Still Picture Recording to
Memory Stick Duo Media
The HVR-A1U incorporates a high-resolution digital camera
function. Thanks to the 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor, still
pictures with 1,920 x 1,440 pixels can be recorded to Memory
Stick Duo™ media. Still pictures can be captured by pressing
the dedicated ‘Photo’ button, and this can be done even
when recording video to tape, without any interruptions. In
addition, any desired video frame recorded on tape can be
captured as a still image with 1,440 x 810 pixels
5
and
recorded onto Memory Stick Duo media after video shooting.
5 When captured from a tape recorded in the HDV format.
16:9 Widescreen Acquisition in DVCAM and
DV Formats
The HVR-A1U is capable of native 16:9 widescreen image
capturing, with a high resolution of 720 x 480 pixels in
DVCAM and DV formats, and providing true 16:9 images in
Standard Definition.
i.LINK Interface
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a 4-pin i.LINK interface.
This allows for on-cable digital transfer
6
of audio, video, and
command signals to a connected, compatible VTR or
nonlinear editing system in the HDV, DVCAM, and DV
formats.
6 Insert and assemble editing using HDV material is not recommended with the
HVR-A1U.
2-channel XLR Audio Input
The HVR-A1U provides two XLR audio input connectors for
connecting professional microphones or for feeding an
external-line audio source. Phantom power of approx. 48 V
can be supplied for the external condenser microphone.
INPUT 1 audio can be recorded on CH1 only, or on both CH1
and CH2 audio tracks, with easy selection via a switch.
The HVR-A1U also comes equipped with two types of
microphones; an external directional microphone and a built-
in stereo microphone.
2-channel Independent Audio Record Level
Control with Audio Level Meter
Each input level for CH1
and CH2 can be
independently adjusted and
viewed with an audio level
meter on the LCD monitor.
5
RECORDER FEATURES
Switchable Recording and Playback
– HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV
3
The HVR-A1U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and
DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either
standard or high-definition format depending on production
needs.
3 The HVR-A1U supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
Down-conversion Playback Capabilities
The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i,
and output these video signals through its i.LINK
®4
interface.
In addition, these signals can also be output via either analog
component, composite, or S-Video connectors. This allows
editing of recorded material with a nonlinear editing system
using current DV editing software as well as recording SD
signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously recording
HDV signals with the HVR-A1U. The HVR-A1U can also
down-convert to 480P and output these signals through its
analog component video connectors.
When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio
displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes
can be selected from Squeeze, Letterbox, or Edge crop.
4 i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains
an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will
necessarily communicate with each other. For information on compatibility,
operating conditions, and proper connection, please refer to the documentation
supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For information on devices
that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony office.
HD Codec Engine
The HVR-A1U employs the highly advanced HD Codec
Engine™ feature, which efficiently compresses base band HD
signal data at approx. 25 Mb/s with MPEG-2 compression,
while maintaining optimal HD
quality. Designed for reduced
energy consumption, this powerful
digital signal processor fits
perfectly inside the compact and
streamlined body of the HVR-A1U.
i.LINK
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Analog
Component
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Analog
Composite
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S-Video
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Playback/
Down Conversion Format
1080/60i
480/60i (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (16:9/4:3)
480/60i (4:3)
Recording
Format
1080/60i
480/60i (16:9)
480/60i (4:3)
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2
2
Resolution of Still Pictures
1920 x 1440 (4:3)
1440 x 1080 (4:3)
1080 x 810 (4:3)
640 x 480 (4:3)
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
1440 x 810 (16:9)
640 x 360 (16:9)
Still Picture Mode
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Video Recording Mode
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Video Playback Mode
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Recording, Playback, and Down-conversion Formats
Resolution of Still Pictures
HDV 1080i (16:9)
DVCAM/DV (4:3)
Squeeze
Letterbox
Edge crop
Output
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Available
O
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Either 1 or 2 connection is available. When both are connected to cables, the 1 connection has a priority.
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