Since its launch at NAB in 1996, the Sony DVCAM format has enjoyed a growth rate that is unprecedented for a professional format. As of September 2005, over 630,000 units of DVCAM camcorders and VTRs have been sold worldwide, an amazing achievement in such a short time. By way of comparison, analogue Betacam sold 450,000 units over a much longer time period after its 1982 launch.

In addition, there are over 20 different models of cameras and VTRs for today’s increasingly diverse professional video applications. This wide-ranging product line is a key factor in the success of DVCAM, but there are many other key attributes as well.

As a co-developer of consumer DV, Sony clearly understood the potential of applying DV’s superb picture quality and digital format to the broadcast and professional market. Engineers who had worked on Umatic and Betacam – ‘workhorse’ broadcast and professional formats – ensured DVCAM had all the attributes necessary to meet the rigorous demands of ENG applications. Sony also took into account the need for cross-compatibility with consumer DV, not just in playback compatibility, but also in utilising the wider benefits of DV.

Key requirements for DVCAM included the implementation of i.LINK IEEE 1394 DV I/O digital information transfer capability, as well as bringing out the very best picture quality. Today, this means DVCAM equipment offers a previously unimaginable combination of quality and production efficiency.

i.LINK has enabled DVCAM to be central to many diverse applications. Simple, compact and low cost non-linear editing hardware and software development would not have been possible without the advent of this technology. In today’s frugal marketplace, the adoption of i.LINK as mainstream has created a new wave of products and applications for the diverse demands of the production community from content creation to distribution. Every general DVCAM model has incorporated i.LINK as standard or as an option. No other professional format line has been better equipped to meet the needs of today’s cutting edge broadcast and professional technology as the DVCAM format.

Advanced Sony Engineering
In addressing the critical needs of content creation, the DVCAM line has implemented the best that Sony has to offer in acquisition equipment. Such high-end features as 2/3" CCDs, native 16x9 image capture, complete end-to-end digital signal processing (a Sony exclusive), dual-cassette size capability, APR automatic pixel restoration, true skin tone detail with auto detection of active area, 32-step variable color temperature, and a host of other performance related features allow DVCAM to produce the best image possible of all 1/4" digital video formats. These robust features can be found in the DSR-370P, DSR-500WSP and DSR-570WSP DVCAM camcorders.

At the pinnacle of the DVCAM VTR line is the flagship studio editing VTR, the DSR-2000P, which incorporates the very best that digital video can offer, including a number of key exclusive functions. One exclusive function is Non-Tracking Playback technology, which enables the gathering of ‘strayed’ data that have gone out of alignment from rigorous usage. Such material is incapable of being played back from any machine other than that on which the material was recorded on (and sometimes not even that machine!). This is extremely critical in a professional application, as the 1/4" digital video formats do not have the capability of dynamic tracking. The DSR-2000 is the only machine in the industry capable of this function, and it should be noted that this feature is applicable to all DVCAM, DV and DVCPRO recorded material. In addition, the DVCAM format is the only digital video format capable of implementing both Pre-Read and Non-Tracking Playback technology. This is further evidence that Sony is committed to not only the development of DVCAM, but also to the preservation of format compatibility.

DVCAM innovation also includes exciting new product types, such as the DSR-DU1 compact hard disk unit introduced earlier this year. A 2.5" hard-disk drive with three hours capacity, it transforms workflow with instant content checking and the quick start of editing, as well as acquisition in both media (hard-disk and tape simultaneously).

The Ubiquitous Format
Today, DVCAM can be seen used in core applications such as education, corporate, event videography, television and film dailies, commercials, full-length feature production, off-line and on-line post production as well as the editing of high-definition features. Award-winning productions have even been produced on DVCAM, as evident at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Network news is being captured, edited and distributed on DVCAM equipment worldwide.

The success of the DVCAM format can be attributed to its unique ability to bridge a multitude of professional applications into the high-end broadcast and production realm, but clearly it has been the various application demands that have made DVCAM what it is, the ultimate ubiquitous digital broadcast and professional format.