Sony HVR-Z1U Instructions Manual page 5

RECORDER FEATURES
Multi-format Recording and Playback Capabilities,
Supporting HDV 1080i, DVCAM and DV
Switchable Recording and Playback –
HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV
The HVR-Z1U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM and
DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either
Standard or High Definition depending on production needs.
In addition, it can be switched between 60i and 50i modes
(NTSC and PAL), allowing for flexible productions without the
need for two separate camcorders with each standard.
4 The HVR-Z1U supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
Down-conversion Playback Capabilities
The HVR-Z1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i
and 576i, and output these video signals through its i.LINK
interface. In addition, these signals can also be output via
either analog component, composite, or S-video connectors.
This allows editing of recorded material with a nonlinear
editing system using current DV editing software
recording SD signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously
recording HDV signals with the HVR-Z1U. The HVR-Z1U can
also down-convert to 480p and 576p and output these
signals through its analog component video connectors.
When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio
displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes
can be selected from Squeeze, Letterbox or Edge crop.
5 When using the HVR-Z1U down conversion capabilities with your current DV
editing software, please contact your nearest Sony office to confirm compatibility.
HDV 1080i (16:9)
Squeeze
Recording, Playback and Down-conversion Formats
60i Mode
Playback/
Recording
Down Conversion i.LINK
Format
Format
1080/60i
1080/60i –
480/60p (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (16:9)
480/60i (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (4:3)
480/60i (4:3)
50i Mode
Playback/
Recording
i.LINK
Down Conversion
Format
Format
1080/50i
1080/50i 576/50p (16:9/4:3) –
576/50i (16:9/4:3)
576/50i (16:9)
576/50i (16:9/4:3)
576/50i (4:3)
576/50i (4:3)
: Available
O: Either 1 or 2 connection is available. When both are connected to cables, the
16:9 Widescreen Acquisition in
DVCAM and DV formats
The HVR-Z1U is capable of native 16:9 widescreen image
capturing, with a high resolution of 720 x 480 pixels (NTSC)
and 720 x 576 pixels (PAL) in DVCAM and DV formats, and
providing true 16:9 images in SD format.
4 and 60i/50i
5
as well as
DVCAM/DV (4:3)
Letterbox Edge crop
Input Output
Analog Analog Analog
S-Video
Composite Component Composite
– – –
– – –
– – 1
2 1 1
2 1 1
Input Output
Analog Analog Analog
S-Video
Composite Component Composite
– – –
– – –
– – 1
2 1 1
2 1 1
1 connection has a priority.
HD Codec Engine
The HVR-Z1U employs the highly
advanced HD Codec Engine, which
efficiently compresses base band HD
signal data at approx. 25 Mb/s with
MPEG-2 compression, while maintaining
optimal HD quality. Designed for reduced energy consumption,
this powerful digital signal processor fits perfectly inside the
compact and streamlined body of the HVR-Z1U.
i.LINK Interface
TM6
The HVR-Z1U is equipped with a 4-pin i.LINK interface.
This allows for on-cable digital transfer
command signals to a connected VTR or nonlinear editing
system in the HDV, DVCAM and DV formats.
6 i.LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation used only to designate that a
product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK
connector will necessarily communicate with each other. For information on
compatibility, operating conditions and proper connection, please refer to the
documentation supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For
information on devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your
nearest Sony office.
7 Insert and assemble editing using HDV material is not recommended with
the HVR-Z1U. When video programs in the HDV format are transferred via the
i.LINK interface and edited, transitions from cut to cut may not be smooth.
Built-in Stereo Microphone and
2-channel XLR Audio Input
The HVR-Z1U provides a high-quality,
built-in stereo microphone as well as
two XLR audio input connectors for
connecting professional microphones
or feeding an external-line audio
source. Phantom power of approx.
8
40 V can be supplied for the external
condenser microphone. INPUT 1
S-Video
audio can be recorded on CH1 only,
–
–
or on both CH1 and CH2 audio
2
2
tracks, with easy selection via a switch.
2
8 When using the phantom power for an external microphone, the specification
of the input power supply must be checked.
S-Video
2-channel Independent Audio Record Level
–
–
Control with Audio Level Meter
2
2
2
Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently
adjusted using two audio level dials on the camera body and
viewed with an audio level
meter on the LCD monitor.
The audio level meter can be
recalled quickly and easily by
a Status Check function.
TM
7
of audio, video, and
5