Chapter 5: Video tape, Video Media, Video Recorders

Digital S

A 1/2″ digital videotape format that is broadcast quality. Also known as D-9.

D-9

A 1/2″ digital videotape format that is broadcast quality. Also known as Digital S.

Beta SX

A 1/2″ videotape that uses digital MPEG compression.

Digital Betacam (Digi-Beta)

A 1/2″ videotape with higher quality than Betacam SP and the capability of recording of digital signals instead of analog signals.

Tail

A 10 second "lead-out" recorded at the end of each scene.

Head

A 15 second "lead-in" recorded at the beginning of every take.

Dvcam

A 6mm digital format that is proprietary to Sony Corporation.

Dvcpro50

A 6mm digital format with even higher quality than DVCPRO.

Dvcpro

A 6mm, metal particle tape used as a professional digital video format.

Digital Image Technician (Dit)

A crew position on a set whose sole responsibility is to oversee the ingestion of footage and tapeless workflow.

Hard Disk Drive (Hdd)

A data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using one or more rapidly rotating discs coated with magnetic material. The discs are paired with magnetic heads arranged on a moving actuator arm, which reads and writes data to the disc.

Solid-State Drive

A data storage device with no moving parts that uses integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data continuously.

Digital Video Recorder (Dvr)

A device that records a digital signal directly onto either a hard drive or a solid-state memory module inside or connected to the DVR unit.

S×S Card

A flash memory card developed by the Sony Corporation for exclusive use with XDCAM technology.

Sd (Secure Digital)

A flash-based memory card that is used in the majority of video and still cameras today.

Mini-Dv

A metal evaporated tape, 6mm digital video format used by many industrial video producers.

Input

A port or connection on a video device through which a signal enters the device, such as the "audio in" port.

Output

A port or connection on a video device through which the signal leaves the deck and travels to another piece of equipment, such as the "video out" port.

P2 (Professional Plug-In) Card

A static memory card that is proprietary to Panasonic and used in certain high-end cameras.

Flash Memory

An electronic storage medium that can retain a tremendous amount of video without access to a power source.

CF (Compactflash)

One of the first forms of a flash memory card to gain popularity.

Deck

The common term used for a video recorder/player.

Dvcpro100

The high definition format of DVCPRO tape.

Formatting

The process of erasing a memory card and initializing said memory card for the capture device being used.

Test Record

The process of using the video recorder to record audio and video signals before the session recording begins to ensure the equipment is functioning properly and to indicate any necessary adjustments.

Artifacts

Tiny, rectangular distortions that appear on the screen in digital video formats when a portion of the digital signal is corrupted.