Description

MPEG IMX is an established family of tape and disk-based products from Sony for the production, playout and storage of programme material at up to 50Mb/s MPEG-2. Programme makers around the world are using MPEG IMX for very high quality standard definition programming, and where combined AV and IT networked operation is also required.

The MSW-970P is the latest addition to the MPEG IMX line-up, and the latest in a long line of broadcast camcorders from Sony. This second generation MPEG IMX camcorder is widescreen switchable and uses a new generation of Power HAD EX™ CCDs to guarantee exceptional picture quality. Familiar ergonomics, robust construction and reliable operation are key features of the MSW-970P. The ability to select between 50i (interlaced) and 25P (progressive) recording provides additional creativity to the production team, allowing the optimum picture "look" to be selected for each production.

Features

New Power HAD EX™ CCD Technology

Three 2/3 inch Power HAD EX™ CCDs provide a high sensitivity of F11 and a signal-to-noise ratio of 63dB. Smear is reduced to -145dB (typical)

Interlaced and progressive recording

The MSW-970P can record in both 625/50i interlaced mode and 625/25P progressive mode. This allows the camera operator to shoot either 50i "TV look" or 25P "Film look" pictures. Please note that 24P recording is not provided in the 625/50 MSW-970P camcorder.

14 bit A/D conversion and Advanced Digital Signal Processing (ADSP)

The MSW-970P uses 14 bit A/D conversion to process captured images from the CCDs with great precision. This provides a more accurate reproduction of contrast in mid-to-dark tone and bright areas of the picture. Advanced Digital Signal Processing, using more than 30 bits for non-linear processing, also maintains the exceptionally high quality of image from the CCDs. The ADSP also provides sophisticated image control including, multi-matrix, triple skin tone detail and adaptive highlight control.

Ultimate sensitivity

The MSW-970P has a sensitivity of F11, and has a built-in slow shutter feature. This feature allows the camcorder to slow its shutter speed down to dramatically increase sensitivity when shooting in dark conditions. The slow shutter feature also allows motion blur to be used as a creative tool during acquisition.

High quality digital audio

Pictures count for little without great quality sound, and the MSW-970P records 4 channels of digital audio, in either 16 bit or 20 bit mode. Some MPEG IMX products such as the MSW-M2000P/1 series VTR can record 8 channels of audio at 16 bit resolution. When set to 16 bit mode, the MSW-970P records sound onto tracks 1 to 4, but also records blank data on tracks 5 to 8. Additional audio material can therefore be inserted into tracks 5 to 8 using an MPEG IMX VTR during post production.

Compact, lightweight and low power consumption

The MSW-970P weighs approximately 5.4kg including viewfinder, microphone, BP-GL95 Li-ion battery and BCT-60MX cassette. Power consumption has been reduced to approximately 27W by the use of latest-generation IC technology.

Long recording duration onto MPEG IMX cassettes

Up to 60 minutes of material can be recorded onto an MPEG IMX cassette when recording 50Mb/s MPEG-2 data.

Picture Cache recording

It's always annoying to miss a great shot, especially when shooting news or sports footage. With the MSW-970P you have an additional chance to capture the action even if it occurred before you started recording. An optional MSDW-903 board can be installed into the MSW-970P to provide picture cache recording. This allows you to capture the (up to) 8 seconds of material immediately before you pressed the record button.

TruEye Processing

TruEye virtually eliminates hue distortion, especially in extreme lighting conditions. TruEye processes videa data in a similar way to the human eye - processing brightness, hue and saturation. This significantly improves the reproduction of natural skin tones.

Auto Trace White

Auto Trace White (ATW) is a feature that automatically adjusts the white balance as lighting conditions change. This is ideal when shooting in rapidly changing lighting conditions (for example, when moving from an indoor to an outdoor location).

Multi Matrix function

Multi Matrix provides further in-camera creative control and can be used to match colourimetry during multiple camcorder shoots. It is also effective for manipulating the hue and saturation of specific selected colours within a scene. One example would be to adjust the hue and saturation of a flower petal without changing other colours within the picture.

Choice of video outputs

The MSW-970P has a composite video output as standard, and an optional SDI output (CBK-SD01) can also be installed. A composite input board (MSDW-904) can also be fitted to provide pool feed recording.

Slot-in wireless receiver

You can slot a Sony wireless receiver directly into the chassis of the MSW-970P. This maintains balance, without compromising the compact ergonomic design of the camcorder. A Sony WRR-855A/B can be used.

Memory Stick™ for storage of camcorder set-ups

A Memory Stick slot is provided for the storage and recall of set-up parameters. You can store your favourite camcorder set ups, camcorder settings for individual scenes and the settings of the user-assignable switches for rapid configutaion of the camcorder at a later date.

Benefits

The picture quality you need for the most demanding programme productions

MPEG-2 4:2:2P@ML data compression at 50Mb/s intra-frame is used for recording and replay of pictures. This compression standard has been recognised by the European Broadcast Union (EBU) as one of the technologies upon which networked broadcast systems should be built. Not only does it offer superb picture quality, but it also provides great multi-generation performance. That's why MPEG IMX products are in use today for programmes such as drama, natural history, news and sport.

Widescreen operation for future-proof acquisition

With widescreen production now the norm rather than the exception, the ability to record 16:9 pictures ensures a long shelf life for your programme.

Peace of mind even in the toughest environments

Sony has an unrivalled track record in the manufacture of camcorders for broadcast production. The same meticulous design techniques have been applied to the MSW-970P, guaranteeing a great combination of performance, ease-of-use and reliability

Familiar operation for minimum re-training

Retraining technical and operational people can be a time-consuming business. The operational and mechanical design of the MSW-970P have been derived from existing camcorders such as Digital Betacam, and will be familiar to your technical and creative colleagues.

Unlimited opportunities for networked operation

The MSW-970P records pictures that comply with the SMPTE D-10 industry standard. The MPEG IMX based e-VTR and the Sony XDCAM Professional Disc system also comply with D-10, as do a growing number of non-linear editing and server devices from a wide range of manufacturers. Pictures recorded on tape by the MSW-970P can therefore be used within networked environments for applications where rapid editing and playout are required.

Specifications