Sony DSR-1800A User Manual

Digital
Videocassette
Recorder

3-869-572-11(2)

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual
thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

DSR-1800A/1800AP

© 2005 Sony Corporation

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located at the rear.
Record these numbers in the spaces provided below. Refer
to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer
regarding this product.

Model No.

Serial No.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.

Important Safety Instructions

• Read these instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow all instructions.

• Do not use this apparatus near water.

• Clean only with dry cloth.

• Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.

• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.

• Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time.

• Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.

THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.

CAUTION

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and no objects filled with liquid, such as vases,
shall be placed on the apparatus.

Television programs, films, video tapes and other
materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such material may be contrary
to the provisions of the copyright laws.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to
the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the
appliance.

2

WARNING: THIS WARNING IS APPLICABLE FOR

USA ONLY.

Using this unit at a voltage other than 120 V may require
the use of a different line cord or attachment plug, or both.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing
to qualified service personnel.

For the customers in the USA (DSR-1800A only)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.

Voor de Klanten in Nederland

• Dit apparaat bevat een vast ingebouwde batterij die niet
vervangen hoeft te worden tijdens de levensduur van het
apparaat.

• Raadpleeg uw leverancier indien de batterij toch
vervangen moet worden.

• De batterij mag alleen vervangen worden door
vakbekwaam servicepersoneel.

• Gooi de batterij niet weg maar lever deze in als klein
chemisch afval (KCA).

• Lever het apparaat aan het einde van de levensduur in
voor recycling, de batterij zal dan op correcte wijze
verwerkt worden.

The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual
must be used with this equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules.

For the customers in Europe (DSR-1800AP only)

This product with the CE marking complies with both the
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage
Directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the
European Community.
Compliance with these directives implies conformity to
the following European standards:

• EN60065: Product Safety

• EN55103-1: Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)

• EN55103-2: Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)
This product is intended for use in the following
Electromagnetic Environment(s):
E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light industrial), E3
(urban outdoors) and E4 (controlled EMC environment,
ex. TV studio).

3

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview

Features................................................................................. 6

DVCAM Format ....................................................................... 6

A Wealth of Interfaces .............................................................. 7

Facilities for High-Efficiency Editing....................................... 7

Other Features ........................................................................... 7

Optional Accessories................................................................. 8

Location and Function of Parts........................................... 9

Front Panel ................................................................................ 9

Rear Panel ............................................................................... 17

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

Usable Cassettes................................................................ 22

Inserting and Ejecting Cassettes ............................................. 24

Recording............................................................................ 26

Settings for Recording ............................................................ 26

Recording Procedure............................................................... 29

Playback ..............................................................................32

Settings for Playback .............................................................. 32

Playback Procedure................................................................. 33

Repeat Playback—Automatic Cyclical Playback ................... 35

Setting Points A and B for Repeat Playback........................... 35

Cuing Up to Any Desired Position Set as Point A or B.......... 40

Chapter 3 Convenient Functions for Editing Operation

Setting the Time Data......................................................... 41

Displaying Time Data and Operation Mode Indications ........ 41

Using the Internal Time Code Generator................................ 43

Synchronizing Internal and External Time Codes .................. 44

Rerecording the Time Code—TC Insert Function.................. 45

High-Speed and Low-Speed Search—Quickly and

Accurately Determining Editing Points ..................... 47

Search Operations via External Equipment ............................ 47

Search Operations on This Unit .............................................. 47

Digitally Dubbing Signals in DVCAM Format................... 49

Chapter 4 Menu Settings

Menu Organization ............................................................. 52

Table of Contents

4

Menu Contents.................................................................... 55

Setup Menu ............................................................................. 55

Auto Mode (AUTO FUNCTION) Execution Menu............... 68

Changing Menu Settings ...................................................69

Buttons Used to Change Settings............................................ 69

Changing the Settings of Basic Items ..................................... 69

Displaying Enhanced Items .................................................... 71

Changing the Settings of Enhanced Items .............................. 71

Returning Menu Settings to Their Factory Default Settings... 72

Displaying Supplementary Status Information................ 73

Chapter 5 Connections and Settings

Connections for a Digital Non-Linear Editing System .... 75

Connections for a Cut Editing System ............................. 77

Connections for an A/B Roll Editing System................... 78

Connections for Analog Recording .................................. 83

Adjusting the Sync and Subcarrier Phases ..................... 84

Chapter 6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Appendixes

Maintenance........................................................................ 86

Condensation........................................................................... 86

Regular Checks ....................................................................... 86

Head Cleaning......................................................................... 88

Troubleshooting ................................................................. 89

Error Messages........................................................................ 91

Alarm Messages...................................................................... 91

Precautions .........................................................................94

Specifications ..................................................................... 95

Glossary .............................................................................. 98

Index .................................................................................. 100

Table of Contents

5

Overview

Features

The DSR-1800A/1800AP is a 1/4-inch digital video
cassette recorder using the DVCAM digital recording
format. It achieves stable, superb picture quality by
digitally processing video signals separated into color
difference signals and luminance signals (component
method).
The unit is equipped with a variety of functions needed for
videocassette recorders and players used in professional
digital video editing systems.
The unit is also equipped with an i.LINK interface, thus
enabling simple connection with a nonlinear editing*
system supporting DV format.
Furthermore, the unit is equipped with a full-fledged
analog interface to support hybrid systems that combine
conventional analog equipment with digital equipment.

* Non-linear editing: This is an editing method that uses video and audio

signals digitally encoded and recorded on a hard disk as digital data. When
compared with conventional (linear) editing methods, non-linear editing
offers vastly improved efficiency in editing operations, for example, by
eliminating tape transport time.

The main features of the unit are described in the
following.

Chapter 1

Because the recording is digital, multi-generation dubbing
can be performed with virtually no deterioration of quality.

Wide track pitch

The recording track pitch is 15 µm, fully 50 percent wider
than the 10-µm track pitch of the DV format. Thanks to this
feature, the DVCAM format sufficiently meets the
reliability and precision requirements of professional
editing.

High-quality PCM digital audio

PCM recording makes for a wide dynamic range and a
high signal-to-noise ratio, thereby enhancing sound
quality.
There are two recording modes: 2-channel mode (48-kHz
sampling and 16-bit quantization), which offers sound
quality equivalent to the DAT (Digital Audio Tape)
format, or 4-channel mode (32-kHz sampling and 12-bit
quantization).

Playback compatibility with DV and
DVCPRO formats

A DV cassette recorded on a DV format VCR (excluding
the tapes recorded in LP mode) as well as a DVCPRO
(25M) format recorded cassette can be played back on this
unit.

DVCAM Format

DVCAM is based on the consumer DV format, which uses
the 4:1:1 component digital format, and provides a
digital recording format for professional use.

High picture quality, high stability

Video signals are separated into color difference signals
and luminance signals, which are encoded and compressed
to one-fifth size before being recorded to ensure stable and
superb picture quality.

Features

6

1

/4-inch

Note

When playing back a tape recorded in DVCPRO (25M)
format, the i.LINK output (see “Digital interfaces” on
page 7) of this unit is subjected to muting. Furthermore, it
is not possible to play back the cue-audio track of the tape.

Support for three cassette sizes

There are two sizes of DVCAM cassette: standard and
mini. You can use either size with this unit.
The unit also accepts L and M sizes of DVCPRO cassette.

• When a cassette is inserted, the reel mechanism of the
unit automatically adjusts to the size of the inserted
cassette.

• The capacity of a standard cassette is 184 minutes of
recording/playback, and that of a mini cassette is 40
minutes.

A Wealth of Interfaces

Digital interfaces

i.LINK (DV)*: The unit can input and output digital video

and audio signals in DV format.

* i.LINK and are trademarks and indicate that this product is in agreement

with IEEE1394-1995 specifications and their revisions.

SDI (serial digital interface)/AES/EBU (optional

DSBK-1801 SDI/AES/EBU Input/Output Board):

When the unit is fitted with the optional DSBK-1801
board, it can input and output D1 (component) format
digital video and audio signals and also AES/EBU­format digital audio signals.

Remote control

The unit can be operated by remote control from an editing
control unit that supports the RS-422A interface or from an
optional SIRCS*-compatible remote control unit such as
the DSRM-10.

* SIRCS (Sony Integrated Remote Control System): A command protocol

to remote control Sony professional videocassette recorders/players.

Chapter 1 Overview

Playback control using search dial

The search dial on the front panel of the unit allows you to
carry out playback operation in jog or shuttle mode
without requiring an external editing control unit or remote
control unit to be connected to the unit.

High-speed search function

You can carry out color picture searches during fast
forward and rewind at speeds up to 85 times normal speed.
When remote-controlling this unit in shuttle mode from an
editing control unit or a remote control unit, you can search
at any speed in the range 0 (still) to 60 times normal speed
in both directions. You can also search frame-by-frame in
jog mode.
At search speeds up to 10 times normal speed in both
directions, you can also hear playback audio.

Analog interfaces

The unit also comes with analog interfaces enabling it to be
connected to analog video and audio equipment.
Analog video: These interfaces include a component

interface, composite interface, and S-video interface.

Analog audio: Four channels each of input and output are

provided. It is also possible to connect a microphone to
the unit.

Facilities for High-Efficiency Editing

The unit provides an abundance of functions that enhance
editing efficiency and precision.

Cross-fade editing

For audio editing, you can select from cut-in editing, fade­in/fade-out editing, and cross-fade editing.

Internal time code generator and reader

An internal time code generator and reader enables time
code compliant with SMPTE (for DSR-1800A)/EBU
(DSR-1800AP) format to be recorded and played back.
This allows editing to single frame precision.
Outputting or inputting time code (LTC) to or from an
external device is also possible using the TIME CODE IN/
OUT connectors.
The unit is also compatible with VITC.

Digital slow-motion playback

Using the frame memory function, the unit can show
noise-free slow-motion playback at speeds ranging from 0

1

to

/2 times normal speed in both directions.

Digital jog sound function

When searching at speeds in the range +1 to +1/30 or

1

−

/30 to −1* times normal speed, the digital jog sound
function is enabled. The audio signal is saved in temporary
memory, and replayed according to the search speed. This
allows searching on the sound track.

* The positive direction refers to forward movement of the tape, and the

negative direction to reverse movement.

Video process control

For analog video output and SDI-format video output, you
can adjust the video output level, chroma signal output
level, setup level (for DSR-1800A), black level (for DSR­1800AP), and chroma phase.

Other Features

Menu system for functionality and
operation settings

The unit provides a menu system to make its various
functions easier to use and set up its operation conditions.

Features

7

Superimposition function

Time code values, operation mode indications, error
messages, and other text data can be superimposed and
output in analog composite video signals.

Easy maintenance functions

Self-diagnostic/alarm function: This function

Chapter 1 Overview

automatically detects setup and connection errors,
operation faults, and other problems. It also displays a
description of the problem, its cause, and the
recommended response on the video monitor screen or
time counter display.

Digital hours meter: The digital hours meter functions

include four kinds of tally operations for operating
hours, head drum usage hours, tape transport hours,
and tape threading/unthreading times. The tally results
can be viewed on the video monitor or the time counter
display.

Compatible with wide-screen aspect ratio
(16:9)

The unit can record and play back aspect ratio information.
When video accompanied by wide-screen aspect ratio
information is recorded or played back, the unit can output
the video signal also containing the aspect ratio
information.

Rack mountable

When you use an optional rack mount kit, you can mount
this unit onto an EIA-standard 19-inch rack (height = 4
units).

Optional Accessories

DSBK-1801 SDI/AES/EBU Input/Output
Board

When installed in the unit, this optional board enables
digital video and audio signals in the D1 format and also
AES/EBU-format digital audio signals to be transferred
between this unit and digital Betacam VCRs or other
digital equipment.

RMM-131/1 Rack Mount Kit

This kit can be used to mount the unit onto an EIA­standard 19-inch rack.

8

Features

Location and Function of Parts

Front Panel

a POWER switch

POWER

OVER

dB

dB

dB

0

0

1

-12

-12

0

-20

-20

-1

-30

-30

-40

-40

-2

-60

-60

1

b Audio level meters

A Input selection/audio mode

display section (see page 10)

OVER

OVER

OVER

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

0

0

1

0

-1

-2

2

INPUT

0

0

0

0

VIDEO

1

1

-12

-12

CH11/2

0

0

-20

-20

AUDIO

-1

-1

-30

-30

-40

-60

CH23/4

-40

-2

-2

-60

3

4

A B

COMPOSITE

ANALOG

ANALOG

48k44.1k32k

MARK

AES/EBU

AES/EBU

Y-R,B

REC MODE

S VIDEO

i.LINK

SDI SG

SDI SG

SDI SG

2CH4CHPB FS

B Menu control panel (inside of

the door) (see page 11)

c Cassette compartment

F Remote control setting

Chapter 1 Overview

section (see page 16)

g AUDIO INPUT LEVEL control knobs

f CONTROL S connector

e HEADPHONES connector

d PHONE LEVEL control knob

a POWER switch

Press the “ ” side to power the unit on. When the unit is
powered on, the display windows in the front panel lights.
To power the unit off, press the “ ” side of the switch.

b Audio level meters

These show the audio levels of channels 1 to 4 (recording
levels in recording mode or E-E mode* and playback level
in playback mode).

* E-E mode: Abbreviation of “Electric-to-Electric mode.” In this mode,

video and audio signals input to the VCR are output after passing through
internal electric circuits, but not through magnetic conversion circuits such
as heads and tapes. This can be used to check input signals and for
adjusting input signal levels.

E Search control section

(see page 15)

D Display section (see page 14)

C Tape transport control section (see page 13)

c Cassette compartment

Accepts DVCAM, DV and DVCPRO (25M)
videocassettes.

For details of usable cassettes, see page 22.

d PHONE LEVEL control knob

Controls the volume of the headphones connected to the
HEADPHONES connector.

Location and Function of Parts

9

e HEADPHONES connector (stereo phone jack)

Connect stereo headphones for headphone monitoring
during recording or playback.
The audio signal you want to monitor can be selected with
the MONITOR SELECT switches on the menu control
panel.

f CONTROL S connector (stereo minijack)

Connect a SIRCS-compatible remote control unit such as

Chapter 1 Overview

the DSRM-10.

A

Input selection/audio mode display section

g AUDIO INPUT LEVEL control knobs

When recording, you can use these knobs to set audio input
levels for CH-1 (channel 1), CH-2, CH-3 and CH-4,
respectively.
You can make these knobs inoperative with the REC
LEVEL menu item (see page 63).

a INPUT display

b VIDEO display

c AUDIO CH1 1/2 display

d AUDIO CH2 3/4 display

e REC MODE display

f PB FS display

a INPUT display

i.LINK: When you press the SDTI/i.LINK button in the

INPUT SELECT section, the i.LINK indicator lights.
This indicates that digital video and audio signals in
i.LINK-compatible DV format are currently selected.

b VIDEO display

Indicates the input video signal selected with the VIDEO
IN button in the INPUT SELECT section.

COMPOSITE: Composite video signal
Y−R, B: Y, R−Y and B−Y component video signals
S VIDEO: S-video signal
SDI: SDI video signal (optional DSBK-1801 board

required)

SG: Video test signal

c AUDIO CH1 1/2 display

Indicates the input audio signal selected with the CH-1,1/2
button in the INPUT SELECT section.

ANALOG: Analog audio signal
AES/EBU: Digital audio signal in AES/EBU format

(optional DSBK-1801 board required)

SDI: SDI audio signal (optional DSBK-1801 board

required)

SG: Audio test signal

e REC MODE (audio recording mode) display

Indicates the audio recording mode (2CH or 4CH) selected
with the REC MODE menu item (see page 62).

f PB FS (playback audio sampling frequency)

display

Indicates the sampling frequency (48 kHz, 44.1 kHz or 32
kHz) at which audio is recorded on tape.

d AUDIO CH2 3/4 display

Indicates the input audio signal selected with the CH-2,3/4
button in the INPUT SELECT section. The indications
available are the same as for the AUDIO CH1 1/2 display
described above.

Location and Function of Parts

10

B Menu control panel

The menu control panel is located on the inside of the door
at the lower front of the unit. Pull the top of the door to
open it.

a MONITOR SELECT switches

b INPUT SELECT section

MIX

h TC PRESET button

i SC PHASE control

j SYNC PHASE control

a MONITOR SELECT switches

Use these switches to select the channels for audio output
via the AUDIO MONITOR OUT connector on the rear
panel and the HEADPHONES connector on the front
panel.
Use the left switch to select the basic channel setting, then
use the right switch to select the output format (monaural,
stereo, or mix).

c MENU button

d COUNTER SEL button

e RESET (NO) button

A B

MARK

f SET (YES) button

g

buttons

Switch setting Selected channel and output

format

Left
switch

Right
switch

CH­1/3

MIX

HEADPHONES
connector

Channel 1 only

CH­2/4

(monaural)

Chapter 1 Overview

AUDIO
MONITOR OUT
connector

Channel 1 only
(monaural)

The following table lists the correspondence of left/right
switch settings and channel/output format selections.

CH-

1/2

CH-

1/2

CH-

CH-

1/3

3/4

CH­3/4

MIX

CH-

1/3

MIX

CH-

1/3

MIX

CH-

1/3

MIX

CH-

1/3

MIX

Channels 1 and

CH-

2/4

2 (stereo)

Channel 2 only

CH-

2/4

(monaural)

Channel 3 only

CH-

2/4

(monaural)

Channels 3 and

CH-

2/4

4 (stereo)

Channel 4 only

CH-

2/4

(monaural)

Location and Function of Parts

Channels 1 and
2 (mix)

Channel 2 only
(monaural)

Channel 3 only
(monaural)

Channels 3 and
4 (mix)

Channel 4 only
(monaural)

11

b INPUT SELECT section

VIDEO IN button

Each press of this button cycles through the following
input video signal selection options.

• Composite video signal input to the VIDEO IN
connectors

• Component video signals input to the COMPONENT
VIDEO IN connectors

Chapter 1 Overview

• S-video signal input to the S VIDEO IN connector

• SDI video signal input to the SDI IN connector (optional
DSBK-1801 board required)

• Video test signal (selected with the INT VIDEO SG
menu item (see page 61) generated by the internal signal
generator

In the input selection/audio mode display section, the
VIDEO display shows the selection made with this button.

CH1,1/2 (audio channel 1 or 1/2) button

Each press of this button cycles through the following
input audio signal selection options for audio channel 1
(when in 2-channel mode) or for audio channels 1 and 2
(when in 4-channel mode).

• Analog audio signal(s) input to the AUDIO IN CH-1
connector (when in 2-channel mode) or AUDIO IN CH­1 and CH-2 connectors (when in 4-channel mode)

• Digital audio signal in AES/EBU format input to the
DIGITAL AUDIO (AES/EBU) IN CH-1/2 connector
(optional DSBK-1801 board required)

• SDI audio signal input to the SDI IN connector (optional
DSBK-1801 board required)

• Audio test signal (selected with the INT AUDIO SG
menu item (see page 64)) generated by the internal
signal generator

In the input selection/audio mode display section, the
AUDIO CH1 1/2 display shows the selection made with
this button.

CH2,3/4 (audio channel 2 or 3/4) button

Each press of this button cycles through the input audio
signal selection options for audio channel 2 (when in 2­channel mode) or for audio channels 3 and 4 (when in 4­channel mode). The input audio signal selection options
corresponding to those for the CH1,1/2 button described
above are available.
In the input selection/audio mode display section, the
AUDIO CH2 3/4 display shows the selection made with
this button.

SDTI/i.LINK (SDTI(QSDI) interface/i.LINK selection)
button

Selects digital video and audio signals in i.LINK­compatible DV format, input to the DV IN/OUT
connector. When you press this button, the i.LINK
indicator lights in the input selection/audio mode display
section.

c MENU button

Press this button to display the menu on the monitor screen
and the time counter display. Press it again to return from
the menu display to the usual display.

On how to use the menu, see Chapter 4 “Menu Settings.”
(see page 52)

d COUNTER SEL (selection) button

Selects the type of time data to be shown in the time
counter display. Each press of this button cycles through
three indicator display options: COUNTER (CNT: count
value of the time counter), TC (time code), and U-BIT
(user bits).

Note

When the REMOTE button in the remote control setting
section is lit, the COUNTER SEL button does not operate.
In this case, make the time data selection via the remote
equipment that is connected to the REMOTE connector on
the rear panel.

e RESET (NO) button

Press this button to:

• reset menu settings,

• reset the time count (COUNTER) shown in the time
counter display to zero, or

• send a negative response to the prompts issued by the
unit.

f SET (YES) button

Press this button to:

• save new settings, such as selected menu items and time
code settings, to the memory of the unit, or

• send a positive response to the prompts issued by the
unit.

g Arrow (JjKk) buttons

Use these buttons to move around the menu items, and also
for setting time code and user bit data.

For details on setting time code and user bit data, see
“Using the Internal Time Code Generator” on page 43.

h TC (time code) PRESET button

Use this button when setting an initial time code value and
user bit data.

For details on setting time code and user bit data, see “To
set the initial time code value and user bit data” on page

43.

i SC (subcarrier) PHASE control

Turn this control to accurately adjust the subcarrier phase
of the composite video output signal of the unit with
respect to the reference video signal. Use a cross-point
(Phillips) screwdriver to turn it.

Location and Function of Parts

12

j SYNC (synchronization) PHASE control

Turn this control to accurately adjust the synchronization
phase of the output video signal of the unit with respect to

C

Tape transport control section

a EJECT button

b REW button

the reference video signal. Use a cross-point (Phillips)
screwdriver to turn it.

Chapter 1 Overview

c REC button

f STOP button

e F FWD button

d PLAY button

a EJECT button

When you press this button, it lights and the cassette is
automatically ejected after a few seconds.

b REW (rewind) button

When you press this button, it lights and the tape starts
rewinding (maximum 85 times normal speed).
When the F. FWD/REW menu item (see page 56) is set to
PB, you can monitor the playback picture during the
rewind.

c REC (record) button

When you press the PLAY button while holding down this
button, it lights and recording begins.

d PLAY button

When you press this button, it lights and playback begins.
If you press this button during recording or editing, the
recording or editing operation is stopped and this unit
enters playback mode.

f STOP button

Press this button to stop the current tape transport
operation.

Note

No tape transport control buttons other than the EJECT
and STOP buttons will work while the REMOTE button in
the remote control setting section is lit. This can be
changed with the LOCAL ENABLE menu item (see page

56).

e F FWD (fast forward) button

When you press this button, it lights and the tape is fast
forwarded (maximum 85 times normal speed).
When the F. FWD/REW menu item (see page 56) is set to
PB, you can monitor the playback picture during the fast
forward.

Location and Function of Parts

13

D Display section

Chapter 1 Overview

a Recording/playback format indicators

b ClipLink indicator

c VITC indicator

d Time data type indicators

e Time counter display

i CHANNEL CONDITION indicators

h SERVO indicator

g Cassette memory indicator

f REC INHIBIT indicator

j REPEAT indicator

a Recording/playback format indicators

DVCAM: This lights when a tape recorded in DVCAM

format is played back.

DV: This lights when a tape recorded in consumer DV

format is played back.

LP: This lights when a tape recorded in LP mode is played

back.
When a tape recorded in DVCPRO (25M) format or any
other format than those mentioned above is played back,
none of the above indicators lights.

k Tape end alarm indicator

l SHUTTLE/JOG indicators

m NOT EDITABLE indicator

Note

A tape recorded in LP mode cannot be played back
correctly. When a tape recorded in LP mode is played
back, “DV LP” flashes and audio is muted.

b ClipLink indicator

Lights when a cassette is loaded on which ClipLink log
data is stored in the cassette memory.

c VITC indicator

Lights when VITC is being read or recorded regardless of
the data shown in the time counter display.

Location and Function of Parts

14

d Time data type indicators

One of the three indicators (COUNTER, U-BIT, and TC)
lights to indicate the type of time data currently shown in
the time counter display.

COUNTER: Count value of the time counter
U-BIT: User bit data
TC: SMPTE time code (for DSR-1800A) or EBU time

code (for DSR-1800AP)

e Time counter display

Indicates the count value of the time counter, time code,
VITC, or user bit data depending on the settings of the
COUNTER SEL button on the menu control panel and the
TC SELECT menu item (see page 59).
Also used to display error messages and setup menu data.

f REC (recording) INHIBIT indicator

Lights in the following cases:

• The REC/SAVE switch on the loaded cassette is in the

SAVE position.

• The REC INHIBIT menu item (see page 56) is set to

ON.

g Cassette memory indicator

Lights when a cassette provided with a memory chip
(“cassette memory”) is loaded.

the search dial is turned clockwise causing playback to
take place in the forward direction, the G indicator lights.
When the search dial is turned counterclockwise causing
playback to take place in the reverse direction, the g
indicator lights. When the tape is stopped, the s indicator
lights.

For more information about the search dial, see “Search
dial” in the next section.

m NOT EDITABLE indicator

Lights during playback of a tape that contains a recording
in other than the DVCAM format. When this indicator is
lit, the recordings contained in the tape can be used as
source material for editing, but editing operations such as
insert editing and assemble editing cannot be performed.
This indicator also lights when the audio recording mode
selected on this unit does not coincide with that of the
loaded tape.

E Search control section

Chapter 1 Overview

h SERVO indicator

This indicator lights when the drum servo and capstan
servo are locked*.

* Servo lock: This refers to the synchronization of the phase of the drum

rotation and the reference signal for the tape transport position, so that the
video heads can trace the same pattern on the tape for playback and
recording.

i CHANNEL CONDITION indicators

These three-color indicators show the state of the playback
signal.

Green: The state of the playback signal is good.
Yellow: The playback signal is somewhat deteriorated, but

playback is possible.
Red: The playback signal is deteriorated. When the red

indicator remains on, head cleaning or an internal

inspection is necessary.

j REPEAT indicator

This indicator lights when the REPEAT MODE menu item
(see page 55) is set to ON.

k Tape end alarm indicator

Starts flashing when the remaining capacity of the tape is
for about 2 minutes.

l SHUTTLE/JOG indicators

When searching in shuttle mode using the search dial, the
SHUTTLE indicator lights, and when searching in jog
mode using the search dial, the JOG indicator lights. When

b Search dial

a SEARCH button

a SEARCH button

To use the search dial for playback in shuttle or jog mode,
press this button, turning it on. Pressing the dial toggles
between shuttle and jog modes. In shuttle mode, the
SHUTTLE indicator in the display section lights, and in
jog mode, the JOG indicator in the display section lights.

b Search dial

Turn this to carry out playback in the modes shown in the
following table. Turning the dial clockwise lights the G
indicator in the display section and plays back in the
forward direction. Turning the dial counterclockwise
lights the g indicator in the display section and plays back
in the reverse direction. When the tape is stopped, the s
indicator in the display section lights.
Pressing this dial toggles playback between shuttle mode
and jog mode. When playing back in shuttle mode, the

Location and Function of Parts

15

SHUTTLE indicator in the display section lights, and
when playing back in jog mode, the JOG indicator lights.
You can carry out noiseless playback in the range of ±
times normal speed.

Playback modes using the search dial

Playback mode Operation and functions

Shuttle Press the SEARCH button or the search

Chapter 1 Overview

Jog Press the SEARCH button or the search

dial so that the SHUTTLE indicator in
the display section lights, then turn the
search dial.
Playback is carried out at a speed
determined by the position of the search
dial. The maximum shuttle mode
playback speed can be changed with the
SHUTTLE menu item (see page 56).

dial so that the JOG indicator in the
display section lights, then turn the
search dial. Playback is carried out at a
speed determined by the speed of
rotation of the search dial. The playback

speed is up to
factory default.
The search dial has no detents.

±1 times normal speed by

You can use the SEARCH ENABLE menu item (see page

56) to select either of the following as the operation to be
performed to put the unit into search mode (shuttle or jog).

• Either press the SEARCH button or, except during

recording/editing, turn the search dial (factory default
setting).

• Press the SEARCH button.

When reverting to local mode to use the buttons in the tape

1

/2

transport control section, press this button again, turning it
off.

b 9PIN button

When carrying out remote control between this unit and
the unit connected to the REMOTE connector, press this
button, turning it on.

c i.LINK button

When carrying out remote control between this unit and
the unit connected to the DV IN/OUT connector, press
this button, turning it on.

F Remote control setting section

a REMOTE button

b 9PIN button

c i.LINK button

Note

When you edit using the DV IN/OUT connector, with
video and audio signal input set to “i.LINK” and remote
control set to “9PIN”, the locations where edit points are
actually set may not be the same as the specified locations.
When you set video and audio signal input to “i.LINK”, set
remote control to “i.LINK” as well.

a REMOTE button

When remote-controlling this unit from the unit connected
to the REMOTE connector (page 21) or DV IN/OUT
connector (page 19), press this button, turning it on.

Location and Function of Parts

16

Rear Panel

A Analog video signal input/output section (see page 18)

B Digital signal input/output section

DV IN/OUT

ANALOG VIDEO

VIDEO IN VIDEO OUT

LEVEL

LOW

AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT

OFF

CH-1

S VIDEO

IN

LEVEL

HIGH

LOW
OFF

ON

600

Ω

CH-2 CH-3

COMPONENT VIDEO IN

R-Y

Y

LEVEL

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

LOW

OFF

ON

600

Ω

OFF

ON

600

Ω

CH-4

B-Y

LEVEL

HIGH

600

ON

Ω

REF.VIDEO

OUT

CH-1

D External device connectors (see page 21)

IN

S VIDEO

(SUPER)

CH-2 CH-3

(see page 19)

SDI

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

Y

OUTIN 1 2

CH-4

R-Y

DIGITAL AUDIO(AES/EBU)

CH-3/4 CH-3/4

CH-1/2

IN

TIME CODE

IN

B-Y

MONITOR OUT

AUDIO

OUT

OUT

Chapter 1 Overview

CH-1/2

VIDEO CONTROL

REMOTE

~AC IN

AC IN connector

C Analog audio signal input/output section (see page 20)

AC IN connector

Use the supplied power cord to connect this to an AC
outlet.

Location and Function of Parts

17

A Analog video signal input/output section

ANALOG VIDEO

VIDEO IN VIDEO OUT

Chapter 1 Overview

a VIDEO IN connectors

S VIDEO

COMPONENT VIDEO IN REF.VIDEO

IN

b S VIDEO IN connector

VIDEO OUT

R-Y

B-Y

c COMPONENT VIDEO IN Y/R

S VIDEO

2

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

OUT IN

Y

OUT

d REF. VIDEO IN/OUT connectors

−Y/B−Y connectors

TIME CODE

R-Y

B-Y

OUT

e VIDEO OUT 1 and 2 (SUPER)

S VIDEO

(SUPER)

connectors

OUTIN 1 2

YY

f S VIDEO OUT connector

a VIDEO IN connectors (BNC type)

Input an analog composite video signal. This connector
block has a built-in automatic 75 Ω termination switch.
When a signal is input to the left VIDEO IN connector
with no bridging (loop-through) connection made, the
connector is terminated with an impedance of 75 Ω
automatically. To connect the signal input to the left
VIDEO IN connector also to other equipment, use the right
VIDEO IN connector (marked ). When the right
VIDEO IN connector is used, the built-in 75 Ω termination
switch turns off automatically.

b S VIDEO IN connector (4-pin)

Input an S-video signal with separated Y (luminance) and
C (chroma: 3.58 MHz for DSR-1800A or 4.43 MHz for
DSR-1800AP) components to this connector.

h TIME CODE IN/OUT connectors

g COMPONENT VIDEO OUT Y/R

−Y/B−Y connectors

c COMPONENT VIDEO IN Y/R−Y/B−Y connectors

(BNC type)

Input analog component video signals (Y/R−Y/B−Y) to
these connectors.

d REF. (reference) VIDEO IN/OUT connectors

(BNC type)

Input a reference video signal. The IN connector block has
a built-in automatic 75 Ω termination switch. When a
signal is input to the left REF. VIDEO IN connector with
no bridging (loop-through) connection made, the
connector is terminated with an impedance of 75 Ω
automatically. To connect the reference video signal input
to the left REF. VIDEO IN connector also to other
equipment, use the right REF. VIDEO IN connector
(marked ). When the right REF. VIDEO IN connector

Location and Function of Parts

18

is used, the built-in 75 Ω termination switch turns off
automatically.
The REF. VIDEO OUT connector outputs a reference
video signal, except when i.LINK is selected in the INPUT

g COMPONENT VIDEO OUT Y/R−Y/B−Y

connectors (BNC type)

These connectors output analog component video signals
(Y/R−Y/B−Y).

SELECT section (see page 12).

h TIME CODE IN/OUT connectors (BNC type)

e VIDEO OUT 1 and 2 (SUPER) connectors (BNC

type)

These connectors output analog composite video signals.
When the CHARA. DISPLAY menu item (see page 58) is
set to ON (factory default setting), connector 2 (SUPER)
outputs a signal with superimposed text information.

Input SMPTE time code (for DSR-1800A) or EBU time
code (for DSR-1800AP) externally generated to the IN
connector.
The OUT connector outputs a time code according to the
operating state of the unit, as follows:
During playback: the playback time code
During recording: the time code generated by the internal

f S VIDEO OUT connector (4-pin)

This connector outputs an S-video signal with separated Y
(luminance) and C (chroma: 3.58 MHz for DSR-1800A or

time code generator or the time code input to the TIME
CODE IN connector. When the EE OUT PHASE menu
item (see page 60) is set to MUTE, no time code is output.

4.43 MHz for DSR-1800AP) components.

B Digital signal input/output section (optional DSBK-1801 board required)

DV IN/OUT

Chapter 1 Overview

a DV IN/OUT connector

SDI

IN

2 SDI IN and active through output connectors

OUT

3 SDI OUT connectors

IN

CH-1/2

a DV IN/OUT connector (6-pin IEEE-1394)

This i.LINK-compatible connector inputs and outputs
digital video and audio signals in DV format.

Notes

• When searching at speeds in the range +1/2 to +1/30 or

1

−

/2 to −1/30 times normal speed, the audio signal output
from this connector and monitored on external
equipment may sound differently from the audio signal
played back on this unit.

DIGITAL AUDIO(AES/EBU)

CH-3/4 CH-3/4

4 DIGITAL AUDIO (AES/EBU) IN connectors

CH-1/2

OUT

5 DIGITAL AUDIO (AES/EBU) OUT connectors

• When you connect this unit to another device with a 6­pin DV connector, always power the other device off and
unplug its power cord from the power output before
connecting or disconnecting the i.LINK cable (DV
cable). If you connect or disconnect the cable with the
power cord still plugged in, power from the DV
connector may flow into this unit, possibly damaging
this unit.

• When you connect this unit to another device with a 6­pin DV connector, make the connection to the 6-pin DV

Location and Function of Parts

19

connector on the other device before making the
connection to this unit.

b SDI (Serial Digital Interface) IN (input) and active

through output connectors (BNC type) (optional
DSBK-1801 SDI/AES/EBU Input/Output Board
required)

Input digital video and audio signals in SDI format to the
left-hand connector. The right-hand connector is for an

Chapter 1 Overview

active-through connection.

c SDI (Serial Digital Interface) OUT connectors

(BNC type) (optional DSBK-1801 SDI/AES/EBU
Input/Output Board required)

Output SDI-format digital video and audio signals. The
same signals are output from both connectors.

C Analog audio signal input/output section

d DIGITAL AUDIO (AES/EBU) IN connectors

(BNC type) (optional DSBK-1801 SDI/AES/EBU
Input/Output Board required)

Input digital audio signals in AES/EBU format to these
connectors.
The left-hand connector (CH-1/2) is for audio channels 1
and 2, and the right-hand connector (CH-3/4) is for audio
channels 3 and 4.

e DIGITAL AUDIO (AES/EBU) OUT connectors

(BNC type) (optional DSBK-1801 SDI/AES/EBU
Input/Output Board required)

These connectors output digital audio signals in AES/EBU
format.
The left-hand connector (CH-1/2) is for audio channels 1
and 2, and the right-hand connector (CH-3/4) is for audio
channels 3 and 4.

a AUDIO IN LEVEL/600 Ω switches

LEVEL

LOW

AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT

OFF

CH-1

LEVEL

HIGH

LOW

OFF

ON

600

Ω

CH-2 CH-3

b AUDIO IN CH-1 to CH-4 connectors

600

HIGH

LEVEL

LOW

OFF

ON

Ω

600

HIGH

ON

Ω

CH-4

LEVEL

HIGH

LOW
OFF

ON

600

Ω

a AUDIO IN LEVEL/600 Ω switches

Set these switches for each channel as shown in the
following table, according to the audio input levels to the
AUDIO IN CH-1 to CH-4 connectors and the required
impedance.

Settings of the AUDIO IN LEVEL/600 Ω switches

Audio input Switch setting

Level Impedance

−60 dBu
(microphone input)

+4/0/−3

a)

/−6 dBu

(line audio input)

+4/0/−3

a)

/−6 dBm

High impedance
(about 20 k

High impedance
(about 20 k

600 Ω

(line audio input)

a) Selectable on DSR-1800AP only

Ω)

Ω)

LOW-OFF
(left position)

HIGH-OFF
(middle
position)

HIGH-ON
(right position)

c AUDIO OUT CH-1 to CH-4 connectors

MONITOR OUT

AUDIO

CH-1

CH-2 CH-3

d AUDIO MONITOR OUT connector

CH-4

b AUDIO IN CH-1 (channel 1) to CH-4 connectors

(XLR 3-pin, female)

Use these connectors to connect separate channels of
analog audio input from a player VCR or other external
audio equipment.
You can switch the audio input level setting with the
LEVEL SELECT menu item (see page 64).

c AUDIO OUT CH-1 (channel 1) to CH-4 connectors

(XLR 3-pin, male)

These connectors output channel-1 to channel-4 analog
audio signals, respectively.
It is possible to use the AUDIO OUT CH-3 and AUDIO
OUT CH-4 connectors for audio monitor output for
channels 1 and 2, respectively (use the OUTPUT CH3/4
menu item (see page 64)).

d AUDIO MONITOR OUT connector (RCA phono

jack)

This connector outputs audio signals for monitoring. The
audio signals to be output from this connector can be

Location and Function of Parts

20

selected with the MONITOR SELECT switches on the
menu control panel.

D External device connectors

VIDEO CONTROL

a VIDEO CONTROL connector

REMOTE

b REMOTE connector

a VIDEO CONTROL connector (D-sub 15-pin)

For remote control of the internal digital video processor,
connect an optional remote control unit to this connector.

Chapter 1 Overview

b REMOTE connector (D-sub 9-pin)

Use the optional 9-pin remote cable to connect an editing
controller that supports this unit, or a VCR that supports
editing with two units (DSR-2000A/2000AP, etc.), to
connect those devices to this unit for remote control.

Location and Function of Parts

21

Recording and Playback

Usable Cassettes

This unit can use the DVCAM cassettes listed below.

Model name Size

PDV-34*/64*/94*/124*/184* Standard size

PDVM-12*/22*/32*/40* Mini size

The * in each model name is actually “ME” (indicating that a cassette memory
is contained), or “N” (indicating that no cassette memory is contained).
The numbers in each model name indicate the maximum recording/playback
time (in minutes) for each model. For example, the PDV-184ME has a
maximum recording/playback time of 184 minutes.

Cassettes usable for playback only

Large- and medium-size DVCPRO (25M) cassettes are usable for playback
only.

Chapter 2

Notes

• If you insert an incorrect type of cassette, it will be automatically ejected.

• Although this unit can use DV series consumer cassettes, video or audio noise
may occur on some tapes.
For reliable playback, editing, recording, and storage, use DVCAM cassettes.

• Cassettes that have been recorded by a DV-format recorder can be played
back on this unit but cannot be used for recording at editing operation. When
you insert such a cassette into this unit, the NOT EDITABLE indicator lights
up in the display section on the front panel of this unit.

• See the note in page 14.

22

Usable Cassettes

DVCAM cassettes

The following figure illustrates the DVCAM cassettes.

REC/SAVE switch

For details of this switch, see “Preventing accidental
erasure” on page 24

Mini size Standard size

Notes on using cassettes

Checking the tape for slack

Cassette memory

• Before storing the cassette for a long period of time, rewind the tape to the
beginning and be sure to put the cassette in its storage case, preferably on end
instead of flat on its side.
Storing a cassette in any other condition (not rewound, out of its case, etc.)
may cause the video and audio contents to become damaged over time.

• If the cassette memory connector (contact point) becomes dirty, connection
problems may occur, causing a loss of functions. Remove away any dust or
dirt from this area before using the cassette.

• If the cassette is dropped on the floor or otherwise receives a hard impact, the
tape may become slackened and may not record and/or play back correctly.

For information about how to check the tape for slack, see the next section.

Using a paper clip or a similar object, turn the reel gently in the direction shown
by the arrow. If the reel does not move, there is no slack. Insert the cassette into
the cassette compartment, and after about 10 seconds take it out.

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

Paper clip, etc.

Reel

Usable Cassettes

23

Preventing accidental erasure

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

Inserting and Ejecting Cassettes

Inserting a cassette

Set the REC/SAVE switch on the cassette to SAVE to prevent accidental
erasure of recorded contents.

REC/SAVE switch

Set to SAVE

REC

SAVE

To enable re-recording

Set the REC/SAVE switch to REC.
When this switch is set to SAVE, the unit cannot record on the tape.

This unit accepts three sizes of cassette: L (standard size), M (medium size:
DVCPRO) and S (mini size). When inserting a cassette in the unit, make sure
its tape window faces upward as shown in the following figure.

Outer guides

Inner guides

Mini size (Insert the cassette into the
middle of the cassette compartment.)

Standard size

Tape window facing upward

Medium size (Align the cassette with
the outer guides, then slide it in over
the inner guides.)

Tape window facing upward

24

Usable Cassettes

No double insertion of cassettes

When you insert a cassette, the orange lock-out plate appears in the cassette
compartment to prevent double insertion.

Ejecting a cassette

Press the EJECT button.

OVER

OVER

OVER

OVER

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

INPUT

0

0

1

-12

0

-20

-1

-30

-40

-2

-60

1

V:SDTI SDTI i.LINK

0

0

0

0

0

0

S VIDEO

SDI SG

COMPOSITE

Y-R,B

VIDEO

1

1

1

-12

-12

-12

CH11/2

0

0

0

-20

-20

-20

ANALOG

AES/EBU

SDI SG

AUDIO

-1

-1

-1

-30

-30

-30

ANALOG

AES/EBU

SDI SG

CH23/4

-40

-40

-40

-2

-2

-2

REC MODE

2CH4CH

PB FS

48k44.1k32k

-60

-60

-60

2

3

4

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

EJECT button

Usable Cassettes

25

Recording

Settings for Recording

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

This section describes the necessary settings and operations to perform
recording on this unit. The same settings and operations apply whether you are
using the unit as part of an editing system, for dubbing, or as a stand-alone
recorder.

For the necessary connections for recording and the settings not covered in this
section, see Chapter 5 “Connections and Settings” (page 75).

Player (DSR-1600A/1600AP, etc.)

OVER

OVER

OVER

OVER

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

-12

1

-12

1

-12

1

-12

1

-20

0

-20

0

-20

0

-20

0

-1

-1

-1

-1

-30

-30

-30

-30

-40

-40

-40

-40

-2

-2

-2

-2

PB FS

-60

48k44.1k32k

-60

-60

-60

1

2

3

4

1

Video monitor

3

Audio level meters

Input selection/audio mode
display section

OVER

OVER

OVER

OVER

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

INPUT

0

0

-12

1

-20

0

-1

-30

-40

-2

-60

1

V:SDTI SDTI i.LINK

0

0

0

0

0

0

S VIDEO

SDI SG

COMPOSITE

Y-R,B

VIDEO

-12

1

-12

1

-12

1

CH11/2

-20

0

-20

0

-20

0

ANALOG

AES/EBU

SDI SG

AUDIO

-1

-1

-1

-30

-30

-30

ANALOG

AES/EBU

SDI SG

CH23/4

-40

-40

-40

-2

-2

-2

REC MODE

2CH4CHPB FS

48k44.1k32k

-60

-60

-60

2

3

4

7

REMOTE button

Recorder (DSR-1800A/1800AP)

A B

MARK

2

26

56 4

Note

When controlling this unit from an editing control unit connected to the
REMOTE connector, see “Remote control setting section” (page 16).

1 Power on the video monitor, then set its input switches according to the

signals input from this unit.

2 Set up the player to play back a tape.

Recording

For details, refer to the operating instructions for the player.

3 Power on this unit by pressing on the side of the POWER switch.

4 When the REMOTE button is not lit (the external editing control unit is not

used), use the COUNTER SEL button to select the type of time data to be
used.

Each press of this button cycles through three options: COUNTER (CNT
value), TC (time code), and U-BIT (user bit data). The time data type
indicator for each option lights as it is selected.

Selected time data Time data type indicator

Count value of the time counter COUNTER

Time code TC

User bit data U-BIT

When the REMOTE button is lit, selection of the time data type is carried
out at the editing control unit.

5 Select the formats of video and audio input signal to be recorded.

Use the buttons in the INPUT SELECT section to select the desired signal
formats. Each selection is shown by a lit indicator in the input selection/
audio mode display section.

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

Video input signal
(input connector)

Composite signal
(VIDEO IN)

Separated Y/C signal
(S VIDEO IN)

Component signal
(COMPONENT VIDEO
IN)

SDI signal (SDI IN) VIDEO IN

i.LINK-compatible digital
video signal in DV format

( DV IN/OUT)

Internal test video signal VIDEO IN SG in VIDEO group

a) The indicator does not light even if you press the corresponding button in the INPUT SELECT

section unless the required optional digital input/output board (DSBK-1801) is installed.

Audio input signal
(input connector)

Analog signal
(AUDIO IN CH-1 to CH-

4)

AES/EBU signal
(DIGITAL AUDIO (AES/
EBU) IN)

SDI signal (SDI IN) CH-1,1/2 and CH-2,3/4

i.LINK-compatible digital
audio signal in DV format

( DV IN/OUT)

Corresponding button
in the INPUT SELECT
section

VIDEO IN COMPOSITE in VIDEO

VIDEO IN S VIDEO in VIDEO

VIDEO IN Y−R, B in VIDEO group

SDTI/i.LINK

Corresponding button
in the INPUT SELECT
section

CH-1,1/2 and CH-2,3/4 ANALOG in AUDIO

CH-1,1/2 and CH-2,3/4

SDTI/i.LINK

Lit indicator in the
input selection/audio
mode display section

group

group

a)

in VIDEO group

SDI

i.LINK

Lit indicator in the
input selection/audio
mode display section

group

a)

AES/EBU
group

a)

SDI

i.LINK

in AUDIO

in AUDIO group

Recording

27

Audio input signal
(input connector)

Internal test audio signal CH-1,1/2 and CH-2,3/4 SG in AUDIO group

a) The indicator does not light even if you press the corresponding button in the INPUT SELECT

section unless the required optional digital input/output board (DSBK-1801) is installed.

Caution

Corresponding button
in the INPUT SELECT
section

Lit indicator in the
input selection/audio
mode display section

Once you have started recording, you cannot change the input signal
selection.

6 Select the audio mode.

Select either two-channel mode (2CHANNEL) or four-channel mode
(4CHANNEL) with the REC MODE menu item (see page 62). The
corresponding indicator lights in the REC MODE display.

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

Audio mode Lit indicator in the REC MODE display

2-channel mode 2CH

4-channel mode 4CH

Cautions

• In the DVCAM format, there are two audio recording modes, with either
two channels at 48 kHz or four channels at 32 kHz. It is not possible to
select other modes (for example with four channels at 48 kHz).

• During audio editing, if a signal used in assemble or insert editing is in a
different mode from the base tape, the signals will be discontinuous at the
edit points, and correct editing will not be obtained. For this reason, audio
editing between different modes is inhibited on this unit.
For smooth editing operations, check the audio recording mode of the
base tape beforehand.

• Once you have started recording, you cannot change the audio mode
selection.

• If on a tape there is a point where the audio mode is switched, it is not
possible to carry out insert editing over a section including that point.

7 Use the AUDIO INPUT LEVEL control knobs to adjust audio input levels.

Watching the audio level meter, adjust the level so that the meter does not
indicate higher values than 0 dB when the audio signal is at its maximum.
When the level exceeds 0 dB, the OVER indicator lights.

The factory-preset audio recording level is −20 dB (DSR-1800A) or −18 dB
(DSR-1800AP). This setting can be changed using the LEVEL SELECT
menu item (see page 64).

28

Recording

Recording Procedure

This section describes the procedure to perform recording on this unit, showing
an example session in which playback signals coming from a player VCR will
be recorded on the tape loaded in the unit.

1

OVER

OVER

OVER

OVER

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

INPUT

0

0

-12

1

-20

0

-1

-30

-40

-2

-60

1

Recorder
(DSR-1800A/1800AP)

OVER

dB

dB

0

0

-12

1

-20

0

-1

-30

-40

-2

-60

1

V:SDTI SDTI i.LINK

0

0

0

0

0

0

S VIDEO

SDI SG

COMPOSITE

Y-R,B

VIDEO

-12

1

-12

1

-12

1

CH11/2

-20

0

-20

0

-20

0

ANALOG

AES/EBU

SDI SG

AUDIO

-1

-1

-1

-30

-30

-30

ANALOG

AES/EBU

SDI SG

CH23/4

-40

-40

-40

-2

-2

-2

REC MODE

2CH4CH

PB FS

48k44.1k32k

-60

-60

-60

2

3

4

REMOTE button

2

OVER

OVER

OVER

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

dB

0

0

0

0

0

0

-12

1

-12

1

-12

1

-20

0

-20

0

-20

0

-1

-1

-1

-30

-30

-30

-40

-40

-40

-2

-2

-2

PB FS

48k44.1k32k

-60

-60

-60

2

3

4

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

Player
(DSR-1600A/1600AP, etc.)

3

Note

When controlling this unit from an editing control unit connected to the
REMOTE connector of this unit, press the REMOTE button to turn it on. When
not, turn off the button.

Recording

29

1 After checking the following items, hold the cassette with the tape window

facing upward, then insert it into the recorder (this unit) as illustrated on
page 24.

.

Item to check See section

Make sure that the REC/SAVE switch
of the cassette is set to REC.

Check for tape slack. “Checking the tape for slack” on page

Make sure that the “HUMID!” alarm is
not shown in the time counter display.

The cassette is automatically drawn into the unit and the tape is wound
round the head drum. The tape is stationary while the head drum rotates, and
the STOP button lights.

Chapter 2 Recording and Playback

If the REC INHIBIT indicator lights:

It indicates that the REC/SAVE switch of the loaded cassette has been set
to SAVE. Press the EJECT button in the tape transport control section to
remove the cassette, then set the REC/SAVE switch to REC and reload the
cassette.

Note

When ejecting and loading cassettes, make sure that the unit has been
powered on.

“Preventing accidental erasure” on
page 24

23

“Condensation” on page 86

2 Hold down the REC button and press the PLAY button.

This puts the unit into recording mode, and the tape starts moving.

3 Press the PLAY button on the player.

The player starts the playback operation, at which point this unit starts
recording the input playback signals.

Cautions

• Once you have started recording, you cannot change the audio mode
selection.

• If on a tape there is a point where the audio mode is switched, it is not
possible to carry out insert editing over a section including that point.

30

Recording