Sony HDCAM-SR Approach
In the digital image acquisition and post production processes, the opportunity to capture, preserve, view, and manipulate the original RGB spectrum image channel bandwidth was generally reserved for the use of film media itself, or for disk-based digital record and file playback systems. Sony Electronics continues to refine its unique family of advanced magnetic tape media recording technologies as part of the HDCAM-SR videotape mastering system for the film and television industries. Some of the latest refinements include the introduction of 3 Gigabit (3G) single link component serial digital interfacing choices to the suitably optioned SRW-5800/1 Recorder/Player, and SRW-5001/1 Player, with retention of the legacy dual link interfaces, and the introduction of a new HSDL dual link data mode for data copying between two network interface optioned SRW-5800/1 Recorder/Players.****
Using advances in Sony metal particle tape structure, the half-inch antioxidant base formulation HDCAM-SR media provides for the industry's highest real-time compressed video recorded data rate to tape of up to 880 Mb/s for active picture in the optioned SRW-1, and optioned SRW5800. The HDCAM-SR video mode formats utilize 10-bit video recording with mild compression rates, advanced wavelength channel coding, and a self-aligning data track architecture. The SRW series of products uses intra-frame MPEG4 Studio Profile Compression for progressive recording modes, and intra-field for interlaced recording modes.
Proven, Popular Acceptance, and RGB workflow
In the RGB spectrum, optioned HDCAM-SR VTRs have provided archive quality compressed high definition digital videotape recordings for Digital Intermediate applications. This is particularly relevant in the exchange of short form elements such as for special effects in either SQ, or 3D video, or high quality HQ modes. With new firmware of September 2009 a network interface optioned SRW5800/1 can be used for special dual link uncompressed data mode dubbing**** between two mirrored units and a supported SRW-5800 + HKSR5804 or SRW-5800/1 + HKSR5804 data mode HDCAM-SR tape. For supporting uncompressed data mode, both the SRW-5800 and SRW-5800/1 can be used as a practical GigE data recorder/data player to network access uncompressed 4:4:4 10 or 16 bit 2K or 4K (upper limit of picture size is 4,096 x 3,112 as a 1 element file) data as SMPTE DPX or CIN (Cineon), with 1D LUT, down converter, and 320 (x180) or 640 pixel width network GUI proxy. With new firmware, other newly supported files will follow.
Audio tracks are also capable of accommodating non-audio AES/EBU data. HDCAM-SR tapes are widely accepted and often specified for a variety of specialized archive and general master quality applications, including SMPTE production standard 4:2:2 HD formats applicable to feeding broadcast encoders for 4:2:0 ATSC DTV.
SRW-5800 network interface & data mode option for file exchange
The HKSR-5804 network interface data mode record and playback (GigE Interface) option for the SRW5800 and SRW5800/1 facilitates the opportunity to exchange Jumbo frame uncompressed data through a Gigabit Ethernet network interface as 10-bit or 16-bit formatted uncompressed 4:4:4 SMPTE DPX or CIN (Cineon) or as 16-Bit formatted uncompressed Targa files (restrictions and limitations apply). New firmware from September 2009 or thereafter will support data dub mode in the SRW-5800/1, API, 3G HD-SDI auxiliary I/O, additional new file formats, Tele-file data, and output of ALE file for Apple/Avid NLE (certain limitations will apply in all new functions). Additionally, uncompressed files can be converted and cropped within the HKSR-5804 into HDCAM SR 1920x1080 compressed formatting on HDCAM-SR tape for playback as video mode tapes (note: 720P is not supported in this function).
Options, Accessories for SRW-5500, SRW-5000 Studio VTR models:
HKSR-5001/20 Format Converter with pull-down Board
HKSR-5002 Digital Betacam Playback Decoder Board
HKSR-5003 RGB Processor Kit
RMM-110US Rack-Mount Kit
Options, Accessories for SRW-5800 Studio VTR model:
HKSR-5001/20 Format Converter with pull-down Board***
HKSR-5802 HDCAM and Digital Betacam Playback Decoder Board
HKSR-5803SQ RGB SQ Processor Board
HKSR-5803HQ RGB HQ Advanced Processor Board
HKSR-5804 Network Interface (File Transfer HSDL Data Mode and GigE) Processor Board*
RMM-110US Rack-Mount Kit
Sony Service Upgrade (for labor and parts fees) from SRW-5800 to SRW-5800/1
Options, Accessories for SRW-5800/1 Studio VTR model:
HKSR-5001/20 Format Converter with pull-down Board
adds 3GB and additional 720P 59.94/1080PsF59.94 conversion capability**
HKSR-5802 HDCAM and Digital Betacam Playback Decoder Board
HKSR-5803SQ RGB SQ Processor Board
HKSR-5803HQ RGB HQ Advanced Processor Board
HKSR-5804 Network Interface (File Transfer HSDL Data Mode and GigE) Processor Board*
RMM-110US Rack-Mount Kit
Options, Accessories for SRW-5100 Studio Player model:
HKSR-5001/20 Format Converter with pull-down Board***
HKSR-5802 HDCAM and Digital Betacam Playback Decoder Board
HKSR-5103 RGB Advanced Processor Board for SQ and HQ playback
RMM-110US Rack-Mount Kit
Sony Service Upgrade (for labor and parts fees) from SRW-5100 to SRW-5100/1
Options, Accessories for SRW-5100/1 Studio Player model:
HKSR-5001/20 Format Converter with pull-down Board
adds 3GB and additional 720P 59.94/1080PsF59.94 conversion capability**
HKSR-5802 HDCAM and Digital Betacam Playback Decoder Board
HKSR-5103 RGB Advanced Processor Board
HKSR-5105 HDMI and i.Link (HDV) Output Board (Future Option)
RMM-110US Rack-Mount Kit
Notes:
For specific performance contributions of individual accessories (or the lack of them), contact VTP and Sony.
* GigE Data Interface - Also requires HKSR5803HQ for 4:4:4 HQ SR Video or 2K/4K uncompressed modes; or HKSR5803SQ for 4:4:4 SQ SR Video modes.
** 720P 50/1080PsF50 conversion capability is also supported in the HKSR-5001/20 when installed in the SRW-5800/1 or SRW-5001/1 models
*** The HKSR-5001/20 can be installed in the SRW-5000, SRW-5001, or SRW-5500 but will not function for 3G or the additional 720P/1080PsF conversion capability. There is no upgrade for an SRW-5500/5000 for 3GB single link nor for an existing HKSR-5001 to bring it up to an HKSR-5001/20 performance level. The Sony Service department can be contacted for the costs of upgrading an SRW-5800 or SRW5100 to /1.
**** Requires HKSR-5804 to be running version 2 or higher firmware.
Click here for the SRW-5800 Data Exchange Capabilities Chart