Datavideo HDR-70 HD/SD Digital Video Recorder

Product Overview

The Datavideo HDR-70 is a hard drive-based video recorder featuring a removable hard drive enclosure. It functions as a desktop, standalone recorder suitable for studio or field use. The unit accepts Standard or High Definition SDI video input and offers SDI loop-through/pass-through for monitoring. It records in SD or HD MPEG-II MXF or MOV file formats, compatible with various HD Non-Linear Editing (NLE) systems. Users can select from different video sampling rates and bit rates.

HD-SDI Compatible Formats:

• 1080p 23.98 / 24
• 1080i 50 / 59.94 / 60
• 720p 50 / 59.94 / 60
• I-Frame only: 4:2:2 sampling at 100Mbps or 125Mbps
• Long GOP: 4:2:2 sampling at 35Mbps, 65Mbps, or 100Mbps
• Long GOP: 4:2:0 sampling at 10Mbps or 25Mbps

SDI Compatible Formats:

• NTSC 480i or PAL 576i
• I-Frame only: 4:2:2 sampling at 25Mbps or 50Mbps
• Long GOP: 4:2:2 sampling at 15Mbps, 30Mbps, or 50Mbps
• Long GOP: 4:2:0 sampling at 8Mbps

Playback is available via SDI and HDMI outputs. Control can be managed through the front panel transport keys, RS-232, or a simple GPI trigger.

The removable drive enclosure connects to a PC or Mac via USB 2.0 for file transfer, drawing power directly from the USB port. The recorder also supports 12V DC power for mobile use.

Features:

• Backlit LCD display and soft keys for navigation.
• Standard VTR transport keys (Play/Pause, Stop, Record, Fast Forward, Reverse).
• LCD Status screen for signal and unit settings.
• Removable HE-3 drive enclosure for 2.5" SATA laptop drives.
• Front panel 3.5mm stereo audio jack with volume control.
• LED Audio Peak meter.
• Input Connections: SDI / HD-SDI BNC with loop-through; Analogue audio via XLR inputs (8-channel SDI audio also supported).
• Output Connections: SDI / HD-SDI BNC; HDMI.
• File Formats Supported: .MOV, .MXF.
• NTFS file system for large file creation.
• External Time code input/loop-through.
• Genlock and black burst support.
• RS-232 and GPI Control interface.
• 12V DC operation for OB Van compatibility.

List of Recommended Hard Drives

The following table lists compatible drive information. Contact your local dealer or Datavideo office for more details.

Note: The HDR-70 supports HDD/SSD up to 1TB capacity. For HDDs, use models with 7200rpm speed. Avoid Seagate HDDs. For SSDs, prefer TLC NAND Flash over QLC NAND Flash.

How to Fit a SATA Drive to the Removable HE-3 Enclosure

If your unit was delivered without a hard drive, follow these steps to install one into the HE-3 enclosure:

1. Remove the two screws from the back plate of the HE-3 drive enclosure and carefully pull out the PCB.
2. Place a 2.5" SATA HDD onto the PCB. Turn it over to secure the drive to the PCB using the four supplied screws into the designated holes.
3. Re-insert the PCB with the mounted HDD back into the enclosure.
4. Re-secure the back plate of the enclosure with the two screws removed earlier.
5. Slide the removable HE-3 enclosure into the recorder. Move the locking lever from right to left to secure it.
6. The unit is now ready to be switched on.
7. New drives will be formatted upon first use. The LCD Clip Status display will show when the recorder is ready for setup and use.

Connections and Controls

Front Panel

• POWER Button: A soft power button for standby/startup. The main power switch is on the rear panel.
• Display Panel: Shows Bin Number, time code, or menu information.
• MENU Button: Accesses the menu system, navigated with Previous/Next buttons.
• Previous / Next Buttons: Navigate between bins and menu options.
• RECORD MODE Button: Must be lit/on before recording.
• RECORD Button: Press with PLAY to start recording. Recording will not occur without a video signal.
• PLAY / PAUSE Button: Starts playback or pauses video.
• FWD / REW Buttons: Control Fast Forward and Rewind during playback.
• STOP Button: Stops playback or recording.
• Audio Level / Peak Meter: LED indicators for audio input levels.
• Headphone Monitoring: 3.5mm stereo jack with volume control.
• GEN-LOCK Indicator: Illuminates when GEN-LOCK is present.
• 2.5" Removable HDD Slot: For connecting the HE-3 HDD enclosure via SATA & USB.

Rear Panel

• XLR Inputs and Outputs: For balanced audio connections. A video source is required for recording.
• GPI Socket: For external control (record/pause, play/pause commands via pulse or level triggers).
• RS-232/422 Port: For user selectable remote control.
• Black Burst Input/Output: For video reference synchronization.
• Time Code Input/Output: For internal or external time code sources.
• HDMI Out Port: For connecting to external HDMI devices.
• HD-SDI Input, Output, and Loop-through: Supports SMPTE 292M at 1.5Gbps for professional video signals.
• DC In Socket: For connecting the supplied 12V PSU.
• Power On/Off Switch: Main power switch.
• Grounding Terminal: For proper grounding.

Switching the Recorder On

Connect the HDR-70 power supply and ensure the HE-3 drive enclosure is fitted. Use the rear panel ON/OFF switch to power the unit. If the unit is in standby, press the front panel POWER button to activate the display.

Formatting a Drive Before First Use

New HE-3 drive enclosures require formatting. The recorder's LCD panel will guide you through the process:

1. Drive check.
2. Select FORMAT option.
3. Confirm FORMAT option (data will be lost).
4. Drive formatting in progress.

LCD Clip Status Display Explained:

• 1. Current Bin and Clip: Shows the current bin and clip number.
• 2. Loop playback indicator: Indicates if loop playback is active.
• 3. Remaining recording space: Displays time in Hours and Minutes.
• 4. Length of video within current Bin: Displays time in [HH:MM:SS].
• 5. Current Time Code: Displays time in [HH:MM:SS:FF].
• 6. Left hand soft key function.
• 7. Right hand soft key function.
• 8. Record, Pause, STOP, FFWD, FREV and Playback indicator.

Menu Overview and Menu Navigation

The HDR-70 is menu-driven. Settings are non-volatile. Navigation uses the MENU, PREVIOUS, and NEXT buttons.

Main Menu Categories:

• TOOL: Includes options like ERASE THIS BIN, FORMAT MEDIA, UPDATE FIRMWARE, UNLOCK MEDIA, FIRMWARE REVISION.
• SETUP: Contains RECORD SETUP, PLAY SETUP, SYSTEM SETUP, SAVE SETUP, RECALL SETUP.
• STATUS: Displays current recording bit rate and video format.

The MENU button also serves to exit menu selections.

Record Setup

This menu configures the HDR-70 for recording incoming video signals.

SET HD ENCODE FORMAT

Choose quality and bit rate for HD recordings:

• HD LONG GOP:
• 4:2:0 10M LONG GOP [10 Mbps]
• 4:2:0 25M LONG GOP [25 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 35M LONG GOP [35 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 50M LONG GOP [50 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 65M LONG GOP [65 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 120M LONG GOP [120 Mbps]
• HD I-FRAME ONLY:
• 4:2:2 100M I-ONLY [100 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 125M I-ONLY [125 Mbps]

Note: HDR-70 supports the following HD-SDI input formats: 1920x1080p 23.98/24, 1920x1080i 50/59.94/60, or 1280x720p 50/59.94/60.

SET SD ENCODE FORMAT

Choose quality and bit rate for SD recordings:

• SD LONG GOP:
• 4:2:0 8M LONG GOP [8 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 15M LONG GOP [15 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 30M LONG GOP [30 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 50M LONG GOP [50 Mbps]
• SD I-FRAME ONLY:
• 4:2:2 25M I-ONLY [25 Mbps]
• 4:2:2 50M I-ONLY [50 Mbps]

Note: HDR-70 supports PAL or NTSC SDI input video formats.

SET SD ASPECT RATIO

Set the aspect ratio for SD video (4:3 or 16:9). It is recommended to match the source equipment's aspect ratio.

Before Recording

Consider the following before starting a new recording:

• Transfer old clips: It's best to start with a fresh drive. Transfer existing clips to a computer to free up space. (See page 22)
• FORMAT MEDIA: Use the MENU > TOOL > FORMAT MEDIA option to reformat the HE-3 drive.
• SET REC FILE TYPE: Choose .MXF or .MOV based on your editing software compatibility. (MENU > SETUP > RECORD SETUP > SET REC FILE TYPE)
• Set the ENCODE FORMAT: Select HD or SD, and LONG GOP or I-FRAME ONLY at desired bit rates. (MENU > SETUP > RECORD SETUP > SET HD/SD ENCODE FORMAT)
• Select the AUDIO SOURCE: Choose between embedded SDI/HD-SDI audio or analogue audio via XLR inputs. (MENU > SETUP > SYSTEM SETUP > SELECT AUDIO SOURCE)
• Select your time code source: Options include INTERNAL REC RUN, INTERNAL FREE RUN, EXTERNAL TC IN, or EXTERNAL SDI TC. A warning "EXT TC LOST" will flash if time code is lost.
• Turn RECORD MODE on: Ensure the RECORD MODE button on the front panel is lit.

Recording

Ensure the recorder is set up correctly (refer to pages 12-15).

Select an empty BIN in which to record

BINs act as folders for video CLIPS. The Clip Status display shows the current BIN and its contents. Use NEXT/PREVIOUS buttons to navigate. An empty BIN is recommended for new recordings. A CLIP is automatically started; the minimum CLIP length is two seconds.

Recording

Start recording manually (REC + PLAY buttons), via Remote Serial interface, or using a GPI trigger.

Note: Power interruption during recording may result in loss of up to two seconds of the current CLIP.

Record Pause

Pause recording manually (PLAY button) or via Remote Serial/GPI. Pressing PLAY again resumes recording, creating a new CLIP. A BIN can hold up to 99 CLIPS.

Record Stop

Stop recording manually (STOP button), via Remote Serial interface, or GPI trigger.

Special Record Functions

Time Lapse Recording

This function is useful for observing changes over long periods. It requires I-FRAME only recording.

• TIME LAPSE ON/OFF: Enable or disable the feature.
• SET TIME LAPSE FRAME: Controls the number of frames captured per interval (1-15 frames).
• SET TIME LAPSE CYCLE: Defines the time interval between captures (1 second to 59 minutes 59 seconds).

Example: 2 frames captured every 15 seconds (CYCLE: 02 FRM / 15 S).

Note: Time lapse settings are saved across power interruptions. A new clip is created only at the start of a time lapse recording.

Power on Auto Record

If enabled, the recorder starts recording immediately upon power-up, using the last used settings.

Playback

Select a recorded BIN to Play back

Select the BIN containing the desired video clips before pressing PLAY. If an empty BIN is selected, nothing will happen.

Play back

Playback can be initiated manually (PLAY button), via Remote Serial interface, or GPI trigger. FWD/REW buttons control shuttle speed (3x, 6x, 9x, 12x).

Playback in BIN or CLIP centric mode

BIN Centric Mode ON: Plays all CLIPS in the selected BIN.

BIN Centric Mode OFF: Plays only the current or last CLIP in the selected BIN.

(Configure via MENU > SETUP > PLAY SETUP > SET PLAY CENTRIC)

Loop Play

When enabled, the clip restarts from the beginning immediately after reaching the last frame.

(Configure via MENU > SETUP > PLAY SETUP > SET LOOP PLAY)

Power on Auto Play

If enabled, the recorder starts playing back the current BIN or CLIP upon power-up.

(Configure via MENU > SETUP > PLAY SETUP > POWER ON AUTO PLAY)

System Set Up

The SYSTEM SETUP menu offers various configuration options:

• SET AUDIO MONITOR: Selects the audio channel pair for monitoring via the front panel meter and headphone jack. Options include AUDIO CHANNEL 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, or 7&8. The RECORD button cycles through these views.
• LCD Audio Peak meter: Displays audio levels when the RECORD button is pressed during playback or recording.
• SELECT AUDIO SOURCE: Accepts embedded SDI/HD-SDI audio or analogue audio via XLR inputs. Analogue audio is recorded to AUDIO CHANNEL 1&2.
• SET TIME CODE: Configures time code source (Internal/External). (See page 15)
• SET GPI: Configures GPI trigger settings. (See page 21)
• SET REMOTE INTERFACE: Selects RS232 or RS422 protocol.
• SET BUZZER: Enables an alarm for unrecoverable defects.
• SET LONG TIME STOP: Requires the STOP button to be held longer to prevent accidental stops.
• DATE & TIME SET UP: Adds date and time metadata to recorded files.

GPI Control

GPI Trigger Cabling and Circuit

The recorder has a GPI socket. A simple contact closure trigger cable can be manufactured for control.

SET GPI

Configure the unit for Record/Record Pause or Play/Play Pause using PULSE or LEVEL triggers.

PULSE trigger Record Process

Select an empty BIN, press and hold Record, then press Play to start recording. A GPI pulse pauses recording; another pulse resumes it. Each press creates a new CLIP (max 99 per BIN). Press STOP to end.

LEVEL trigger Record Process

Similar to PULSE trigger, but the pause action lasts for the duration the GPI button is held. Recording resumes upon release.

Note: The contact closure button's function might be reversed; mechanical adjustment may be needed.

PULSE trigger Playback Process

Select a BIN, press Play. A GPI pulse pauses playback; another pulse resumes it. Press STOP to end.

LEVEL trigger Playback Process

Similar to PULSE trigger, but the pause action lasts for the duration the GPI button is held. Playback resumes upon release.

Transferring Files to a Computer

Recorder File System Limitations

The NTFS format is compatible with PCs and readable by Macs. It allows for single large files per recording. Some editing software may have limitations on file size (e.g., 40GB).

File Organization

Bins appear as folders (BINxx). Clips are files within these folders (e.g., .MXF, .MOV). Files are named BxxCnn, where xx is the BIN number and nn is the CLIP number.

Mounting the HE-3 Drive Enclosure to a Computer

Unlock the HE-3 drive using the lever and gently pull it out. Connect the HE-3 enclosure to the computer via USB 2.0. Ensure sufficient USB power; a second USB connection might be needed for some laptops.

The drive will appear as "HDR-SERIES".

Safely Dis-mounting the HE-3 Drive from a Computer

Use the computer's "Safely Remove Hardware" (Windows) or "Eject Drive/Hardware" (Mac) process before physically disconnecting the USB cable to prevent data damage.

Updating the Firmware

Datavideo may release firmware updates to fix bugs or add features. The process takes approximately 20 minutes.

WARNING: Do not interrupt the update process or power supply.

Steps:

1. Check current firmware version via MENU > TOOL > FIRMWARE REVISION.
2. Contact Datavideo for the latest firmware flash file.
3. Download the file from www.datavideo.com.
4. Connect the HE-3 drive to the PC and rename the firmware file to "flash.bin".
5. Copy "flash.bin" to the HE-3 drive.
6. Re-insert the drive into the HDR-70 and select "Upgrade Firmware" via MENU > TOOL.

Note: Remove the "flash.bin" file after a successful update to prevent recording errors.

System Settings

Set Buzzer

Enables an alarm for unrecoverable defects.

Set Long Time Stop

Requires the STOP button to be held longer to prevent accidental stops.

Date and Time Setup

Adds date and time metadata to recorded files. Use FFWD/FREV to move fields, PLAY/PAUSE/RECORD to adjust values.

Set Remote Interface

Choose the control protocol: RS232 or RS422.

RS-232 Controller Command Set

Connector Pin Assignment

Interface: 9-pin D-Sub female to 9-pin D-Sub female. Pin assignments for Controller and Recorder are detailed in the manual's diagrams.

Communication Format

• Mode: No synchronization
• Character Length: 1 start bit + 8 data bits + 1 parity bit + 1 stop bit
• Data Rate: 38,400 Baud
• Parity: Odd

Command Format

Commands consist of CMD1, CMD2, Data bytes, and a Checksum byte. The most significant nibble of CMD1 indicates the command group, and the least significant nibble indicates the number of Data bytes.

Command Protocol

Commands are acknowledged with "ACK" if the checksum is valid. Invalid checksums result in the command being ignored. Response time is typically 8 msec, but can be up to 700 msec for PLAY commands from an idle state.

Summary List of Commands

Sense Request

Current Time Sense (61h, 0Ch, 04h, 71h): Requests time code data.

Play Offset Commands:

• 24h, F1h, nn Play Offset nn: Plays from Frame Offset nn.
• 24h, F2h, nn Play from Offset nn: Plays from Frame Offset nn.
• 24h, F3h, bb, nn Select Bin and Play Offset: Selects BIN bb and plays from Frame Offset nn.
• 24h, F4h, bb, nn Select Bin and Play from Offset: Selects BIN bb and plays from Frame Offset nn.
• 24h, F5h, nn Play to Offset nn: Plays from current offset to Frame Offset nn, then pauses.
• 25h, F5h, bb, nn Select Bin and Play to Offset: Selects BIN bb and plays from offset 0 to Frame Offset nn, then pauses.
• 29h, F5h, bb, nn, ee Select Bin and Play from Offset to Offset: Selects BIN bb and plays from Frame Offset nn to Frame Offset ee, then pauses.

Transport Control

• 20h, 00h, 20h Stop: Enters idle state.
• 20h, 01h, 21h Play: Plays current BIN at 1x speed.
• 20h, 02h, 22h Record: Records selected source to current BIN.
• 20h, 10h, 30h Fast Forward: Plays at 32x speed forward.
• 20h, 20h, 40h Fast Rewind: Plays at 32x speed reverse.
• JOG, VARIABLE, SHUTTLE commands (21h, 11h, etc.): Control playback speed and direction. Setting speed to 0 pauses playback.

Dimensions & Weight

Unit: mm

• Depth [Front to Rear]: 288.4mm
• Width: 481mm / Standard 19" with rack ears
• Height: 49mm / Standard 1RU without feet
• Gross weight [Packed]: 4.86 Kg / 10.71 lbs
• Nett Weight [Unit only]: 3.85 Kg / 8.48 lbs

Specifications

Service & Support

Datavideo aims to provide a satisfying ownership experience. Support staff are available for setup and operation assistance. Contact your local office for specific requests or visit www.datavideo.com for FAQs and the latest manual updates.

Website for latest manual update: www.datavideo.com/product/HDR-70

Datavideo Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2020