Disk recording devices of Ikegami

Several decades passed since DNLE systems appeared. At the beginning they were used for offline editing. Modern systems can work with high quality pictures which explained by fast development of computer equipment. As a result many professionals use these systems for online editing of programs. Besides, majority of digital nonlinear editing systems allow make sophisticated visual effects where as with traditional (linear) approach it requires very expensive production visual mixer with DVE option. And, finally, one of the main computer technologies advantage is that practically all digital systems are sufficiently cheaper than tape oriented systems. But each time when it is necessary make editing one needs copy the video material from tape to computer hard disks and this process is dull and has nothing common with creativity. To solve this problem the Ikegami Company has developed and produced the camcorder with recording onto removable hard disk which can be connected to NLE system directly. It allows getting direct access to material gathered immediately after shooting is over.

DNS-201W camera

Camcorder line with recording onto hard disk consists of two one-piece devices: DNS-21W and DNS-201W. The difference between these models lays in type of CCD. In DNS-21W FIT CCDs are used and in DNS-201W — IT CCDs.

Besides these models Ikegami delivers removable hard disk video recorder DNR-20 which can be docked to cameras like HL-59/W, HL-45A/AW or HC-400/W. Being used with DNR-20 these cameras are called Editcam-2. Because camera heads Editcam-2 produced as part of the DVCPRO line than camera men get possibility of working with equipment they are used to work with as in the case of usual camcorder with traditional video cassette. Moreover, Editcam-2 devices have additional important functions. First, it is retroloop mode when recording of video and audio is being performed in cycle into especially reserved aria of hard disk — cash. Cycle time ranges 5…490 seconds which allows not missing important frame. When Rec button is pressed cash-recorded clip is being recording onto disk first and recording of other material is being made than.

DNR-20 recorder installed on camcorder

If for example camera man is waiting for someone who should come out from the door than even in the case of press Rec button immediately upon his appearance the moment will not be missed because it was recorded into cash thanks to retroloop function.

Second important function is time lapse recording. Classic examples — flower blooming process, clouds motion, shooting of any other slow process. Another useful function of Editcam-2 is Intelligent Recording. Being activated it helps camera finding free disk space for recording even being in playback mode. In this case recording can be performed at any momentum.

Editcam-2 in operation

For video and audio storing Editcam-2 camcorders use removable hard disks FieldPack-2. Because these cameras have no loading mechanism similar to tape machines disk recorder features high reliability and durability. Besides, there is possibility of changing recording format by pressing appropriate menu button on the touch-screen of recording device. Modern Editcam-2 devices provide for users nine recording formats: AVR70/70BH/75, JFIF3:1/10:1, DVCAM, DVC-PRO25/50 and IMX. In case of FieldPak-2 disk use camera can record 90 minutes of video and audio in DVCAM format.

DFPSA adapter for connection with Avid systems

As for editing than Editcam-2 devices are compatible with Avid’s NLEs which at Ikegami’s opinion are among most successful and perfect in the field of digital nonlinear editing. For connection of FieldPak-2 disks to Avid systems DFPSA and SAT100 special adapters are produced. DFPSA adapter allows connecting three FieldPak-2 disks to the system simultaneously and interacts via SCSI interface with systems like MediaComposer, NewsCutter and others. SAT100 makes it possible to connect one FieldPak-2 disk to the NewsCutter-XP and Xpress DV systems. Right after initialization of disks connected their content appears in the appropriate window of editing system UI, i. e. editor can start working immediately. When editing is over finished program or clip can be either transferred onto the Avid Unity server or copied to videotape.

At the end of this brief description of Ikegami’s hard disk recording devices it is necessary to note that increasing of NLE popularity results in moving from videotape to disks. Although on the consumer market camcorders with DVD-RAM recording appeared this medium doesn’t conform professional requirements such volume and bit rate because even up-to-date Blue-Ray have bit rate not more than 36 Mbps which makes them not appropriate for reording of material with bit rate of 50 Mbps (DVCPRO 50 and IMX formats). And in the case of 20 GB hard disks use it is possible reaching 100 Mbps bit rate and faster which is demonstrated by Ikegami’s Editcam-2 devices.

By Nichimen Corporation