Datavideo HDR-60 HD/SD Digital Video Recorder

Introduction

This document serves as the instruction manual for the Datavideo HDR-60 HD/SD Digital Video Recorder. It provides detailed information on setup, operation, features, and specifications.

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warnings and Precautions

1. Read all warnings and save them for later reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the unit.
3. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this unit in or near water.
5. Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, or table, as it may fall and cause serious damage.
6. Slots and openings on the cabinet are provided for ventilation. Do not block or cover these openings to prevent overheating.
7. Do not place this unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface, as this will block ventilation openings. Never place the unit near or over a heat register or radiator. Ensure proper ventilation in built-in installations.
8. Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated on the AC adapter marking label. Consult your Datavideo dealer or local power company if unsure.
9. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not place the unit where the power cord may be walked on, rolled over, or otherwise stressed.
10. If an extension cord is used, ensure the total ampere ratings of products plugged into it do not exceed the extension cord rating.
11. Ensure the total amperes of all units plugged into a single wall outlet do not exceed 15 amperes.
12. Never push objects into the unit through ventilation slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, risking fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid onto or into this unit.
13. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, except as explained elsewhere in this manual. Opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks and will void your warranty. Refer all service issues to qualified service personnel.
14. Unplug the product and refer to qualified service personnel if: the power cord is damaged or frayed; liquid has spilled into the unit; the product has been exposed to rain or water; the product does not operate normally; the product has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; or the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

Warranty

Standard Warranty

Datavideo equipment is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase. The original purchase invoice or other documentary evidence must be supplied for warranty repairs. The warranty period begins on the purchase date, or the thirtieth day after shipment if the purchase date is unknown. Non-Datavideo manufactured products have a one-year warranty. Damage caused by accident, misuse, unauthorized repairs, sand, grit, or water is not covered. Viruses and malware infections, and errors from unauthorized third-party software installations are not covered. All mail or transportation costs, including insurance, are at the owner's expense. Other claims are not covered. Accessories, including headphones, cables, batteries, metal parts, housing, cable reels, and consumable parts, are not covered. Warranty is valid only in the country or region of purchase. Statutory rights are not affected.

Three Year Warranty

Datavideo products purchased after July 1st, 2017, qualify for a free two-year extension to the standard warranty if registered with Datavideo within 30 days of purchase. Certain parts with limited lifetime expectancy (e.g., LCD panels, DVD drives, Hard Drives, SSDs, SD Cards, USB Thumb Drives, lighting, Non-PCIe Cards, and third-party PC components) are covered for 1 year. Registration for the three-year warranty must be completed on Datavideo's official website or with a local Datavideo office or authorized distributor within 30 days of purchase.

Disposal

For EU Customers only - WEEE Marking

This symbol on the product or packaging indicates that it must not be disposed of with household waste. It is your responsibility to dispose of waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. This process helps conserve natural resources and ensures recycling that protects human health and the environment. For more information, contact your local city office, household waste disposal service, or the shop where the product was purchased.

CE Marking

The letters "CE" are an abbreviation of the French phrase "Conformité Européene," meaning "European Conformity." This marking is used in all EU official documents.

Product Overview

The Datavideo HDR-60 is a hard drive-based video recorder with a removable drive enclosure, suitable for studio or location use. It records HD or SD video in MPEG-II MXF or MOV files, compatible with various Non-Linear Editing (NLE) systems. It offers choices of video sampling and bit rates.

HD-SDI Compatible Formats

• 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
• Supported resolutions include 1080p 23.98/24, 1080i 50/59.94/60, and 720p 50/59.94/60.

SDI Compatible Formats

• 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
• Supported formats include NTSC 480i or PAL 576i.

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

The removable HE-3 drive enclosure connects via USB 2.0 to a PC or Mac for file transfer, requiring no external power supply. The unit can also operate on 12V DC power, making it suitable for OB vans.

Features

• Backlit LCD display and soft keys for navigation.
• VTR-type transport keys (Play/Pause, Stop, Record, Fast Forward, Reverse).
• LCD Status screen for incoming signal and unit settings.
• Removable HE-3 drive enclosure for 2.5" SATA laptop drives.
• Front panel 3.5mm stereo audio jack and volume control for monitoring.
• LED Audio Peak meter.
• Input Connections: SDI/HD-SDI BNC with loop-through; Analogue or 8-channel SDI audio via mini XLR.
• Output Connections: SDI/HD-SDI BNC; HDMI.
• File Formats Supported: .MOV, .MXF.
• NTFS file system for large files.
• 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-60 supports HDD/SSD up to 1TB capacity. For HDDs, use models with 7200rpm speed. Do not use Seagate HDDs. For SSDs, use models with TLC NAND Flash, not QLC NAND Flash.

How to insert a SATA drive into the removable HE-3 enclosure

If your unit was delivered without a hard drive, follow these steps:

1. Remove the two screws on the back plate of the HE-3 drive enclosure and manually pull out the PCB.
2. Place a 2.5" SATA HDD on the PCB and secure it with the four supplied screws into the indicated holes.
3. Re-insert the PCB with the HDD mounted into the enclosure.
4. Re-secure the back plate using the two removed screws.
5. Push the 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 once the recorder is available for setup and use.

Connections and Controls

Front Panel

• Power On / Off Button: Soft power button to turn the unit on from standby. Main power switch is on the rear panel.
• Display Panel: Shows Bin Number, time code, or Menu Display.
• Menu Button: Opens the menu display, navigated with Previous/Next buttons.
• Previous / Next Buttons: Navigate menu options or select values.
• Record Mode Button: Must be on (backlit) before recording.
• Record Button: Press with Play button to start recording. Recording requires a video signal.
• Play / Pause Button: Starts playback or pauses video.
• Fwd / Rew Buttons: Operate as Fast Forward and Rewind in playback mode.
• Stop Button: Stops playback or record functions.
• Audio Level / Peak Meter: LEDs indicate audio input levels from the selected source.
• Headphone Audio Monitoring: 3.5mm stereo jack for headphones; audio level controlled by volume.
• 2.5" Removable HDD Slot: For HE-3 HDD with SATA & USB interface for file transfer.

Rear Panel

• Mini XLR Inputs and Outputs: For Balanced Audio Connection. A video source is required for recording.
• GPI Socket: For simple external control (record, record pause, playback, pause commands).
• RS-232/422: User-selectable remote control interface.
• Black Burst Input/Output: Video reference source for synchronizing devices.
• Time Code Input/Output: For internal or external time code source selection.
• HDMI Out Port: For connecting to HDMI external devices.
• HD-SDI Input, Output, and Loop-through Connectors: Supports SMPTE 292M standard (1.5Gbps) for professional video signals.
• DC In Socket: Connects the supplied 12V PSU.
• Power On/Off Switch: Main power switch.
• Grounding Terminal: For proper grounding when connecting to other components. Use wire with a cross-sectional area of at least 1.0mm².

Switching the Recorder On

Ensure the power supply is connected and the HE-3 drive enclosure is fitted and locked. The rear panel has a main power ON/OFF switch. Press the dot side to turn the unit ON. If the unit is already ON but not active, press the front panel Power button to bring it out of standby.

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.
4. Drive formatting in progress.

LCD Clip Status Display Explained

1. Current Bin and Clip.
2. Loop playback indicator (OFF if not present).
3. Remaining recording space (Hours and Minutes).
4. Length of video within current Bin [HH:MM:SS].
5. Current Time Code [HH:MM:SS:FF].
6. Function of left hand soft key.
7. Function of right hand soft key.
8. Record, Pause, STOP, FFWD, FREV and Playback indicator.

Menu Overview and Menu Navigation

The HDR-60 is a menu-driven unit with non-volatile settings. The menu allows for initial setup and configuration.

Menu Structure

• MAIN MENU: TOOL, SETUP, STATUS
• TOOL Sub Menus: ERASE THIS BIN, FORMAT MEDIA, UPDATE FIRMWARE, UNLOCK MEDIA, FIRMWARE REVISION.
• SETUP Sub Menus: RECORD SETUP, PLAY SETUP, SYSTEM SETUP, SAVE SETUP, RECALL SETUP.
• STATUS: Displays current recording bit rate and video format.

Navigation

Use the front panel MENU, Previous, and Next buttons to navigate menus and change settings. The Menu button also acts as an exit button.

Record Setup

This menu configures the HDR-60 for recording incoming video signals.

SET HD ENCODE FORMAT

Choose quality and bit rate for High Definition [SDI] sources:

• HD LONG GOP: 4:2:0 at 10Mbps, 25Mbps; 4:2:2 at 35Mbps, 65Mbps, 100Mbps, 120Mbps.
• HD I-FRAME ONLY: 4:2:2 at 100Mbps, 125Mbps.

Supported HD-SDI formats: 1920x1080p 23.98/24, 1920x1080i 50/59.94/60, 1280x720p 50/59.94/60.

SET SD ENCODE FORMAT

Choose quality and bit rate for Standard Definition [SDI] sources:

• SD LONG GOP: 4:2:0 at 8Mbps; 4:2:2 at 15Mbps, 30Mbps, 50Mbps.
• SD I-FRAME ONLY: 4:2:2 at 25Mbps, 50Mbps.

Supported SD formats: PAL 576i or NTSC 480i.

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 actions before using the recorder:

• Transfer old clips: Transfer recorded clips to a computer to free up space on the HE-3 drive.
• Format Media: Use [MENU] > TOOL > FORMAT MEDIA to reformat the HE-3 drive and erase unwanted clips.
• Set Rec File Type: Choose .MXF or .MOV based on your editing software compatibility. Use [MENU] > SETUP > RECORD SETUP > SET REC FILE TYPE.
• Set Encode Format: Select HD or SD, LONG GOP or I-FRAME ONLY, and bit rates. Use [MENU] > SETUP > RECORD SETUP > SET HD/SD ENCODE FORMAT. Refer to pages 14-15 for choices.
• Select Audio Source: Record embedded SDI/HD-SDI audio or analogue audio via rear panel XLR connections. Use [MENU] > SETUP > SYSTEM SETUP > SELECT AUDIO SOURCE.
• Select Time Code Source: Choose from INTERNAL REC RUN, INTERNAL FREE RUN, EXTERNAL TC IN, or EXTERNAL SDI TC. Use [MENU] > SETUP > SYSTEM SETUP > SET TIME CODE. A warning [EXT TC LOST] appears if Time Code is lost.
• Turn Record Mode On: Ensure the RECORD MODE button is lit. A warning appears if it's off.

Recording

Ensure the recorder is set up correctly (pages 12-15) before starting a new recording.

Select an empty BIN in which to record

A BIN acts as a folder for video CLIPS. The current BIN and its contents are shown on the Clip Status display. Use the NEXT soft key to move between BINs. An empty BIN shows 00:00:00. A CLIP is automatically started at the beginning of a BIN. If the BIN contains video, the new CLIP is appended. A CLIP cannot be inserted between existing clips. Minimum CLIP length is two seconds.

Recording

Start recording manually by holding REC and pressing PLAY, or via Remote Serial interface or GPI port (see page 22).

Note: If power is interrupted during recording, up to two seconds of the current CLIP may be lost.

Record Pause

Pause recording manually by pressing PLAY. Press PLAY again to resume. Alternatively, use the Remote Serial interface or GPI port (see page 22). Each resume creates a new CLIP. A maximum of 99 CLIPS can be created per BIN. Minimum CLIP length is two seconds.

Record Stop

Stop recording manually by pressing STOP. Alternatively, use the Remote Serial interface or GPI port (see page 22). For GPI, pause first, then press STOP.

Special Record Functions

Time lapse recording

Time lapse is a useful I-FRAME only recording option for studying changes over long periods. Configure via [MENU] > SETUP > RECORD SETUP > TIME-LAPSE SETUP.

• TIME LAPSE ON/OFF: Set to ON for time lapse mode.
• 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 per 15 seconds is displayed as CYCLE: 02 FRM / 15 S.

Note: Time lapse mode saves settings 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 BIN and record settings.

Playback

Select a recorded BIN to Play back

A BIN is like a folder for video CLIPS. Use the NEXT soft key to navigate BINs. The video length within a BIN is displayed [HH:MM:SS]. Select the correct BIN before pressing PLAY. Selecting an empty BIN will result in no action.

Play back

Start playback manually using the PLAY button, or via Remote Serial interface or GPI port (see page 22). FWD/REW buttons adjust playback speed (3x, 6x, 9x, 12x). Press Play/Play Pause to return to normal play.

Playback in BIN or CLIP centric mode

Configure playback behavior via [MENU] > SETUP > PLAY SETUP > SET PLAY CENTRIC.

• BIN Centric Mode ON: Plays all CLIPS within the selected BIN.
• BIN Centric Mode OFF: Plays only the current or last CLIP within the selected BIN.

Loop Play

When enabled, the clip restarts from the beginning instantly upon reaching the last frame. Configure via [MENU] > SETUP > PLAY SETUP > SET LOOP PLAY.

Power on Auto Play

When enabled, the recorder starts playing back the current BIN or CLIP immediately 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: Choose audio channel pair for monitoring via LED meter and headphone socket. Options: AUDIO CHANNEL 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, or 7&8. Default is 1&2.
• LCD Audio Peak Meter: Press RECORD button during playback/recording to view audio levels.
• SELECT AUDIO SOURCE: Choose between embedded SDI/HD-SDI audio or analogue audio via mini XLR inputs. If analogue is selected, it's recorded to AUDIO CHANNEL 1 & 2 only.
• SET TIME CODE: Configure time code source (Internal/External).
• SET GPI: Configure GPI trigger behavior (Pulse/Level).
• SET REMOTE INTERFACE: Select RS232 or RS422 protocol.
• SET BUZZER: Enable alarm for un-recoverable defects.
• SET LONG TIME STOP: Requires holding the STOP button longer to prevent accidental stops.
• DATE & TIME SET UP: Add date and time metadata to recorded files.

GPI Control

GPI Trigger cabling and circuit

The recorder has a GPI socket on its rear panel. The circuit operates on less than 5V DC supplied by the port. A GPI trigger cable is needed for simple 'contact on closure' buttons.

SET GPI

Configure the unit for Record/Record Pause or Play/Play Pause using the GPI menu option. Choose between PULSE or LEVEL trigger via [MENU] > SET UP > SYSTEM SET UP > SET GPI.

PULSE trigger Record Process

Select an empty BIN, ensure source is connected, and target file type is set. Press and hold Record, then press Play to start recording. A GPI contact closure press pauses recording. Pressing again resumes. Each recording starts a new CLIP (max 99 per BIN). Press STOP to end.

LEVEL trigger Record Process

Similar to PULSE trigger, but the unit pauses for the duration of the GPI contact closure press. Releasing the button resumes recording. Each recording starts a new CLIP (max 99 per BIN). Press STOP to end.

Note: Some initial footage may need trimming after transfer for editing.

PULSE trigger Playback Process

Select a pre-recorded BIN, ensure output is connected. Press Play on the front panel to start playback. A GPI contact closure press pauses playback. Pressing again resumes. Press STOP to end.

LEVEL trigger Playback Process

Similar to PULSE trigger playback, but playback pauses for the duration of the GPI contact closure press. Releasing the button resumes playback. Press STOP to end.

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

Transferring Files to a Computer

Recorder File System limitations

The NTFS format is compatible with PCs and readable by Macs, allowing one large file per recording. Some editing software may have limitations on file sizes over 40GB.

File Organization

Video bins appear as folders named BINxx (01-99). Each clip is a file named BxxCnn (.MXF or .MOV) within its BIN folder.

Mounting the HE-3 drive enclosure to a Computer

Move the drive lock lever to unlock the HE-3 drive. Gently pull the enclosure clear. Connect the HE-3 drive's mini USB connector to your computer for data exchange and power. If USB bus power is insufficient, use the supplied double USB cable.

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 2.0 cable to prevent damage to the drive.

Updating the Firmware

Datavideo may release firmware updates to fix bugs or add features. Customers can update firmware themselves or contact a dealer. The process takes approximately 20 minutes.

To update:

1. Check firmware version via [MENU] > TOOL > FIRMWARE REVISION. Contact Datavideo support if your CODEC version starts with FFF.
2. Download the latest firmware from www.datavideo.com. Unzip the file and locate the "Disk Update" folder.
3. Connect the HE-3 drive (removed from the HDR-60/70) to a PC with the downloaded firmware.
4. Rename the firmware file to "flash.bin" and copy it to the hard disk.
5. Re-insert the hard disk into the HDR-60/70, then select "Upgrade Firmware" in the TOOL option via the MENU.
6. Verify the updated REC, CODEC, and HOST REV versions.

WARNING: Do not interrupt the update process or power supply, as this can result in a non-responsive unit. After the update, remove the firmware file from the hard drive to prevent recording errors.

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.

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 Checksum is the modulo 256 sum of preceding bytes.

Command Protocol

Commands are acknowledged with ACK [10h, 01h, 11h] if valid. Invalid checksums are ignored. Responses are typically within 8 msec, except for PLAY commands from an idle state (up to 700 msec).

Summary List of Commands

Includes commands for System Control, Vendor Unique Control, Transport Control, Sense Requests, and Firmware Revision Sense.

Return Data

ACK (10h 01h) indicates successful command reception. NAK (11h 12h) indicates communication errors or undefined commands.

Dimensions & Weight

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 support requests or visit www.datavideo.com for FAQs and the latest manual updates.

Visit: www.datavideo.com/product/HDR-60

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All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Datavideo Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2020.