What are the advantages of Sony DVCAM?
DVCAM has the ability to provide true editing playback capabilities in all DV (25 Mbps) formats. These include DV-SP, DV-LP, Jog Audio and Slow Motion (from -100% to +100% with the DSR-2000) - an exclusive DVCAM feature.
Also, no changes are necessary for multi-format playback. The DVCAM Master Series VTRs automatically sense the format and size of the tape and adjust accordingly. No adapters or menu setting changes are needed.
What are the benefits of DVCAM's 15µm track pitch vs. consumer or professional DV's 10µm track pitch?
DVCAM's 15µm track pitch provides greater reliability in terms of C/N ratio and also provides the ability to perform professional functions such as pre-read editing and insert editing. 10µm track pitch was found to lack the durability and robustness needed for professional applications.
In addition, Sony has found the 15µm track pitch to be the "magic number" to enable professional functionality within the format. It also keeps compatibility with the 10µm track pitch of the DV format, allowing playback of DV tapes in DVCAM VTRs.
Is the DVCAM format compatible with the DVCPRO™ format?
No. Both the DVCAM and the DVCPRO formats employ a 1/4-inch tape and the DV compression (5:1) method. However, they are not compatible due to the difference in tape track pitch and tape material. The DVCAM format adopts 15µm track pitch and Metal Evaporated tape in order to retain compatibility with the DV format.
However, the DVCAM Master Series VTRs (DSR-2000A/1800A/1600A/1500A) supports DVCPRO tape playback.
What is the number of times (number of passes) a single DVCAM tape can be recorded on?
With proper care, handling, maintenance and storage, many passes can be achieved. The actual number can vary depending on environmental conditions. VTR condition, contamination, handling and storage.
What is the technical advantage of the servo lock and pre-roll features with DVCAM?
Sony's innovation in digital technology enables fast servo lock and quick responding mechanisms. This is made possible by the DVCAM format's ability to process tape information by each track instead of each frame, greatly increasing the speed of reading data on the tape. The signal transfer capability has been optimised within the DVCAM product's internal circuits, increasing its mechanism response.
Is there time code compatibility between the DV and DVCAM formats?
Yes. The time code of the DV format has the DF (Drop Frame) mode only, while the DVCAM format has both DF and NDF (Non Drop Frame) modes. The DVCAM equipment can precisely read the time code of a DV recorded tape.
With and SDI connection, are XLR audio cables necessary?
No. The SDI connection has imbedded digital audio that accomodates up to 4 channels of digital audio. In addition, the user can choose either analog audio, SDI imbedded audio or AES/EBU audio when utilizing the SDI connection.
What is the best way to keep tape-to-tape editing transparent?
Either the SDTI (QSDITM), (SMPTE-322M) or the i.LINK IEEE 1394 DV I/O connection will transport DV in its native compressed signal state, which provides signal transfer with virtually no loss.
SDI transports digital information as a base band signal (SMPTE-259M). Therefore, all compression-based signals - such as DVCPRO 50, D9, Digital Betacam, Betacam SX and MPEG IMX - have to go through a decompression and compression process if they use the SDI Interface. Only the D1, D2 and D5 formats do not need to go through this process because they are based on an uncompressed signal.