HD Video Codec
Compression
MPEG-2 MP@HL
Sampling Rate
4:2:0
HQ, 35 Mb/s VBR
66 minutes (4-ch audio)
Bit Rate and
69 minutes (2-ch audio)
Recording Time*
SP, 25 Mb/s CBR
87 minutes (4-ch audio)
(approx.)
92 minutes (2-ch audio)
LP, 18 Mb/s VBR
113 minutes (4-ch audio)
122 minutes (2-ch audio)
Number of Pixels
1440 x 1080
SD Video Codec
Compression
DVCAM*
Sampling Rate
4:1:1 (NTSC)/4:2:0 (PAL)
Bit Rate and
25 Mb/s, 85 minutes
Recording Time (approx.)
Active Lines Per Frame
480 (NTSC)/576 (PAL)
Audio
Compression
None (Linear PCM)
Number of Channels
2 or 4, selectable
Sampling Frequency
48 kHz
Quantization
16 bits/sample
HD 1080 Recording using
the “MPEG HD” Codec
The XDCAM HD products record 1080-line
high-definition video using the “MPEG HD” codec
that uses the industry-standard MPEG-2 MP@HL
compression. The use of this codec, which is based on
common MPEG compression, allows compatibility
with many other devices such as non-linear editing
systems.
Selectable Bit Rates
Users can select desired bit rates of either 35, 25,
or 18 Mb/s depending on their requirements for
picture quality and recording length. Choosing the
highest bit rate of 35 Mb/s results in the highest-
quality pictures over a recording time of 66
minutes*, while choosing the 18 Mb/s bit rate
provides a longer recording time of 122 minutes.
*Approximate time in two-channel audio recording mode.
Wide Choice of Video Format –
Interlace and Progressive Including
Native “23.98P” Mode
The XDCAM HD products offer a wide choice of
video formats for both frame rates and scanning
mode. They include 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P,
and native 23.98P.
High-quality Uncompressed Audio
Recording
In addition to HD video recording, high quality audio
is an equally significant feature in the XDCAM
HD system. The XDCAM HD products can record
four-channel, 16-bit, 48-kHz uncompressed audio.
The Sony XDCAM
HD system is a highly
versatile production
tool that offers
flexible recording
functionalities
including a choice
of video frame rates,
interlace or
progressive modes,
recording data rates,
and both HD
or SD* formats.
*Selectable between 16:9 and 4:3
aspect ratios.
XDCAM HD
– Versatile, Disc-based HD Recording System
HD/SD Switchable
Recording and Up/Down
Conversion Capability
The XDCAM HD camcorders provide the powerful
capability to record in DVCAM format with
NTSC/PAL and 16:9/4:3 switchable modes, as well
as the MPEG HD format. What’s more, both the
XDCAM HD camcorders and decks incorporate a
down-conversion capability that allows material
recorded in the MPEG HD format to be converted
to SD signals and output via the SD video output
connectors (including SD composite and i.LINK™*
connectors). This enables users to view the mater-
ial on an SD monitor or transfer it to other SD-
based equipment such as a VTR or editor.
The PDW-F70 and PDW-F30 decks also boast an
up-conversion capability, which allows material
recorded in the DVCAM format to be converted to
HD signals and output via its HD-SDI** or HD ana-
logue component connector. These capabilities
allow users to easily and flexibly migrate to HD-
based operations at their own pace.
Another powerful capability of the decks is up-
conversion recording via the optional PDBK-104
board. This allows input signals from the SD-SDI or
SD analogueue composite connector to be record-
ed in the MPEG HD format, further increasing flexi-
bility in mixed SD/HD operations.
*i.LINK is a Sony trademark used only to designate
that a product is equipped with an IEEE1394
connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector
may communicate with each other. Please refer to
the documentation that comes with any device having
an i.LINK connector for information on compatibility,
operating conditions, and proper connection.
**HD-SDI output is only available on the PDW-F70.
XDCAM HD Recording Specifications
* When recording in HQ (35 Mb/s) or LP (18 Mb/s) mode, recording time may be more than the above
specified figures depending on the actual bit rate that is adopted during VBR encoding.
**DVCAM recording on camcorder models only.
XDCAM HD
4
