XDCAM 1533082 221981073 2008-06-26T23:52:47Z Lightbot 7178666 Units/dates/other [[Image:Pdw510 z copy.jpg|thumb|PDW-510 XDCAM Camcorder]] '''XDCAM''' is an optical disc-based professional video system introduced by [[Sony]] in 2003. Its features include tapeless optical disk recording of [[DV#DVCAM|DVCAM]], [[Betacam#MPEG IMX|MPEG IMX]] and, in the XDCAM HD variant, [[HDV]] video data, as well as [[MXF]] metadata and a low resolution AV proxy stream, on a disc similar to a [[Blu-ray disc]] called the ''[[Professional Disc for Data|Professional Disc]]'', which holds 23.3 GB of data in the PFD23 version and 50 GB in the PFD50 version. The XDCAM range includes cameras and decks which act as drop-in replacements for traditional [[VTR]]s allowing XDCAM discs to be used within a traditional tape-based workflow. These decks can also serve as random access computer drives for easy import of the video data files into [[non-linear editing system|non-linear editing (NLE) systems]] via [[FireWire|IEEE 1394]] and [[Ethernet#Fast Ethernet .28100 Mbit.2Fs.29|Ethernet]]. ==Compression methods== The XDCAM format uses multiple compression methods: [[MPEG-2]] when recording in MPEG IMX, [[DV]]25 when recording in DVCAM and [[MPEG-4]] when recording in a low resolution proxy stream. The XDCAM HD variant of XDCAM records MPEG-2 long-GOP at up to 35 [[Megabit per second|Mbit/s]] (HQ mode), with 18Mbit/s and 25 Mbit/s as available options. The 18 and 35 Mbit/s formats are VBR, while the 25 Mbit/s format is CBR. Most standard definition XDCAM camcorders can switch from IMX to DVCAM with the flick of a switch, although both DVCAM-only and IMX-only models are available. MPEG IMX does not use temporal compression, which makes it suitable as an editing format. At 50 Mbit/s it offers visual quality that is comparable to [[Betacam#Digital Betacam|Digital Betacam]], and is still suitable for many TV productions, primarily [[Electronic news gathering|ENG]], where the practicality of a non-linear format outweighs Digital Beta's superior colour resolution (10-bit vs. IMX's 8-bit) and lower compression ratio. It is also a popular choice for [[Reality Television]]. The DVCAM mode allows the user to record twice as much footage and maintains a large compatibility with a large amount of low end NLE's. MPEG IMX can record at a bitrate of 30, 40 or 50 Megabits per second, while DVCAM records at 25 Mbit/s. The low resolution proxy is recorded at 1.5 Mbit/s with 64 kbit/s for each audio channel. The [[Common Intermediate Format|CIF]] resolution is used for the proxy recordings. ==Professional Disc (XDCAM and XDCAM HD)== [[Image:Xdcam.jpg|thumb|XDCAM Disc]] [[Image:SxS.jpg|thumb|SxS module for use with XDCAM EX]] {{main|Professional Disc for DATA}} The Professional Disc was chosen by Sony as its medium for professional non-linear video acquisition for a number of reasons, outlined in their white-paper [http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/docs/brochures/v2223.pdf ''Why Sony Adopted Professional Disc'']. Essentially the Professional Disc format was deemed to be a suitable, cost effective and easy step forward. The discs are reliable and robust, suitable for field work (something which has previously been a problem with many disc-based systems). Additionally, the cost of media is comparable to existing professional formats. ==SxS solid-state (XDCAM EX)== A second XDCAM implementation has been developed by Sony called XDCAM EX. Implemented in the PMW-EX1 camera, it offers a similar recording profile to XDCAM HD, but records on [[SxS]] memory cards. The codec is employed at either 25Mbit/s for SP mode (1440x1080), or 35Mbit/s for HQ mode (1920x1080). The recorded media is carried in an MP4 file wrapper, versus XDCAM's MXF file wrappers. These differences mean that existing implementations of XDCAM HD codecs in editing applications are not functional with XDCAM EX. However, the EX1's SP mode does retain compatibility as it matches that of HDV (1440x1080 @ 25Mbit/s [[Constant bitrate|CBR]]). The 35Mbit "HQ" implementation is [[Variable bitrate]]. The PMW-EX1 camcorder employs three 1/2-inch "Exmor" [[CMOS]] sensors with over 2 million pixels, the camera was exhibited at the NAB ([[National Association of Broadcasters]]) 2007 show. It uses an MPEG-2 long-GOP codec when recording to [[SxS]] solid-state memory cards, and a 4:2:2 color ratio can be achieved by using a [[HD-SDI]] out connection. It is branded as a member of Sony's [[CineAlta]] family of production equipment. The EX1 offers variable framerate modes, from 1 to 60fps (1 to 30fps in 1080p). The PMW-EX1 made its debut in November 2007 with a street price of just under ([[US$]]) 6500. In April 2008, Sony added a new interchangable-lens camcorder, the PMW-EX3, to its XDCAM EX lineup. The internal components of the EX3 are identical to that of the EX1, but the EX3 is of shoulder mount design, implemented in a fashion much like the Canon XL series. The EX3 debuted to a street price of around $8500. == XDCAM HD422 == The third generation of XDCAM, called XDCAM HD422, will utilize dual layer Professional Disk with capacity of 50 GB and an MPEG HD422 codec with video bitrate up to 50 Mbit/s. Sony has revealed two models of XDCAM HD422 series including PDW-700 camcorder and PDW-HD1500 half size deck, which will be available after NAB 2008 in April. The PDW-U1 drive is the first product available which is compatible with the new XDCAM HD422. With a free of charge firmware upgrade the PDW-U1 will be capable of playback and recording XDCAM HD422 (50Mbit/s) material. The upgrade will be available as soon as the PDW-700 and PDW-HD1500 are available. ==The Future of XDCAM== Sony has published an article at Sony Technology website, where Sony outlines the future of XDCAM. Among three goals of XDCAM, higher transfer speed and larger storage capacity seem reasonable, meanwhile Sony also indicates that a new generation of video compression algorithm will be developed for next generation of XDCAM. According to the development cycle of current XDCAM, the next generation of XDCAM (phase 4) should be available in around 2010. ==References== *[http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/technology/technology/theme/xdcam_01.html official information about XDCAM technology and the future] *[http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10014/xdcam_index.shtml Sony's official XDCAM web page] *[http://www.sony.com.au/objects/PDF/PDWEX1_Brochure.pdf Brochure for the Sony PMW-EX1] *[http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10014/docs/PDW700_HD1500_broch.pdf Preliminary Brochure of Sony XDCAM HD422] ==External links== *[http://pro.sony.com.hk/news_showlist.php?id=696 Sony's XDCAM introduction press release] *[http://xdcam.com.au/modules/news/ XDCAM pro user group] *[http://www.callboxlive.com/store/sony-guidebook-p-39.html XDCAM EX training DVD] *[http://www.vasst.com/product.aspx?id=1edca4ce-759d-4e07-877f-b3e5e55f80d5 XDCAM HD Training DVD] <!--Industrial and ...-->{{Home video}} {{Sony Corp}} [[Category:Video storage]] [[Category:2003 introductions]] [[de:XDCAM]] [[fr:XDCAM]] [[it:XDCAM]] [[nl:XDCAM]] [[ja:XDCAM]]