Datavideo HDR-50
SD/HD-SDI Hard Drive Video Recorder

The recorded .M2T files are compatible with a wide range of NLE and play-out solutions on the market. Once recording is completed, the hard drive enclosure simply ejects and can connect via USB-2 to a PC or MAC based NLE system. (USB 2.0 to mini-USB cable provided).

You can work directly from the removable drive, or copy video files into the NLE's video drives. The remote control interface includes RS-422, RS-232, and GPI for easy integration with other equipment.

• Embedded audio via SDI
• Audio monitor function
• 1U height fits in 19" standard rack mounts
• Records audio as MPEG-1 Layer 2 format at 48KHZ, 384Kbps bitrate
• Hard drive enclosure includes convenient USB 2.0 and eSATA connectors
• Includes 1x 2.5" 250GB hard drive installed in a removable enclosure and 1x 2.5" empty removable hard drive enclosure

Connections

Video

Input: HD (1920x1080i, 720p/50, 59.94) via HD-SDI to .m2t files at user selectable bit rates of 20-60 Mbps (HD), HDV (1440x1080i) via HD-SDI to .m2t files at user selectable bit rates of 20-60 Mbps (HD),SD (720x576/480i) via SD-SDI to .m2t files at user selectable bit rates of 5, 10 or 15 Mbps (SD)

Output: HDMI for playback, HD-SDI for loop through

Audio

• Input: Balanced stereo XLR

Video Recording Format

• M2T recording format (compatible with most NLE systems)
• 4:2:0 color sampling
• Variable recording bitrates – records SD at 25Mbps and HD at 20-60Mbps

Audio Recording Format

• MPEG-1 Layer 2
• Sampling rate: 48KHZ
• Bitrate: 384kbps

HD

SD

Control

• GPI, RS-232, and RS-422 control interface

Power

• 12V 4.2A DC 110/220 power supply and cord included

Q: Do you recommend any certain brands or specifications on which hard drive to use with this recorder?
A: Yes, we recommend the following predications for the drive: 7200rpm 8MB buffer 2.5" SATA HDD. Datavideo has tested Hitachi, Western Digital, Fujitsu for use with our DN series recorders. We do not recommend Seagate hard drives with our recorders.

Q: Can I replace my 250GB HDD with a larger HDD?
A: Yes, you can replace it with a larger HDD (up to 750GB and must be 2.5" high). Hard drives that are larger than 750GB have a larger height, which will not fit inside the enclosure for the DN-400/500 and HDR-40/50.

Q: If the input signal is a HD-SDI source, can we still record SD video files on this recorder?
A: No, the recorder does NOT downscale or upscale the signal source between HD or SD.

Q: What is the maximum height of the hard drive that will fit inside the enclosure?
A: 11.6 mm is the maximum height of the hard drive that will fit inside the enclosure.

Q: The Final Cut Pro does not natively support the .m2t files. How can I convert .m2t files to use with Final Cut Pro?
A: You can use a program like, Streamclip to convert the .m2t files. You can also click here to download the instructions on how to convert .m2t files into native NLE formats using Streamclip.

Q: Which NLE software applications can read .m2t files natively?
A: Here is a list of Non Linear Editors which support .m2t files: Adobe Premiere CS3 or higher, Sony Vegas 8 or higher, Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum, Grass Valley Edius, Avid Media Composer and Pinnacle Studio 12 or higher. NOTE: Some editing programs require that you convert the files to the native format of its NLE system prior to transferring the files.

Q: If I am sending a HD/SD-SDI video signal, but the audio signal via Analog XLR input, will the audio source embed itself in the HD/SD-SDI output?
A: No, the HD/SD-SDI output will only output embedded audio if the input video source has embedded audio. However, the HDMI output will embed the Analog audio source in the output.

Q: I am trying to put my HDR-40/50 in HDD mode, but the recorder seems to be frozen. The screen says, "Please Wait". How can I fix it?
A: The HDR-40/50 must be connected via FireWire to the computer prior to entering the hard drive mode. If the recorder is not connected, it will continually check for FireWire connectivity, which will cause it to lock up. Please cycle the power on the recorder to reset the recorder.

Q: When I power on my DN-400/DN-500/HDR-40/HDR-50, I am getting a "Hard Disk Failure" message on the LCD screen. What can I do to fix it?
A: Please make sure that you insert the hard drive into the recorder and turn the latch to the locked position before you power on the DN-400/DN-500/HDR-40/HDR-50.

Q: Some of the menu items are missing on my HDR-40. What can I do to fix it?
A: Please make sure that the "Video Input" button is not selected on your HDR-40. Enabling the "Video Input" button will cause the recorder to lock up some selections in the menu items.

Q: Does the HDR-40 support line 21 (closed captioning)?
A: No, unfortunately the HDR-40 does not support line 21.

Q: Can I playback a file simultaneously while I am recording on the HDR-40/HDR-50?
A: No, unfortunately, you won't be able to playback a file while it is being recorded on the HDR-40/HDR-50. However, you can playback the recorded file after your recording is finished.