Taking the MPEG IMX format to the Extreme

If Joe had this assignment just a few years ago, we would haverecommended the BVW-D600WS Betacam SP® camcorder. However, majorchanges have been placed on acquisition equipment in the DTV era.

We are assuming for the moment that this will be a majornetwork/cable broadcast, and the footage will be used for the maincontent as well as the creation of teasers, bumpers, and promos. Wewill also assume that the "X" network will put the content throughelaborate postproduction processes involving multiple keys, composites,and DVE manipulation commensurate with a high-profile sportprogram.

To best facilitate the overall production requirements, we wouldrecommend that it be captured on the MPEG IMX format using the MSW-900camcorder. Primary reasons for this recommendation:

1. 4:2:2 50Mbs video recording with 4 channels of 20 bit audio

2. Robust field camcorder, switchable between 16:9 and 4:3 offeringprogressive and interlace capture modes

3. Innovative work flow enhancements, including greater-than-realtimetransfer of native signals among NLE, disc recorders, and servers

4. Media cost comparable to the Betacam SP format

The Sony 1/2in. family has been built to perform in toughconditions, such as high humidity, wide temperature changes, andworking in a physically harsh environment. From our productionexperiences utilizing formats ranging from Betacam SP to HDCAM®,we have proven that our camcorders provide consistent high-qualityimages in very demanding environments.

The MSW-900 can record in either an interlace or progressive scanmode, thus allowing different frame rates to be selected based on theaction to be captured. If high-quality still images or a film-likeaesthetic is desired (for promos, bumpers and interviews), progressivescan can be utilized. When capturing fast motion or portrayal of a liveevent, interlace scan is available.

The MPEG IMX camcorder will allow Joe to shoot on 1/2in. media witha wide track pitch to cope with the temperature changes and physicaltape handling in a harsh environment.

FEATURES

The MSW-900 employs MPEG 4:2:2P@ML recording at a bit rate of 50Mb/s to provide outstanding picture quality. Using MPEG technology, theMSW-900 integrates directly with other MPEG devices.

Power HAD EX CCDs are incorporated in the MSW-900 Camcorder. Theyprovide a high signal-to-noise ratio of -65 dB (NTSC) and an extremelylow smear level (-140 dB, typical). The high sensitivity of f/11provides pictures of superb quality - even when shooting under lowlighting levels.

Loop recording allows audio and video signals to be buffered in amemory until the Record button is pressed. The buffered signals arerecorded to tape at the instant the REC button is pressed. Thiscapability can avoid the loss of important scenes that may occur beforethe operator has time to press the Record button. Up to eight secondsof data is buffered.

Interval recording is also a unique feature of the MSW-900camcorder. In manual mode, up to eight frames are recorded every timethe Record button is pressed. In auto mode, the camera records framesat user predetermined intervals over a user-defined time period.

The Multi-matrix function allows color adjustments to be appliedover a color and/or hue range as specified by the operator. The colorspectrum is divided into 16 areas of adjustment, where the hue and/orsaturation of each area can be adjusted.

The MSW-900 provides a Turbo Gain function, boosting the gain levelup to +48 dB at the touch of a button. This makes it possible to shootin extremely low-light conditions.

The MSW-900 can record shot marks and shot data to the tape. Theycan be utilized in a wide range of applications to raise efficiency inthe production chain.

stores camera setup parameters The MSW-900 incorporates a SonyMemory Stick setup system for the storage and recall of setupparameters.

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