Chapter 1 : Overview; Features - Sony PDW-850 Operation Manual

1 Overview
Chapter

Features

2
/ -inch full-HD "PowerHAD FX" CCDs
3
2
• IT (Interline Transfer)
image sensors with 2.2 million pixels, for full
HD resolution (1920 × 1080)
• "PowerHAD FX" CCDs, featuring a signal
processing ASIC with 16-bit A/D converters
These new image sensor technologies enable the
capture of very high-quality images, with F11
(59.94i) and F12 (50i) sensitivity and an SN ratio
1)
of 62 dB.
1) With noise suppression on (off value is 58 dB)
Noise suppression uses proprietary Sony signal
processing technology to suppress noise in high-
frequency regions.
Mechanisms for high reliability
A new duct cooling system prevents overheating
inside the unit and on its surfaces, for greater
reliability in high-temperature environments.
Reliability is also enhanced by the drip-proof
design.
Recording can continue even when the unit is
subjected to jarring shocks, because data is stored
in shockproof memory before being recorded to
the media. Reliable recording is ensured by a
recording verification function, similar to the
confidence playback function of tape recorders,
qualifying the unit for use in demanding
broadcast applications.
Multi-format support
The unit supports various system frequencies
(1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97P, 1080/50i, 1080/25P,
1080/23.98P, 720/59.94P, and 720/50p), offering
the flexibility needed for worldwide HD
recording. It also supports recording and
playback of SD signals (both NTSC and PAL),
allowing a stepwise transition from SD to HD
systems.
/ -inch progressive
3
A multi-format conversion function enables up-
and down-conversion between SD and HD, and
cross-conversion between 1080 and 720. Squeeze
or edge cropping can be selected as the aspect
pattern in up- and down-conversion between SD
and HD.
Note
It is not possible to combine material recorded in
different frame frequency groups on single disc (see
page 54).
Recording of more than 90 minutes of
high-quality video and audio data
• Signals captured by the full-HD (1920 × 1080)
image sensors are recorded in MPEG HD422
1)
format for consistently high image quality.
• The unit supports recording of four audio
3)
channels sampled at 24 bits for high quality.
• Dual-layer Professional discs can record about
95 minutes of high-quality video and audio
data.
The generous recording times and the high-
quality of the recorded video and audio allow this
unit to meet the most stringent requirements of
production teams in a wide range of genres, from
news gathering through digital cinema and
program production.
The unit supports a variety of HD formats,
including formats with 720 lines of resolution.
1) The MPEG-2 422P@HL codec performs 4:2:2
sampling and records at a video bit rate of 50 Mbps.
2) Image compression uses the MPEG-2 Long GOP
system.
3) The PDW-HD1500 supports recording of up to eight
channels in MPEG HD422 format.
Format compatibility with earlier models
The unit is capable of recording in the MPEG-2
MP@HL 35/25 Mbps formats used by earlier
XDCAM HD devices. These formats offer longer
recording times than the MPEG-2 422P@HL
50 Mbps format.
It is also capable of recording and playback in the
MPEG IMX 50/40/30 Mbps and DVCAM
25 Mbps formats.
2)
Features 9