99 (GB)

Compatibility of DVCAM and DV Format

The DVCAM format was developed as a more reliable and higher end format than the consumer DV format. Here we explain the DVCAM and DV formats: the differences, compatibility and limitations on editing.

Differences between DVCAM and DV format

Item

DVCAM

DV

 

 

 

Track pitch

15 ∝ m

10 ∝ m

 

 

 

Audio sampling

12 bit: 32 kHz

12 bit: 32 kHz

frequency

16 bit: 48 kHz 2)

16 bit: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz 2)

Audio recording

Lock mode

Unlock mode

mode 1)

 

 

Time code system

DSR-50; SMPTE time

Drop frame mode (DSR-50)

 

code (DF/NDF/

without user bits

 

including user bits)

 

 

DSR-50P; EBU time code

 

 

(including user bits)

 

 

 

 

1)There are two modes for audio recording; Lock mode and Unlock mode. In Lock mode, the sampling frequencies of audio and video are synchronized. In Unlock mode, which the consumer DV format adopts, the two sampling frequencies are independent. The lock mode maintains high compatibility with the higher formats and is more effective than unlock mode in digital processing and smooth transition during audio editing.

2)This unit cannot record in DV format with 16 bit – 32 kHz or 44.1 kHz.

DVCAM and DV cassettes

Both DVCAM and DV cassettes can be used on DVCAM or DV video equipment. The recording format is defined according to recorder format as described below.

Recorder format

Cassette format

Recording format

 

 

 

DVCAM

DVCAM

DVCAM

(If the DVCAM/DV

DV

 

switch of this unit is

 

 

set to DVCAM.)

 

 

 

 

 

DV

DVCAM

DV

(If the DVCAM/DV

DV

 

switch of this unit is

 

 

set to DV.)

 

 

 

 

 

•This unit can record in DV format. (SP mode only)

•This digital videocassette recorder complies with the DVCAM format. Though DV cassettes can be used for recording, we recommend that you use DVCAM cassettes. Particularly when you use a Mini-DV cassette that is longer than 60 minutes, do not play back the tape repeatedly (i.e., when editing). Set STILL TIME to 1 MIN or 30 SEC, and FROM REC P to STOP (See page 90 (GB)).

•If you use a DV cassette to record images in the DVCAM format, the recording time will be reduced to 2/3 of the time indicated on the DV cassette.

•If you use a DVCAM cassette to record images in the DV format (SP mode), the recording time will be extended to 1.5 times the time indicated on the DVCAM cassette.

Appendix

Appendix