Still Picture Recording to
Memory Stick Duo Media
The HVR-A1 incorporates a high-resolution digital camera
function. Thanks to the 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor, still
pictures with 1,920 x 1,440 pixels can be recorded to Memory
Stick Duo
TM
media. Still pictures can be captured by pressing
the dedicated ‘Photo’ button, and this can be done even when
recording video to tape, without any interruptions. In addition,
any desired video frame recorded on tape can be captured as a
still image with 1,440 x 810 pixels
5
and recorded onto Memory
Stick Duo media after video shooting.
5 When captured from a tape recorded in the HDV format.
16:9 Widescreen Acquisition in DVCAM and
DV Formats
The HVR-A1 is capable of native 16:9 widescreen image
capturing, with a high resolution of 720 x 576 pixels (PAL) or
720 x 480 pixels (NTSC) in DVCAM and DV formats, and
providing true 16:9 images in Standard Definition.
i.LINK Interface
The HVR-A1 is equipped with a 4-pin i.LINK interface. This
allows for on-cable digital transfer
6
of audio, video, and
command signals to a connected, compatible VTR or nonlinear
editing system in the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.
6 Insert and assemble editing using HDV material is not recommended with the
HVR-A1E.
2-channel XLR Audio Input
The HVR-A1 provides two XLR audio input connectors for
connecting professional microphones or for feeding an
external-line audio source. Phantom power of approx. 48 V
can be supplied for the external condenser microphone.
INPUT 1 audio can be recorded on CH1 only, or on both CH1
and CH2 audio tracks, with easy selection via a switch.
The HVR-A1 also comes equipped with two types of
microphones; an external directional microphone and a built-
in stereo microphone.
2-channel Independent Audio Record Level
Control with Audio Level Meter
Each input level for CH1
and CH2 can be
independently adjusted and
viewed with an audio level
meter on the LCD monitor.
Switchable Recording and Playback
– HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV
3
The HVR-A1 can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV
recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard
or high-definition format depending on production needs.
3 The HVR-A1 supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
Down-conversion Playback Capabilities
The HVR-A1 can convert material from 1080i down to 576i or
480i, and output these video signals through its i.LINK
TM4
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 as well as
recording SD signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously
recording HDV signals with the HVR-A1. The HVR-A1 can also
down-convert to 576P or 480P 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.
4 i.LINK is a trademark of Sony 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.
HD Codec Engine
The HVR-A1 employs the highly advanced HD Codec Engine
TM
feature, 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-A1.
5
RECORDER FEATURES
Resolution of Still Pictures
1920 x 1440 (4:3)
1440 x 1080 (4:3)
1080 x 810 (4:3)
640 x 480 (4:3)
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
1440 x 810 (16:9)
640 x 360 (16:9)
Still Picture Mode
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Video Recording Mode
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Video Playback Mode
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Resolution of Still Pictures
i.LINK
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Analog
Composite
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2
2
S-Video
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1
1
Analog
Component
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1
1
S-Video
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Analog
Composite
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Playback/
Down Conversion
Format
1080/60i
480/60p (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (4:3)
Recording
Format
1080/60i
480/60i (16:9)
480/60i (4:3)
2
2
2
Recording, Playback and Down-conversion Formats
HDV 1080i (16:9)
DVCAM/DV (4:3)
Squeeze
Letterbox
Edge crop
Output
Input
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:
Available
:
Either
1 or
2 connection is available. When both are connected to cables, the
1 connection has a priority.
60i Mode (NTSC)
i.LINK
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Analog
Composite
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2
2
S-Video
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1
1
Analog
Component
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1
1
1
S-Video
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Analog
Composite
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Playback/
Down Conversion
Format
1080/50i
576/50p (16:9/4:3)
576/50i (16:9/4:3)
576/50i (16:9/4:3)
576/50i (4:3)
Recording
Format
1080/50i
576/50i (16:9)
576/50i (4:3)
2
2
2
Output
Input
50i Mode (PAL)
