Appendix

About i.LINK

The HDV/DV jack provided on the unit is an i.LINK-compliant jack. This section describes the i.LINK standard and its features.

What is i.LINK?

i.LINK is a digital serial interface for sending and receiving digital video, digital audio, and other data between the unit and other equipment equipped with an i.LINK terminal. You can also control other equipment using i.LINK.

i.LINK-compatible equipment can be connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are operations and data exchange with various digital AV equipment. When two or more i.LINK-compatible equipment are connected to the unit, operations and data exchange are possible with equipment directly connected to the unit and also with equipment connected to the unit via other equipment.

Note, however, that the method of operation may vary depending on the characteristics and specifications of the equipment to be connected. Also, there are cases where operations and data exchange may not be possible even if the connection is made.

Notes

•Normally, only one device can be connected to the unit using i.LINK cable. When you connect the unit to HDV/DVCAM (DV)-compliant equipment that allows multiple connections, refer to the operating instructions of the equipment to be connected.

•i.LINK is an easy-to-remember term for the IEEE 1394 proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations in Japan and overseas.

•IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

About the i.LINK baud rate

The maximum baud rate of i.LINK varies depending on the equipment. There are three types.

S100 (Approximately 100 Mbps*)

S200 (Approximately 200 Mbps)

S400 (Approximately 400 Mbps)

The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of individual equipment. It may be indicated near the i.LINK interface on some equipment.

The baud rate may vary from the indicated value when the unit is connected to equipment with a different maximum baud rate.

*What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the volume of data that can be sent or received in 1 second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100 megabits of data can be sent in 1 second.

To use i.LINK functions of the unit

For details on how to perform dubbing when the unit is connected to other video equipment that has an i.LINK jack, see page 44, 54.

The unit can also be connected to other i.LINK- compatible equipment made by Sony (i.e., a VAIO series computer) as well as video equipment.

The unit may not be able operate with some i.LINK video equipment such as digital televisions, DVD recorders/players, and MICROMV recorders/players even if they are equipped with i.LINK jack. Before connecting to another equipment, confirm whether this equipment is HDV/DVCAM (DV) compatible.

For details on precautions on connections and whether or not software applications compatible with the unit are available, refer to the operating instructions of the equipment to be connected.

Notes

•When you connect with the i.LINK cable to a computer and the unit, check the direction of the jack. If you forcibly insert the jack, the terminal may be damaged or cause the unit to malfunction.Align v mark of the i.LINK cable with V mark on the unit and insert the i.LINK cable.

•Be sure to connect the i.LINK cable to a computer first and then connect it to the unit. If you connect the i.LINK cable to the unit first, it may cause the unit to malfunction because of static electricity.

•When you connect the unit to equipment equipped with a 6-pin type i.LINK jack, connect the cable to the 6-pin type i.LINK jack first.

•When you connect the unit to equipment equipped with an i.LINK jack using the i.LINK cable, power off the equipment and remove the power cord from the AC outlet before connecting (or disconnecting) the i.LINK cable. If the i.LINK cable is connected (or disconnected) while the equipment power cord is connected to the AC outlet, a high-voltage current (8 to 40 V) output from the i.LINK jack of the equipment flows into the unit and damage it.

About required i.LINK cable

Use a Sony i.LINK cable.

i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

98 Appendix