PD204 : DVD/HD Location Recorder

Overview

RECORDING TO 80GB HD AND 12CM DVD
The PD204 records audio to the internal (user replaceable) 1.8-inch 80GB hard disc drive (HDD) and standard-size 12cm DVD-RAM discs. In addition simultaneous recording to both media is available either by mirroring or auto-copy. Further confidence is offered with an intelligent 'background mode' which automatically copies recorded audio from the HDD to DVD when the machine is idling. The DVD drive can also write to DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs for easy data copy / backup.

DIGITAL MIXING AND 2-TRACK RECORDING
Following Fostex's philosophy of 'real knobs and buttons are better', recording, mixing and routing on this new recorder is an intuitive experience. No multiple button pushes and complex menus to change a level, just turn a knob. Yet don't confuse ease of use with a lack of features as the PD204 offers a multitude of mixing options and recording sophistication. The PD204 offers 2 track simultaneous recording, 4 analog inputs, 1 anlog outputs and two AES/EBU digital I/Os.

INTELLIGENT BATTERY MANAGEMENT
Battery life is perhaps one of the most important features of a location recorder and it's here these new machines really show their class. Not one, but two standard V-mounts are offered for with the user being in control of power management. Choose BATT.1, BATT.2 or External DC power. A smart function switches which battery is used when the primary source voltage falls below user-definable level.

HIGH SPEED DATA TRANSFER TO PC / MAC
When connected to a host computer via the USB 2.0 interface, the recorder can be directly mounted on the desktop for easy drag and drop data copying. Future enhancements will include the ability to use USB 2.0 flash memory pens. A standard QWERTY keyboard can also be connected for easy file name editing.

SOPHISTICATED TIMECODE FACILITIES
These being Fostex recorders, the implementation of timecode is beyond reproach with an incredible ±1ppm accuracy. That's 0.0001% accuracy for both recording and playback of IEC format timecode with Jam Sync also available. Four modes of timecode are offered: 24H RUN (sync to the internal clock); REC RUN; FREE RUN; and EXT RUN with 7 frame rates (23.97, 24, 25, 29.97ND, 29.97DF, 30ND, 30DF).

PROFESSIONAL OPERATION, RUGGED RELIABILITY
Use a PD204 in the field and you're immediately aware that Fostex know a thing or two about professional location recording. At almost every point in the acquisition process there are clues: Automatic file closing in the background every 60 seconds means fast data recovery in the event of a power outage, 10 seconds (max) of pre-record means never missing the beginning of a take, the 99 cue point memory, an Avid™ compatible EDL file (ALE) can be created and edited, a 9pin remote connector for simultaneous recording using two PD606 or PD204s, the crystal clear 16 segment LED metering, the slate tone generator with hold mode, etc., the list goes on.

The PD204 is also tough, being manufactured from ultra-durable materials specifically designed for a busy life in the field.

UP TO 24BIT / 192KHZ AUDIO
No MP3. No compression. No short cuts. No compromise. The new PD204 simply features sonically superior recording at up to 24-bit / 192kHz resolution.

In Detail

• 2 track simultaneous recording
• 4 ch Analog inputs (XLR)
• 2 ch Analog outputs (XLR),
• 2 ch AES/EBU Digital I/O's (XLR)
• Recording to (user replaceable) 1.8" 80GB HDD (Model EX-HD1) and 12cm DVD-RAM
• Backup to DVD-RAM, -R and -RW disc.
• Approx. 256 min recording at 24bit/ 48kHz per 4.7GB DVD-RAM or HDD partition
• Mirror recording to HD and DVD*
• BWF file format files - easily imported into PC editing software with TC.
• 24bit audio at 44.1/ 48/ 88.2/ 96/ 176.4/ 192kHz, 16bit audio at 44.1/ 48kHz
• Digital Mixer with Analog like operation. Equipped with channel link, HPF and limiter
• 0.1% Fs pull up/down
• Auto data is backed up 60 seconds
• 10 seconds (max) of pre record to minimises the risk of missing the start of a take
• USB 2.0 interface for mounting HDD partitions as well as DVD-RAM contents on PC desktop
• Two battery V-Mounts (up to 4 cells mounted)
• AUX input for headphone monitoring of audio from a camcorder
• 9 pin remote port enabling connection of a 2nd PD606 or PD204 for simultaneous recording†
• Fully functional SMPTE Timecode generator with jam sync to external TC, VIDEO, Tri-Level and WORD sync available

DVD-RAM Recording times
Click here for a chart outlining available recording times at various frequencies when using a DV40 or PD-6.

BWF Manager
BWF Manager' is a software utility application, (available in both Windows and Mac versions), that enables the user to analyze a selected BWF poly format file and create individual BWF mono files for each track of the poly format file.
BWF Manager is a FREE download from Fostex. Click here to go to the download page.

Options

From Fostex

• AD-15C AC Adapter
• EX-HD1 Optional HDD unit, formatted, 80GB
• EX-BP1 Replacement V-connector Panel for IDX A-NH2E
• ZP-62 PortaBrace™ Carrying Case for PD606 / PD204

From IDX (recommended):

• IDX ENDURA-7 (E-7) 71Wh Lithium Ion V-Mount Battery Pack with Power Link
• IDX ENDURA-10(E-10) 98Wh Lithium Ion V-Mount Battery Pack with Power Link
• IDX NH-100 Single NP Battery Holder
• IDX A-NH2E V-Mount Adaptor Plate for NP/BP battery holder

*The IDX products are not supplied from Fostex. For details, visit IDX website, www.idx.tv

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Specifications

GENERAL RECORDING / PLAYBACK

Recording Medium: HD/DVD-RAM/DVD-R/DVD-RW
Recording Time: approx. 256 min. (48kHz/24bit/2trk), HD partition or DVD RAM) See Chart
File Format: BWF (Broadcast Wave Format)
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz
Quantization: 16-bit linear (44.1 / 48 kHz), 24bit linear (44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz)
No. of Recording Track: 2 tracks
Recording/Reproduction Frequency:
20 Hz - 20 kHz +-1dB (FS 44.1/48kHz)
20 Hz - 40 kHz +-2dB (FS 88.2/96kHz)
20 Hz - 70kHz +-3dB (FS 176.4/192kHz)
Dynamic Range: more than 110dB (typical)
T.H.D.: less than 0.008% (1kHz, -1dBFS,typical)
Reference Level: -20dB

INPUTS / OUTPUTS
Analog In Connector: XLR-3-31 type (balanced) x 4
Input Level: -32 to + 4dBu (LINE) / -70dBu (MIC)
Max Input Level: +24dBu (LINE) / -14dBu (MIC)
Input Impedance: more than 10k ohm (LINE) / more than 2k ohm (MIC)
Analog Out Connector: XLR-3-32 type (balanced) x 2
Ref Output Level: +4dBu
Max Output Level: +24dBu
Load Impedance: more than 10k ohm
AUX In Connector: XLR-5-31 type (balanced)
Ref Input Level: +4dBu / -10dBu / -60dBu (selectable)
Max Input Level: +24dBu
Load Impedance: more than 10k ohm
Digital I/O Connector: XLR-5-31 type (Input) / XLR-3-32 type (Output)
Format: AES/EBU(IEC60958) or S/P DIF(IEC60958)

SYNC INPUTS / OUTPUTS
Timecode In Connector: XLR-3-31 type
Format: SMPTE/EBU
Ref Input Level: 2Vp-p
Min Input Level: 0.25Vp-p
Input Impedance: more than 20k ohm
Timecode Out Connector: XLR-3-32 type
Format: SMPTE/EBU
Ref Output Level: 2Vp-p
Output Impedance: less than 1k ohm
Load Impedance: more than 600 ohm
WORD/VIDEO In: BNC type (automatic), Ref Input Level: TTL with 75 ohm terminator SW
WORD Out: BNC type, Ref Output Level: TTL

USB     
For PC: Connector B type (USB2.0
For HOST: Connector A type (Keyboard USB1.1, Device USB2.0)

Phones     
Connector: 6.3mm dia. Stereo Phone
Maximum Output: more than 200mW (32 ohm loaded)
Load Impedance: more than 32k ohm
Parallel Remote: Mini DIN 8pin
9PIN Remote: D-SUB 9pin, Protocol: Sony 9pin (P2)
DC In (DC11.5 ~ 24V): XLR4-32 type
DC Out: Hirose 4pin (HR10A-7R-4S, female), Max 0.5A

GENERAL     
Dimensions: 116.5(H) x 325(W) x 234(D) mm
Weight: Approx. 3.3kgs
Power Requirement: IDX Endura V-mount battery, D-15C (optional)
Power Consumption: 13W

Documents and Downloads

• Brochure
• Owners Manual

For more document downloads, check the manuals section in Technical Support