Sony's New Professional DVCAM Videotape
December 10, 2003
Park Ridge, NJ - Sony has released information about its new Professional DVCAM videotape, available in mini and standard cassette shell sizes, in a variety of lengths (32-, 40-, 64-, 124- and 184-minute cassettes), and with an anti-static lid that shields the tape from debris. Cassettes are packaged in a secure locking album case to provide additional physical protection, the manufacturer describes.
Compared to MiniDV tape, DigitalMaster delivers 50 percent less tape shrinkage for increased physical stability under nearly any conditions, the company reports. DigitalMaster's ability to reduce errors by 90 percent, compared to Mini DV tape, is especially important to digital cinematographers shooting in native 16:9, where more information is recorded along the length of the track and there is a greater possibility for errors, or misinterpreted data.
DigitalMaster is manufactured with a dual layer of 100 percent magnetic material—unprecedented in a professional videotape—to deliver a 2 dB, or 20 percent, increase in carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio, which is the distance between the maximum signal that can be recorded on the tape and the noise floor (or when no signal is present). Within this noise, errors may occur during playback because data may be masked and misinterpreted by the playback head.
DigitalMaster's higher C/N ratio, which equates to greater output and less noise, translates to more signal coming off the tape during playback to reduce the occurrence of errors and misinterpreted data.
The technology behind DigitalMaster further enhances DVCAM's Advanced Metal Evaporated (AME) technology to produce a tape that can withstand the rigorous demands of the professional's daily routine of constant shuttling and shooting in varying environments.
This Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating over the magnetic layer results in a surface 20 times harder than normal oxide tapes. DigitalMaster features 30 percent more DLC coating to provide an even greater level of durability.
Sony's DigitalMaster videotape is able to cut dropout rates in half due to tighter tolerances used during manufacturing. This not only provides directors and directors of photography with peace of mind when capturing critical footage, but also makes the post production process run more smoothly.
Professionals can also rely on DigitalMaster to withstand the rigors of shooting in a range of environmental conditions. Magnetic tape is susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity variations, and excessive "shrinkage" can alter the position of recorded tracks. As a result, playback heads may not be able to accurately read information and tracking can occur. In addition, it impairs machine-to-machine compatibility.
For more information, visit
www.sony.com
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