AMSTERDAM — Madison, WI’s Sound Devices (www.sounddevices.com), which specializes in portable audio and video products for field production, has improved the functionality of its Pix 260i Production Video Recorder. The Pix 260i replaces tape-based video decks in production and post production environments. At IBC, the company is showing off the latest firmware, Version 1.03.
The Pix 260i records QuickTime files in either Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD video formats. Files recorded in these intra-frame codecs are ready for editing directly from the recorder in common editing environments, such as Avid, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere, eliminating time-consuming transferring and transcoding. For color-critical applications, the Pix 260i supports Apple ProRes 4444 through its 12-bit, 4:4:4 3G-SDI I/O. Users can also play out files from the Pix 260i for realtime applications.
Files are recorded simultaneously on up to four separate, 2.5-inch SSD storage devices via two front panel PIX-CADDY slots and two rear panel eSATAp connections. Recording to multiple drives offers immediate file backup, eliminating time-consuming post-record copying. Gigabit Ethernet network ports enable remote access to recorded files and the ability to transfer these files quickly.
Another key feature of the Pix 260i is its ability to be controlled from browser-capable computers and tablets. When connected to a data network, transport controls and setup menu controls are available on PixNet, which offers control of one or multiple 260i recorders.
The Pix 260i offers 32-track record/playback capabilities. In addition to 16 channels of embedded SDI audio and eight channels of HDMI audio, the 260i also accepts eight channels of line-level analog I/O and eight channels of AES digital audio.
Version 1.03 firmware is available as a free download to existing 260i users, and provides support for the new Pix-Caddy CF accessory, which allows the unit to record polyphonic WAV files directly to removable CompactFlash cards. In addition, V.1.03 enables users to record and playback Mono Audio Wave Files (audio only mode with SSD and HDD) and supports RS-422 locate to timecode, cue point commands and device type ID (Sony BVW-75 emulation).