Chapter 1 Overview
1-2 Chapter 1 Overview
1-1 Features
High-performance heads and compatibility
functions
The newly developed high-performance heads and
dynamic tracking (DT) technology provide high-
density recording and playback in narrow tracks with
high reliability. In addition to HDCAM recording and
playback heads, the unit is equipped with Betacam SX
playback heads and analog Betacam DT heads, for
compatibility with existing recording formats. The
VTR automatically detects the recording format of
tapes when they are loaded, so that no menu settings
need to be made when changing formats.
High-precision digital signal processing
and range of interfaces
The digital signal processing uses HD 4:2:2
component video signals complying with SMPTE
292M, which are converted into parallel data and then
compressed into HDCAM format.
The audio signals are based on AES/EBU format, and
are subjected to digital signal processing without being
compressed.
The unit is equipped with a high definition to standard
definition (HD to SD) downward converter, and has
the following interfaces as standard equipment, for
ease of connection to different external devices.
•SD analog composite signal output
•SD analog component signal output
•Analog audio signal input/output (4 channels)
• HDSDI SMPTE 292M input/output (HD digital
video/audio, 4 channels)
•SDI SMPTE 259M output (component digital video/
audio, 4 channels)
•AES/EBU serial digital audio input/output (4
channels)
•SDTI SMPTE 305M input/output (HDCAM video/
audio data) (Option)
• Time code input/output
• CUE audio input/output
High quality four-channel audio
High quality 20 bit/48 kHz AES/EBU digital audio is
supported. There are four digital audio input/output
channels, and four analog audio input/output channels.
Recording and playback of SDTI
compressed data (optional)
This unit can be fitted with SDTI input/output
complying with SMPTE 305M, and can therefore be
used for transferring HDCAM data, audio data,
metadata, and so on to a VTR or nonlinear device via
an SDTI interface.
Multifunction control panel
While built in a compact 4U size, this unit has a front
panel which provides a wide range of functions while
maintaining existing operability.
Basic operation buttons and jog/shuttle
dial
The basic buttons and jog/shuttle dial for VTR and
editing operations are provided in the conventional
VTR layout, ensuring continuity with conventional
operating panels.
Time data display
This can be selected to display a CTL counter value,
time code value, or time code user bits. It can also
display edit points and edit durations.
Menu-based control interface
The time data/menu display shows not only various
values and settings, but also the pages of a menu
system for commonly used functions. You can use the
function keys and MULTI CONTROL knob to easily
change settings.
Other operation settings, including interfacing with
external devices, can be set from the control panel by
the same type of setup menu system as on a
conventional VTR.