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HDCAM and HDCAM SR Tapes FAQ's Section Page 1

HDCAM and HDCAM SR Tapes FAQ's Section Page 1Things you should know...

  • What is HDCAM?
    HDCAM tape is specifically designed to capture the shorter wavelengths of the HDCAM format. Originally, the HDCAM format was developed from Sony's groundbreaking Betacam technology, and retains the same ease of use. This powerful format meets the requirements of HDTV and ahs proven as a cost-effective alternative for motion picture production. Since its introduction to the brocasting world, HDCAM sets a new standard in high-density recording with ultra-fine magnetic particles 50% smaller than used in Digital Betacam yielding crisp HD images. Also, HDCAM is developed for multi-generation operations.

  • How are HDCAM tapes different from other tapes?
    HDCAM tape is specifically designed to capture the shorter wavelengths of the HDCAM format.

  • What are the differences between different brands of HDCAM tape?
    Sony's recorder and media groups exclusively co-developed the HDCAM format. This has allowed Sony to provide totally optimized recorder / media performance. Remember, tape care and handling along with proper recorder maintenance are critical factors in high quality recording, playback and archiving.

  • Can I use large and small HDCAM cassettes in all HDCAM recorders?
    HDCAM camcorders only accept small shell cassettes (40 minute maximum record time in 60i mode, 50 minutes in 24P mode). HDCAM VTRs can take both large and small shell HDCAM cassettes.

  • What do I do if I suspect my HDCAM / HDCAM SR tape has a problem?
    You have the following technical support options to choose from:
    • You should first alert the Authorized Dealer the product was purchased from. They will contact Sony Technical Support to assist you.
    • The Sony Professional Media Regional Sales Offices can also be called to request assistance:
      Northern region: 201-476-8603
      Southern/Central region: 630-773-7623
      Western region: 714-612-9431
    • Several companies are in the business of recovering (or attempting to recover) damaged cassettes (or other forms of recording media). Sony's media manufacturing plant in Dothan , Alabama , also has the capability to recover tapes. You can reach them at 334-793-7655 x3540, or you can go to their Web site; www.sonymediaservices.com.


  • Can the HDCAM format be recorded on Professional Disc media?
    No. With today's technology, it is not possible due to the transfer rate. The HDCAM format is a 140 Mbps stream, while the XDCAM cameras utilize a single laser recording at 72 Mbps.

  • What precautions should I take bringing HDCAM tape through airport scanners?
    Generally, no special precautions are needed. As with any magnetic media, at any time, efforts should be taken to avoid strong magnetic fields. X-rays should not harm the magnetic tape or the recording.

  • What are the ideal storage/archival conditions for HDCAM tape?
    • Short-term Storage (10 years or less): 59F - 73F (15C - 23C), humidity should be 30% - 40%
    • Long-term storage (More that 10 years): 54F - 59F (12C - 15C), humidity should be 30% +/- 5%.
    • As a rule, videocassettes should be stored in an upright position, in a protective album box, case or sleeve and rewound.


  • Can I use the same HDCAM cassettes in both 24PsF and 60i recording mode?
    Yes. Be aware that running time for HDCAM cassettes is dependent on which recording mode is used. See most popular record mode chart below: HDCAM CASSETTE RECORDING TIME (in minutes)

    MODEL

    RECORDING MODE

     

    60i

    50i

    24PsF

    BCT-6HD

    6

    7

    7

    BCT-12HD

    12

    14

    15

    BCT-22HD

    22

    26

    27

    BCT-32HD

    32

    38

    40

    BCT-40HD

    40

    48

    50

    BCT-34HDL

    34

    40

    42

    BCT-64HDL

    64

    76

    80

    BCT-94HDL

    94

    112

    117

    BCT-124HDL

    124

    148

    155

    NOTE: An expanded version of this chart outlining cassettes record time in all available modes is available on our home page.

  • What is the archival life of HDCAM tape?
    Based on Sony's 50+ years of experience manufacturing magnetic media, the estimated archival life of current metal particle tape formualtions is 30 years providing proper care, maintenance, handling and storage guidelines mentioned above have been followed.

  • What is HDCAM SR?
    Sony HDCAM SR digital HD cassettes are designed to maximize recordings in HDCAM SR professional digital video tape recorders. Use of metal particles 50% smaller than in HDCAM and other manufacturing innovation allow these cassettes to capture recording wavelength to 0.29 micrometer and represent the highest performance metal particle tape in Sony's broadcast family. Sony HDCAM SR is equipped with a TeleFile label to enhance content management. Sony HDCAM SR is featured with ultrafine high-performance metal particles and new calendaring technology realize high output and C/N ratio.

  • How are HDCAM SR tapes different from other tapes?
    HDCAM SR tape is specifically designed to capture the shorter wavelengths of the HDCAM SR format, approximately 40% shorter than the HDCAM format.
    NOTE:Sony's recorder and media groups exclusively co-developed the HDCAM SR format. This has allowed Sony to provide totally optimized recorder / media performance. Remember, tape care and handling along with proper recorder maintenance are critical factors in high quality recording, playback and archiving.

  • Can I use large and small HDCAM SR cassettes in all HDCAM SR recorders?
    Unlike the HDCAM format, there are currently no HDCAM SR camcorders, only VTRs. All HDCAM SR studio VTRs accept both large and small shell HDCAM SR cassettes. Sony's portable SRW-1 VTR ( also used in the Panavision GENESIS digital camera system ) will only accept small shell cassettes.

  • What precautions should I take bringing HDCAM SR tape through airport scanners?
    Generally, no special precautions are needed. As with any magnetic media, at any time, efforts should be taken to avoid strong magnetic fields. X-rays should not harm the magnetic tape or the recording.

  • What are the ideal storage/archival conditions for HDCAM SR tape?
    • Short-term Storage (10 years or less): 59F - 73F (15C - 23C), humidity should be 30% - 40%
    • Long-term storage (More that 10 years): 54As a rule, videocassettes should be stored in an upright position, in a protective album box, case or sleeve and rewound.F - 59F (12C - 15C), humidity should be 30% +/- 5%.


  • Can I use the same HDCAM SR cassettes in both 24PsF and 60i recording mode?
    Yes. Be aware that running time for HDCAM SR cassettes is dependent on which recording mode is used. See most popular record mode chart below:
    HDCAM SR CASSETTE RECORDING TIME (in minutes)

    MODEL

    RECORDING MODE

     

    60i

    50i

    24PsF

    BCT-6SR

    6

    7

    7

    BCT-33SR

    33

    39

    41

    BCT-40SR

    40

    48

    50

    BCT-64SRL

    64

    76

    80

    BCT-94SRL

    94

    112

    117

    BCT-124SRL

    124

    148

    155

    NOTE: An expanded version of this chart outlining cassettes record time in all available modes is available on our home page.

  • What is the archival life of HDCAM SR tape?
    Based on Sony's 50+ years of experience manufacturing magnetic media, the estimated archival life of current metal particle tape formualtions is 30 years providing proper care, maintenance, handling and storage guidelines mentioned above have been followed.

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