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MillimeterSony announces MPEG-based HD version of XDCAM camcorder/decks
Oct 4, 2005 12:55 PM
With more than 8,000 units of its XDCAM Professional Disc system already delivered worldwide, Sony will introduce a high-definition version of the optical technology in March 2006.
Since its launch at NAB 2004, the XDCAM system has become the fastest-growing tapeless acquisition system in the world. It is widely used by news organizations, videographers and for television production—especially in the reality TV genre. In addition, corporations, educational and government facilities, houses of worship, and major sports teams are realizing the benefits of the XDCAM system’s tapeless workflow.
An HD version of the XDCAM system will enable producers to combine HD resolution with the same IT-based workflow enhancements available in the current XDCAM system, while maintaining compatibility with the same Professional Disc (PFD-23) media used in the current XDCAM system.
“Essentially, the XDCAM HD products will fill an important niche in the professional HD production marketplace, positioned between Sony’s entry-level HDV format and the high-end HDCAM and HDCAM SR formats,” said Bob Ott, vice president of optical and network products for Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Production Systems Division. “As a result of this expanded ‘HD toolkit,’ Sony can now provide a full range of HD production options that meet the needs and budget of nearly every type of end user.”
Designed for program production, broadcast, the B&I market and indie production, the XDCAM HD products (one camcorder and two decks) will offer users the flexibility of recording 1080i video in three data recoding rates: 25Mbps, plus 35Mbps and 18Mbps. The XDCAM HD camcorder will also feature 24P acquisition and native recording capabilities and be able to record four channels of 16-bit, 48 kHz uncompressed audio.
The XDCAM HD products record high-definition content to Sony’s Professional Disc media using an HD MPEG-2 Long GOP video compression codec. With the XDCAM HD system, users will be able to record up to two hours of content on the optical media. The camcorder will use three half-inch CCD, 1.5 megapixel imagers and will have a variety of lenses (including autofocus) from major manufacturers. In addition, a 2/3-inch to 1/2-inch lens adapter will be available.
The XDCAM HD products will maintain the current system’s unique features such as high-speed transfer of proxy AV and high-resolution data via MXF file transfer protocol, allowing users to realize both an SD and HD workflow with the same system.
The XDCAM HD products will support both HD and DVCAM recording, and the camcorder and deck will also playback both DVCAM and HD formats.
Pricing has not been finalized, but the camcorder is planned to be in the $20,000 range. XDCAM HD main features:
Recording/Playback Formats
HD Video: MPEG-2 MP@HL 18/25/35Mbps
SD Video: DVCAM (25Mbps)
(Recording time: Approx. 120min@18Mbps, 90min@25Mbps, 60min@35Mbps)
Audio: 4-channel, Uncompressed, 16-bit@48KHz sampling
Proxy AV: Same format as current XDCAM products
i.LINK I/F
DV stream output via the internal down-converter
File Access Mode
Sony XDCAM HD Professional Disc Camcorder – PDW-F330
Three 1.5 megapixel, half-inch HD CCD Imagers
HD/SD switchable (DVCAM mode)
16:9/4:3 switchable (DVCAM mode)
4-channel uncompressed audio recording
3.5-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally), color LCD monitor
Sony XDCAM HD Professional Disc Recorder – PDW-F70
HD-SDI Input/Output
MPEG-2 MP@HL 18/25/35Mbps recording and playback
Sony XDCAM HD Professional Disc Viewer – PDW-F30
MPEG-2 MP@HL 18/25/35Mbps disc playback
DVCAM playback compatibility
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