Primer for Setting Up the Sony SR-PC4 and Choosing a Connection/Transfer Protocol
This information is accurate as of January 26, 2012.
Download this tutorial as a PDF.
This document will provide information to help you decide which file transfer protocol you will use with the SR-PC4. It also includes step-by-step instructions for connecting the SR-PC4 to your computer of choice for use as an interface with the SR-PC4. Links below will then take you to the specific instructions for setting up either eSATA or Ethernet transfer protocols. Please be sure to read all the way through before skipping to the specific setup instructions.
SR-PC4 Overview
The Sony SR-PC4 is not simply a card reader for the SRMemory cards. It is a stand-alone computer that enables the user to transfer files to connected eSATA drives and Ethernet-connected share points. It has a Gigabit Ethernet connection port, used primarily for communication between the SR-PC4 and your computer, which uses a web browser interface to access the unit’s controls and issue commands to it. When properly configured the SR-PC4 grabs files from the SRMemory cards and transfers them to drives that are connected to it.
Out of the box it is possible to transfer F65RAW files from the SRMemory cards by using the SR-PC4.
The SR-PC4 comes with a 1 gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) port labeled “NETWORK”. This is used primarily as a communications port, so that a connected computer can issue commands to the SR-PC4 via a web browser interface.
Output options are file-based only for now. The SR-PC4 has a single 3G HD-SDI output for viewing F65RAW footage, but that is currently disabled. F65RAW footage can currently be viewed using the F65RAW Player from Sony on a Mac in Lion OS only. If requested, the F65RAW Player will be provided to Band Pro customers. It is currently a beta version but will allow software playback of files and adjustment of metadata. Also, it allows F65RAW files to be output as DPX or OpenEXR stills. F65RAW Player is only compatible with Mac computers running Lion OS. Contact Randy Wedick for more information.
PCI-E Cards
·To facilitate high speed file transfer, there is a PCI-E port in the SR-PC4 that can be outfitted with either an eSATA or 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) card.
The following cards are recommended in the Sony manual:
| Card Name | Type | Compatibility |
| Intel E10G41AT2 | 10GbE - copper | PC-compatible |
| Intel EXPX9501AFXSR | 10GbE - fiber | PC-compatible |
| Myricom 10G-PCIE-8B-S | 10GbE - SFP connector | Mac-compatible |
| HighPoint RocketRAID 2314* | eSATA | Both |
*Some other eSATA cards, such as SYBA, DYNEX and other HighPoint cards, may be compatible as long as the card contains the SiI3132 chipset. A larger list will be coming in the future.
Transfer Speeds
Keep in mind the following numbers (which are approximate)
| Max read speed of SRMemory cards | 700 MB/sec |
| Max speed of eSATA on HighPoint cards | around 300 MB/sec |
| Max speed of 10GbE on a PC | 600 MB/sec |
| Max speed of 10GbE on a Mac | 500 MB/sec |
| Max speed of 1GbE built into the SR-PC4 | 100 MB/sec |
*Remember, these numbers are approximate.
Whichever interface you stick with, it would be wise to match or exceed the max speed of your network "wire speed" with the max speed of your storage device. For example, if you are using 10GbE on a Mac you want a drive that has a sustained write speed in excess of 500MB/sec.
SR-PC4 Initial Setup
Initial setup on the SR-PC4 is the same regardless of whatever file transfer method you choose to use.
1) Connect your computer to the SR-PC4’s NETWORK connection on the rear of the unit using a 1GbE cable.
2) Set your computer IP address to 192.168.0.x (x = any number between 0 and 255, except 1).
3) Open a web browser window (Firefox, Safari, etc.) and type the IP address of the SR-PC4 into the browser address line. Its default address is 192.168.0.1. This will contact the SR-PC4 and it will load a web page interface in your browser allowing you full control of the unit.
Here you will see a variety of pages and sub-tabs. Familiarize yourself with these tabs and explore a bit.
Further Setup
From this point there are three different setups.
1) eSATA
2) 1GbE
3)10GbE (very similar to 1GbE)
eSATA workflow (#1) allows you to directly connect an eSATA drive to the SR-PC4 to transfer files.
Ethernet workflows (#2 and #3) allow file transfer to any drive connected to the same network that the SR-PC4 is on. It requires you to set up the drive as an NFS share point, which is a somewhat complicated procedure. To get creative with the NFS share point you need to have knowledge of IT infrastructure.
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This manual will be updated regularly in the coming weeks and more topics will be added as well. To stay updated please contact Randy Wedick.
Randy Wedick
Technical Consultant
Band Pro Film & Digital, Inc.
818.841.9655 x 119
randy.wedick@bandpro.com