HDCAM recording and playback

HDCAM uses intra-frame DCT compression using a compression ratio of about 7:1. There are four channels of 48kHz digital audio at 20-bit resolution.

Selectable frame rates

The HDW-1800 can record and replay at 1080/50i, 1080/59.94i, 1080/25P, 1080/29.97P, 1080/23.98P and 1080/24P.

Built-in down converter

The HDW-1800 has a built in HD to SD downconverter allowing tapes shot in HDCAM to be output in standard definition for subsequent post production or distribution. The downconverted image can be squeezed or cropped within the VTR for display on a 4:3 monitor.

Optional 1080/50i to 720/50P converter

An optional HKDW-104 board can be installed into the HDW-1800. When replaying an HDCAM cassette recorded at 1080/50i or 1080/25P, the HKDW-104 can convert the replayed material to 720/50P and output it from the VTR. 1080/59.94i material can be converted to 720/59.94P by the HKDW-104, and 3:2 pull-down conversion from 1080/23.98P to 1080/59.94i or 720/59.94P is also provided.

New control panel with built-in LCD display

The HDW-1800 offers a great combination of features and cost. A simplified control panel includes a built-in LCD display for on-the-spot picture confirmation and access to operational set-up menus. Please note that the control panel cannot be extended from the VTR, and that the HKDW-101, BKMW-102 and BKMW-103 control panel, control panel case and control panel extension kit cannot be used with the HDW-1800.

Editing via 9-pin remote control

To keep costs low, the edit control buttons have been removed from the front panel. Assemble, insert and pre-read editing is provided via the 9-pin RS-422 interface on the rear panel of the VTR. When used in pre-read mode, the HDW-1800 can be used to insert titles into video material using a single VTR.

Broadcast quality slow motion

The HDW-1800 has DT (Dynamic Tracking) heads as standard. Broadcast quality pictures can be replayed in the range -1 to x2 speed from HDCAM tapes.

High quality picture search and jog

Selecting edit points is easy with the HDW-1800. Pictures and sound can be searched at up to x50 normal speed.

Optional HDV input via i.LINK

When fitted with an optional HKDW-105 board, the HDW-1800 can receive HDV material via an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface. Material shot with an HDV camcorder can easily be incorporated into an HDCAM edit using this option.

Compact chassis

The HDW-1800 uses a 4U chassis design, in common with MPEG IMX VTRs and the DVW-M2000P series Digital Betacam VTRs.

Surround sound

Both Dolby-E and AC-3 are handled as standard.