RECORDER FEATURES
Switchable Recording and Playback
– HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV3
The HVR-A1U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard or high-definition format depending on production needs.
3 The HVR-A1U supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
Down-conversion Playback Capabilities
The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i, and output these video signals through its i.LINK®4 interface. In addition, these signals can also be output via either analog component, composite, or S-Video connectors. This allows editing of recorded material with a nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software as well as recording SD signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously recording HDV signals with the HVR-A1U. The HVR-A1U can also down-convert to 480P and output these signals through its analog component video connectors.
When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes can be selected from Squeeze, Letterbox, or Edge crop.
4 i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily communicate with each other. For information on compatibility, operating conditions, and proper connection, please refer to the documentation supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For information on devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony office.
| DVCAM/DV (4:3) | |
HDV 1080i (16:9) | | |
Squeeze | Letterbox | Edge crop |
Recording, Playback, and Down-conversion Formats
Recording | Playback/ | | | Output | |
Format | Down Conversion Format | i.LINK | Analog | Analog | S-Video |
|
| | | Component | Composite | |
1080/60i | 1080/60i | ● | ● | – | – |
480/60i (16:9/4:3) | – | ● | – | – |
| 480/60i (16:9/4:3) | ● | Δ1 | | Δ 2 |
480/60i (16:9) | 480/60i (16:9/4:3) | ● | Δ1 | | Δ 2 |
480/60i (4:3) | 480/60i (4:3) | ● | Δ1 | | Δ 2 |
●: Available
OΔ : Either Δ1 or Δ2 connection is available. When both are connected to cables, the Δ1 connection has a priority.
HD Codec Engine
The HVR-A1U employs the highly advanced HD Codec Engine™ feature, which efficiently compresses base band HD signal data at approx. 25 Mb/s with MPEG-2 compression, while maintaining optimal HD
quality. Designed for reduced energy consumption, this powerful digital signal processor fits perfectly inside the compact and streamlined body of the HVR-A1U.
Still Picture Recording to
Memory Stick Duo Media
The HVR-A1U incorporates a high-resolution digital camera function. Thanks to the 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor, still pictures with 1,920 x 1,440 pixels can be recorded to Memory Stick Duo™ media. Still pictures can be captured by pressing the dedicated ‘Photo’ button, and this can be done even when recording video to tape, without any interruptions. In addition, any desired video frame recorded on tape can be captured as a still image with 1,440 x 810 pixels5 and recorded onto Memory Stick Duo media after video shooting.
5 When captured from a tape recorded in the HDV format.
Resolution of Still Pictures
Resolution of Still Pictures | Still Picture Mode | Video Recording Mode | Video Playback Mode |
1920 x 1440 (4:3) | ● | – | – |
1440 x 1080 (4:3) | ● | – | – |
1080 x 810 | (4:3) | – | ● | – |
640 x 480 | (4:3) | ● | – | ● |
1920 x 1080 | (16:9) | ● | – | – |
1440 x 810 | (16:9) | – | ● | ● |
640 x 360 (16:9) | – | – | ● |
16:9 Widescreen Acquisition in DVCAM and DV Formats
The HVR-A1U is capable of native 16:9 widescreen image capturing, with a high resolution of 720 x 480 pixels in DVCAM and DV formats, and providing true 16:9 images in Standard Definition.
i.LINK Interface
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a 4-pin i.LINK interface. This allows for on-cable digital transfer6 of audio, video, and command signals to a connected, compatible VTR or nonlinear editing system in the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.
6 Insert and assemble editing using HDV material is not recommended with the HVR-A1U.
2-channel XLR Audio Input
The HVR-A1U provides two XLR audio input connectors for connecting professional microphones or for feeding an external-line audio source. Phantom power of approx. 48 V can be supplied for the external condenser microphone. INPUT 1 audio can be recorded on CH1 only, or on both CH1 and CH2 audio tracks, with easy selection via a switch.
The HVR-A1U also comes equipped with two types of microphones; an external directional microphone and a built- in stereo microphone.
2-channel Independent Audio Record Level Control with Audio Level Meter
Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor.
