Sony 4K/HD Multi Port AV Storage Unit

Multi-Channel 4K/HD Recorder capable of real-time recording & playback from Sony

Sony's PWS-4400 4K/HD Multi Port AV Storage Unit is a multi-channel recorder capable of real-time recording and playback of 4K/UHD video and high frame rate HD video, making it suitable for live broadcast and studio productions. It is equipped with four XAVC I/O boards that are input/output switchable, letting you configure the system to allow for up to four 4K recording channels or up to six HD channels using the efficient XAVC-Intra format.

The unit comes pre-installed with a 2TB memory board for internal storage, which can be expanded to 8TB by adding additional 2TB memory boards (sold separately). Each 2TB memory board lets you store around six to seven hours of 4K 50p/59.94p footage (XAVC-I, Class 300, 600 Mbps). The recorded XAVC files are readily accepted by most non-linear editing systems, enabling easy 4K and HD post production workflows. For a full 4K live server system, the PWS-4400 can be used along with the optional PWS-100PR1 Production Control System, PWS-100MG1 Meda Gateway Station, and PWSK-4403 USB Control Device.

Note: AC power cord not included.

XAVC Video Recording
The unit employs XAVC format in conformance with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec as the recording system to obtain digital recording and playback of high-quality video. The unit also supports 16-channel uncompressed, 24-bit, 48 kHz audio.

Multi-Resolution
The unit allows recording and playback of 4:2:2 (10-bit) signals in 1920×1080 (HD), 2048×1080 (2K), 3840×2160 (QFHD), and 4096×2160 (4K) resolutions. The unit using XAVC-Intra Class 100 for HD and 2K resolutions, and XAVC-Intra Class 300 for UHD/QFHD (3840x2160) and DCI 4K (4096x2160).

High Frame Rate Recording
The PWS-4400 can record video signals at high frame rates, in addition to the standard frame rate. Signals recorded at a high frame rate can be played back at normal speed, and can also be played back as smooth slow motion video. The unit supports recording at the following high frame rates:

• HD (1920×1080) 100i/119i
• HD (1920×1080) 200p/239p/300p/359p
• QFHD (3840×2160) 100p/119p

I/O Boards
The unit is equipped with four input/output boards, each capable of handling 4K and HD signals. Each I/O board has the following 16 connectors:

• Connectors 1 to 4: 3G/HD-SDI In/Out
• Connectors 5 to 8: 3G/HD-SDI In/Out (for monitors)
• Connector 9: HD-SDI Output (4K to HD downscaling, no audio)
• Connector 10: HD-SDI In/Out (For Boards A to C outputs the same signal as Connector 9. For Board D, it can be set to output the input signal from all four boards in multi-monitor format)
• Connector 11: Timecode In
• Connector 12: Timecode Out
• Connector 13 to 16: Digital Audio In (AES/EBU, channels 1 to 8)

The input/output of each board can be switched via a configuration menu that can be viewed in your web browser. You can flexibly arrange I/O boards into 4-input, 3-input/1-output, 2-input/2-output, 1-input/3-output, or 4-output configurations to suit your production needs and environment. For HD, the unit supports simultaneous dual-system recording using a single input board. This enables 4-in/2-out and 6-in/1-out configurations.

Port Sync Operation
Configure the PWS-4400 for operation with synced input ports and synced output ports. When input ports or output ports are grouped, changing the operation of one port also changes the other ports within the group in unison.

HD Cutout Function
This function allows you cut out a portion of a video signal recorded in 4K or UHD, using the included PWA-PRC1 Production Control software application, and view it at HD size.

Internal Storage
The unit comes with a 2 TB memory storage board installed. With four additional slots available, you can expand the storage capacity to up to 8TB by adding optional PWSK-4401 expansion memory storage boards.

Playlist Playback
The unit supports play back of playlists created using the PWA-PRC1 Production Control software from the output ports of the unit.

Loop Recording
This function records video in a continuous loop. A loop recording area must be assigned to input/output ports beforehand using the web menu. When the recorded video reaches the capacity of the assigned area, recording continues from the start, overwriting the previous recording.

Network
Equipped with FTP server functions, the PWS-4400 allows you to transfer video files in MXF format via a network. The unit is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports as standard. In addition, a 10-Gigabit Ethernet option is available by installing a board in the PCIe expansion slot.

Remote Control
You can simultaneously connect up to four controllers that support the RS-422A (9-pin serial) signal format. The Sony VTR/Disk Protocol, VDCP, and Odetics control protocols are supported. Remote control using parallel interface (25-pin) and gigabit Ethernet is also supported.

Key Features:

• 10-bit 4:2:2 4K/2K/HD Recording
• Four XAVC I/O Boards
• Up to Four 4K Inputs Channels
• Up to Six HD Input Channels
• High Frame Rate 360p HD Recording
• Efficient XAVC-Intra Format
• 4K to HD Down-Convert Output
• 2TB of Storage (Expandable to 8TB)
• Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface

• 10-bit 4:2:2 4K/2K/HD Recording
• Four XAVC I/O Boards
• Up to Four 4K Inputs Channels
• Up to Six HD Input Channels
• High Frame Rate 360p HD Recording
• Efficient XAVC-Intra Format
• 4K to HD Down-Convert Output
• 2TB of Storage (Expandable to 8TB)
• Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface

• Sony 4K/HD Multi Port AV Storage Unit

Recording
Recording Format:
XAVC-Intra Class 100 (YPbPr 4:2:2, 10-bit):

• 1920 x 1080i 25/29.97 (1 x HD-SDI, 100 Mbps)
• 1920 x 1080i 50/59.94 (1 x 3G-SDI / 2 x HD-SDI, 200 Mbps)
• 1920 x 1080p 23.98/25/29.97 (1 x HD-SDI, 100 Mbps)
• 1920 x 1080p 50/59.94 (1 x 3G-SDI / 2 x HD-SDI, 200 Mbps)
• 1920 x 1080p 200/239 (4 x 3G-SDI, 800 Mbps)
• 1920 x 1080p 300/359 (6 x 3G-SDI, 1200 Mbps)
• 2048 x 1080p 23.98/24/25/29.97 (1 x HD-SDI, 100 Mbps)
• 2048 x 1080p 50/59.94 (1 x 3G-SDI / 2 x HD-SDI, 200 Mbps)

XAVC Intra Class 300 (YPbPr 4:2:2, 10-bit):

• 3840 x 2160p 23.98/25/29.97 (2 x 3G-SDI / 4 x HD-SDI, 300 Mbps)
• 3840 x 2160p 50/59.94 (4 x 3G-SDI, 600 Mbps)
• 3840 x 2160p 100/119 (8 x 3G-SDI, 1200 Mbps)
• 4096 x 2160p 23.98/24/25/29.97 (2 x 3G-SDI / 4 x HD-SDI, 300 Mbps)
• 4096 x 2160p 50/59.94 (4 x 3G-SDI, 600 Mbps)

Digital Audio Format:

• 24-bit, 48 kHz
• Headroom: 20 dB / 18 dB / 16 dB / 15 dB / 12 dB / 9 dB (selectable)

Storage: 2 TB (expandable up to 8TB with optional 2TB memory boards)
Approximate Record Times:
With 2TB or internal memory:

• 4K/UHD 23.98p: 14.8 hours
• 4K/UHD 59.94p: 6.2 hours
• 2K/HD 50.00i: 27.6 hours
• 2K/HD 59.94i: 27.6 hours
• 2K/HD 50p: 15 hours
• 2K/HD 59.94p: 15.3 hours

Input/Output
I/O Connectors: 4 x I/O boards

When ENCODER mode is selected (per board):

• 3G/HD-SDI Input: 4 x BNC (SMPTE 292M/BTA-S004B standard, SMPTE 424M Level A/B)
• 3G/HD-SDI Output: 4 x BNC (used for input signal monitor applications only)
• Multi-Monitor: 1 x BNC (HD-SDI SMPTE 292M/BTA-S004B standard)
• Down-Converter: 1 x BNC (HD-SDI SMPTE 292M/BTA-S004B standard)
• Timecode Input: 1 x BNC (1.5 Vpp, 10 kOhms)
• Timecode Input: 1 x BNC (1.5 Vpp, low impedance)
• Digital Audio (AES/EBU) Input: 4 x BNC (CH 1/2 to CH 7/8, unbalanced)

When DECODER mode is selected (per board):

• 3G/HD-SDI Output: 8 x BNC (SMPTE 292M/BTA-S004B standard, SMPTE 424M Level A/B)
• Monitor: 1 x BNC (HD-SDI SMPTE 292M/BTA-S004B standard)
• Multi-Monitor: 1 x BNC (HD-SDI SMPTE 292M/BTA-S004B standard)
• Timecode Output: 1 x BNC (1.5 Vpp, 10 kOhms)
• Digital Audio (AES/EBU) Output: 4 x BNC (CH 1/2 to CH 7/8, unbalanced)

Note: When connecting devices for AES/EBU signal input/output, use a cable whose length is less than 984' (300 m)

Reference
Reference Input :2 x BNC connectors (including 1 loop-through), 75 Ohms with terminal switch

• HD (tri-level sync)
• SD (Black Burst)

Remote
Remote (1/2/3/4): 4 x 9-pin D-Sub, female
Aux: 9-pin D-Sub (not currently active)
GPIO (25P): 25-pin D-Sub, female
Network (1/2): 2 x RJ-45, 1000BASE-T
Maintenance: USB

General
Power Requirements: 100 to 240 VAC
Power Input Connector: IEC C14
Maximum Power Consumption: 480 W
Inrush Current: 75 A peak, 5 A r.m.s (240 VAC)
Operating Temperature: 41 to 104°F (5 to 40°C)
Storage Temperature: -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C)
Humidity: 25 to 90% (non-condensing)
Dimensions: 16.8 x 6.9 x 21.3" (42.7 x 17.4 x 54.1 cm)
Weight: 44 lb (20 kg)