High DefinitionFormat Guide

www.sonybiz.net/choice

About High Definition 03

HDV 05

XDCAM 06

XDCAM EX 06

XDCAM HD 07

XDCAM HD 422 07

HDCAM 08

HDCAM SR 09

Services from Sony 10

The move to High Definition continues to accelerate around the world.New channels transmitting High Definition pictures are being launchedconstantly, and the rapid adoption by broadcasters is more thanmatched by the excitement and enthusiasm of the world’s viewingaudiences for the unique experience that can only be delivered byHigh Definition.

By the end of 2007 it is predicted that there will be 74 HD channelsbroadcasting in Europe, a number that is set to explode to more than200 by the end of 2011*. In the same timeframe, worldwide HD channelcount will grow to more than 500. In preparation, consumers arerushing to buy HD-ready receivers and High Definition displays. While13m homes in Western Europe have HD-ready displays today, some94m will be equipped by the end of 2011, representing more than halfof all homes. The move to HD is unstoppable.

High Definition pictures and multi-channel surround sound are ideallysuited to today’s world of numerous distribution and display options.HD pictures look spectacular when viewed on widescreen televisions or computer displays; they look even more impressive when presentedto movie audiences whether in cinemas, or at home where Blu-raydelivers superb picture quality with the convenience of DVD-packagedmedia.

As viewing audiences, programme makers, advertisers and cinema-tographers have recognised the unsurpassed experience that HighDefinition delivers, Sony also recognises that the differing needs andbudgets of each production type demand different High Definitionformats. This guide has been created to help you select the Sony HighDefinition format that will allow you to realise your creative vision whilereducing operational costs and streamlining production efficiency.

* Source: Screen Digest: HDTV in Europe: one year on, where are we now? June 2007

High Definition. It’s happening right now.

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High Definition delivers an improved on-screen look for every type of production,from television dramas to movies, from corporate videos to documentaries, fromadvertisements to live sport and entertainment. It’s an improved look which appliesacross multiple distribution channels and methods of display. Broadcast to TVscreens, projected in cinemas, viewed over the internet on computer displays; thepermutations of programme type, distribution and display are infinite. HD – in bothproduction and viewing terms – is appealing to a broader audience than everbefore.

At the forefront of HD development over 25 years, Sony understands the hugelydifferent demands made by similarly different productions. A Hollywood moviemaker has different set of criteria to a news producer. A documentary maker facesdifferent demands to those of a live sports broadcaster. All, however, benefit from the quality of HD.

Sony’s mission is to meet the varying needs of its customers. Sony provides a range of HD formats to suit the needs of any project; that give its customers choice.The choice between HDV, XDCAM, HDCAM and HDCAM SR. The choice betweentape, Professional Disc and memory-based storage.

Only Sony offers four High Definition format options, all capturing images at a full1080-line resolution. From entry-level HDV to the ultimate quality HDCAM SR, the SonyHD family delivers an integrated, balanced blend of features and performance.

The choice of HD format is yours. Choosing Sony HD means that younever need to compromise your personal vision.

Tape TapeTapeless, file-based production

Standard Definition

SD HDHigh Definition

Sony HD: the choice is yours

I can fly with all types of cameras, but I prefer my Sony HVR-Z1E. Theadvantage is that it weighsonly 2.1 kg and takes HDV 1440 x 1080i. Before I was using a DigitalBetacam, which weighsabout 13 kg. That is a bigdifference when you have to steer the camera 50centimetres away from your body. In Greenland, it was running for days atminus 30 degrees Celsiuswithout a problem — that is a clear indicationthat it is very durable, evenunder arctic conditions.

Anders AGEBO – TV Photographer

I was astounded by thecamera’s great coloursaturation and definition.

Adam GILESCameraman and Director – CAMBRIDGE FILM & TELEVISIONPRODUCTIONS

This HDV camcorder is anextraordinary tool fordocumentary filmmaking:handy and durable, it offersimpressive image quality and an exceptional price/performance ratio.

Pierre-Yves VANDEWEERDGSARA

Great pictures, ultimate portability and low operating costs – the perfectentry to the thrilling world of High Definition, with all the benefits of tape-based recording

With Sony HDV, the benefits of HD are accessible to everyone. Its compact, light-weight design, combined with sophistica-ted functionality and affordable pricingmakes Sony HDV the ideal entry-level format choice for HD production. HDVrecords pictures at full 1080-line High Defi-nition resolution onto standard DV formatcassette, reducing media costs significantlywhile delivering the benefits of tape-basedrecording and archiving.

Tri-format HDV/DVCAM/DV recording andplayback is possible with the same cam-corder or VTR deck, reducing hardwareinventory requirements, storage and trans-portation costs. A step up in quality fromDVCAM, HDV makes it even more afford-able for programme-makers to experiencethe benefits of HD.

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Tapeless products for file-based production – combining the best of the video and IT worlds and ideal for quick turnaround projects wheredeadlines are tight.

XDCAM is the family name of the Sony line-up of tapeless camcorders and decks. The HD line-up is now stronger than ever, and with a choice of XDCAM EX, XDCAM HDand XDCAM HD 422, offers the most flexible path to file-based production. All use MPEG-2 HD data compression to record breathtaking pictures. Simply choose the format best suited to the programme being created.

Switchable between 1080 and 720 line operation and supporting the majorinternational recording standards up toCineAlta 1080/23.98PsF, XDCAM EX makesit fast and easy to shoot, edit anddistribute great quality High Definitionpictures.

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XDCAM EXXDCAM EX represents an exciting newlow-cost entry point into the world of HD.The first professional HD camcorder to re-cord onto Sony-manufactured “SxS PRO™”memory cards which comply with theExpressCard™ standard, XDCAM EX canrecord up to 100 minutes of content ontotwo removable 16GB cards whenrecording at 35Mbps.

XDCAM HDXDCAM HD unites High Definition picturequality with all the benefits of non-linear,file-based workflow and exceptionallyaffordable media costs. Featuring cam-corders with 1/2-inch interchangeablelenses, and based on the same XDCAMProfessional Disc technology that hasalready transformed operational effici-ency in the Standard Definition world,XDCAM HD offers an elegant path to HDfor cost-conscious users looking to switchfrom analogue or DVCAM.

MPEG HD encoding ensures crisp, clearimage quality with true 1080-line HDresolution. Recording rates of 18Mbps,25Mbps and 35Mbps, and with the newestmodels now supporting 50GB Dual LayerProfessional Disc, allows picture quality orrecord duration to be maximised. Supportfrom more than 35 XDCAM partnervendors also ensures that XDCAM HD fits seamlessly into today’s most popularnon-linear editing environments.

XDCAM HD 422XDCAM HD 422 sits at the top of the rangein the XDCAM family. The stunning HD picture quality delivered at recordingand playback rates of up to 50Mbps, with2/3-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution CCDs, 14 bit A/D conversion and 4:2:2 recordingwill increase the appeal of ProfessionalDisc for applications such as TV drama,documentary and for mainstream enter-tainment programmes that require a highquality look.

File-based acquisition, with thumbnail andproxy operation is also ideal for fast-turnaround news and live applicationswhere speed of production is a criticalrequirement.

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XDCAM HD is the future ofproduction because working with file-based media providesextra speed when it's needed. From a commercial point of view,being able to turnaround full edits in a matter of hours has reallyopened up new doors for us.

Simon FITZGERALDManaging Director – BHP SPORT

This is a very robust format, with tapelessacquisition a big plus, there are not so many moving parts to cause problems and transportation is much easier.

Jason GRAHAM – COZMIC.TV

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The ideal medium for drama, documen-taries, commercials and mainstream televi-sion programming, HDCAM has becomethe High Definition format of choice fordiscerning users. Already chosen as an “in-house format” by broadcasters aroundthe world, HDCAM offers superb High Defini-tion picture performance while offering aconvenient choice of workflow options.

Whether you prefer to post produce inHDCAM or down-convert for editing withinexisting SD infrastructures, HDCAM offersgreater flexibility to match your creative

Prestige results on Standard Definition budgets: the world’s most establishedHD format with superb picture quality and an unmatched track record forproduction of the most prestigious TV programmes.

preferences and operational needs. Shoot at 24PsF or 25PsF to give your picturesa prestige, ‘filmic’ look. Alternatively, select50i or 60i for a more immediate feel, especially with fast-moving action – thechoice is yours.

Providing an ideal migration to HD for customers working within Standard Defini-tion budgets, HDCAM future-proofs andincreases the international marketability ofall your programming.

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HD is just starting. There are a lot of rumoursabout it, and some people are hesitant inusing this format. Other people think thatthe move to digital will fundamentallychange the nature of the filmed image.Thanks to the HDW-750P, we have obtainedpictures that don’t look like classic video;we have real cinematographic rendering.

Lubomir BAKCHEVDirector of Photography

We chose the HDW-750P for its mobility and flexibility. It also suits our budget, as it isthe best picture quality for us at the bestprice.

Xavier THILLENHead of Production – BCE

We shot using HDCAM for many reasons,mainly the demand of broadcasters forinternational co-production.

Pierre STINEDirector – Director of Photography

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Preferred by leading media industry playersthanks to its unparalleled picture quality andultra-mild signal compression, HDCAM SRhas been developed to accommodate themost demanding applications. From moviesand commercials to sophisticated greenscreen effects, CGI, digital intermediates,telecine transfers and archiving, there’s noformat to match the peerless performanceof HDCAM SR.

True RGB 4:4:4 for uncompromised picture and sound quality: ultimate HD performance for the most demanding users

Delivering breathtakingly natural, detailedpictures, thanks to true RGB 4:4:4: coding ata bit rate of up to 880Mbps, HDCAM SRensures that the most prestigious produc-tions will stand out. And with 12 uncom-pressed digital audio tracks, HDCAM SR isalso perfect for multi-channel surroundsound mastering. When nothing less thanthe very best picture quality and perform-ance will do, HDCAM SR is the ultimatechoice of the world’s most discerning cre-ative professionals.

I could see the difference when I masteredmaterial originated on 35mm. HDCAM SR isdefinitely the preferred mastering option, youcan lay off every other possible format fromit. Its ability to record and playback in RGBmeans you’re not fiddling about with thecolours, which seems to keep the data boysmuch happier than the departure to a YUVdata signal.

David KLAFOWSKITechnical Director – THE FARM GROUP

HDCAM SR will help us conservethe quality as long as possiblealong the production chain.

Olivier HERMENTechnical Director – CANAL+

The advantage of HDCAM SR is that you’ve got a tape inHD at 25 frames – you can make down conversions to PALor NTSC. You don’t have to go back to different masters, itcan all be made from the same one.

Chris BEETONSenior Colourist – PEPPER POST

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Services from Sony: working with you, working for you.Recognising that every company and everychallenge is unique, we offer a complete andcomprehensive range of services all the way throughconsulting, planning, financing, implementation,training, servicing, maintenance and support.Choose exactly what’s right for you, when and whereyou need it.

■ Sony Professional Services: Tailor-made design, installation and project management of audio-visual and IT (AV/IT) systemsusing skills developed over 25 years of systems integration.

■ Sony Financial Services: Innovative and flexible finance solutionsdesigned to meet budgetary and financial requirements andconstraints, enabling businesses to always have the mostcurrent technology.

■ Sony Training Services: A range of off-the-shelf or customisedtraining services from basic operation through to high-leveltechnical maintenance.

■ Sony Prime Support Services: Fully integrated and customisedsupport for products and systems throughout their operationallife, combining proactive and reactive technical services.

Not all services are available in all countries. If you’d like to findout more about what we do, who we do it for and how we do it,visit www.sonybiz.net or contact your local Sony office.

Services from Sony

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Sony, XDCAM, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD 422, HDCAM, HDCAM SR and Professional Disc are registered trademarks of the SonyCorporation, Japan. HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of the Sony Corporation and the Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CA HD Format guide/GB-07/09/2007