Sony HVR-M25U User Manual
HVR-M25U
HVR-M15U
Digital HD Videocassette Recorder
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The Perfect Choice for Cost-effective HD
Productions – the Sony HVR-M25U and
HVR-M15U HDV 1080i VTRs
In 2004, Sony introduced affordable, yet high-performance HD recording systems adopting the
HDV™ 1080i specification for use in its products thereby offering the HDV format to a wide range
of professional videographers. Upon that introduction, HDV systems have gained a rapid and
wide acceptance due to their high picture quality, outstanding performance, and costeffectiveness. Today, in response to the demands for greater levels of operability such as longer
recording time and time-code-recording capabilities, Sony introduces its latest HDV recorders –
the HVR-M25U and HVR-M15U.
The HVR-M25U and HVR-M15U enable users to record and play back video in a choice of formats –
HDV 1080i, DVCAM™, and DV. They also feature a down-conversion capability for 1080i recording,
which provides the flexibility to record in either standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD)
depending on your production needs.
One of the most powerful features of these VTRs is their compatibility with standard cassettes in
addition to mini cassettes, which provides extended recording time of up to 276 minutes. In
addition, these VTRs provide a convenient function to copy not just the video and audio of an
original tape via an i.LINK
TM*1
connection, but also the time code.
Both models are optimized for use with nonlinear editing systems thanks to their highly compact
size and easy operations. However, the HVR-M25U provides additional powerful features such as
a built-in 2.7-inch*
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type, 16:9 LCD monitor and an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
output for more demanding production environments.
The HVR-M25U and HVR-M15U are highly powerful, yet cost-effective tools for nonlinear editing
systems that will serve both today’s production needs, as well as those of tomorrow.
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HDV 1080i Specification
The HDV 1080i specification*3of the HDV format features
1,080 effective scanning lines (interlace scanning system)
and 1,440 horizontal pixels. It adopts the MPEG-2
compression format (MP@H-14 for video), which uses 8-bit
digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0.
MPEG-1 Audio Layer II is used as the audio compression
format, allowing for two-channel recording with a
sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. The HDV 1080i
specification
provides high
picture quality that
can be used for
HDTV program
production.
Direction of tape travel
10 μm
Sub Code sector
MPEG-2 PES sector
(Video + Audio + Search + AUX)
ITI sector
Direction
of head motion
6.35 mm
(1/4 inch)
ITI: Insert and Track Information
PES: Packetized Elementary Stream
HDV FORMAT
Track Pattern of the HDV 1080i Specification
HVR-M25U & HVR-M15U COMMON FEATURES
Compatible with Existing and New DV
Videocassette Tape
As a member of the proven DV family of formats, the HDV
format has, from the outset, been developed for
compatibility with all grades of DV videocassette tape.
This allows operators to use high-grade DV videocassette
tapes for applications where high robustness is critical, or
consumer-grade videocassette tapes for more economical
operations. For heavy-duty applications, the
DigitalMaster
TM
high-grade cassette tape has been
developed. This tape is compatible with the HDV, DVCAM,
and DV formats.
Switchable Recording and Playback
– HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV SP and 60i/50i
The HVR-M25U/M15U can switch between HDV 1080i,
DVCAM, and DV*
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recording, providing full flexibility to record
in either standard definition or high definition depending on
your production needs. In addition, it can be switched
between 60i and 50i modes (NTSC and PAL), which allows for
flexible production operations, without the need for two
separate VTRs for each standard.
Dual-size Cassette Mechanism
The HVR-M25U/M15U has a dual-size cassette mechanism that
accepts both mini- and standard-sized DigitalMaster, DVCAM,
and DV cassette tapes – without using any special adaptor.
This feature allows the six different types of cassette tape to be
used without the cumbersome process associated with
additional mechanical hardware.
Long Recording Time
The HDV format adopts the same track pitch and tape
speed as the DV format, thus offering the same recording
time – a maximum of 276 minutes when recording on a
DigitalMaster standard cassette tape and a maximum of 63
minutes when recording on a DigitalMaster mini cassette
tape.
External Control
The HVR-M25U/M15U comes equipped with a
Remote Commander
®
unit, which enables users
to control the recorder’s functions wirelessly. In
addition, the HVR-M25U/M15U is equipped
with a LANC terminal, as well as a Control S
terminal to connect with the optional DSRM10 Remote Control Unit for jog and shuttle
operation.
*1 i.LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily
communicate with each other. For information on compatibility, operating conditions, and proper connection, please refer to the documentation supplied with any device with
an i.LINK connector. For information on devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony office. *2 Viewable area measured diagonally. *3 The HDV
format also defines the HDV 720P specification, which features 720 effective scanning lines (progressive scanning system) and 1,280 horizontal pixels. *4 The HVR-M25U/M15U
supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
Tape Cleaner for Reliable Operation
The HVR-M25U/M15U incorporates a tape cleaner that adopts a
high-grade sapphire blade. This cleaner can help prevent signal
dropouts and improve the reliability of recording and playback
by cleaning away particles from the tape during operation.
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