Sony HDW-D1800 User Manual

Sony Digital Recorder

HDW-D1800/HDW-1800

TM

2

HDW-D1800/1800 HDCAM Studio Recorders –
Cost-effective Solutions for an Even Broader
Spectrum of HD Opportunities

Since their introduction in 1997, a huge number of Sony
HDCAM™ products have been adopted worldwide in a broad
range of production areas such as dramas, documentaries,
commercials, news gathering, and digital cinematography.
Its stunning picture performance, comprehensive range of
products, and bullet-proof reliability have made the HDCAM
format the clear choice for these uses. Sony’s commitment to
continuous product development has now led to the creation of
more affordable HDCAM equipment in the form of the new
HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 studio recorders.
Despite their affordable prices, they provide high picture
performance, multi-format recording capability including 24P,
frame-accurate editing capability, and high reliability – all
inherited from the well-known HDW-2000 series VTRs. The
HDW-1800 model is a studio edit recorder with HDCAM
recording/playback capability, while the HDW-D1800 model

also offers legacy playback of Digital Betacam™ and MPEG
IMX™ format tapes with an internal up-conversion capability.
Both recorders have a built-in down-converter as standard,
enabling SD/HD mixed operations as well as easy integration
into existing SD-based editing environments. To accommodate
the requirement for emerging HD formats, two types of
powerful options are available: HKDW-104 for 720P and 2-3
pull-down output capability, and HKDW-105 for i.LINK™
HDV™ 1080i input. The front panel of both recorders features
a jog/shuttle dial, and also a large color LCD screen that
displays both playback pictures and various information such as
timecode, audio level meters, and operational menus, offering
great operational efficiency.
With the new HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 studio recorders,
the solid quality of the HDCAM format can now be easily used
in more HD programming opportunities than ever before.

3

Interlace/Progressive Switchable
Recording and Playback

An important element that makes the HDW-D1800 and
HDW-1800 recorders so versatile is their ability to record
and play back material recorded in multiple signal formats.
They support both interlace and progressive recording modes
with the following selectable frame rates: 1080/59.94i,
1080/50i, 1080/29.97PsF, 1080/25PsF, 1080/24PsF, and
1080/23.98PsF.

High-Definition Picture Quality with
the HDCAM Format

The HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders adopt the
proven HDCAM format to record 1920 x 1080 resolution,
high-definition component digital signals. The HDCAM
format uses an extremely intelligent compression scheme
with a high video bit rate of 140 Mb/s (data rate on tape of
185 Mb/s.) This allows the format to provide superb picture
quality onto a highly robust and cost-effective 1/2-inch tape,
with a design inherited from the Betacam series.

Powerful Legacy Playback Capability
(HDW-D1800 only)

The HDW-D1800 recorder offers a powerful legacy playback
capability for Digital Betacam and MPEG IMX format tapes.
This allows flexible use of acquisition tools in the field, and
easy integration into existing editing environments.

Features

Up- and Down-conversion Capabilities
with Selectable Picture Modes

The HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders can output
525/59.94i and 625/50i signals in SD-SDI or analog
composite from HDCAM playback. The HDW-D1800 can
also output 1080i signals in HD-SDI from SD legacy playback.
These up- and down-conversion capabilities provide unlimited
operational flexibility. When monitoring such converted
signals, the picture display mode can be selected from the
following, depending on the type of application.

HD to SD, 16:9 HD picture is down-converted and
output as a 4:3 SD picture.

SD to HD, 4:3 SD picture is up-converted,
then output as a 16:9 HD picture.

HD to SD, 16:9 HD picture down-converted to SD and
output is presented in Letter-box on a 4:3 monitor.

SD to HD, 4:3 SD picture is cropped and
presented as a 16:9 picture.

SQUEEZE mode

HD to SD, edges of a 16:9 HD picture are cropped
in the down-converted 4:3 SD picture.

SD to HD, 4:3 SD picture up-converted as a 16:9 HD
picture, however the sides are cropped.

EDGE CROP modeLETTER BOX mode

4

HDV 1080i Stream Recording

Responding to the strong demand for a better, more cost­effective process of HDCAM/HDV mixed-format editing, the
new HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders are equipped
with a powerful HDV 1080i stream recording capability.
With the addition of the HKDW-105 board, the
HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders can accept an
HDV 1080i compatible stream via a single i.LINK cable
connection, without any conversion. This is an extremely
powerful feature for users who want to shoot in HDV format
and post in HDCAM format, or who want to use both
HDCAM and HDV material at the same time.

Search Functions
– Jog and Shuttle Mode

The HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders deliver
recognizable color pictures in shuttle mode at speeds of up
to 50 times normal playback. Jog operation is also possible,
at -1 to +2 times normal
speed. High-quality jog
audio is achieved,
providing a responsiveness
and sound quality
reminiscent of Betacam SP
machines.

4.3-inch Color LCD Screen

The control panels of these VTRs are simple and easy to use.
They are equipped with a 4.3-inch (viewable area, measured
diagonally) 16:9 color LCD screen, allowing users to view
playback material and VTR setup menus. It is also possible
to monitor output signals via 2-3 pull-down or converted
720P signals.

1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97P, 1080/23.98P, 525*

1080/50i, 1080/29.97P, 1080/23.97P, 625*

*

Conversion from SD material is available on the HDW-D1800 only.

*

For 24PsF material, 2-3 pull-down output is available only when it is played back at the

system frequency of 23.98 Hz. (In this case, its playback speed is reduced by 0.1%.)

Video Monitor View

System Status View

720/59.94P

720/50P

Frame Accurate Editing

Insert and assemble editing with frame accuracy is possible
on the HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders. Each video
and audio channel can be edited independently.

Digital Audio Crossfade Function

The HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders feature Digital
Audio Crossfade to achieve smooth audio transitions at audio
insert edit points. Previously recorded audio signals are read
in advance using pre-read heads and then re-recorded onto
the same track after being mixed with the input signal. The
crossfade duration can be selected from a range of values.

720P Conversion and 2-3 Pull-down
Output

For further enhanced flexibility, the HDW-D1800 and
HDW-1800 recorders provide the ability to output converted
720P signals when playing back 1080i material by use of the
optional HKDW-104 board.
This board also provides 2-3 pull-down capability, enabling

23.98PsF/24PsF* material to be output as 59.94i signals.

Converted 720P Output

5

HDW-D1800 Front Panel

Dynamic Motion Control (DMC)
Playback

The HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders also provide a
DMC playback capability, which memorizes the tape speed
trajectory over the DT (Dynamic Tracking) speed range.

Pre-read Editing

Equipped with advanced playback heads, these recorders
offer a pre-read editing capability. This provides various
application functionality, such as tiling with a signal VTR,
A/B-roll with two VTRs, audio mix, and channel swap.

Versatile Interfaces

These recorders feature a wide range of interfaces including:

• HD-SDI input and output

• SD-SDI output

• Analog composite output

• Digital audio input and output

• Analog audio input and output

• Timecode input and output

• Reference input

• RS-422 9-pin remote interface

• Analog audio monitor output

• Video control interface

• Remote parallel 50-pin interface

• RS-232C remote interface

Easy Setup Using “Memory Stick”
Media

With these recorders, users can store and recall VTR setup
parameters onto optional Memory Stick™ media, enabling
quick and consistent setup of multiple VTRs.

Metadata Recording

The HDW-D1800 and HDW-1800 recorders are capable of
recording metadata including UMID (Unique Material
IDentifier) and shot marks, which are used for quick cue-up
to scenes of interest. This metadata capability improves
overall efficiency across the production process.

Features

6

Optional Accessories

*

1 Supplied with a 9-pin to 4-pin remote cable (2 meters) for connection to the HDW-D1800/HDW-1800. For longer cable runs, a 10-meter cable is available as an option (1-832-104-11.)

*

2To connect the HKDV-900 with the HDW-D1800/1800 VTR, the optional video controller cable, RCC-1505H/1510H/1530H is required.

RM-280,
Editing Controller*

1

HKDV-900,
HD Digital Video Controller*

2

RMM-131,
Rack Mount Kit

HKDW-104,
Pull-down/720P Board

HKDW-105,
i.LINK (HDV) Input Board

BCT-HD12CL,
Cleaning Cassette

BCT-124HDL/64HDL/22HD,
HDCAM Tape Cassette

RCC-5G,
9-pin Remote Cable

Rear Panels

HDW-D1800 Rear Panel

HDW-1800 Rear Panel

48 kHz (Synchronized with video)

20 bits/sample

Below measurable level

20 dB (or 18 dB selectable)

T1=50 µs, T2=15 µs

(on/off selectable in recording mode)

20 bits/sample
20 bits/sample

20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5 dB/-1.0 dB (0 dB at 1 kHz)

More than 95 dB (at 1 kHz, emphasis ON)

Less than 0.05% (at 1 kHz, emphasis ON, reference level)

Less than -80 dB (at 1 kHz, between any two channels)

100 Hz to 12 kHz ±3 dB

More than 45 dB (at 3% distortion level)

Less than 2% (THD at 1 kHz, reference level)

Less than 0.2% rms

Y: 0 to 5.75 MHz

+0.5 dB/-0.5 dB

R-Y/B-Y: 0 to 2.75 MHz

+0.5 dB/-0.5 dB

62 dB or more

1% or less

20 Hz to 20 kHz

+0.5 dB/-1.0 dB

95 dB (at 1 kHz,

emphasis ON)

0.05% or less (at 1 kHz,
emphasis ON,

reference level (+4 dBm))

Below measurable level

100 Hz to 12 kHz

+3 dB/-3 dB

45 dB or more

(at 1 kHz, emphasis ON)

2% or less (THD at 1 kHz,

reference level)

Less than 0.2% rms

Y: 0 to 5.75 MHz

+0.5 dB/-2.0 dB

R-Y/B-Y: 0 to 2.75 MHz

+0.5 dB/-2.0 dB

56 dB or more

1% or less

20 Hz to 20 kHz

+0.5 dB/-1.0 dB

(0 dB at 1 kHz)

90 dB or more

(at 1 kHz, emphasis ON,

16 bits/48 kHz)

0.05% or less (at 1 kHz,
emphasis ON,

reference level (+4 dBm))

Operation manual (CD-ROM x1), Installation manual (x1), Operation

guide (x1), PSW 4x16 rack mount screw (x4)

100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz

150 W

+5 to +40 °C (41to 104 °F)

-20 to +60 °C (-4 to +140 °F)
20 to 90%

22 kg (48 lb 8 oz)

427 x 174 x 544 mm (16 7/8 x 6 7/8 x 21 1/2 inches)

96.7 mm/s (59.94i, 29.97PsF), 80.6 mm/s (50i, 25PsF),

77.4 mm/s (24PsF, 23.98PsF)

96.7 mm/s

64.5 mm/s (525/59.94i),

53.8 mm (625/50i)

124 minutes (59.94i, 29.97PsF, with BCT-124HDL cassette)

149 minutes (50i, 25PsF, with BCT-124HDL cassette)

155 minutes (24PsF, 23.98PsF, with BCT-124HDL cassette)

40 minutes (59.94i, 29.97PsF, with BCT-40HD cassette)

48 minutes (50i, 25PsF, with BCT-40HD cassette)

50 minutes (24PsF, 23.98PsF, with BCT-40HD cassette)

Approx. 3 minutes (with BCT-124HDL cassette)

Still to ±50 times normal speed playback (59.94i, 29.97PsF)

Still to ±58 times normal speed playback (50i, 25PsF)

Still to ±60 times normal speed playback (24PsF, 23.98PsF)

Still to ±50 times

normal speed playback

Still to ±78 times

normal speed playback

-1 to +2 times normal speed playback

-1 to +3 times

normal speed playback

-1 to +3 times

normal speed playback

Still to ±1 time normal speed playback

0.6 s or less (59.94i, 29.97PsF, from standby on),

0.7 s or less (50i, 25PsF, 24PsF, 23.98PsF, from standby on)
6 s or less (both L and S cassettes)

BNC x 1 (SMPTE 292M), Serial Digital (1.485 Gb/s)

BNC x 2 (with a loop-through), 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω,

sync negative or Black Burst or Composite

BNC x 2 (with a loop-through), 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω,

sync negative or Black Burst or Composite

BNC x 2, AES/EBU

XLR-3-pin type, female, x 2
Low off: -60 dBu, high impedance, balanced
High off: +4 dBu, high impedance, balanced

High on: -4 dBm, 600 Ω termination, balanced

XLR-3-pin type, female, x 1 (0.5 to 18 Vp-p,10 kΩ, balanced)

IEEE1394, 6-pin x1

BNC x 3 (SMPTE 292M including one character out),

Serial Digital (1.485 Gb/s)

BNC x 3 (SMPTE 259M including one character out),

Serial Digital (270 Mb/s)

BNC x 3 (RS-170A, including one character out), 1.0 Vp-p,

sync negative, 75 Ω

BNC x 4, AES/EBU

(CH 1/2, CH 3/4, CH 5/6, CH 7/8)

XLR-3-pin type, x 4, male, +4 dBm (600 Ω load),

low impedance, balanced

XLR-3-pin type, male, x 1 (2.2 Vp-p, low impedance, balanced)

XLR-3-pin type, male, x 2 (+4 dBm at 600 Ω load,

low impedance, balanced)

JM-60 Stereo phone jack (-∞ to -12 dBu at 8 Ω load, unbalanced)

D-sub 9-pin, Sony 9-pin remote interface
D-sub 9-pin, Sony 9-pin remote interface

D-sub 9-pin

D-sub 50-pin

D-sub 9-pin (for connection with the HKDV-900)

Memory Stick slot

±3 dB/-∞ to +3 dB, selectable
±3 dB/-∞ to +3 dB, selectable

±30 IRE

±30°

±15 µs

±200 ns

Y: 74.25 MHz, R-Y/B-Y: 37.125 MHz

10 bit/sample (compression: 8 bit/sample)

Coef ficient recording system

S-I-NRZI PR-IV

Reed-Solomon code

0 to 5.75 MHz +0.5 dB/-3.0 dB

53 dB or more

2% or less

2° or less

20 ns or less

1% or less

Based upon RS-170A/CCIR R.624-3

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BNC x 2, AES/EBU

(CH 1/2, CH 3/4)

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HDW-D1800/HDW-1800 Specifications

7

HDW-1800HDW-D1800

General

Pow er requirements
Pow er consumption
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Humidity
Mass
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Tap e speed

HDCAM

Digital BETACAM
MPEG IMX

HDCAM record/playback time

Fast forward/rewind time
Search speed range

Shuttle mode

HDCAM

Digital BETACAM

MPEG IMX

Var iable mode

HDCAM
Digital BETACAM

MPEG IMX

Jog mode

Servo lock time

Load/unload time

Input/output

HD-SDI input
Reference video input 1

Reference video input 2
(option: HKDW-104)
Digital audio input
(CH 1/2, CH 3/4)
Analog audio input (CH 1/2)

Time code input
i.LINK (HDV 1080i) input
(option: HKDW-105)
HD-SDI output

SD-SDI output

Analog composite output

Digital audio output

Analog audio output (CH 1/2)

Time code output
Monitor output L/R

Headphones
Remote1 In
Remote1 Out
RS-232C
Remote2 Parallel I/O
Video control
Others

Processor adjustment range

Video level
Chroma level
Set up/black level
Chroma phase/hue
System sync phase
System SC phase

Digital video performance

Sampling frequency
Quantization
Comp ression
Channel coding
Error correction

Analog composite output

Bandwidth
S/N ratio
Differential gain
Differential phase
Y/C delay
K Factor (2T Pulse)
Output SCH phase

HDW-1800HDW-D1800

Digital audio performance

Sampling frequency
Quantization
Wow & flutter
Headrooms
Emphasis
(ON/OFF selectable in REC mode)

Analog audio output performance

A/D quantization
D/A quantization
Frequency response
Dynamic range
Distortion
Crosstalk

Cue track

Sampling frequency
S/N ratio
Distortion
Wow & flutter

Digital Betacam playback performance

Video

Bandwidth

S/N ratio
K-factor

Digital audio (CH 1 to 4)

Frequency response

Dynamic range

Distortion

Wow & flutter

Analog audio (cue track)

Frequency response

S/N ratio

Distortion

Wow & flutter

MPEG IMX playback performance

Video

Bandwidth

S/N ratio
K-factor (2T pulse)

Digital audio (CH 1 to 8)

Frequency response

Dynamic range

Distortion

Others

Supplied accessories

©2006 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate.
Sony, HDCAM, CineAlta, Digital Betacam, MPEG IMX, Betacam, i.LINK and Memory Stick are trademarks of Sony.
HDV is a trademark of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Limited.

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