Sorting Out Next-Generation Recording Media
Don’t throw out all those videotapes yet. Valuable content may
still be archived on a panoply of analog and digital tape formats, and
HDV has given the MiniDV tape a new lease on life, but totally tapeless
workflows get more attractive, efficient and seductive every year. From
flash memory cards to optical discs and hard disks, you’ve never had so
many different ways to store your moving images from the time you
capture them to the start of your editorial.
still be archived on a panoply of analog and digital tape formats, and
HDV has given the MiniDV tape a new lease on life, but totally tapeless
workflows get more attractive, efficient and seductive every year. From
flash memory cards to optical discs and hard disks, you’ve never had so
many different ways to store your moving images from the time you
capture them to the start of your editorial.
While the physical media has changed, the compression-based recording
schemes used to record and store high-definition images continue to
rely on existing MPEG-2 (I-frame and long-GOP) and DV codecs. Stacks of
videotape cassettes and hours spent digitizing footage into an edit
system or server are beginning to give way to these compact form
factors that save time and space. The best part is that you don’t have
to change your existing infrastructure to put them in play at your
facility or production company.
schemes used to record and store high-definition images continue to
rely on existing MPEG-2 (I-frame and long-GOP) and DV codecs. Stacks of
videotape cassettes and hours spent digitizing footage into an edit
system or server are beginning to give way to these compact form
factors that save time and space. The best part is that you don’t have
to change your existing infrastructure to put them in play at your
facility or production company.
Here’s an overview of what’s out there and what each recording system
offers. Each has design advantages that may suit specific projects, but
can be used for a variety of applications. Prices may vary, depending
upon the supplier. To get a better sense of street prices of various
media formats, you should also do a quick search of different dealer
Web sites, since pricing can vary significantly.
offers. Each has design advantages that may suit specific projects, but
can be used for a variety of applications. Prices may vary, depending
upon the supplier. To get a better sense of street prices of various
media formats, you should also do a quick search of different dealer
Web sites, since pricing can vary significantly.
All of these new IT-inspired media types (manufacturers do not like to
call them "formats") allow broadcast stations to streamline their
operations and get footage on the air quicker while allowing
independent producers of motion pictures and documentaries to be more
portable and organize and repurpose their material more efficiently.
call them "formats") allow broadcast stations to streamline their
operations and get footage on the air quicker while allowing
independent producers of motion pictures and documentaries to be more
portable and organize and repurpose their material more efficiently.
Panasonic P2 Solid State Recording System: P2 Card
Works with:
Panasonic AJ-SPX800, AJ-SPC700, and AG-HVX200 camcorders.
Panasonic AJ-SPX800, AJ-SPC700, and AG-HVX200 camcorders.
The Panasonic DVCPRO P2 series solid-state recording system records
images as digital files on a PCMCIA card that fits nicely into your
pocket. It touts advantages of no moving tape mechanisms that wear out
and are susceptible to vibration and harsh weather and environmental
(e.g., moisture) conditions. The SD (Secure Digital) memory cards
provide approximately 18 minutes of DVCPRO 50 recording on a 2 GB
PCMCIA card, and a variety of frame rates can be stored on a single P2
card.
images as digital files on a PCMCIA card that fits nicely into your
pocket. It touts advantages of no moving tape mechanisms that wear out
and are susceptible to vibration and harsh weather and environmental
(e.g., moisture) conditions. The SD (Secure Digital) memory cards
provide approximately 18 minutes of DVCPRO 50 recording on a 2 GB
PCMCIA card, and a variety of frame rates can be stored on a single P2
card.
Thanks to the solid-state memory, recording response is much faster
than with tape or disc recorders, according to a Panasonic
spokesperson. Users can begin recording immediately after powering up,
making it possible to capture live moments instantly.
than with tape or disc recorders, according to a Panasonic
spokesperson. Users can begin recording immediately after powering up,
making it possible to capture live moments instantly.
The P2 card records only onto blank spaces, so there’s no danger of
accidentally writing over data. The P2 card also offers virtually
unlimited recording capability via hot-swappable recording- users can
replace a full memory card with a blank one while the P2 camcorder is
recording onto another card.
accidentally writing over data. The P2 card also offers virtually
unlimited recording capability via hot-swappable recording- users can
replace a full memory card with a blank one while the P2 camcorder is
recording onto another card.
Cost: A 2 GB P2 card costs $900 while a 4 GB card is
$1750. The same P2 card can be used to record SD and HD images or a mix
of the two. By comparison, a DV ProLine MiniDV cassette offering 83
minutes of recording costs $18. An extra-large DVCPRO 50 cassette, with
63 minutes of HD record time, costs $170.
$1750. The same P2 card can be used to record SD and HD images or a mix
of the two. By comparison, a DV ProLine MiniDV cassette offering 83
minutes of recording costs $18. An extra-large DVCPRO 50 cassette, with
63 minutes of HD record time, costs $170.
Sony XDCAM: Professional XDCAM Disc
Works with:
Sony PDW510, PDW530 (SD) and PDW-F330 (HD) camcorders.
Sony PDW510, PDW530 (SD) and PDW-F330 (HD) camcorders.
Based on MPEG-2 compression, Sony’s XDCAM HD equipment brings the
familiar and highly convenient blue-laser based Professional Disc form
factor to the professional SD and HD production community. The
camcorder records images in 1080i resolution onto 23.3 GB XDCAM discs
at three selectable HD quality levels- 18 Mbps (120 minutes), 25 Mbps
(90 minutes), 35 Mbps (60 minutes)- or DVCAM (85 minutes).
familiar and highly convenient blue-laser based Professional Disc form
factor to the professional SD and HD production community. The
camcorder records images in 1080i resolution onto 23.3 GB XDCAM discs
at three selectable HD quality levels- 18 Mbps (120 minutes), 25 Mbps
(90 minutes), 35 Mbps (60 minutes)- or DVCAM (85 minutes).
Users can store footage shot at all three HD bit rates on the same
XDCAM disc and then archive that same original disc, which can include
finished programs and unused b-roll footage, as well as metadata about
those images. That allows editors and producers to quickly locate and
preview images and audio.
XDCAM disc and then archive that same original disc, which can include
finished programs and unused b-roll footage, as well as metadata about
those images. That allows editors and producers to quickly locate and
preview images and audio.
The Professional Disc media allows a minimum of 1000 read/write cycles,
according to a Sony spokesperson, and up to 10,000 read/write cycles
under ideal conditions. Even after repeated use, image quality on the
XDCAM disc does not degrade.
according to a Sony spokesperson, and up to 10,000 read/write cycles
under ideal conditions. Even after repeated use, image quality on the
XDCAM disc does not degrade.
Cost: About $30 per 23.3 GB disc. The same disc can
be used for SD and HD recording. By comparison, a 270-minute DVCAM
videotape costs about $50.
be used for SD and HD recording. By comparison, a 270-minute DVCAM
videotape costs about $50.
Sony has been advocating more HDCAM production by reducing tape and
equipment costs over the past few years- in the past year and a half,
they are down almost 20 percent. The current street price for a
one-hour HDCAM tape (shooting in 60i mode) is approximately $51. You
get about 20 percent more record time on the tape when shooting in 24p.
equipment costs over the past few years- in the past year and a half,
they are down almost 20 percent. The current street price for a
one-hour HDCAM tape (shooting in 60i mode) is approximately $51. You
get about 20 percent more record time on the tape when shooting in 24p.
Grass Valley Infinity Series: Iomega Rev Pro Cartridge
Works with:
Grass Valley Infinity Digital Media Camcorder.
Grass Valley Infinity Digital Media Camcorder.
Thomson has shaken up the single-format model with a new Grass Valley
Infinity camera series that records to a variety of media, including
the Iomega Rev Pro disk cartridge, a ITU-R1394 FireWire drive, USB
stick and Compact Flash card. Users can choose which one to use at any
one time, or they can use several to maintain available capacity.
Infinity camera series that records to a variety of media, including
the Iomega Rev Pro disk cartridge, a ITU-R1394 FireWire drive, USB
stick and Compact Flash card. Users can choose which one to use at any
one time, or they can use several to maintain available capacity.
The 35 GB Iomega Rev Pro cartridge stores both SD and HD images. It
uses the next-generation JPEG 2000 codec for HD, giving it a capacity
of about 45 minutes of 1080i HD at 75 Mbps and more than two hours in
MPEG-2 compressed 25 Mbps SD. The camcorder can also record SD at bit
rates of 25, 50, 75 or 100 Mbps in 720p or 1080i resolutions. The
Infinity also includes a solid-state port, where Compact Flash disks
from companies like SanDisk can be loaded and removed at will.
Archiving to the Iomega disk is a possibility, although most recommend
an optical disc format for reliability as well as library space savings.
uses the next-generation JPEG 2000 codec for HD, giving it a capacity
of about 45 minutes of 1080i HD at 75 Mbps and more than two hours in
MPEG-2 compressed 25 Mbps SD. The camcorder can also record SD at bit
rates of 25, 50, 75 or 100 Mbps in 720p or 1080i resolutions. The
Infinity also includes a solid-state port, where Compact Flash disks
from companies like SanDisk can be loaded and removed at will.
Archiving to the Iomega disk is a possibility, although most recommend
an optical disc format for reliability as well as library space savings.
The Grass Valley/Iomega Rev Pro disc, a joint collaboration between the
two companies, has yet to be tested in a real-world environment,
although units are now in beta.
two companies, has yet to be tested in a real-world environment,
although units are now in beta.
Cost: Approximately $70 for a 35 GB Iomega Rev Pro
disk cartridge; $350 for a 4 GB Extreme-III card from SanDisk.
disk cartridge; $350 for a 4 GB Extreme-III card from SanDisk.
Ikegami Editcam and Editcam HD: FieldPak2 and RAMPak Recording Media
Works with:
Ikegami DNS-33W Editcam3 SD tapeless camcorder and the new HDN-X10
Editcam HD tapeless camcorder. The FieldPak2 removable hard disk drives
for the HDN-X10 Editcam HD camcorder run at different disk drive rpm
speeds than those used in the Editcam3 (7200 rpm for HD, 5400 rpm for
SD)
Ikegami DNS-33W Editcam3 SD tapeless camcorder and the new HDN-X10
Editcam HD tapeless camcorder. The FieldPak2 removable hard disk drives
for the HDN-X10 Editcam HD camcorder run at different disk drive rpm
speeds than those used in the Editcam3 (7200 rpm for HD, 5400 rpm for
SD)
The Ikegami FieldPak2 for the Editcam3 measures 1 x 3.25 x 5 inches and
weighs 8 ounces. It’s available in four capacities: a $286 20 GB
FieldPak2 (90 minutes of DV25 video and 45 minutes of DV50 video), a
$395 40 GB FieldPak2 (180 minutes of DV25 video and 90 minutes of DV50
video), a $495 60 GB FieldPak2 (270 minutes of DV25 video and 135
minutes of DV50), and a $595 80 GB FieldPak2 (six hours of DV25 video,
with two audio channels and five hours of DV25 video with four audio
channels).
weighs 8 ounces. It’s available in four capacities: a $286 20 GB
FieldPak2 (90 minutes of DV25 video and 45 minutes of DV50 video), a
$395 40 GB FieldPak2 (180 minutes of DV25 video and 90 minutes of DV50
video), a $495 60 GB FieldPak2 (270 minutes of DV25 video and 135
minutes of DV50), and a $595 80 GB FieldPak2 (six hours of DV25 video,
with two audio channels and five hours of DV25 video with four audio
channels).
The same-sized FieldPak2 for the HDN-X10 Editcam HD, recording video at
145 Mbps, is available in two capacities: a 100 GB FieldPak2 (90
minutes of HD recording time) and a 120 GB FieldPak2 (108 minutes of
HD).
145 Mbps, is available in two capacities: a 100 GB FieldPak2 (90
minutes of HD recording time) and a 120 GB FieldPak2 (108 minutes of
HD).
Video stored on Editcam and Editcam HD FieldPak2s can be directly
imported into a variety of Avid edit systems to let editors start
working immediately. The FieldPak is also compatible with other NLE
systems, as data can be accessed using standard computer interfaces,
such as SCSI, IDE and high-speed USB.
imported into a variety of Avid edit systems to let editors start
working immediately. The FieldPak is also compatible with other NLE
systems, as data can be accessed using standard computer interfaces,
such as SCSI, IDE and high-speed USB.
The HDN-X10 Editcam HD camcorder’s recording section utilizes the Avid
DNxHD mastering codec to deliver HD resolution, full-raster (1920×1080)
images that can be edited on laptop and desktop systems in real time.
The HDN-X10 captures images at a data rate of 145 Mbps, to provide
1080/60i or 50i, 1080/24p, and 720/60p or 50p recording and playback.
In the future, Avid’s DNxHD codec and Ikegami’s HDN-X10 Editcam HD will
be able to handle a bit rate of 220 Mbps.
DNxHD mastering codec to deliver HD resolution, full-raster (1920×1080)
images that can be edited on laptop and desktop systems in real time.
The HDN-X10 captures images at a data rate of 145 Mbps, to provide
1080/60i or 50i, 1080/24p, and 720/60p or 50p recording and playback.
In the future, Avid’s DNxHD codec and Ikegami’s HDN-X10 Editcam HD will
be able to handle a bit rate of 220 Mbps.
A solid-state version of the FieldPak2 called the RAMPak is also
available. Although solid-state media still tends to be expensive,
costs will decline over time. Any solid-state media that will fit
inside the RAMPak’s form factor and meets Ikegami’s minimum criteria
for throughput, capacity, and cost will be offered to broadcasters as
soon as it becomes available.
available. Although solid-state media still tends to be expensive,
costs will decline over time. Any solid-state media that will fit
inside the RAMPak’s form factor and meets Ikegami’s minimum criteria
for throughput, capacity, and cost will be offered to broadcasters as
soon as it becomes available.
Cost: For SD recording, 20 GB FieldPak2, $286; 40 GB
FieldPak2, $395; 60 GB FieldPak2, $495; 80 GB FieldPak2, $595. For HD,
100 GB FieldPak2, $800; 120 GB FieldPak2, $1000. Prices are expected to
decrease by a third by April 2006.
FieldPak2, $395; 60 GB FieldPak2, $495; 80 GB FieldPak2, $595. For HD,
100 GB FieldPak2, $800; 120 GB FieldPak2, $1000. Prices are expected to
decrease by a third by April 2006.
Focus Enhancements: FireStore FS-4 Dockable Digital Disk Recorders
Works with:
Canon XL1/XL1s, GL2, XL2 and XL-H1; JVC GY-DV300; Panasonic
AG-DVX100A/-100, AG-DVC30 and AG-DVC7; Sony DSR-PD150/-170, DSR-PD100
and DCR-VX2000/VX2100; and any DV25-capable deck or camcorder with
FireWire I/O.
Canon XL1/XL1s, GL2, XL2 and XL-H1; JVC GY-DV300; Panasonic
AG-DVX100A/-100, AG-DVC30 and AG-DVC7; Sony DSR-PD150/-170, DSR-PD100
and DCR-VX2000/VX2100; and any DV25-capable deck or camcorder with
FireWire I/O.
The FireStore FS-4 series from Focus Enhancements converts any
IEEE-1394 (FireWire, i.Link) drive into a high-performance digital disk
recorder and player. Users can record directly to disk from a digital
camcorder, VTR, or switcher. Once recorded, the hard drive is instantly
recognizable by most NLE systems, meaning the video clips are
immediately available.
IEEE-1394 (FireWire, i.Link) drive into a high-performance digital disk
recorder and player. Users can record directly to disk from a digital
camcorder, VTR, or switcher. Once recorded, the hard drive is instantly
recognizable by most NLE systems, meaning the video clips are
immediately available.
The FS-4 measures 1.5 inches thick and weighs about one pound,
including the battery. It can be mounted directly to the camcorder
(using an optional camera-mount kit) or clipped to your belt. A
10-second electronic shock cache ensures video is always recorded, even
in the roughest of conditions.
including the battery. It can be mounted directly to the camcorder
(using an optional camera-mount kit) or clipped to your belt. A
10-second electronic shock cache ensures video is always recorded, even
in the roughest of conditions.
The FS-4 comes standard with a 40 GB (three hours of SD recording) hard
drive, while the FS-4 Pro is available with either 40 GB or 80 GB (six
hours) capacities. Extended record times can be achieved by linking two
FS-4 units together for as much as 12 hours of recording. Both FS-4
models also feature removable battery packs and can be optionally
powered via a wall outlet.
drive, while the FS-4 Pro is available with either 40 GB or 80 GB (six
hours) capacities. Extended record times can be achieved by linking two
FS-4 units together for as much as 12 hours of recording. Both FS-4
models also feature removable battery packs and can be optionally
powered via a wall outlet.
New support for AVI and 24p QuickTime files allows FS-4 users who shoot
with DV 24p camcorders- such as the Canon XL2 and Panasonic DVX100- to
record files to disk that can be used immediately in applications that
support 24p edit modes, such as Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere
Pro, Sony Vegas and In-sync Blade.
with DV 24p camcorders- such as the Canon XL2 and Panasonic DVX100- to
record files to disk that can be used immediately in applications that
support 24p edit modes, such as Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere
Pro, Sony Vegas and In-sync Blade.
It is also possible to use the FireStore FS-4 or FS-3 with Digital
Betacam, BetacamSX, MPEG IMX, DVCPRO 50, HDCAM and DVCPRO HD camcorders
using Miranda DVC-100 and DVC-800 series converters.
Betacam, BetacamSX, MPEG IMX, DVCPRO 50, HDCAM and DVCPRO HD camcorders
using Miranda DVC-100 and DVC-800 series converters.
Cost: FS-4 (40 GB) $799; FS-4 Pro (40 GB) $1195;
FS-4 Pro (80 GB) $1595; FS-4 HD (40 GB) $999; FS-4 Pro HD (40 GB)
$1395; FS-4 Pro HD (80 GB) $1795. The FS-3 dockable system- three
versions are available- costs $2195.
FS-4 Pro (80 GB) $1595; FS-4 HD (40 GB) $999; FS-4 Pro HD (40 GB)
$1395; FS-4 Pro HD (80 GB) $1795. The FS-3 dockable system- three
versions are available- costs $2195.
MiniDV HDV Videotape
Works with:
Canon XL-H1, JVC GY-HD100U (720p), Sony HVR-Z1U (1080i) HDV camcorders with three 1/3-inch CCDs.
Canon XL-H1, JVC GY-HD100U (720p), Sony HVR-Z1U (1080i) HDV camcorders with three 1/3-inch CCDs.
The newest versions of MiniDV cassettes for HD recording, such as JVC’s
ProHD and Sony’s DigitalMaster series, are promoted as suffering 90
percent fewer errors and 50 percent fewer dropouts compared to consumer
MiniDV tapes.
ProHD and Sony’s DigitalMaster series, are promoted as suffering 90
percent fewer errors and 50 percent fewer dropouts compared to consumer
MiniDV tapes.
Cost: Single JVC ProHD tape cassettes for GY-HD100U
and Sony DigitalMaster Series video cassettes for the XL-H1 or HVR-Z1U
each offer 64 minutes of HDV recording on a MiniDV cassette for $14 to
$16. The DigitalMaster tape cassettes come in record times of 32, 40,
64, 124 and 184 minutes.
and Sony DigitalMaster Series video cassettes for the XL-H1 or HVR-Z1U
each offer 64 minutes of HDV recording on a MiniDV cassette for $14 to
$16. The DigitalMaster tape cassettes come in record times of 32, 40,
64, 124 and 184 minutes.
By comparison, Sony’s DVM-80PR Premium MiniDV cassette, featuring 80
minutes of 25 Mbps record time for SD images, costs $9. A 40-minute
DVCAM tape has an estimated market price of $12 to $13, while a
60-minute consumer MiniDV has an estimated market price of $3 to $4.
minutes of 25 Mbps record time for SD images, costs $9. A 40-minute
DVCAM tape has an estimated market price of $12 to $13, while a
60-minute consumer MiniDV has an estimated market price of $3 to $4.
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