introduction to HDCAM / HDCAM SR cassette transfer
We offer a range of delivery formats for our video transfers. Following International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives TC-06 guidelines, we deliver FFV1 lossless files or 10-bit uncompressed video files in .mkv or .mov containers for archives. We can also produce Apple ProRes mezzanine files for ease of editing. We provide smaller viewing files as H.264 encoded .mp4 files or on DVD. We're happy to create any other digital video files, according to your needs.
We can provide the appropriately-sized USB delivery media for your files, or use media supplied by you, or deliver your files online. Files delivered on hard drive can be for any operating system MacOS, Windows or GNU/Linux and filesystems (HFS+, NTFS or EXT3).
HDCAM and HDCAM SR video cassette recordings can vary both in duration and in the extent of physical tape degradation, so we always assess tapes before confirming the price of a transfer.
We offer free assessments - please contact us to discuss your project.
For an introduction to our assessment and treatment processes, please see our guide to "what happens to your video tape".
HDCAM / HDCAM SR machines
- Sony JH-3
- Sony HDW D2000
- Sony SRW 5000 with HKSR 5002
HDCAM / HDCAM SR tape brands / models
Common brands / models of HDCAM video tape include: Fujifilm HD331; Sony BCT-124HDL; Sony BCT-94HDL; Sony BCT-64HDL; Sony BCT-34HDL; Sony BCT-40HD; Sony BCT-32HD; Sony BCT-22HD; Sony BCT-6HD.
HDCAM SR tape: Sony BCT-124SRL; Sony BCT-94SRL; Sony BCT-64SRL; Sony BCT-40SR; Sony BCT-33SR; Sony BCT-6SR.
HDCAM / HDCAM SR format variation
playback tape format / colour space | 440 Mbit/s HD-SDI digital transfer of audio & video | 2, 4, 8, 12 channels of audio supported | preservation of timecode supported | mastering of video files to tape |
---|---|---|---|---|
720 / 4:2:2 / 50P | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
720 / 4:2:2 / 59.94P | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 50P | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 59.94P | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 60P | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 23.98PsF | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 24PsF | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 25PsF | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 29.97PsF | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 30PsF | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 50i | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 59.94i | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:2:2 / 60i | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
1080 / 4:4:4 / 23.98PsF | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
1080 / 4:4:4 / 24PsF | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
1080 / 4:4:4 / 25PsF | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
1080 / 4:4:4 / 30PsF | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
1080 / 4:4:4 / 50i | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
1080 / 4:4:4 / 59.94i | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
1080 / 4:4:4 / 60i | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Scroll to the right to view full table on smaller screens.
HDCAM / HDCAM SR tape risks & vulnerabilities
HDCAM / HDCAM SR recording history
Video cassettes, tape boxes, compatible cameras and playback machines for HDCAM and HDCAM SR can be identified by these logos. Both are trademarks of the Sony Corporation.