Sony Enhances HD Field Recorder

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/459189-Sony_Enhances_HD_Field_Recorder.php

Adds SxS media recording to PDW-HRI model

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/29/2010 4:08:11 PM

Sony has enhanced the recording capabilities of its PDW-HR1 high definition field recorder with the addition of two SxS media slots, a move that gives users the flexibility of recording to solid-state media in the field or archiving the content to Sony's Professional Disc media.

Sony is billing the upgraded model, which has been renamed PDW-HRI/MK1, as the industry's first hybrid field recorder. Shipments of the field recorder are expected to begin in November.

"Sony offers the unique combination of both Professional Disc and SxS solid state in our camera line, which is the main reason why XDCAM technology continues to be the system of choice for professional video production," said Kaori Uno, XDCAM senior product marketing manager for Sony Electronics, in a statement. "The addition of hybrid media capabilities combined with fast file-based operations and superb reliability and capacity makes this recorder even more ideal for applications where speed is critical. It's compact enough to fit in a car or helicopter and also offers 4:2:2 HD image quality for news programming or motion picture production, where the right look is critical."

The PDW-HRI/MK1 recorder now features voice-over recording capabilities. A microphone can be connected directly to the HR1. After a narration is recorded in the field, a rough cut can then be edited in the field and either saved on Professional Disc media or sent by microwave via the recorder's DVB-ASI output.

"The optional MPEG TS adaptor board can offer customers significant savings in operational costs because they don't need to have an expensive HD encoder in their OB van," Uno added.