Real-time SD output
Even when recording in MPEG HD, the PDW-F70 outputs a real-time SD signal via SDI, i.LINK DV out and composite out, further enhancing versatility and operational compatibility (eg with monitors or recording equipment on location.) 

Over/Undercranking 1-60P Support

The PDW-F70 fully supports the Over/Undercranking feature of the PDW-F350 and will play back this content. 

HD 1080 Recording at Selectable Frame & Bit Rates

XDCAM HD products can record video signals in 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P and native 23.98P - using a "MPEG HD" codec with industry standard MPEG-2 compression. The user can also select the following bit rates; 35, 25 or 18Mb/s depending on picture quality and recording length requirements. Choosing the highest bit rate of 35Mb/s results in a recording time of approximately 60 minutes, while choosing 18Mb/s provides a recording time of approximately 120 minutes - the longest recording time offered by any current HD camcorder. MPEG HD images are recorded at 1440x1080 pixels with 4:2:0 sampling. 

DVCAM Recording and Up/Down conversion

To maximise HD/SD workflow flexibility, all XDCAM HD decks can record in the ubiquitous DVCAM format with a choice of NTSC/PAL and 16:9/4:3 modes. In addition, both camcorder and decks incorporate a down-conversion capability that allows material recorded in the MPEG HD format to be converted to DV signals and output via the i.LINK port - enabling users to edit the material using compatible DV-based nonlinear editors. DV/DVCAM footage can also be upconverted. 

DVCAM is recorded at 25Mb/s allowing approximately 85 minutes recording per disc. In NTSC mode, sampling is 4:1:1 with 480 active lines per frame. In PAL mode, sampling is 4:2:0 with 576 active lines per frame. 

High-quality Audio Recording
XDCAM HD products can record two or four-channel, 16-bit, 48-khz uncompressed (Linear PCM) audio - delivering high sound quality. 

File-based Disc Recording
Because the XDCAM system records video and audio as IT-type files rather than a linear AV stream, XDCAM HD products offer a range of tremendous benefits.

• Instant random access to content
• Automatic recording onto empty disc space (no need to worry about overwriting valuable content)
• Easy integration into other IT-based equipment such as Non-Linear Editing and Archiving Systems
• Advanced network-based workflow via i.LINK FAM (File Access Mode) or even Ethernet
• High Speed File Transfer. 

Advanced Scene Selection Functionality

The PDW-F70's 16:9 colour LCD displays enables easy access to advanced XDCAM features. For example, a thumbnail display provides immediate access to detailed metadata or key scenes (selected automatically and/or manually) for quickly reviewing content on site. You can even perform simple cuts-only editing on the deck itself. 

Analogue-like Jog Audio

One of the most popular features of Betacam SP decks was the top quality, near-analogue jog audio feature. This is almost exactly reproduced with PDW-F70, which offer near-continuous slow-motion speed down to 1% steps. Noiseless slow-motion is variable from -1.0 to +1.0. 

High-quality Slow-motion

Using the same interpolation filter technology as Digital Betacam, XDCAM HD decks offer stable and smooth picture quality during slow motion with minimal vertical jitter in both SD and HD. 

High Level of Reliability

XDCAM HD decks share the same platform as the XDCAM SD products which have proven themselves in demanding applications all around the world. As there is no mechanical contact between media and recording heads, a high level of durability and long media life have been achieved. XDCAM products have also demonstrated exceptional resistance to shock, vibrations and extremes of climate. In addition, there is a Silver support pack supplied as standard.

Comprehensive interfaces

The PDW-F70 features a wide-range of input-outputs and interfaces for maximum production flexibility.

• Inputs: HD-SDI, AES/EBU audio, analogue audio, timecode, reference
• Outputs: HD-SDI, Y/Pb/Pr, SD-SDI, RGB, SD analogue composite, AES/EBU audio, analog audio, timecode, XGA/VGA, audio monitor (L/R)
• i.LINK interface supports;
• FAM (HD & DV) In - Out
• DV standard AV/C out (including HD down conversion capability)
• TS (HDV) In - Out (option PDBK-102)
• Other interfaces: RS-422A, RS-232C,
• Ethernet (PDBK-101 option)
• Analogue HD Component Input Board (PDBK-103 option)
• SD Input for HD Up-conversion (PDBK-104 option)

Additional features

IR Remote Commander supplied

Metadata recording: UMID, Extended UMID, Essence Marks

Enhanced Productivity

No matter how you work, the PDW-F70 offers productivity improvements impossible with tape-based media: 

• As soon as you insert a Professional Disc, the PDW-F70 will display a thumbnail index of each recorded scene either on a monitor or the built-in LCD screen
• Any scene can be accessed instantly with no time-wasted due to fastforwarding/rewinding
• No need to worry about accidentally overwriting precious content
• 'Essence Marks' can be reviewed and edited to identify critical scenes
• Cut edit content on the deck itself - no need for a PC!
• Import proxy files onto your PC at 40X speed for browsing and high-speed editing
• Smart import only the full resolution content you require faster than real-time
• Up to two hours recording at 18Mb/s MPEG HD - the longest recording time for any current HD camcorder
• Built-in high quality 16:9 colour screen
• SDI and HD-SDI output with audio embedded
• Digital Audio AES-EBU output
• TC IN/OUT

Cost-Effective 

Cost of ownership is critical. The PDW-F70 is designed to be offer you the lowest total system cost in its class due to:

• A true SD/HD nonlinear deck for the price of a high-end DVCAM VTR
• Compatibility with all existing DV-based NLEs via i.Link DV Stream
• Compatibility with all existing HDV-based NLEs via i.Link TS Stream (option)
• Versatility - HD/SD, NTSC/PAL etc. - means with one deck you really can cover almost any assignment
• Little or no maintenance costs due to revolutionary optical drive
• Silver support
• Traditional Sony build quality and design ensures high reliability
• Professional Discs can be reused for 10,000 rewrite cycles, equivalent to 30 years at one use/working day - all for the same price of a single tape!
• Multiple suppliers of Professional Disc media

Compatibility with today and tomorrow's workflow 

The PDW-F70 is built around support for existing standards such as DV/DVCAM and open standards like MXF so you've got the maximum flexibility to use it just the way you want. 

• Stay with DV/DVCAM format to work with existing non-linear editors via traditional i.Link DV interface
• HD-SDI, SDI, i.Link, analogue video, analogue/digital audio interfaces for connectivity to a wide range of editing systems
• i.Link File Access Mode (FAM) interface for high-speed, file-based connectivity to a PC
• Optional network interface for sharing content on a standard IT-based network
• i.LINK TS option for easy connectivity to HDV
• MXF open standard ensures maximum compatibility with new generation NLEs
• Long-term accessibility - storing content as files means you will always be able to access data in the future

 Smarter, Faster Archiving 

 You don't need an expensive IT-storage system to revolutionise the way you store, retrieve and manage your archive material. While Professional Discs costs the same as tape, they're a true high-speed, non-linear media with a wealth of advanced meta-data automatically generated in camera. 

• Import metadata and/or low resolution proxies onto your PC hard drive for a smart, searchable mirror of your high resolution archive
• Locate , watch and even edit proxy clips quickly using fast search of meta data, then instantly locate the archived high resolution content
• Non-linear media means faster, more reliable access to valuable archive content
• Professional Discs will retain information for 50 years in normal conditions
• Because information is stored as data files, there's no worries about video standards not being around in years to come