Sony has added two new products to its HDCAM portfolio, the HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800 video recorders. The company promises optimised functions at a low entry price in an effort to broaden adoption of HDCAM, which Sony regards as the de facto standard for HD production.
The HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800 share many functions with the existing HDCAM recorder range. Both models support the frame rates required for international production, recording and playing HDCAM at 1080/50i, 59.94i, 23.98PsF, 24PsF, 25PsF and 29.97PsF. The HDW-D1800 also plays MPEG IMX and Digital Betacam material, which Sony positions as support for a smooth transition from SD to HD.
Unlike other recorders in the HDCAM range, the HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800 have a simple control panel without editing controls. The panel includes a compact LCD for immediate picture review and access to setup menus. Frame-accurate assemble, insert and pre-read editing is controlled through a nine-pin RS-422 interface.
Both models provide HD-SDI input and output, along with SDI and analogue composite outputs. An optional HKDW-105 i.LINK HDV input board can be installed to record material directly from HDV camcorders and decks. With the optional HKDW-104 720p conversion board installed, a 720/50p output is available when playing 1080/50i or 25p HDCAM tapes, or when upconverting 625/50 MPEG IMX and Digital Betacam tapes.
First deliveries of the new studio recorders are planned for December 2006. They join the HDW-2000, HDW-D2000 and HDW-M2000P recorders and the HDW-M2100P HDCAM player. Sony Professional Solutions Europe product manager Peter Sykes said Sony had expanded its HDCAM range over the previous 12 months with products including the HDW-F900R camcorder and software version 2 for the HDW-750P. The company reported that 27,000 HDCAM devices had been sold worldwide and said the HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800 were intended to attract users who had previously considered HDCAM too expensive.
