What does the SR stand for? Superior Resolution

Will the SRW-5000 record and playback HDCAM tapes? HDCAM playback is a standard feature, but the SRW-5000 will not record the HDCAM format.

Does HDCAM SR pre-filter the signal before compression like HDCAM?No &endash; The full bandwidth signal hits the MPEG4 SP compression algorithm.

Is this a 10 bit format?Yes

What is the data write rate to tape?Video rate to tape is 440Mbps. The total data rate to tape, both Video and Audio equals approximately 600Mbps. Metadata and Audio information is uncompressed.

What is the compression ratio?

In 4:2:2 recording the compression ratio 2.7/1

In 4:4:4 recording the compression ratio is 4.2/1

Which field/frame rates can the SRW-5000 record?

The SRW-5000 records and plays back the following field/frame rates:

@1080i: 50, 59.94 Hz

@1080PsF: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 Hz

@720P: 59.94 Hz

Why MPEG4 SP?MPEG 4 SP (studio profile) is a state of the art algorithm that is universally accepted, and provides visually loss-less recording of full bandwidth images.

Using both intra-frame and intra-field compression for progressive and interlace recording, respectively, MPEG 4 SP employs both DCT and DPCM (differential pulse code modulation) compression to ensure the best compression application for each type of recording.

Does HDCAM SR record data? It will record 1920 x 1080 Log Data from a Viper or Vialta data output, but it will not record DPX files or other common data formats. It is a video recorder.

How many audio channels are there and how is the audio sampled? There are 12 channels of audio recorded uncompressed at 24bit 48Hz sampling.

Can you record Metadata to the audio channels? Yes - each channel is capable of recording AES/EBU non-audio data.

Is there a video ancillary allocation for metadata recording? There are three HD lines per field (roughly 1056 Bytes per field).

What about interchange &endash; will I have problems sending tapes to another facility? The SRW format employs a new head design with two head gaps. This design literally reads the recorded track twice during playback, ensuring that all data is captured. In addition, the system has a self-adjusting transport that governs the tapes relationship to the head. Therefore there are NO interchange issues.

What are the options?

There are three options:

HKSR 5001 &endash; Format converter

HKSR 5002 &endash; Digibeta decoder

HKSR 5003 &endash; RGB interface

HKSR 5001 - 3/2 pull down, 1080 < > 720, 720 > 525/625, 444< >422

HKSR 5002 &endash; Digibeta playback (not record)

HKSR 5003 &endash; RGB HD SDI Dual Link interface

What about 525 and 625 conversion? Down conversion from 1080/60i tapes is a standard feature. 525 conversion from a 1080 24p or 720P/60 tapes require the HKSR 5001 option.

Why another videotape format? Because the production community asked for it, and because it will benefit the industry in general.

HDCAM SR meets the production demand for higher bandwidth image capture and helps bridge the gap between acquisition and Digital Intermediate workflows by providing full bandwidth RGB for ingest to the process.

The fact that RGB images can now be stored real time in a cost effective and time efficient manner, will benefit the industry in general by opening many doors for higher quality composite effects, and film to tape archiving.

Is there a field unit for HDCAM SR? Yes &endash; The SRW-1 will be available mid year 2004. This unit will provide the same recording functions as the SRW-5000 but will not offer many of the studio deck features.In addition to the same 440 Mbps record capability offered by the SRW-5000, the SRW-1 will also provide 2 times speed recording for the purposes of 3D stereo 422 recording. In this mode the unit will record two independent 422 signals at 440 Mbps with full error correction applied to both signals.

Additionally, the 2 times speed record mode will record RGB signals at 880 Mbps. This yields a compression ratio of approximately 2/1 in 4:4:4.

Will the SRW1 2 times speed recordings playback in the SRW-5000? No &endash; The SRW-5000 has only one playback and record speed.

How will I use an SRW1 880Mbps recording? This high level of image capture in 4:4:4 recording is intended for digital intermediate ingest from an SRW1 playback to a system server. Stereoscopic 4:2:2 recordings will be either ingested in like fashion or recorded to two separate SRW-500 decks for post.

How robust are these machines &endash; what type of head life can I expect? The tape transport used in HDCAM SR is very similar to the ones used in HDCAM and Digital Betacam. These formats have proven reliability, and the design experience gained over the last twenty has been applied to HDCAM SR. We anticipate the same reliability and performance that we have seen from the entire 1Ú2 inch family of VTRs with a projected head life of 3000 hours.

Does HDCAM SR use the same tape as HDCAM? No &endash; A new formula tape has been created with metal particles that are approximately half the size of HDCAM. This allows for a much higher density recording layer that provides an additional 6 dB of signal saturation.

How much is the new tape? Tape stock costs will be approximately $100 per hour.

How much is the SRW5000 &endash; with options?

Base price for the SRW5000 is $88K. Option pricing is:

HKSR5001 = $10K

HKSR5002 = $ 4.7K

HKSR5003 = $10K

When are the new machines available? Projected ex-factory is end of November. The Format Conversion card (HKSR5001), Digi Beta decoder (HKSR5002), and RGB option (HKSR5003) card will be available in limited quantity starting January 04. All options will be in full production by March 04.

What will the SRW1 field unit cost?The price has not yet been set.