SxS
Click the question to find the answers.
- What is ExpressCard™?
- ExpressCard technology is the name of a new standard introduced by PCMCIA in September 2003. The ExpressCard standard is thinner, faster, lighter and offers modular expansion. ExpressCard was developed to achieve higher performance compared to PC card. The transfer speed by serial transfer is 2.5x that of the PC card with the PCI Express bus as the interface. There are two card sizes, ExpressCard/34 module (width:34mm) and ExpressCard/54 module (width:54mm). ExpressCard/34 module, at half the size of the PC card, was adopted by SxS PRO.
- What are the differences between SxS and other ExpressCard flash memory cards?
- SxS adopts PCI Express Interface, while other ExpresCard flash memory card use USB 2.0 interface*. It also employs a special protocol used to optimize the speed at which data is relayed/communicated between the XDCAM EX camcorder.
*As of November 1, 2007, Source: Sony Corporation.
- What is the transfer speed difference between PCI Express interface and USB2.0 interface?
- PCI Express interface which SxS adopts is about 4 times faster than that of USB2.0.
- Can SxS be used by devices other than the Sony XDCAM EX camcorder?
- SxS can be used on any PC with an ExpressCard slot (standard equipment) as long as the SxS device driver is installed. It can also be used with reader/writer (SBAC-US10) which is manufactured for SxS PRO.
- Can I check the rewriting life or the limit of rewriting of SxS?
- When using SxS-1, you can check rewriting life if using PMW-EIR, PMW-320, PMW-330, PMW-350 or PMW-500.
- Can SxS-1 be used with PMW-EX1, EX3, EX30 or 10MD by firmware upgrade?
- Yes. The firmware upgrade is available for download here.
- Can I write other data/files (Excel, Word, PDF), other than data shot using XDCAM EX hardware, to a SxS memory card using a PC?
- Yes, you are able to.
- Can I turn on the write protect switch while the SxS card is inserted in PC?
- No, do not turn on the write protect switch while the SxS card is inserted in ExpressCard slot of PC. In certain cases, the OS will not allow data to be written to the card even when the write protection switch is turned off.
- What will happen if I remove the SxS card from the hardware during reading/writing?
- Data may be destroyed. Do not remove the SxS PRO memory card while data is being read/written to it. Stored data on memory card could potentially get destroyed.
- What are the features of SxS-1?
- SxS-1 provides lower cost with similar performance to SxS PRO.
- What are the differences between SxS PRO and SxS-1?
- The sales price and life time of rewriting are different.
- What are the differences between SxS memory card and other ExpressCard flash memory cards?
- SxS memory card utilizes a technology protocol optimized for controlling communication between hardware and media to enable high-speed data transfer. Also, SxS memory card offers high reliability required for proffesional media.
- Can I use the same device driver, which installed for SxS PRO, for SxS-1 as well?
- Yes, you can use the same device driver for SxS-1 as well.
- Are there any precautions I should be aware of when formatting my SxS memory card?
- Yes. Data will not be deleted completely by using the "Format" or "Delete" function on the hardware. If you want to delete the data completely, use commercial software or destroy the card physically.
- What is the rewriting cycle of SxS-1?
- When recorded at full capacity one time per day, SxS-1 will continue to use for approximately five years. (This is an estimation when using a PMW-EX1R or PMW-50. The value may defer depending on the device or usage conditions.)
- What is the required Windows OS?
- Recommended Windows OS
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 or later / Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 or later / Windows Vista Ultimate / Windows Vista Business / Windows Vista Home Premium / Windows Vista Home Basic
*Operation is not guranteed for all computers even if they comply with the recommended environment.
*The operation system mentioned above must be installed on the computer when shipped from the factory.
- What is the required Macintosh OS?
- Recommended Mac
MacOS X v.10.4 (10.4.9 or later)
- Do I need to install the device driver when I use SxS with a PC?
- Yes, you do. You can download the device driver from support site.
- Why doesn't my PC react when I attempt to remove the SxS memory card from Mac OS?
- Do not remove SxS while data while reading/writing to the memory card. The OS may become unresponsive.
- An error message appears when I remove the SxS memory card from Mac OS.
- When you want to remove SxS card from a Mac, eject or drag and drop the icon to the trash can. It is a function of the OS's specification.
- Are there any precautions when inserting or ejecting an SxS memory card if my PC is in the sleep mode (dormant state/standby mode)?
- Do not remove or insert SxS when PC is in sleep mode. The OS may become unresponsive.
- An error message appears when the PC goes into sleep mode (standby/dormant mode) while a file is written.
- For Windows:
Do not allow the PC to go into sleep mode while data is being written to SxS card.
For Mac OS:
Do not allow the Mac to go into sleep mode while data is being written to/read from the card.
The following problems could occur:
-An icon may not appear although SxS card has been removed/inserted when the PC returns from sleep mode.
-The message "File is used' may appear if the card is replaced with other cards when the PC returns from sleep mode.
- When using SxS memory card with a Mac OS, are there precautions that should be taken with constant removal and insertion of the card?
- If memory card is removed without following the correct method, the Mac may become unresponsive.
- Can I use my PC to format my SxS memory card?
- Formatting SxS using a PC is not recommended. (Operation is not guaranteed because of the following issues: data cannot be recorded by XDCAM EX camcorder; transfer speed may be slower or user capacity may be changed.) Be sure to format the SxS PRO card using an XDCAM EX camcorder.
- Can I use consumer ExpressCards with XDCAM EX?
- No, you are not able to.
- Can I use SxS PRO 32GB with all of the EX series?
- Yes. However, software updates for PMW-EX1 may be necessary when used with SxS PRO 32GB. Please visit their product support site prior to use.
- Drive is not recognized even though SxS is inserted into the slot.
- If SxS is repeatedly removed and inserted quickly, drive may not be recognized. In that case, please reinsert SxS PRO or try rebooting.
- The device is left in "My Computer" though memory card is removed from the PC.
- Please remove SxS by clicking the "Safety remove Sony SxS".
- SxS is not recognized when SxS is inserted during sleep mode.
- Please do not insert SxS during sleep mode.
- The screen goes black after the PC returns from standby mode when I insert SxS memory card.
- Please do not insert SxS during sleep mode.
- Do I need to install the device driver when I use SxS memory card with a PC?
- Yes, you do. You can download the device driver from support site.
- PC doesn't recognize SxS memory card.
- When SxS memory card is not recognized, please remove and insert it again.
The SxS device driver is required when a SxS memory card is used with a PC. If SxS device driver is not installed yet, please install it into PC first. It is available for download from support site for free of charge.
If you are using the old version of SxS Device Driver, please install the latest version.
- Device Driver has not been installed successfuly.
- If your PC doesn't meet the system requirements, SxS device driver cannot be installed. Please comfirm the system requirement at the SxS support site.
- A message requiring users to restart their computer shows up when a SxS memory card into a PC running Mac OS X10.6 (Snow Leopard).
- Please install the latest version of SxS Device Driver. The old version of SxS Device Driver does not support the latest OS.
- Within Mac OS 10.5, the file size of this new version of SxS Device Driver was indicated 992KB within the "Finder". However, after OS was upgraded to Snow Leopard, the file size has changed to 1MB.
- Please click "Get info" from "File" menu and check the file size (byte) in accordance with download instructions on the website.
- PC doesn't react when I removed SxS memory card from PC while data is read or written.
- Do not remove SxS memory card while data is being read or written as the OS may become unresponsive.
- After repeated insertion and removal of the SxS memory card while reading or writing data, the PC will cease to recognise the memory card.
- Do not disconnect SxS memory card from PC while reading or writing data on it. SxS memory card might not be identified depending on the type of PC.
- After shutting down or rebooting the PC while reading or writing data on SxS memory card, PC did not shut down successfully.
- Do not shut down or restart PC while reading or writing data on SxS memory card. PC might not be shut down successfully depending on the type of PC.
- An error message appears when I remove the SxS memory card from Mac OS.
- It's the specification of OS. To eject the SxS memory card from the PC, drag and drop the icon to the trash can.
- Precaution: Inserting or removing SxS memory card when PC is under sleep mode (dormant state or standby mode).
- Do not remove or insert SxS memory card when PC is in sleep mode (dormant state or standby mode). OS may become unresponsive.
- Mac OS:
About transition to sleep mode while data is written or read. -
For Mac OS: Do not allow Mac to go into sleep mode while data is being written to/read from the card. The following problems could occur:
- An icon may not appear although SxS memory card has been removed/inserted when the PC returns from sleep mode.
- The message ""File is used' may appear if the card is replaced with other cards when the PC returns from sleep mode.
- Mac OS:
About the repetition of removing and inserting SxS memory card. - If memory card is removed without ejecting, PC might freeze. If you are using Mac OS X v.10.4.9 and earlier, please update it. If you are using Mac OS v.10.4.9 and above, please remove SxS memory card by dragging and dropping the icon to the trash can.
- SxS memory card is not recognized when SxS memory card is inserted and PC returns from sleep mode.
- Please do not return PC from the standby mode by inserting SxS memory card.
- The screen goes black after the PC returns from standby mode when I insert SxS memory card.
- Please do not return PC from the standby mode by inserting SxS memory card.
- PC does not recognize SxS.
- Have you installed SxS device driver for PC? If your SxS device driver is not installed, install it first. You can download it from here. If the driver is already installed, remove and try again.
- I cannot install the SxS device driver.
- If your PC doesn't meet the system requirement, SxS device driver cannot be installed. Please confirm the system requirement at the SxS support site.
- After installing the SxS Device Driver, my new MacBook Pro works slower.
- The current SxS Device Driver does not support MacBook Pro laptops released after October 2008. The compliant program was released in November 2008. To download latest device driver: SxS Drivers for Macintosh.
- Why does the current SxS Device Driver not support the New MacBook Pro?
- The configuration of the hardware and driver has been changed and older versions of the SxS Device Driver does not support MacBook Pro laptops released after October 2008.
- Is there any way for me to apply the data recorded by XDCAM EX on MacBook Pro laptops released after October 2008?
-
Option 1:
Update to new driver. To download latest device driver: SxS Drivers for MacintoshOption 2:
Please connect USB cable between the XDCAM EX and the PC. Alternatively , [;easeuse the USB Reader/Writer, SBAC-US10 (available separately as the XDCAM EX's accessory) on the PC.
- What can I do to resume normal operation of my MacBook Pro?
- Please un-install the current SxS Device Driver from the PC, and that will resume the normal operation of your MacBook Pro.
- How can I un-install the device driver for Mac PC?
- The procedure to un-install the SxS Driver is as follows.
1. Double-Click the file "SxS_Device_Driver.dmg", the device driver for Mac PC. The file is available to be downloaded at the website below.
If the file is already downloaded onto your Mac PC, please Double-Click the file.
2. Confirm that the folder "SxS Device Driver" is on the desk-top of your Mac PC.
3. Double Click the file "SxS Device Driver Uninstaller.app" provided in the folder "SxS Device Driver".
4. Follow the steps instructed by the un-installer, and complete the un-install operation.
5. Finally, restart the OS.
- Is it required to uninstall the old version of SxS Device Driver before installing this new version?
- It is not required to uninstall the old version of driver, the new version will automatically switch over it.
- Does this new version of SxS Device Driver support Tiger and Leopard?
- For Tiger, v10.4.9 or later is supported. Leopard is completely supported.
- Does this new version of SxS Device Driver support PowerPC and Intel Mac?
- SxS memory card cannot be used with PowerPC as they does not support ExressCard. Intel Mac are supported.
- Does this new version of SxS Device Driver support both 32-bit and 64-bit of Snow Leopard?
- Yes, it does.
- Does this new version of SxS Device Driver support both 32-bit and 64-bit of Windows OS?
- Yes, it does.
- Drive is not recognized even though SxS memory card is inserted into the slot.
- If SxS memory card is repeatedly removed and inserted quickly, the drive may not be recognized. In that case, please reinsert SxS memory card or try rebooting.
- What are the features of the new SxS-1 memory card?
- The new SxS-1 memory card provides a transfer speed of 1.2Gbps* at the same affordable
price as current model.
*Read-speed measured with PC and benchmark software. Speed varies, depending on measurement condition.
- What are the differences between current SxS-1 memory card (SBS-32G1) and the new card?
- The new SxS-1 memory card supports MXF recording with PMW-500/PDBK-MK1. In
addition, the transfer speed of the new card is 1.2Gbps*, 1.5 times faster than current model.
*Read-speed measured with PC and benchmark software. Speed varies, depending on measurement condition.
- Is the mix format recording between UDF and FAT capable on one SxS memory card?
- No, it isn’t. The memory card have to be formatted for either one before recording.
- What is rewrite cycle of new SxS-1?
- It is the same as current SxS-1. When recorded at full capacity one time per day, the new SxS-1 can be used for approximately five years. (This is an estimation when using a PMW-500. The value may defer depending on the device or usage conditions.)
- What is the advantage of a high capacity 64GB memory card?
- Approx. 120 minutes of recording can be captured in HD422 50Mbps, or more than four hours of footage in DVCAM mode, or three hours in HQ mode with XDCAM EX.
- What is the advantage of a transfer speed of 1.2Gbps?
- It contributes a significant improvement to the XDCAM workflow with ultra-fast ingest times.
120 minutes of HD422 content will be able to be transferred directly to a laptop in just 8
minutes.*
*Based on Sony internal testing. Times may vary depending on measurement condition.
- What technologies enabled the fast data transfer speed of the new SxS-1?
- The faster transfer speed was realized by improving the data transfer technology between the controller and the flash memory and also by applying a protocol for efficient data access to flash memory.
- What compatible products can SBS-32G1A and SBS-64G1A be used with?
- They can be used with the PMW-500/320/EX30/10MD. For use with PMW-EX1/EX1R/EX3/350,
a firmware version update, as referred below*, is required before use. The firmware update
service will be available by the end of September 2010. For the detailed information, please
refer to our website for each product.
*PMW-EX1: V1.20 or lower, PMW-EX1R/EX3/350: V1.10 or lower
- What other products are the new SxS-1 memory cards compatible with besides XDCAM/XDCAM EX products?
- New SxS-1 cards are compatible with any PC with an ExpressCard slot (standard
equipment) once new SxS-1 device driver is installed. Reader/writer SBAU-US10 and
PXU-MS240 can also be used. As for PXU-MS240, “UDF formatted” SxS memory cards
cannot be used.
*PMW-EX1: V1.20 or lower, PMW-EX1R/EX3/350: V1.10 or lower
- Can I use SxS PRO and current SxS-1(SBS-32G1A) with PMW-500?
- SxS PRO (SBP-8, SBP-16, SBP-32) can be used. Current SxS-1 cards (SBS-32G1)
require a firmware upgrade for MXF recording. For the detailed information, please refer to our website.
*PMW-EX1: V1.20 or lower, PMW-EX1R/EX3/350: V1.10 or lower
- Can I perform the firmware upgrade to the SBS-32G1 myself ?
- No, this needs to be done at one of Sony’s service centers.
- Does SxS PRO require the firmware upgrade for MXF recording?
- No, SxS PRO (SBP-8, SBP-16, SBP-32) do not require the firmware upgrade.
- Why is Sony introducing a faster and higher capacity SxS-1 model though its life time for rewriting is shorter than SxS PRO ?
- Due to our product development conditions, the faster and higher capacity model of SxS-1 will be introduced earlier. We will also consider faster and higher capacity model of SxS PRO in accordance with the customers’ operation needs.
- Is a new device driver required to use the new SxS-1 card?
- Yes. Please install the latest SxS device driver. For the detailed information, please visit the following URL. http://www.sony.net/SxS-Support. The latest version of SxS device driver will be also be available on our website by the end of September 2010.
- Does Sony have plans to develop higher capacities of SxS memory cards?
- Even higher capacity media will be considered in accordance with the customers’ operation needs.
- Do we need a special reader/writer to realize a 1.2Gbps transfer speed like `Panasonic P2 Card?
- No. The 1.2Gbps is realized via ExpressCard slot without any special reader/writer or adaptor.
- What are the system requirements?
- - Processor: Pentium 1 GHz or higher
- RAM: 512 MB minimum
- Disk space: 100 MB minimum
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4
*If Microsoft .NET Framework 4 is not installed, additional 850 MB of free disk space is required.
- When the software starts, the message "Screen size may not be correctly displayed" appears.
- Your computer screen is set to high DPI mode. Please change it to normal mode.
- Which operating systems are supported?
- The supported operating systems are as follows:
- Windows XP SP3 or later
- Windows Vista SP2 or later
- Windows 7
*The Starter Edition is excluded.
- Do I need to install the SxS device driver when I use SxS Memory Card Management Utility?
- Yes. Please install the latest SxS device driver when using this software. For details, please download here.
- I was told to update the SxS device driver. Where can I get the update?
- You can download the latest version from the XDCAM website, click here.
- Do I need to install the SxS UDF driver ?
- If you use an SxS memory card formatted in UDF, you need to have the SxS UDF driver installed. Please download and install the latest version from the XDCAM website, click here.
- What is the target media of this software?
- Sony SxS memory cards.
- What is "SxS Memory Card Management Utility"?
- It is application software that provides integrated management for Sony SxS memory cards.
- How can I get this software?
- Please download here.
- How do I install it?
- Download the file and double-click on it. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete the installation.
Once installed, this software will automatically start up when Windows starts. If you do not need it to automatically start, please remove it from the startup menu.
- If I set up this software as a memory resident program, will it automatically update the information about registered SxS memory cards?
- If SxS Memory Card Management Utility runs as a memory resident program, it will automatically perform the following operations:
- Obtain and display the rewriting life value
- Detect unregistered SxS memory cards
- Detect SBAC-US10 that requires firmware update (when the media is inserted)
- SxS Memory Card Management Utility does not start.
- Check for an icon for "SxS Memory Card Management Utility" in the taskbar on your PC, and double-click on it.
- No information is displayed.
- Register one or more SxS memory cards.
- Some information is not displayed.
- You need to update the SxS device driver or SBAC-US10 firmware.
*The device driver is available here.
- The available recording time is not displayed for the UDF-formatted SxS memory card.
- Please install the SxS UDF driver.
For details about the SxS UDF driver, please visit the XDCAM website.
- What is "Rewriting Life"?
- It is the life expectancy of an SxS-1 memory card when used in an XDCAM/XDCAM EX series product. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much rewriting can still be performed (100% is an unused state). This indication, however, simply serves as an index, and the actual lifetime of the memory card depends on the environment where it is used. Also, any figures to indicate the remaining rewriting life do not guarantee the SxS-1 card behavior or the operations of devices that use SxS-1.
If the rewriting life has reached 0%, immediately back up your data and stop using that memory card. If you continue to use that card, you may not be able to record or play back data correctly and recorded data may be corrupted.
- What is "Rewriting Life Alert Setup"?
- It is a feature that allows you to set a threshold value for the rewriting life. When the rewriting life drops below the specified value, a warning message will appear to alert you.
*The alert value is set to 20%, by default.
- What is the "Backup" function?
- You can copy all your data recorded on your SxS memory card to up to three specified locations simultaneously.
- What will happen if I choose the "Compare files after the backup is done" option?
- After data is copied to the specified location, this software compares the copied files and the original files on the SxS memory card to make sure copying is done correctly.
The time required for this operation depends on the environment in which you perform the backup. For a lengthy operation such as backup, use a computer running on the AC adapter.
- What is the difference between the "Quick Format" and "Full Format"?
- Both initialize the file system, but the full format erases all existing data on the SxS memory card.
- After I formatted my SxS memory card, its file system,* free memory space, and available recording time are not displayed.
- Those parameters will not be displayed without the SxS UDF driver. Please install the SxS UDF driver.
For details, visit the XDCAM website.
*This symptom occurs when Windows XP is used.
- What is "Multi Format"?
- It is a feature that allows you to format multiple SxS memory cards simultaneously.
- I inserted my SxS memory card to SBAC-US10, but its series name, model name, and rewriting live value are not displayed.
- Those parameters will not be displayed if the SBAC-US10 firmware is old. Please update it to the latest version.
- How can I update the firmware of SBAC-US10 to the latest version?
- On the Tool menu, select "Maintenance" and "SBAC-US10 FW Update", and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Note:
Make sure your SxS memory card is removed from SBAC-US10 before performing the update.
- How many SxS memory cards can I register?
- You can register up to 1000 cards.
- What is "Row" displayed in the Customization dialog?
- It is a feature that enables you to have a new data field in the SxS library by inserting a new column (a vertical row). Using this feature, you can add a new title and data in order to manage registered SxS memory cards.
- How do I enter data for the "Row"?
- Click the "Property" button on the top of the window, and enter information in the dialog that appears.
For the "Row" that is already set, you can enter information when a new memory card is registered.
- How do I install the SxS device driver?
- Please follow the procedure described in the download page of our website click here for installation.
