Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: SDDS hardware adjustments???

This is topic SDDS hardware adjustments??? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Adriaan Bijl (Member # 2191) on 04-30-2012, 08:52 AM:

Recently, I was able to add SDDS in my own booth, just for fun. I installed the software on my laptop connected it with the DFP-2000 adjusted the levels and ran the testreel distortion free on all channels!!!
But here's my problem: All the levels are at minimum but the output is still too loud. I can adjust the levels on the amps, but then my DTS 6-AD needs adjustment. Is there an easy way to adjust the volume settings hardware in the Sony processor/reader? Or do you need 'qualified personnel and/or equipment' to do that?

Thanks for reading this... [Wink]

Adriaan

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 05-04-2012, 11:03 AM:

I know in the 3000 there is a way to individually control each of the source levels in the unit. Bernie Anderson set up a 2000 a few months ago, he should know the answer.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-04-2012, 11:59 AM:

There is not an overall gain structure setting in the 2000 as there was in the 3000.

However, on each channel you can knock them down by 27dB and the "fader" has a +/- 10dB of range...-37dB is HUGE...you must have some really poor gain structure if you can not achieve a usable level.

Don't be too concerned if your volume has to go down to -5dB or so for you to be happy with level few people can withstand the studio reference).

-Steve

Posted by Sean Weitzel (Member # 244) on 05-04-2012, 12:55 PM:

Has anyone ever had trouble connecting up via PC and serial using the SDDS software? I've been utterly unable to get any version of the software to connect to the unit. I've made double sure i'm using the correct type of serial cable, even put a null modem adapter with no luck. I've tried with a windows XP laptop with a true serial port that is known good and even tried using an old Pentium II tower running windows 98. Is there a setting that has to be enabled or something on the processor itself to allow serial connections? I managed to set lip sync using the buttons on the inside of the front panel (which was a pain), but obviously would like to play with more of the settings.

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 05-04-2012, 02:22 PM:

Sean, did you set the data rate at 9600? That got me the 1st time around in getting them to talk to each other..

Posted by Adriaan Bijl (Member # 2191) on 05-04-2012, 05:03 PM:

Thank you Steve, for your reply and insight. 37 dB is quite a lot and I guess it is indeed a mindset, that your fader doesn't have to be in middle to have proper sound reproduction. I am now on -6.00 dB on the fader and with -20 dB via the individual channels, it just works fine.

So now a new quest: does anyone now where I could find:
a hard-coated LaVezzi sprocket
a remote fader for in my auditorium

Also, I am not able to change the date in the processor via the software, it is now on 10 January 2000. Can I do that via the frontdoor panel?

With reference to Sean's question: When you connect to the processor, what is the outcome after the attempt:
1: 'cannot connect, try again and when it happens again reboot the software', or
2: 'cannot connect, check cable and try again'

If it is #1, the PC doesn't 'see' the processor, so the connection betweem them is wrong. Use a Real null-modem cable, I would say.
If it is #2, it is indeed the data rate. I had to go as low as 4800 to make the connection.

Adriaan

Posted by Ian Parfrey (Member # 5122) on 05-05-2012, 05:12 AM:

Like Sean, I am having big trouble getting the PC laptop to connect to the DFP2000 with a constant message about no port available.

I'm wondering if it has something to do with XP on top of VMWare over Vista?

My laptop has no serial ports, only usbs and so has the appropriate adapter cable and null modem and I still get the port message.

Any ideas would be a huge help.

Posted by Adriaan Bijl (Member # 2191) on 05-05-2012, 08:24 AM:

I use a laptop (windows XP) with only USB ports and tried several different USB to Serial adaptors, nothing worked. When I found a docking-station for my laptop with a serial port, I was able to connect with the processor, relatively easy. (The Null-Modem cable was the last hurdle.)
Try to find something with a serial port that runs on XP and you should be fine. The latest software version from the SDDS site only works with NT or XP.

Adriaan

Posted by Sean Weitzel (Member # 244) on 05-05-2012, 01:17 PM:

I will try 9600. I didn't think it would be that slow.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-05-2012, 04:25 PM:

Oh yeah...the SDDS software was definitely stuck in Win98 and EARLIER land...the last version did work with XP...you MUST use a NULL MODEM cable...which will have the wrong gender on one end (thank you Sony) so we made our own...use the RS232 port. 9600 is good advice too. There is nothing too fast going on here.

-Steve

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 05-05-2012, 11:16 PM:

Keep in mind this stuff was built and programmed fo the mid-1990s. I use a machine with Xp and a RS 232 port. I would doubt that 7 or even usb adaptors would do it. Must use that null modem adaptor.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-06-2012, 02:43 PM:

Isn't that just a simple serial extension cord with M/F on each end?

Posted by Ian Parfrey (Member # 5122) on 05-07-2012, 12:07 AM:

Monte.
Needs to be a null modem cable and because of that cable, a sex changer has to be used.
If I remember right, Sony in theie infinite wisdom decided to use a male RS 232 on the unit. This has always bugged me because if the pins are damaged for whatever reason, it is so much harder to change the onboard male socket than a faulty cable with male connectors on it.

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 05-07-2012, 12:43 AM:

Step-by-step SDDS Hardware adjustment instructions:

TOOLS Needed:
Screwdrivers for rack screws and DB connector screws; your favorite beverage on standby.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1: Disconnect the power cord;
2: Disconnect the reader(s) cables;
3: Disconnect audio and automation cables;
4: Remove the (4) screws which hold the processor in the rack (WARNING: The processor is heavy, support it during removal to avoid damage to other rack components!);
5: After removing the processor from the rack remove the reader(s), cable(s) and adaptor plate(s) from the projector(s).
6: Carry processor, reader and cables to the nearest dumpster and toss them all in. (DO NOT place them in the dumpster carefully as no one would want to reclaim them anyway.)
7: Install Dolby or DTS processor and readers;
8: Perform "A" and "B" chain alignments which do not require an outdated computer to complete;
9: Enjoy a better-sounding, still-supported by the manufacturer technology along with your favorite beverage called out in the Tools required section above.

Simple fix and you get rid of the crap in your screening room. Win-Win. [Big Grin]

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 05-08-2012, 11:28 PM:

I have DTS and SDDS and always prefer the extra dynamic range SDDS offers (provided the print is ok).

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 05-09-2012, 02:00 PM:

Tony, my man, you have it exactly right. . . almost. Save the power cord, it may be useful for a printer or something. (See, sdds does have some value.)

And, no, sdds does not reproduce exactly what is given to it and so, is not, by definition, high fidelity. It is sometimes useful in large barn theatres with articulation problems on voices because of the changes made by the sdds processing.

Note that pink noise is not possible on loops; there never were any. Pink noise is only generated internally. The design precludes p/n loops. Louis

Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 05-09-2012, 06:24 PM:

Thanks Louis..good call on the power cord...actually IIRC it is the best feature of that system as it was heavy duty, had a cord lock on the IEC end and I think it's even shielded. [Big Grin]

And Bill, one of the many issues with SDDS was that the prints' SDDS tracks were almost always damaged beyond readability, since they are located on the worst possible places on the film....the outside the perf edges.

Posted by Bill Duelly (Member # 3612) on 05-11-2012, 06:01 AM:

I am not denying at all that it didn 't have its problems. It always seemed like a gamble if a print made it all the way through without dropping out anywhere. And like anything Sony, needlessly complicated. I find dts MUCH more reliable, but when sdds does work, I think it sounds better.

Posted by Adriaan Bijl (Member # 2191) on 05-11-2012, 06:27 PM:

I guess it is just fun to have. The unit is now running for two weeks and I had several drop-outs during screenings, but it can be gorgeous. Besides the quality of the print, the actual mix made by the post-production is also a consideration...

Is there a forum member who has SDDS trailers like Vulcano or Water for sale?