Metadata input – Studio Technologies 76B 2008 User Manual
Page 11

Model 76B/77B User Guide
Issue 1, July 2008
Studio Technologies, Inc.
Page 11
for Surround
Metadata Input
The Model 76B allows a source of Dolby E 
metadata to be directly connected. Hard-
ware and software inside the Model 76B 
extracts (“parses”) one of the dialnorm 
data elements from the connected meta-
data signal. This dialnorm value can be 
viewed on the Model 77B’s LED display 
and, if desired, used to control the monitor 
output levels. Refer to the Technical Notes 
section of this guide for details.
The metadata signal is connected by 
way of a 9-pin D-subminiature connector, 
labeled RS-485/Remote Control Inputs, 
which is located on the back panel of the 
Model 76B. Refer to Figure 5 for exact 
connection details. While only the data+ 
and data– connections are absolutely 
necessary, a shield connection can also 
be made. Note that the connections for 
the metadata signal are reminiscent of 
the SMPTE 207M standard.
The metadata signal must be in the form 
of RS-485 or RS-422 asynchronous serial 
data. This differential signal must have a 
data rate of 115.2 kbit/s and a data format 
of 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit 
(8-N-1). A metadata signal of this type 
is commonly available on metadata-
generating or de-embedding equipment 
from broadcast equipment manufacturers 
such as Dolby Laboratories®, Evertz®, 
and NVISION®.
While in hardware the Model 76B’s RS-485 
input connection is bi-directional, in soft-
ware it’s confi gured only to receive data. 
This means that there’s no reason why 
a signal already connected between two 
other pieces of equipment can’t also be 
connected in parallel (“bridged”) with the 
Model 76B’s metadata input.
A word of advice—Studio Technologies 
has found documentation supplied with 
some metadata-generating equipment has 
incorrect (or at least confusing) pin-out 
information. This has resulted in much 
head scratching and hair pulling. As such, 
it may be valuable to use a logic analyzer 
Signal
Signal
Connections
High (+)
Low (–)
Shield
L
24 12
25
R
10 23
11
C
21 9
22
LFE
7 20 8
LS
18 6 19
RS
4 17 5
Auxiliary
L
15
3
16
Auxiliary
R
1
14
2
Notes: 1) Connector type on Model 76B is 25-pin D-subminiature
 
female. Installer must provide plug (male). Connector uses
4-40 threaded inserts for locking with mating plug.
2) Wiring scheme follows TASCAM DA-88 convention.
Standard DA-88-type wiring harnesses are directly
compatible, with the exception of 4-40 screw threads
being
required.
Figure 4. Connections for Surround and 
Auxiliary Monitor Outputs
Signal
Pin
Direction
RS-485 Data+
7
Input
RS-485 Data–
2
Input
Data Shield
1
Shield
Remote Mute All
5
Input
Remote Dim
6
Input
Remote Auxiliary Output On/Off
8
Input
Remote Spare
9
Input
Remote Input Common
4
Common
Note: Connector type on Model 76B is 9-pin D-subminiature 
 
female. Connector uses 4-40 threaded inserts for
locking with mating plug.
Figure 5. Connector Pin Outs for Metadata and 
Remote Control Inputs
