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Related Manuals for Sound Devices PIX 250i
Summary of Contents for Sound Devices PIX 250i
- Page 1 PIX 250i Rack Mount Production Video Recorder User Guide and Technical Information Firmware rev. 2.00 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...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Table of Contents Introduction Manual Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Panel Descriptions Front Panel . - Page 4 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Synchronization and Timecode Sync Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Timecode Modes .
- Page 5 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Specifications SDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Analog Audio .
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Page 6: Limitation Of Liability
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. -
Page 7: Manual Conventions
PIX 250i units connected to a standard Ethernet network. This User Guide details installation and operation of the PIX 250i. This User Guide corresponds to PIX 250i firmware version 2.000. User Guide revisions are released at the same time as firmware updates and available online: http://www.sounddevices.com/products/pix250i/downloads/... -
Page 8: Panel Descriptions
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Panel Descriptions Front Panel Control Knob 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... -
Page 9: Rear Panel
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Fast Forward Button 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. - Page 10 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Digital Audio Input/Output (DB-25) GPIO Remote (Phoenix 10-pin) 8 channels of AES digital audio input Logic contact points for remote control. and 8 channels of AES digital output. (See (See “GPIO (General Purpose Input / Out- “Connector Pin Assignments”, page...
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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 250i, 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 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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. -
Page 13: Menu
Forward/Shuttle. Menu Press the MENU button (keyboard: F1) to enter the Setup Menu. Most settings of the PIX 250i 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 the MENU button to go back to the previous screen. -
Page 14: Audio Screen
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Audio Screen From any screen, press the AUDIO button (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. -
Page 15: File List
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Other audio related settings are accessible from the Setup Menu option Audio. File List Press the FILE button (keyboard: F2) to display the File List; A list of all of the recorded takes. Takes are arranged chronologically and grouped by Reel. - Page 16 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information While in the File List press the FILES button to collapse all Reel folders and multi-file takes to ease file navigation. It is recommended that files in the same Play List or reel be of the same resolution, frame rate, codec, and/ or sample rate.
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Page 17: Lcd
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information From the Main View (See “Main View”, page 6), press the LCD button to toggle the On-Screen Display (OSD) on or off, press and hold the LCD button for two seconds to turn off the LCD, press again to turn on. -
Page 18: Inputs And Outputs
The PIX 250i accepts HDMI version 1.4a video and audio. Supported video resolutions and rates are listed in the Specifications section. The PIX 250i HDMI input accepts up to 10-bit, 4:4:4 video, up to 8 channels of embedded audio. The PIX 250i also accepts Sony’s proprietary timecode over HDMI. The digital audio embedded in the HDMI stream (32 kHz –... -
Page 19: Audio Inputs
24-bits. AES3 inputs are sample rate converted to 48 kHz. HDMI / SDI Embedded Audio The PIX 250i accepts 8 channels of embedded digital audio on the HDMI Video Input or 16 channels of digital audio on the SDI input. -
Page 20: Audio Outputs
Audio Outputs Analog Audio Outputs The two analog outputs of the PIX 250i are active-balanced, line-level outputs (+18dBu max). At factory default, the source of the Analog Line Outputs 1-2 is tracks 1 and 2, respectively. v. 2.00... -
Page 21: Headphone Output
SDI Output. SDI Output routing is set in: [Audio - SDI Output]. Headphone Output The PIX 250i is capable of driving headphones to extremely high sound pressure levels. Hearing experts advise against exposure to high sound pressure levels for extended periods. -
Page 22: Ethernet
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Ethernet The PRI and SEC Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the PIX 250i are used for a variety of PIX 250i functions/features: • Network Grouping (See “Network Grouping”, page • File Transfer (Samba) (See “Transferring Files”, page... -
Page 23: Video Monitoring Features
The following image is a luminance ramp signal displayed on a PIX 250i 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 24 PIX 250i 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...
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Page 25: Focus Assist
PIX 250i 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 pressing LCD button + MENU button. The word “FOCUS” is displayed in yellow text on the OSD when Focus Assist is enabled. - Page 26 PIX 250i 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).
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Page 27: Zoom
Rewind and Fast Forward buttons move left and right, respectively. Flip Display Some mounting situations require the PIX 250i (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). -
Page 28: Recording
Time, and drives actively recording turn red. The PIX 250i is a record-priority device and will enter record any time the REC button is pressed. If the PIX 250i is not ready to record when a record com- mand is given, the PIX 250i will enter a Record Pending state. In this state the REC button will flash red. -
Page 29: 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 250i to treat all 1080i signal as if it were PsF and deinterlace it accordingly. -
Page 30: Interruption Of Signal During Recording
In the event that video signal is lost (an unplugged HDMI or SDI cable, for example) during record- ing, the PIX 250i 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. -
Page 31: Video Scaling And Frame Rate Conversion
[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 250i will record in the indicated integer frame rate if the input video is an integer frame or record in the indicated non-inte- ger frame rate if the input video is a non-integer frame rate. -
Page 32: Up And Down Conversion
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 250i has various options for up and down conversion: Down-Conversion Letterbox: Maintains the same height and width ratio. - Page 33 PIX 250i 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.
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Page 34: Playback Operation
(See “Appendix A - Supported Files”, page 71). Play- back video is shown on the onboard LCD display and is sent to the video outputs. The PIX 250i’s video playback clock is determined by the setting in [Timecode/Sync - Sync Ref - Video Playback]. -
Page 35: Shuttle Playback Mode
Shuttle Playback Mode In Shuttle Playback Mode the PIX 250i 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 36: Looping Playback
To exit looping, hold down the Play () button for 1 second. Playback Mode By default, when a file is selected for playback, the PIX 250i 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 37: Play List
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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. To access the File Detail view of a file: 1. Press the FILES button to view the File List. -
Page 38: Non-Native File Playback
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information By default, the PIX 250i will play files in the order that they are arranged in the File List. To play Playback Mode] must be set to one of the Play List back files in the order of the Play List, [System modes. -
Page 39: Synchronization And Timecode
In other words, the PIX 250i references this clock and synchro- nizes its own clock to it. The PIX 250i 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 250i 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 40: Sync Reference
The PIX 250i’s sync source is always the incoming video signal when stopped and while recording. This is to ensure that the PIX 250i is always in sync with the incoming video source. During Playback of QuickTime files, the PIX 250i can reference its own Internal clock, Video Input (SDI/HDMI), or Genlock signal at the SYNC IN BNC. -
Page 41: Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator With Sync
The setting of this is parameter is found in Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out]. When the Sync Out of the PIX 250i 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 42: Timecode Input Sources
24h Run Auto Mute Functions the same as 24h Run mode except timecode signal is muted from the timeocde output when the PIX 250i is in stopped mode. This allows rec-run functionality when Rec Run mode is not suitable (e.g. Multi-camera shoots). - Page 43 Genlock In this scenario, the PIX 250i is the master source of video sync. Set the output of the sync generator to a selected rate and connect the PIX 250i Sync Out (Genlock) to the same camera. Feed the time- code output of the PIX 250i into the timecode input of the camera.
- Page 44 SDI/HDMI In this scenario, each camera is its own master video sync source , but the PIX 250i is the source of the timecode. The PIX 250i records its files based on the camera’s clock. The heads will match per- fectly, but the tails may drift depending on the cameras’...
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Page 45: Powering
The PIX 250i will display a warning, stop any active recordings, finish writing files, and shut the PIX 250i down. The PowerSafe Battery will power the PIX 250i during this time. This feature ensures that files will be protected even in the event of unexpected power loss. -
Page 46: Network Grouping
Setup Menu option [Network - Network Group] assigns the PIX 250i 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. -
Page 47: Grouped Settings
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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. -
Page 48: External Control
Web Interface - PIXNET When either the primary (PRI) or secondary (SEC) Ethernet ports on the PIX 250i rear panel are con- nected to an Ethernet network (via switch or router), or direct to a computer (ad-hoc), the PIX 250i can be controlled remotely via PIXNET. - Page 49 Chrome and Safari. Multiple rack-mounted PIX Video recorders or 970 Audio Recorders can be accessed at the same time from the same web browser window using tabs. In this section, the term “unit” refers to PIX 250i, PIX 260i, or PIX 270i Video Recorders, or the 970 Audio Recorder.
- Page 50 40). Click on the Name to open the Unit Page for that particular unit. Address Bar File Resolution / Rate Type in PIX 250i IP Address to connect to Displays the resolution and frame rate PIXNET. that the unit is configured to record.
- Page 51 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information PIXNET Unit Page The Unit page allows for near full remote control of the PIX 250i via the web browser. All Units Page Button Group Click to return to All Units Page. Displays current Group setting, quickly...
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Page 52: Pixnet Unit Page Main View And Menu Tabs
PIXNET Unit Page. Clips Menu The Clips Menu is the PIXNET version of the PIX 250i 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 53 PIX 250i Audio 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 250i itself: Track Name Armed Track (On) Click to edit.
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Page 54: Triggering Recording From External Timecode
The PIX 250i 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 master time- code device should be setup in this manner. To configure the PIX 250i to follow Record Run com- mands: 1. Set Setup Menu option [Remote Control - Rec Start/Stop] to Timecode... -
Page 55: Gpio (General Purpose Input / Output)
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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. -
Page 56: Usb Keyboard
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information USB Keyboard The PIX 250i 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 250i Transport functions. -
Page 57: Storage And File Management
See PIX-CADDY documentation for details on attaching a 2.5” drive to the PIX-CADDY. Supported Storage Devices Sound Devices maintains a list of storage devices that are approved for use with the PIX 250i. 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. - Page 58 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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.
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Page 59: Metadata
The Take number will reset to 1 when the Scene name is changed. File Management The PIX 250i 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. -
Page 60: File Naming
File Size Limit To aid in maintaining manageable file sizes, the PIX 250i will automatically begin writing a new file after a set amount of minutes has elapsed in a recording. The beginning of this new file will be seam- less to the ending of the previous file. - Page 61 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 250i. If this occurs, it is advisable to format the drive with the PIX 250i before making new recordings.
- Page 62 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 250i for read or write actions. The Drive Status field on the OSD will read “Network” in this mode.
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Page 63: 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 250i drive to be loaded on the PIX 250i. - Page 64 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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, as usual. 6. 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 65: 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 250i. 3. Ensure that the power source for the PIX 250i is reliable. Power loss during a firmware up- grade process can produce unexpected results. -
Page 66: Setup Menu Options
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Setup Menu Options The Setup Menu controls a wide range of parameters for the PIX 250i. 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 250i • ProRes 422HQ 220Mb/s, 10bit will use the corresponding DNxHD data rate. » ProRes 422 145Mb/s, 10bit •... -
Page 68: Audio
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Parameter Name Description Options HD output type employs SMPTE 292M / HD-SDI on » HD (4:2:2 10-bit) SDI Output Type SDI output. 3G output type employs SMPTE 424M / • 3G (4:4:4 12-bit) 3G-SDI on SDI output. -
Page 69: Timecode/Sync
• Freerun Auto Mute • Record Run Sets the running mode for the internal timecode gen- Timecode Mode erator and/or the method which the PIX 250i receives • 24h Run SMPTE timecode.. • 24h Run Auto Mute • Ext TC (LTC) •... -
Page 70: Lcd Monitor
Sets the offset of the beginning timecode stamp of recorded files. Useful when there is a constant offset » 0 File Start TC Offset between camera and PIX 250i recorded files. The (numeric -10 to +10) applied offset does not affect timecode output of the PIX 250i. -
Page 71: Remote Control
» Off • SDI Flag - RED • SDI Flag - Panasonic • SDI Flag - Panasonic (Varicam) Determines what method the PIX 250i uses to auto- Rec Start/Stop • SDI Flag - Canon matically start and stop recordings. • SDI Flag - Sony •... -
Page 72: Network
Power external DC is applied. When Use Power Switch is se- • Use Power Switch lected the PIX 250i is powered on and off using a key combination of AUDIO button + Control Knob press. » -40dBFS HP Warning Bell Level... -
Page 73: Quick Setup
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Parameter Name Description Options Whether or not a new file will be created when the REC button is pushed during recording. When [File • On Rec button File Split Storage - QuickTime File Split every] is set to Split »... - Page 74 PIX 250i 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 75 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Connector Pin Assignments Connector Pin Assignments Notes 1–ground Pins 2 and 3 unused. When using XLR4M (2) 2–float a single power source, use Primary (Primary and Second- 3–float connector (top). (See “Powering”, ary DC Input) 4–DC+...
- Page 76 PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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...
- Page 77 The PIX 250i supports up to 16 Tracks of audio in a QuickTime file. When exporting the QuickTime file for PIX 250i playback be certain to use only 2 audio streams (PIX 250i can handle up to 16 audio tracks over one QuickTime audio stream).
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Page 78: Hdmi
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information Specifications 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 79: Audio Recording
Disk Format ExFAT PIX-CADDY 2 mounted drives Two, front-mounted Sound Devices approved 2.5-inch drives See Sound Devices’ website for a list of approved media: www.sounddevices.com/approved 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... -
Page 80: Control
PIX 250i 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 81: Declaration Of Conformity
PIX 250i User Guide and Technical Information 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 Declares under sole responsibility that the product as delivered... -
Page 82: Software License
Sound Devices, LLC product, even if Sound Devices, LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages. -
Page 83: 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 250i based exclusively on the fact that it meets our minimum system requirements. - Page 84 PIX 250i, v 2.00 - Printed in U.S.A.
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