Sony DVCAM

Digitization is opening up new avenues to success in many business areas. Nowhere is this more

true than in professional video production, where evolving digital technology is bringing proven

advances in image quality and equipment versatility as well as reducing operating costs.

DVCAM was born in 1996 as an extension of the consumer DV format, with which it is compatible.

With its superb picture quality, excellent editing capabilities and multigeneration performance,

DVCAM is the perfect choice of format in the highly competitive world of professional video.

The DSR-1P is a dockable recorder for a camcorder, offering outstanding performance in the

acquisition process. When the DSR-1P is combined with a Sony DXC-D35P or DXC-D35WSP Digital

Camera, it becomes a Digital Camcorder, providing a completely digital signal path and perfect

ClipLink™ operation. For complete versatility, the DSR-1P incorporates both a Pro 50-pin analogue

and a Pro 76-pin digital interface, enabling connection to both analogue and digital cameras. The

DSR-1P features a dual-size cassette mechanism that accepts both mini and standard size cassette

tapes without any special adaptors - a first in the history of dockable recorders. With its superb

performance and operating flexibility, the DSR-1P meets all the requirements of video professionals.

The DSR-1P offers superb picture quality, multi-generation capability and production flexibility from its use of the

DVCAM digital recording format - specifically developed by Sony for professionals in the digital era.

The DVCAM format uses 8-bit digital component recording with a 5:1 compression ratio that is identical to

the DV format. It also offers a sampling rate of 4:2:0 for excellent picture quality and superb multi-generation

performance. The DVCAM format utilises an intra-frame compression scheme and is based on DCT (Discrete

Cosine Transform) techniques with each frame consisting of 12 tracks. Each track has video, audio, ITI (Insert and

Track Information) and sub-code sectors. It is the combination of ITI – a reference signal used for precise

tracking – and time code on the sub-code sector that helps to assure highly accurate editing performance.

The DVCAM format also offers superior digital audio performance that is comparable to CD quality, thanks to a

wide dynamic range and excellent signal-to-noise ratio.

There are two selectable audio channel modes: a two-channel mode with 48 kHz/16-bit recording or

a four-channel mode with 32 kHz/12-bit recording.

The DVCAM format is the professional extension of the world-wide standard DV format, with which it maintains

playback compatibility. Thus all DVCAM equipment is capable of playing back DV recorded tapes* without any

mechanical adaptors. A wider track pitch of 15 µm (compared with 10 µm for the DV format) gives the DVCAM

format higher reliability for professional editing.

* SP mode only

To gain maximum performance from high-density digital recording, advanced Metal Evaporated tape technology

has been developed for the DVCAM format. The use of Sony’s pure cobalt advanced evaporated coating gives

both high output and high C/N (Carrier-to-Noise) ratio, resulting in superb quality pictures and a low error rate.

A DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) protective layer provides the enhanced protection of the tape surface that is essential to avoid the possibility of damage during long editing sessions. Finally, DVCAM tapes provide a low frequency of dropout and superior thermal stability.

A variety of cassette types is available to suit different applications. These include types with or without an IC

Cassette Memory, and a Master Tape. The built-in 16-kbit Cassette Memory stores ClipLink Log Data, Index Pictures, Photo mode and other shooting data that enhance editing efficiency. The tapes without IC Cassette Memory fit a wide range of applications with affordable price. The Master Tape, which uses Sony Hyper Evaticle II Magnetic Particle technology to provide higher output and lower noise, is equally suitable for high-speed data transfer applications as well as for making master recordings.

DVCAM cassette tapes are available in two sizes: standard and mini. The standard-size cassette provides a

recording time of up to 184 minutes while the mini-size cassette provides up to 40 minutes. These long recording

times are achieved in very compact cassettes with a tape width of only 1/4 of an inch (6.35 mm).