is user definable fields, or so that
the first three fields are automatically populated with
numerical values based on the system date. »» UU:UU:UU:UU
11 UBits Format When set to MM:DD:YY:UU or DD:MM:YY:UU, the • MM:DD:YY:UU
system will populate the first three fields, so those • DD:MM:YY:UU
fields will appear grayed out in the Set Generator
UBits menu option, leaving only the last field (UU) to
be customized daily by the user.
Sets userbits of the Ambient® Lockit timecode »» 00 00 00 00
12 Set Generator UBits
generator. (Hex: 00-FF for each slot)
Sets the offset of the beginning timecode stamp of
recorded files. Useful when there is a constant offset »» 0
13 File Start TC Offset between camera and PIX 260i recorded files. The (numeric -10 to +10)
applied offset does not affect timecode output of the
PIX 260i.

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 PIX 260i User Guide
LCD Monitor

# Parameter Name Description Options

»» False Color, 12-step
• False Color, 4-step
1 Exposure Assist Sets the type of Exposure assist tool. • Zebras 1
• Zebras 2
• Zebras 1+2
»» Peaking
2 Focus Assist Sets the type of Focus Assist tool.
• Edge Enhance
»» 70 IRE +/-5%
3 Zebra 1 Level Sets IRE level of Zebra 1.
(numeric 50-108)
»» 85 IRE
4 Zebra 2 Threshold Sets the IRE threshold valued for Zebra 2.
(numeric 70-108)
• White
»» Red
5 Peaking Color Sets the displayed peaking color. • Blue
• Green
• Yellow
• High
6 Peaking Sensitivity Sets the general peaking sensitivity. »» Mid
• Low
Setup Menu Options

»» 1x
Peaking Background Con- Sets the amount of background contrast when Focus • 0.5x
7 trast Assist Peaking is active. • 0.25x
• No Background
»» Off
8 Vertical Flip Display Flips the LCD and OSD vertically.
• On
»» Off
9 Horizontal Flip Display Flips the LCD video image horizontally.
• On

On-Screen Display

# Parameter Name Description Options

»» On
1 ABS Time Display of absolute record time.
• Off
»» On
2 File Codec Display of current file codec
• Off
»» On
3 File Name Display of current file name
• Off
»» On
4 File Resolution/Rate Display of current file resolution
• Off
»» On
5 Audio Source Display of audio input levels for channels 1 and 2
• Off
»» On
6 Input - Video Display of input audio source and channel count
• Off
»» On
7 Headphone Source Display of headphone audio source
• Off
• Off
»» Top (wide)
• Top (thin)
8 Audio Metering Display mode of audio meters for inputs 1 and 2
• Bottom (thin)
• Left (thin)
• Right (thin)

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 PIX 260i User Guide

# Parameter Name Description Options

»» On
9 Time/date Display of time of day and date
• Off
»» On
10 Timecode Display of current timecode value
• Off
»» On
11 Drive (D1) status Display status of Drive 1
• Off
»» On
12 Drive (D2) status Display status of Drive 2
• Off
»» On
13 Drive (D3) status Display status of Drive 3
• Off
»» On
14 Drive (D4) status Display status of Drive 4
• Off
»» On
15 RS-422 Status Display status of connected RS-422 controller
• Off
»» On
16 Cue Marker Display cue marker information during playback
• Off
»» On
17 Sync Reference Display current Sync Reference
• Off
»» On

Setup Menu Options

18 Group Number Displays [Network - Group] setting
• Off
»» On
19 IP Address Displays current PIX 260i IP Address
• Off

Remote Control

# Parameter Name Description Options

• On
1 RS-422 Enable or disable RS-422 capability
»» Off
Set the DeviceID communicated to attached RS422 »» Sony BVW75
2 RS422 Interface Device ID
controllers. • Sound Devices
»» Off
• SDI Flag - RED
• SDI Flag - Panasonic
• SDI Flag - Panasonic (Varicam)
Rec Start/Stop Determines what method the PIX 260i uses to auto- • SDI Flag - Canon
3 matically start and stop recordings.
• SDI Flag - Sony
• SDI Flag - Arri
• SDI Flag - PIX
• Timecode
Set GPIO inputs (pins 1, 2, and 3 on GPIO connector)
to active high or active low. Active high: Connecting »» Active low
4 GPIO Inputs
the pin to +5V will activate the function. Active low: • Active high
Connecting the pin to ground will activate the function.
Set GPIO outputs (pins 6, 7, and 8 on GPIO connec-
GPIO Outputs tor) to active high or active low. Active high: When the • Active low
5 function is true, +5V will appear on the pin. Active low: »» Active high
When the function is true, the pin will be grounded.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Network

# Parameter Name Description Options

This PIX’s Name Sets name of PIX 260i. This must be unique within a »» PIX260
1 network.
2 Grouping Sub-menu for network grouping settings.
»» No Group
• Group 1
Network Group Groups with other PIX 250i, PIX 260i, PIX 270i, and • Group 2
2.1 970 units on the network.
• Group 3
• Group 4
Copies this unit’s settings to all other units in the
2.2 Push Settings to Group group. All grouped settings will be pushed. (See
“Grouped Settings”, page 47)
Synchronize audio channel
2.3 settings
When On the PIX 260i’s Primary and Secondary
Ethernet ports both transmit Dante Audio over sepa-
rate networks. This provides a fail safe of the Dante
system if one of the networks should fail. In Dante »» Off
3 Dante Redundancy Mode Redundancy Mode, two separate networks
must be run and they CANNOT be connect- • On
Setup Menu Options

ed to one another. Connect any computer

running Dante Controller to the PIX 260’s
PRI Ethernet network.
When On, the IP settings will automatically be pro-
Auto IP Settings vided by a DHCP (recommended), or Link-local when • Off
4 no DHCP is present. When Off the IP Address, Subnet »» On
Mask, and Gateway will have to be entered manually.

IP Address Displays IP Address, can be edited when Auto IP

5 Settings is OFF.

Subnet Mask Displays Subnet Mask, can be edited when Auto IP

6 Settings is OFF.

Gateway Displays Gateway, can be edited when Auto IP Set-

7 tings is OFF.

Authentication Set the user name and password to be used for

8 PIXNET and Samba drive access.

System

# Parameter Name Description Options

Determines power on and off method. When set to
Always on, the PIX 260i will turn on and off when • Always On
1 Power external DC is applied. When Use Power Switch is
selected the PIX 260i is powered on and off using a »» Use Power Switch
key combination of AUDIO + Control Knob press.
»» Main View (video)
Sets which one of three screens will appear after the • AudioView (with Input Settings)
2 Initial View
unit boots up. • Audio View (with expanded
meters)
»» -40dBFS
3 HP Warning Bell Level Adjusts the level of the heaphone warning bell sound
(Off, -60 to -12dBFS)
»» (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US)
4 Time Zone Selects the international time zone
(All GMT zones)
Toggles daylight saving on or off for the time-of-day »» Off
5 Daylight Saving
clock • On

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 PIX 260i User Guide

# Parameter Name Description Options

Selects between 12 or 24 hour format for the time-of- »» 12h
6 Time Format
day clock • 24h
Selects between MM/DD/YY and DD/MM/YY date »» MM/DD/YY
7 Date Format
format • DD/MM/YY
8 Set Date/Time Set the time and date
Whether or not a new file will be created when the • On
9 Rec button File Split
REC button is pushed during recording. »» Off
»» Play immediately
10 Playback Start Mode Choose what to do when file playback is initiated.
• Pause on First Frame
»» Play Once
• Play Once - Pause
• Play All
• Play All - Pause
11 Playback Mode Determines Playback Mode.
• Play All - Loop
• Play List
• Play List - Pause
• Play List - Loop
»» Hold Play Button 1 Second
Determines which method toggles playback looping • Hold Play Button 2 Seconds
12 Playback Loop Enable
mode. • Hold Play Button 3 Seconds
• Play Button Disabled

Button Shortcuts
Shortcuts Displays a dialog that shows all shortcut button combi-
13 nations. This is not a setting, but a helpful reference.
Displays a dialog indicating firmware version and
14 Version Info serial number. This is not a setting, but a helpful refer-
ence.

Update Software Searches attached drives for a .prg firmware file and
15 begins the firmware update process.

Quick Setup

# Parameter Name Description Options

1 Load Factory Settings Loads default setup

Load Settings From Drive 1 Loads selected setup from setup files saved on Drive
2 1.

Save Settings to Drive 1 Opens dialog to name and save current setup to Drive
3 1.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Button Shortcuts
Button Combination Effect
AUDIO + Control Knob rotate Change HP source.
AUDIO + LCD From the Audio view: Solo the highlighted channel in the headphones.
LCD + Control Knob press Adjust LCD and button brightness.
Stop + Rew False take. Deletes last take and decrements Take Number.
Scene increment. Changes the scene name by increasing it numerically or by alpha charac-
Stop + Fast Forward ters.
MENU + FILES Button lock options: Unlock Buttons, Lock Non-Transport Buttons, or Lock All Buttons.
Toggle network grouping. If the unit is grouped, this shortcut will remove it from the group. IF
MENU + Control Knob Press the unit is not grouped, this shortcut will put it back into the group it was previously in.
Hold LCD Turns off LCD display.
LCD + Encoder Press LCD brightness menu.
LCD + MENU Toggle Focus Assist on LCD display.
LCD + FILES Toggle Exposure Assist on LCD display.
Connector Pin Assignments

LCD + AUDIO Toggle 1:1 zoom on the LCD display.

FILES + Fast Forward When in Record or Playback, sets a cue marker
FILES + Rew When in Record or Playback, deletes last cue marker
Hold Play Toggle playback looping.
Play + Fast Forward Begin looping between cue points when in loop playback mode
Play + Rew Begin looping of clip when in loop playback mode

Connector Pin Assignments

Connector Pin Assignments Notes

1–ground Mates with XLR-Male connector

XLR-F (2)
(Analog Audio inputs) 2–signal (+) 20k ohm input impedance, line level,
3–signal (-) active-balanced

1–ground Mates with XLR-Female connector

XLR-M (2)
(Analog Audio outputs) 2–signal (+) 20k ohm input impedance, line level,
3–signal (-) active-balanced

TRS Tip–signal L
(Headphone output) Ring–signal R Mates with TRS jack.
Sleeve–signal ground

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 PIX 260i User Guide

BNC (2) Mates with BNC male connector

(Timecode input &
output) Unbalanced, coaxial connection
Mates with BNC male connector
BNC (2) Center pin–signal
(SDI input & output) Unbalanced, coaxial connection, 75 ohm
Sleeve–ground connectors recommended
BNC (2) Mates with BNC male connector
(Genlock or Wordclock Unbalanced, coaxial connection, 75 ohm
input & output) connectors recommended
HDMI (2)
(HDMI input & output) Standard HDMI Mates with HDMI Type A Plug (male)

eSATAp Female (2) Standard eSATAp Mates with eSATAp male connector

USB-A (1) For use with USB Keyboards only. Data

Keyboard Input Standard USB-A receptacle transfer is not supported
1–Input 8 signal (+)
2–Input 8 Ground
3–Input 7 signal (-)
4–Input 6 signal (+)
5–Input 6 Ground
6–Input 5 signal (-)

Connector Pin Assignments

7–Input 4 signal (+)
8–Input 4 Ground
9–Input 3 signal (-)
10–Input 2 signal (+)
11–Input 2 Ground
DB-25 (1) 12–Input 1 signal (-) Mates with DB-25 Male Connectors wired
(CH 1-8 LINE IN) 13–unused in Tascam fashion
14–Input 8 signal (-)
15–Input 7 signal (+)
16–Input 7 Ground
17–Input 6 signal (-)
18–Input 5 signal (+)
19–Input 5 Ground
20–Input 4 signal (-)
21–Input 3 signal (+)
22–Input 3 Ground
23–Input 2 signal (-)
24–Input 1 signal (+)
25–Input 1 Ground
1–Output 8 signal (+)
2–Output 8 Ground
3–Output 7 signal (-)
4–Output 6 signal (+)
5–Output 6 Ground
6–Output 5 signal (-)
7–Output 4 signal (+)
8–Output 4 Ground
9–Output 3 signal (-)
10–Output 2 signal (+)
11–Output 2 Ground
DB-25 (1) 12–Output 1 signal (-) Mates with DB-25 Male Connectors wired
(CH 1-8 LINE OUT) 13–unused in Tascam fashion
14–Output 8 signal (-)
15–Output 7 signal (+)
16–Output 7 Ground
17–Output 6 signal (-)
18–Output 5 signal (+)
19–Output 5 Ground
20–Output 4 signal (-)
21–Output 3 signal (+)
22–Output 3 Ground
23–Output 2 signal (-)
24–Output 1 signal (+)
25–Output 1 Ground

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 PIX 260i User Guide

1–Digital Out 4 signal (+)

2–Digital Out 4 Ground
3–Digital Out 3 signal (-)
4–Digital Out 2 signal (+)
5–Digital Out 2 Ground
6–Digital Out 1 signal (-)
7–Digital In 4 signal (+)
8–Digital In 4 Ground
9–Digital In 3 signal (-)
10–Digital In 2 signal (+)
11–Digital In 2 Ground
DB-25 (1) 12–Digital In 1 signal (-) Mates with DB-25 Male Connectors wired
(CH 1-8 AES IN/OUT) 13–unused in Tascam fashion
14–Digital Out 4 signal (-)
15–Digital Out 3 signal (+)
16–Digital Out 3 Ground
17–Digital Out 2 signal (-)
18–Digital Out 1 signal (+)
19–Digital Out 1 Ground
20–Digital In 4 signal (-)
21–Digital In 3 signal (+)
22–Digital In 3 Ground
23–Digital In 2 signal (-)
24–Digital In 1 signal (+)
25–Digital In 1 Ground
Connector Pin Assignments

1–Ground
2–Record Input
3–Playback Input
4–Stop Input
Phoenix 10-pin (1) 5–unused
(GPIO) Logic points can be set to high or low.
6–unused
7–Record Output
8–Playback Output
9–Stop Output
10–+5V DC Output
1–Ground
2–Transmit A
3–Receive B
DB-9 (1) 4–Receive Common
(RS-422) 5–Spare Sony P2 (9-pin) machine control standard
6–Transmit Common
7–Transmit B
8–Receive A
9–Ground

8P6C-F (2) For Ethernet Network connection, Ethernet

(Ethernet) Standard 8P8C file transfer, Dante, and PIX 260i grouping.
Mates with Cat-5
USB-B (1) For Factory use only. Mates with USB
(Factory) Standard USB-B receptacle Standard-B plug.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Appendix A - Supported Files

The PIX 260i supports the playback of various QuickTime .mov and Broadcast Wave .wav files. The
PIX 260i will playback any file that it generates. Additionally, the PIX 260i can playback QuickTime
and Broadcast Wave files generated by other 3rd party recorders/applications.
The PIX 260i will import and playback up to 32 channels of polyphonic or monophonic Broadcast
Wave files.
The PIX 260i will import and playback High Definition QuickTime ProRes and DNxHD files gener-
ated by Avid and Final Cut Pro (currently tested with Avid 6 and Final Cut Pro 7 and X). 720 x 486
NTSC Standard Definition files are also supported.

720 x 480 NTSC Standard Definition files are not supported.

The PIX 260i supports up to 32 Tracks of audio in a QuickTime file. When exporting the QuickTime
file for PIX 260i playback be certain to use only 2 audio streams (PIX 260i can handle up to 32 audio

Appendix A - Supported Files

tracks over one QuickTime audio stream).

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Specifications
SDI
Input • 4:4:4 or 4:2:2; 12, 10, or 8-bit
• 3G-SDI (levels A and B), HD-SDI, or SDI
Output • 4:4:4 or 4:2:2; 12, 10, or 8-bit
• 3G-SDI (level A), HD-SDI, or SDI
SMPTE 12M-1, 12M-2, 125M, 259M, 272M, 291M, 292, 296M, 299, 315M, 352M, 372, 424, 425

HDMI
Input v1.4a, 4:4:4 or 4:2:2, RGB or YCbCr, 10 or 8-bit, HDCP-enabled
Output v1.3, 4:2:2 8-bit, RGB and YCbCr

Video Input Resolutions / Rates

Input Resolutions / Rates • 1080p23.976/24/25/29.97/30 • 720p50/59.94/60
• 1080i50/59.94/60 • 576i50 (PAL)
Specifications

• 1080PsF23.976/24/25/29.97/30 • 480i59.94 (NTSC)

• 720p23.976/24/25/29.97/30 (SDI Only)

Video Codecs and Files

Codecs • Apple ProRes 4444, 330 Mb/s, 12-bit
• Apple ProRes 36, 100, 145, 220 Mb/s, 8 and 10-bit
• Avid DNxHD 36, 100, 145, 220 Mb/s, 8 and 10-bit
Files QuickTime wrapper (.MOV), Broadcast Wave (.WAV) Audio Only

Up/Down/Cross Conversion
Up/Down/Cross Conversion • From input: 480i, 576i, 720p, 720PSF, 1080i, 1080p, 1080PSF
• To output and file: 480i, 576i, 720p, 720PSF, 1080i, 1080p, 1080PSF
• Hardware based, 10-bit

Frame Rate Conversion

Frame Rate Conversion • 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 to 24, 25, 30, 50,60, 23.976, 29.97, 59.94 to 23.976, 29.97, 59.94, automatic
3:2 pull-down removal in 23.976 and 24 frame modes, other pull-down cadences include 2:2:2:4,
2:3:3:2, 3:2:3:2:2, and 2:2
• Hardware based, 10-bit

LCD
LCD • 5-inch LCD - IPS (In-Plane Switching), glossy, 800x480 pixel LCD display
• Ultra wide viewing angle and color accuracy

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Audio Recording
Record/Playback • 32 channels record/playback, simultaneous with video
• Simultaneous Dante, Analog, HDMI or SDI, AES/EBU, selectable per channel

Analog Audio
Inputs • 8 Balanced, line-level inputs on DB-25.
• Ch1,2 also on XLR
Outputs • 8 Balanced, line-level outputs on DB-25.
• Ch1,2 also on XLR
Frequency Response 10Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.5dB re 1kHz
THD + Noise 0.004% max (1kHz, 22Hz-22kHz)
Input and Output Topology Fully electronically balanced, RF, ESD, short, and overload protected;
pin-2 hot, pin-3 cold
Line Output Clipping Level +18dBu
Front Panel Headphone 1/4” with gain control
Line Input Clipping Level +26dBu
Input Impedance 10k

Specifications
Digital Audio
Sample Rate / Bit Depth • 44.1 kHz, 47.0952 kHz, 48 kHz, 48.048 kHz
• 24-bit
AES3 • 8 channels in and out via DB-25, 110 ohm, 2 V p-p.
• Accepts 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 96k, 192k sample rates. with SRC at input.
HDMI • 8 channels embedded HDMI input
• 8 channels embedded HDMI output.
• Accepts 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 96k, 192k sample rates.
SDI • 16 channels embedded SDI input
• 16 channels embedded SDI output
• 48k sample rate, with sample rate conversion
Dante • 32 channels
• 48kHz input and output

File Storage
Disk Format exFAT
PIX-CADDY 2 mounted drives Two, front-mounted Sound Devices approved 2.5-inch drives (or Sound Devices approved CF
cards with PIX-CADDY CF. Poly WAV recording only)
eSATAp conected drives Two, rear panel eSATAp ports for drives meeting Sound Devices specifications, supplies 5V
@ 2A

See Sound Devices’ website for a list of approved media: www.sounddevices.com/approved

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Timecode and Sync

Modes Supported Freerun, 24 Hour run, Record run, External (LTC or SDI/HDMI)
Frame Rates 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97DF, 29.97ND, 30DF, 30ND
Accuracy • +/- 0.2ppm (½ frame per 24hrs) accuracy
• Holds accurate timecode for 4 hours after power is removed
Timecode Inputs / Outputs • SDI Input BNC • Timecode Input BNC
• SDI Output BNC • Timecode Output BNC
• HDMI Input Jack (Sony protocol)
Sync Output • Analog bi-, tri-level sync / Genlock
• Wordclock (Square wave, 48 kHz sampling rate, 3.3vp-p, 75 ohm)
Sync Input • Analog bi-, tri-level sync / Genlock
• Wordclock (Square wave, 48 kHz sampling rate, 3.3vp-p, 75 ohm)

Control
RS-422 Machine Control
Ethernet Web-based control of settings and transport
GPIO GPIO on 8 pins, Phoenix connector

Keyboard
Specifications

USB Keyboard Front-panel USB host. Keyboards without hubs acceptable.

Power
External 10–27V, 60W max, via locking 4-pin XLR connector (pin-1 = ground, pin-4 = +). See Pow-
ering

Physical
Size (H x W x D) 3.3” x 8.6” x 10.3” (8.4 cm x 21.8 cm x 26.2 cm)
Weight 7.5 lbs
Operating Temperature -10° C to +40° C

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Declaration of Conformity
According to EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004

Manufacturer’s Name: Sound Devices, LLC

Manufacturer’s Address: E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33
Reedsburg, WI 53959
USA

Declares under sole responsibility that the product as delivered

Product Name: PIX Video Recorder

Model Number: PIX 260i
Product Options: This declaration covers all options of the above products

complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European Directives, and carries the CE marking
accordingly:

Declaration of Conformity
EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)
EN 55022:2010
EN 55103-2:2009

First date of CE approval October 25, 2012.

This Declaration of Conformity applies to the above-listed products placed on the EU market after:

October 25, 2012

Date Matt Anderson
Director of Engineering

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Software License
End-user license agreement for Sound Devices PIX 260i Embedded Software / Firmware
Important Read carefully: This Sound Devices, LLC end-user license agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either
an individual or a single entity) and Sound Devices, LLC for the Sound Devices, LLC software product identified above, which includes
computer software, embedded software, and may include associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation
(“SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By using, installing, or copying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms of this
EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not use or install the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
Software Product License
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws
and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
Grant of license. This EULA grants you the following limited, non-exclusive rights: In consideration of payment of the licensee fee, Sound
Devices, LLC, as licensor, grants to you, the licensee, a non-exclusive right to use this copy of a Sound Devices, LLC software program
(hereinafter the “SOFTWARE”) on a single product and/or computer. All rights not expressly granted to licensee are reserved to Sound
Devices, LLC.
Software ownership. As the licensee, you own the hardware on which the SOFTWARE is recorded or fixed. Sound Devices, LLC shall
retain full and complete title to the SOFTWARE and all subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the media or form on or in
which the original copies may exist. The license is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE.
Copyright. All rights, title, and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT (including, but not limited to, any images, photographs,
animations, video, audio, music, text, and “applets” incorporated into the SOFTWARE PRODUCT) and any copies of the SOFTWARE
Software License

PRODUCT are owned by Sound Devices, LLC or its suppliers. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and interna-
tional treaty provisions. Therefore, you must treat the SOFTWARE PRODUCT like any other copyrighted material, except that you may
make copies as only provided below. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
Restrictions on use. Licensee may not distribute copies of the SOFTWARE or accompanying materials to others. Licensee may not
modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works based on the SOFTWARE or its accompa-
nying printed or written materials.
Transfer restrictions. Licensee shall not assign, rent, lease, sell, sublicense, or otherwise transfer the SOFTWARE to another party with-
out prior written consent of Sound Devices, LLC. Any party authorized by Sound Devices, LLC to receive the SOFTWARE must agree to
be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement.
Termination. Without prejudice to any other rights, Sound Devices, LLC may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and
conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and all of its component parts.
Limited Warranty
No warranties. Sound Devices, LLC expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT and
any related documentation is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limita-
tion, the implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The entire risk arising
out of use or performance of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT remains with you.
No liability for damages. In no event shall Sound Devices, LLC or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without
limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising
out of the use of or inability to use this Sound Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of
such damages. In any case, Sound Devices, LLC’s entire liability under any provision of this evaluation license shall be limited to the
greater of the amount actually paid by you for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or U.S. $5.00. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
Governing Law
This agreement and limited warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Wisconsin.

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 PIX 260i User Guide

Warranty and Technical Support

Warranty & Service
Sound Devices, LLC warrants the PIX 260i Video Recorder against defects in materials and work-
manship for a period of TWO (2) years from date of original retail purchase.
This is a non-transferable warranty that extends only to the original purchaser. Sound Devices, LLC
will repair or replace the product at its discretion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe service
conditions will be addressed on an individual basis.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE. SOUND DEVICES,
LLC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRAN-
TIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
SOUND DEVICES, LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUEN-
TIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LE-
GAL THEORY. Because some jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion or limitations set forth above,

Warranty & Technical Support

they may not apply in all cases.
For all service, including warranty repair, please contact Sound Devices for an RMA (return mer-
chandise authorization) before sending your unit in for repair. Product returned without an RMA
number may experience delays in repair. When sending a unit for repair, please do not include ac-
cessories, including SSD/HDD, CF cards, batteries, power supplies, carry cases, cables, or adapters
unless instructed by Sound Devices.
Sound Devices, LLC
Service Repair RMA #XXXXX
E7556 State Road 23 and 33
Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA
telephone: (608) 524-0625

Technical Support / Bug Reports

For technical support and bug reporting on all Sound Devices products contact:
Sound Devices, LLC
E-mail: support@sounddevices.com
web: www.sounddevices.com/support/
Telephone: +1 (608) 524-0625 / Toll-Free in the U.S.A.: (800) 505-0625
Fax: +1 (608) 524-0655
Sound Devices hosts a user support forum. The URL is:
http://forum.sounddevices.com

Sound Devices cannot guarantee that a given computer, software, or operating system configuration can
be used satisfactorily with the PIX 260i Video Recorder based exclusively on the fact that it meets our
minimum system requirements.

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