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DVCAM FORMAT
DIGITAL COMPONENT RECORDING FOR
EXCELLENT PICTURE QUALITY
The DVCAM format is the professional extension of
the worldwide standard DV format. The DVCAM format
uses 8-bit digital component recording with a 5:1
compression ratio and a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The
unique compression algorithm provides excellent
picture quality and superb multi-generation perform-
ance. The DVCAM format has a wider track pitch of
15 µm (compared with 10 µm for the DV format) which
gives higher reliability for professional editing.
It also offers superior digital audio performance, pro-
viding a wide dynamic range and excellent signal-to-
noise ratio, comparable to CD quality. Alternative audio
channel modes can be selected: a two-channel mode
with 48 kHz/16-bit recording or a four-channel mode
with 32 kHz/12-bit recording.
RECORDING CAPABILITY OF UP TO THREE HOURS
DVCAM cassette tapes are available in two sizes:
standard and mini. The standard-size cassette provides
a recording time of up to 184 minutes, while the
mini-size cassette provides up to 40 minutes. These
long recording times are achieved in very compact
cassettes with a 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) tape width.
Mini-size
Standard-size cassette
cassette
8
Tape direction
One frame: 12 Tracks
Sub Code Sector
Video Sector
Audio Sector
ITI sector
ITI: Insert and Track information
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
FROM PROFESSIONAL DVCAM TAPES
To gain maximum performance from high-density
digital recording, advanced Metal Evaporated tape
technology has been developed for the DVCAM format.
The use of Sony pure cobalt advanced evaporated
coating gives both high output and a high C/N (Carrier-
to-Noise) ratio, resulting in superb quality pictures and
a low error rate.
A DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) protective layer
provides the enhanced protection of the tape surface
that is essential to avoiding tape damage during long
editing sessions. Finally, DVCAM tapes provide a low
frequency of dropout and superior thermal stability.
A variety of cassettes, including tapes with IC
Cassette Memory and Master Tapes, is available to suit
different applications. The built-in 16-kbit Cassette
Memory stores ClipLink™ Log Data, Index Pictures,
Photo mode and other shooting data, enhancing editing
efficiency. Tapes without IC Cassette Memory fit a wide
range of applications, at an affordable price. The Master
Tapes, which use Sony Hyper Evaticle II Magnetic
Particle technology to provide higher output and
lower noise, are suitable for high-speed data transfer
applications as well as for making master recordings.
WHY DVCAM FORMAT FOR BROADCAST
AND PROFESSIONAL?
Sony developed the DVCAM format with its wider
15 µm track pitch to meet broadcast and professional
customer requirements. The consumer DV format with
a 10µm track pitch could not offer sufficient reliability
for the broadcast and professional environment. Sony
developed DVCAM format with a wider 15 µm track
pitch specifically to meet broadcast and professional
customer requirements. Reliability is particularly impor-
tant in editing and playback compatibility, where the
wider track pitch of the DVCAM format eliminates the
risk of block noise in playback picture.
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