Sound Devices PIX 260i User Manual And Technical Information
Rack-mountable, production video recorder
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Summary of Contents for Sound Devices PIX 260i
- Page 1 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Firmware rev. 1.04 Sound Devices, LLC E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 • Reedsburg, WI • USA +1 (608) 524-0625 • fax: +1 (608) 524-0655 Toll-Free: (800) 505-0625 www.sounddevices.com support@sounddevices.com...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 F Sampling Rate Modes . - Page 4 Specifications - PIX 260i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Page 5: Limitation Of Liability
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... -
Page 6: Introduction
.wav file (Audio Only Mode). The mode is determined by the Setup Menu option [Video/Audio Mode - 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. -
Page 8: Panel Descriptions
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Panel Descriptions Front Panel Control Knob Files Button The Control Knob can be both turned and Displays the File Browser Screen. Press pressed. Use the Control Knob to navi- during record or playback to add a Cue... -
Page 9: Rear Panel
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Record Button Headphone Volume Knob Begins recording. Optional: Splits the Adjusts the overall volume of the head- recording and begins writing a new phones. NOTE: the headphone output is file when pressed while recording. - Page 10 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Analog Audio Outputs (XLR) SDI Video Input (BNC) 2 channels of balanced, line-level analog SDI video input. Accepts 3G-SDI, HD- audio outputs. SDI, or SD-SDI signal with up to 16 chan- nels of embedded audio.
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Page 11: 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. -
Page 12: Menu And Navigation
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Menu and Navigation From the Main View, press the LCD button to toggle the On-Screen Dis- play (OSD) on or off, press and hold the LCD button for two seconds to turn off the LCD, press again to turn on. From all other views, press the LCD button to return to the Main View. - Page 13 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information On-screen Display Menu Item Description Levels of audio inputs 1 and 2 . Shown here in Top (wide) mode . Can be re-positioned with 1 . Audio Metering Setup Menu option [On-Screen Display - Audio Metering] 2 .
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Page 14: Menu
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Menu Press the MENU button (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. -
Page 15: File List
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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]. Other audio related settings are accessible from the Setup Menu option Audio. - Page 16 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Creation Time/Date Reel Folder or file creation time and date. File Size Size in GB of a single clip or file. Reel Size Total size in GB of the entire Reel folder. Multi-file Clip Size Total size in GB of a multi-file clip.
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Page 17: File Details
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information While in the File List press the Files button to collapse all Reel folders and multi-file clips to ease file navigation. The File List is not available during recording or playback. If the File List is open when record or playback is engaged, the File List will close and return to the Main View. -
Page 18: Inputs And Outputs
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. -
Page 19: Audio Inputs
PIX 260i, Stopped = white, 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:... -
Page 20: Dante Audio Inputs
Dante audio inputs. An input Source can be set to an available Dante channel from the PIX 260i or from the Dante Con- troller application (Available from Audinate’s website: http://www.audinate.com/) running on a com- puter attached to the network. -
Page 21: Dante Redundancy
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Dante Redundancy When [Network - Dante Redundancy Mode] is set to On, the PIX 260i’s Primary and Secondary Eth- ernet 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. -
Page 22: Input Delay Control
[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. -
Page 23: Ethernet
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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 and Outputs for details. -
Page 24: Video Monitoring Features
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. -
Page 25: Zebras
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 12-step False Color mode divides the monitor signal into 12 12-step luminance ranges and assigns a color to each. 100-108 Red 95-99 Orange 85-94 Yellow 79-84 Light Yellow 59-78 Light Grey 53-58 Pink... -
Page 26: Focus Assist
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Zebra 2 Zebra 1 70 IRE (+/- 5%) 85 IRE Focus Assist MENU Focus Assist features mark sharp edges in the video image to assist in focusing on the desired sub- ject. Focus assist is enabled by holding down the LCD button and pressing the MENU button. The word “FOCUS”... -
Page 27: Edge Enhance
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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). -
Page 28: Zoom
Knob moves vertically and REW and FF 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]. -
Page 29: Recording
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, once the system will enter record when it becomes ready. -
Page 30: Selecting Video File Resolution And Frame Rate
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. -
Page 31: Interruption Of Signal During Recording
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. -
Page 32: Audio Mode Settings
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Audio Only Mono (Wave) mode writes multiple files to each target drive per take. Each armed audio track will be written its own file for each 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... -
Page 33: Fostex Dv40
[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 or record in the indicated non- integer frame rate if the input video is a non-integer frame rate. -
Page 34: 3:2 Pulldown Removal
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. -
Page 35: Down-Conversion
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Down-Conversion Letterbox: Maintains the same height and width ratio. Results in blank bar at top and bottom of image. Crop: Left and right side of image is cropped to fit into 4:3. Results in missing image at sides of picture. -
Page 36: Up-Conversion
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Up-Conversion Anamorphic: Image is horizontally stretched to fit into 16:9. Results in a wide looking image. Zoom 14x9: Maintains same size but fills in remaining screen space with blank bar on the right and left of image. -
Page 37: Playback
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 Other PIX 260i’s in a group will begin playback only if a file of the same name is present. see PIX Grouping Fast Forward and Rewind Video Mode: Hold down the Fast Forward (>>) or Rewind (<<) button during playback for 2x... -
Page 38: Shuttle Playback Mode
Shuttle Playback Mode is available in Video Mode only In Shuttle Playback Mode the PIX 260i is capable of playing back at various rates in forward and in reverse. Shuttle Playback Mode is only available when playing back Quicktime .mov files. -
Page 39: Cue Marker Looping
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Cue Marker Looping Cue Marker Looping is available in Video Mode only. Looping playback can be enabled between consecutive cue markers or the beginning and end of the current clip. To toggle looping playback and begin looping the currently playing clip, hold the Play () button... -
Page 40: Playback Mode
It is recommended that files in the same play list or reel be of the same resolution, frame rate, and codec. 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. -
Page 41: Playback Rate Of Audio Files
Playback Rate of Audio Files Audio files (WAV) will always be 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]. -
Page 42: Synchronization And Timecode
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. -
Page 43: Sync Reference
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. -
Page 44: Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator With 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. -
Page 45: External Timecode Mode
In this scenario, the video camera is the master 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. -
Page 46: Single Camera With Genlock Input, Genlocked From Pix
Genlock In this scenario, the PIX 260i is the master 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. -
Page 47: Camera #1 To Pix #1, Camera #2 To Pix #2, No Genlock
SDI/HDMI In this scenario, each camera is its own master 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’... -
Page 48: External Control
A grouped PIX 260i will retain all settings made before being grouped. If a change is made to any PIX 260i in the group, the setting will be changed on all other PIX 260i units in the group. Grouped PIX 260i units do not have a master slave relationship, they are all effectively “masters”. -
Page 49: Pixnet All Units Page
The PIX 260i’s web IP address must be determined before accessing PIXNET: 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. -
Page 50: Pixnet Unit Page
PIX 260i. PIXNET Unit Page The Unit page allows for near full remote control of the PIX 260i via the web browser. All Units Page Button Fast Forward Click to return to All Units Page. -
Page 51: Pixnet Unit Page Main View And Menu Tabs
PIXNET Unit Page. Clips Menu The Clips Menu is the PIXNET version of the PIX 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. -
Page 52: Audio Menu
PIX 260i Audio menu options are displayed and can be edited directly from the web browser. When Tracks is selected, all the settings from the PIX 260i Audio Screen are displayed and can be edited. When Output Matrix is selected, a comprehensive track-to-output matrix appears. From this view route any PIX 260i track to any output. -
Page 53: 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 con- nected camera. -
Page 54: Usb Keyboard
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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. -
Page 55: Storage And File Management
DY slots on the front panel which 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 con- nections are numbered 1 to 4. Functions on the PIX 260i will refer to the drives using these numbers. PIX-CADDY Drives 1 and 2 are PIX-CADDY slots behind the LCD on the Front panel. -
Page 56: Formatting
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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]. -
Page 57: Metadata
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. -
Page 58: Audio Track Name (Audio Only)
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). -
Page 59: Arri File Format
Formats, the PIX 260i will generate a Reel folder based on the camera’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: Press the FILES button to enter the File List. -
Page 60: Ethernet File Transfer (Samba)
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. - Page 61 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...
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Page 62: Setup Management And Firmware Upgrades
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. - Page 63 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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, as usual. To to change the visibility of an item in the Setup Menu, push the spacebar on the keyboard while the item is highlighted.
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Page 64: Factory Restore
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. - Page 65 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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.
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Page 66: Setup Menu Options
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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. -
Page 67: Video
1080p30 . If a differ- Codec • ProRes 4444 330Mb/s, 12bit ent resolution and frame rate is selected, the PIX 260i • ProRes 422HQ 220Mb/s, 10bit will use the corresponding DNxHD data rate . -
Page 68: Audio
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Parameter Name Description Options » 16:9->4:3 Letterbox Method for converting HD input video to SD recorded Down Conversion • 16:9->4:3 Crop content . • 16:9->4:3 Anamorphic When set to “Auto”, the PIX will sense PsF signal based on a flag within the signal stream . - Page 69 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Parameter Name Description Options • 1,2 • 3,4 • 5,6 • 7,8 • 9,10 • 11,12 • 13,14 • 15,16 • 17,18 Choose the source for Headphone output and the 2 HP Source channel meters on the OSD .
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Page 70: Timecode/Sync
» Off • Freerun Sets the running mode for the internal timecode gen- Timecode Mode erator and/or the method which the PIX 260i receives • Record run SMPTE timecode . . • Ext TC (LTC) » Ext TC (SDI, HDMI) •... -
Page 71: Lcd Monitor
Parameter Name Description Options Sets the duration that a valid timecode sig- nal has to be recognized by the PIX 260i » 0 sec before generating a new take when using ex- Auto-Record Hold Off ternal timecode to trigger recording (When... -
Page 72: On-Screen Display
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information On-Screen Display Parameter Name Description Options » On ABS Time Display of absolute record time . • Off » On File Codec Display of current file codec • Off » On File Name Display of current file name •... -
Page 73: Network
When the function is true, the pin will be grounded . Network Parameter Name Description Options Sets name of PIX 260i . This must be unique within a This PIX’s Name » PIX260 network . » No Group • Group 1 Network Group Groups PIX 260i with other PIX 260i units . -
Page 74: Quick Setup
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Parameter Name Description Options » -40dBFS HP Warning Bell Level Adjusts the level of the heaphone warning bell sound (Off, -60 to -12dBFS) » (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US) Time Zone Selects the international time zone (All GMT zones) »... -
Page 75: Button Shortcuts
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Button Shortcuts Button Combination Effect AUDIO + Control Knob rotate Change HP source . LCD + Control Knob press Adjust LCD and button brightness . Hold LCD Turns off LCD display . MENU + FILES Button lock options: Unlock Buttons, Lock Non-Transport Buttons, or Lock All Buttons . -
Page 76: Connector Pin Assignments
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Connector Pin Assignments Connector Pin Assignments Notes Mates with XLR-Male connector 1–ground XLR-F (2) 2–signal (+) 20k ohm input impedance, line level, (Analog Audio inputs) 3–signal (-) active-balanced Mates with XLR-Female connector 1–ground XLR-M (2) 2–signal (+) - Page 77 PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Connector Pin Assignments Notes 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 (-)
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Page 78: Appendix A - Supported Files
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 tracks over one QuickTime audio stream). -
Page 79: Specifications - Pix 260I
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information Specifications - PIX 260i 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... -
Page 80: Analog Audio
PIX-CADDY 2 mounted drives Two, front-mounted Sound Devices approved 2 .5-inch drives 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: http://www.sounddevices.com/approved... -
Page 81: Control
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information 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 •... -
Page 82: Pix 260I Ce Declaration Of Conformity
Sound Devices, LLC E7556 State Rd. 23 and 33 Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA declares that the product, PIX 260i Video Recorder is in conformity with and passes: Product Family Application EMC-Product family standard for audio, visual, audio-visual and lighting control apparatus for... -
Page 83: Ce - Cispr Publication Dates
PIX 260i User Guide and Technical Information CE - CISPR Publication Dates Standard # Date Am .1 Am . 2 Standard # Date Am .1 Am . 2 EN 61000-4-11 2004-10 ANSI C63 .4 2003 EN 61000-6-1 2007-02 CISPR 11... -
Page 84: Software License
Sound Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages . -
Page 85: Warranty And Technical Support
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 based exclusively on the fact that it meets our minimum system requirements. - Page 86 PIX 260i, v 1.04 - Printed in U.S.A.
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