Usable Cassettes

This unit can use the HDV/DVCAM cassettes listed below.

The capacity of a standard cassette is 184 minutes of recording/playback, and that of a mini (S) cassette is 40 minutes. When DV (SP) format or HDV format is used, these recording/playback times are extended to 276 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively.

DVCAM cassettes

Model name

Size

PDV-34*/64*/94*/124*/184*

Standard size (L)

 

 

PDVM-12*/22*/32*/34*/40*

Mini size (S)

 

 

HDV cassettes

 

 

 

Model name

Size

PHDV-64DM * /124DM * /

Standard size (L)

186DM * /276DM *

 

 

 

PHDVM-63DM *

Mini size (S)

 

 

The * in each model name is actually “ME” (indicating that a cassette memory is contained), “N” (indicating that no cassette memory is contained) or “MEM” (indicating a master tape).

The numbers in each model name indicate the maximum recording/playback time (in minutes) for each model. For example, the PDV-184ME has a maximum recording/ playback time of 184 minutes.

For details of the format, see “Differences among HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV formats” (page 34).

Notes

•DVCPRO (25 Mbps) cassettes are usable for playback, but not for recording on this unit.

•If you insert an incorrect type of cassette, it will be automatically ejected.

•Although this unit can use DV series consumer cassettes, video or audio noise may occur on some tapes.

For reliable playback, editing, recording, and storage, use HDV or DVCAM cassettes.

•Cassettes that have been recorded by a DV-format recorder can be played back on this unit but cannot be used for recording at editing operation. When you insert such a cassette into this unit, the NO EDIT indicator lights up in the LCD monitor.

HDV/DVCAM cassettes

The following figure illustrates the HDV/DVCAM cassettes.

REC/SAVE switch

For details of this switch, see “Preventing accidental erasure” (page 40).

Mini size (S)

Standard size (L)

Cassette memory

This memory is used to store ClipLink log data.

Cassette compatibility

For HDV recording, a DV standard cassette tape can be used. The HDV 1080i format used by this unit has a video bitrate for recording of 25 Mbps, and the recording track width on the tape is 10 μm, the same as the consumer DV(SP) format.

The DVCAM format has a track width of 15 μm, 1.5 times that of the HDV or DV(SP) format. Therefore, when recording in DVCAM format on the same tape, the recording time is two-thirds that for HDV recording or DV(SP) recording.

Notes on using cassettes

•Before storing the cassette for a long period of time, rewind the tape to the beginning and be sure to put the cassette in its storage case, preferably on end instead of flat on its side.

Storing a cassette in any other condition (not rewound, out of its case, etc.) may cause the video and audio contents to become damaged over time.

•If the cassette memory connector (contact point) becomes dirty, connection problems may occur, causing a loss of functions. Remove away any dust or dirt from this area before using the cassette.

•If the cassette is dropped on the floor or otherwise receives a hard impact, the tape may become slackened and may not record and/or play back correctly.

•If a tape is left in the unit, this may cause problems. Before powering off the unit, it is recommended to press the EJECT button to eject the tape.

For information about how to check the tape for slack, see the next section.

Checking the tape for slack

Using a paper clip or a similar object, turn the reel gently in the direction shown by the arrow. If the reel does not move, there is no slack. Insert the cassette into the cassette compartment, and after about 10 seconds take it out.

Preparations 2 Chapter

Usable Cassettes 39