Panasonic AJ-D455 DVCPRO VTR

The AJ-D455 comes equipped with AES/EBU digital audio in/out and offers optional boards for SDI and IEEE1394 digital interfacing. This compact unit accommodates a range of digital video systems and provides both playback and recording in the DVCPRO and DV formats. From full-scale digital video editing to new applications like webcasting, the versatile AJD455 represents a cost-effective solution to a wide range of professional needs.

First DVCPRO VTR to record/playback in both standard DV and Mini-DV.
Plays back Mini and standard DVCAM tapes> 184 minute recording/playback of DVCPRO video
276 minute recording/playback of Large DV-format video, mini DV with AJ-CS455 adaptor
Digital still and digital slow-motion playback at up to ±1/2X normal speed
Two 16 bit/48 kHz digital AES/EBU audio channels, with input level control
High-speed 60X search with search image in full color
DVCPRO control track permits intelligent tape handling
Digital audio in/out level adjustment (AES/EBU, SDI or IEEE 1394)> Optional SDI interface
Optional DVCPRO/DV terminal IEEE 1394 interface
Built-in SMPTE time code generator/reader
9-pin serial remote (RS-422A) terminal permits VTR to be used with external editing controller for +/-0 frame editing
25-pin RS-232 remote control interface
Analog component/composite/s-video and audio in/out
Channel condition indicator for viewing actual conditions
On-screen menu display
Compact 4U size

Ultra-Reliable DVCPRO Format
Developed for broadcast use, the DVCPRO format was designed for high reliability. It uses an metal particle (MP) tape with proven performance in professional applications. And its original track pattern, featuring an 18-micron track pitch - twice that of DV formats - as well as control track (CTL) and analog CUE tracks, ensures optimal accuracy for video editing.

Outstanding Picture and Sound Quality
The AJ-D455's digital component recording assures superb pictures, with a video Y bandwidth of 5.5 MHz and video S/N ratio of 55 dB. For audio that surpasses CD quality, it features two 16-bit digital audio channels with 48-kHz sampling. There's also one analog cue track. Using the optional digital interface, both picture and audio quality remain high even after editing and repeated dubbing.

184-Minute Recording/Playback
The AJ-D455 can use the AJ-5P92LP DVCPRO tape to provide up to 184 minutes of continuous recording and playback, permitting the recording of extended programming onto a single tape cassette for added convenience in production and transmission. For field recording, 66-minute M cassettes can also be utilized without the need for an adaptor.

DV Format Recording and Playback
The AJ-D455 is the first DVCPRO VTR to offer DV-format recording. Recording and playback are possible with both standard and Mini-DV cassettes for cost-effective, extendedtime applications. The new AJ-CS455 Mini-DV cassette adaptor is provided as a standard accessory. The AJ-D455 also plays back DV camcorder tapes. In both recording and playback, a cassette detection function automatically selects the proper mode for the type of cassette loaded.

Full Digital Interfaces
Digital Audio: Equipped with AES/EBU digital audio in/out (BNC connector)
SDI In/Out: Serial digital interface (video/audio, SMPTE259M-C/272M) in/out capability with the ptional AJ-YA455P board
IEEE1394: Input/output of IEEE1394 (FireWire) possible with the optional AJ-YAD455P board. Automatic DVCPRO/DV conversion function allows IEEE 1394 interfacing while recording or playing back DVCPRO to or from a DV machine. Ideal for back-up recording with a DV camcorder or for uploading/downloading of digital video with a Windows or Macintosh PC.

Digital In/Out Signal Adjustment
Users can adjust audio recording levels for both analog and digital inputs (AES/EBU, SDI). For convenience, a user can adjust each channel while watching the level meter display. Adjusting the output images from the AU-ER65B encoder remote controller is done the same way for digital output (SDI) as for analog signals. The AJD455 greatly improves ease of use with digital interfaces.

Teams with High-Precision Editing Systems
The AJ-D455 features a built-in SMPTE time code generator and reader, and a 9-pin serial remote (RS-422A) terminal, which permits the VTR to be used with an external editing controller for high-precision (±0 frame) editing. Also, the DVCPRO control track contains color frame information for perfectly color-framed edits.

Digital Slow Motion
The AJ-D455 offers Digital Still and Digital Slow Motion playback at up to ±0.43x normal speed, with an external controller having slow motion capability (without interpolation).

High-Speed 60x, Full-Color Search
When an external controller is used, the AJ-D455 provides forward or reverse searching at 16/32/60x normal speed (selected by a menu setting), with the search image in full color, as well as jog operation. The DVCPRO CUE track allows a user to hear the recorded audio at high search speeds.DVCPRO control track allows for intelligent tape handling.

Outstanding System Versatility
Analog In/Out: Component/composite/ S-VIDEO video and analog audio, allowing direct connection to existing analog systems
Data communication with computers is possible through the RS-232C terminal.
With its compact 4U size, the AJ-D455 fits a 19-inch rack using the AJ-MA75P* Rack Mount Adaptor.
*slide rails are not included with AJ-MA75P
Channel condition indicator lets the operator view actual conditions
The On-Screen Menu Display permits a user to easily change many initial settings.

Power Requirement: AC120V +10%, 50 to 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 85 Watts
Operating Temperature: 41oF to 104oF (5oC to 40oC)
Operating Humidity: 10% to 90%
Weight: 35.1 lbs. (14.3 kg)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 16-11/16” x 6-7/8” x 16-3/8” (424 x 175.2 x 415mm)
Recording Format: DVCPRO/DV
Recording Video Signal: 525i
Recording Audio Signal: 48 KHz 16 bits 2CH (DVCPRO)
Recording Track: Digital Video, Digital Audio, Helical Track - TC: Sub code area Digital Audio; 2CH - Cue; 1 Track, CTL; 1 Track
Tape Speed: 33.820 mm/s
Recording/Playback Time: Max 184 min. (DVCPRO/AJ-5P92LP), Max. 276 min. (DV/AY-DV276MQ)
Tape : DVCPRO; Metal Particle, DV; Metal Evaporated
FF/REW Time: Less than 3 min. (with AJ-P126LP)
Editing Accuracy: ±0 frame with TC
Tape Timer Accuracy: ±1 frame with CTL
Search Speed: ±60x (in color)
Digital Slow Motion: -0.43 to +0.43
Servo Lock Time: Less than 0.5 sec. (color framing/standby ON)

Video
Sampling Frequency: Y: 13.5 MHz (PB/PR): 3.375 MHz
Quantization: 8 bits
Compression Method: DV-Based Compression (SMPTE314M)
Compression Ratio: 1/5
Error Correction: Read-solomon
Bit Rate: 25 Mbps
Sample x Active Line: 720x480/frame
Bandwidth (Analog Out): Y:30 Hz to 5.5 MHz (+1 to -1.5 dB), PB/PR; 30 Hz to 1 MHz (+1 to -2 dB)
S/N Ratio (Analog Out): 54 dB typ.
K Factor (Analog Out): 3% or less

Processor Adjustment Range (Video Out)
Video Gain: ±3 dB
Chroma Gain: ±3 dB
Chroma Phase: ±30°
Set Up: ±14 IRE
Sync Phase: ±15 micro. sec
SC Phase: ±180o

Audio
Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz (sync. With video)
Quantization: 16 bits
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +1.0 dB
Dynamic Range: more than 85 dB (1 kHz, emphasis off, "A" weighted)
Distortion: within 0.1% (1 kHz, emphasis off, reference level)
Crosstalk: Less than -80 dB (1 kHz between 2 channels)
Wow & flutter: Below measurable limit
Headroom: 20 dB
Emphasis: T1=50 micro.sec/T2=15 micro.sec (On/Off Auto)

Video Input
Analog Component: BNC x 3 (Y,PB,PR) Y:1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ohm PB/PR:0.486/0.757 Vp-p, 75 Ohm (75% Color Bar, 7.5% setup)
Analog Y/C: S-VIDEO (4P) x 1
Analog Composite: BNC x 2, Loop-through, 75 Ohm On/Off
Reference: BNC x 2, loop-through with 75 Ohm On/Off
SDI: BNC x 2, active throughout SMPTE 259M-C

Video Output
Analog Component: BNC x 3 (Y,PB,PR) Y:1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ohm PB/PR; 0.486/0.7 Vp-p switchable, 75 Ohm (75% Color Bar, 7.5% Set up)
Analog Y/C: S-VIDEO (4P) x 1
Analog Composite: BNC x 3 VIDEO1, VIDEO2, VIDEO3 (Super On/Off)
SDI (Option): BNC x 3 (option), SMPTE 259M-C

Audio Input
Analog: XLR x 2, 600 O/high-impedance switchable, +4/0/-20/-60 dBu
Digital: BNC x 1, AES/EBU
SDI : BNC, 75 Ohm (option) SMPTE 259M-C, 272M-A

Audio Ouput
Analog: XLR x2, Low Impedance, +4/0/-20 dBu
Digital: BNC x 1 AES/EBU
SDI: BNC, 75 Ohm (option) SMPTE 259M-C, 272M-A
Monitor: RCA x 1, 600 Ohm, -8 dBV
Headphone: M6, Variable level control, 8 Ohm

Others
Time Code Input: BNC x 1, 0.5 to 8.0 Vp-p, 10k
Time Code Output: BNC x 1, 2.0 ±0.5 Vp-p, low-impedance
RS-422A Input: D-sub 9-pin, RS-422A
RS-232C: D-sub 25-pin, RS-232C
Encoder Remote In: D-sub 15-pin
IEEE 1394: 6pin x 1, IEEE 1394-1995 (option)

 

• MiniDV cassette adaptor
• Mains cable
• User's manual