PROFESSIONAL
DVD-RAM is robust, resilient, removable and has a longevity
that a hard disc simply cannot offer. Quite simply it is the
best professional mastering recording format available, as
the rapid take up in the film industry shows.
However, the DVD-RAM technology needed a serious research
and development process before it could handle the rigours and
demands of multiple track, timecode-locked audio.
And that’s exactly what Fostex undertook when developing the DV40, the world’s first 4-
track Timecode DVD-RAM master recorder.
REFININGTHE TECHNOLOGY - CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT
The DV40 was, and is, a revelation. Here is a rackmount unit which can record up to 4
tracks of digital audio to removable DVD-RAM UDF discs in either BWF or SDII formats
and with full timecode facilities. A machine which elegantly addresses the challenges
presented by today’s ‘random access’ requirements.
The reaction from sound mixers, post production facilities, broadcast professionals and
recording houses was outstanding: they could see that the DV40 could save them time,
could enhance their workflow, could improve their productivity.
But that was only the start - from the moment of launch, Fostex made it clear that the
DV40 would benefit from continual development with users encouraged to request
features and suggest improvements resulting in software updates being made available
via the www.fostexdvd.net web site.
PORTABLE TIMECODEDVD-RAM
With the DVD-RAM technology ‘proved’ in a standalone machine, it was time for a
portable solution. A PD-2 / PD-4 user survey and wide-ranging feedback from DV40
users yielded a wish list of features which included: Six audio tracks, highly accurate
timecode, a minimum 10 second pre-record buffer, flexible power requirements and
management, slate microphone, auxiliary send / return, power for mic receivers, a high
quality mixer and a user interface in keeping with their existing DAT recorders.
Fostex listened to what the sound mixers wanted and involved them in the development
process every step of the way.
The result is the PD-6 Location Recorder.
Format of choice.
Format of the future.

DVD-RAM

D™
Fostex Timecode DVD-RAM
recorders are currently being used
in major film, TV and post production
applications in the USA, Europe and
beyond. Fostex actively encourages
user feedback and continually
develops the products incorporating
new features and enhancing
usability...
In Action...
Chris Munro - Sound Mixer
One of the world’s leading
Production Sound Mixers and a
BAFTA and Oscar™ award winner,
Chris used Fostex Timecode DVD-
RAM technology for audio acquisition
on the latest James Bond hit ‘Die
Another Day’. Chris has
pioneered the ‘magless dailies’
process, (see bottom left),
which saved the production a
small fortune.
Always in demand, Chris is
recognised as setting quality
standards in the film industry.
Movie Production
Joe Kenworthy - NYPD Blue
Sound mixer Joe uses Fostex
Timecode DVD-RAM machines for
audio acquisition on the ever-
popular NYPD Blue TV series. “The
big thing for me is that I get a digital
file from the beginning, and all our
digital editing machines can
take those files and begin to
work, with less transfer time.
We are using a first-generation
signal all the way through the
chain, which keeps quality high,
and it’s quicker, with no
conversions involved.”
TV Production
Jay Hartigan - Shooters Post
Jay has been a production sound
mixer for the past 25 years and is
one of three owners of Shooters Post
& Transfer, a Philadelphia based
production facility.
“Every day we transfer 1/4"
production sound to our DV-40
for film transfer. It turns what
was once a slow, tedious sync
session into a fast easy job.
Once the field sound is on DVD-
RAM we no longer have to wait
for the audio to sync. It’s always
right there.”
Post Production

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6: new 8cm dvd-ram DV-40: 200x audio scrub PD-6: NP-1type battery DV-40: ethernet networking PD-6: balanced aux i/o DV-40: up to 192kHz
hours, minutes, seconds& frames ahead of the rest.