Vintage JVC BR-D40U DIGITAL S 4:2:2 Recorder with Camcorder D9 Video Camera.
The BR-D40 offers all the high quality of Digital-S in a convenient dockable configuration. It docks not only to JVC cameras, but to other manufacturers' cameras as well.

Perceptually loseless, high picture quality with 3.3:1 compression, and 8 bit 4:2:2 component digital recording. DTV, 16:9 ready.

104 minute recording time

Color playback with 10X picture search

2 time code reader-generators with jam sync and external lock.

Specifications

Format: DIGITAL-S

Tape width: ½ in.

Tape speed: 57.737mm/s

Video signal system: Component digital signal with Digital-S compression (DCT based)

Timecode: based on SMPTE 12M

Dimension: 247 x 253 x 142mm (tentative)

Weight: less than 3.5kg (tentative)

Power consumption: Less than 1.6A (tentative)

Power requirement:

12 V DC

11 V to 15 V DC (permissible voltage range)

Maximum voltage: 17 Volts DC (less than 5 min.)

Recording/PB time: 124 min. (with DS-104 tape)

FF/REW time: approx. 4 min. (with DS-104 tape)

VIDEO

Input:

Camera (50 pin) component

Y:1/R-Y,B-Y:0.7Vpp,75 ohms unbalanced

Output: Composite (BNC) 1.0Vpp,75 ohms unbalanced

External sync input: none

AUDIO

Inputs

Camera (50 pin): -20dBs, 3k ohms, balanced X2

Line (XLR): -60/+4dBs, 10k ohms/3k ohms , balanced X2

Outputs

Line: -6dBs, low-impedance, unbalanced X2

Headphone: -17dBs, low-impedance

Number of PCM tracks: 2

Number of cue tracks: 2

PCM Frequency Response: 20~20,000Hz +1/-1.5dB

PCM Dynamic Range: more than 85dB

Wow & Flutter: less than measurable limit

Timecode(LTC only)

Input: 0±6dBs, high-impedance, unbalanced

Output: 0±6dBs, low-impedance, unbalanced





DIGITAL-S Highlights

4:2:2 Component Digital Processing

DIGITAL-S's outstanding picture quality is derived from 4:2:2, 8-bit component processing that assures the highest resolution and color detail even over multiple generations. Horizontal resolution for the system is 720 pixels or 540 TV lines. To maintain the best possible image quality in multi-generation editing and digital search, the compression ratio is set to a very mild 3.3 to 1 with DCT-based intra-frame coding and a data recording rate of 50 Mbps. The combination of these specifications with wide-band component recording enables DIGITAL-S to reproduce the finest color details and subtlest contrasts of an image while minimizing artifacts.



Video Pre-Read

Video pre-read (BR-D85U only), never before available on a system in this price range, enables the recorder to first play back the digital signal on the tape, modify it with an external device, then re-record the modified signal in its place. It's a capability that allows an A/B roll system to be built with only two VTRs instead of three, saving the cost of one VTR. In addition, video pre-read allows complex layering effects to be performed even when working with a simple switcher with only one mix/effects bank. For multiformat editing, adding just one high quality DIGITAL-S recording deck with pre-read will provide virtually lossless editing, which means your finished tape will look like your original source footage. No other upgrade or addition to your current editing suite can provide such a dramatic increase in video picture quality.



Recording Time

High-resolution DIGITAL-S signals are captured and preserved on a high-density 1/2-inch tape featuring an advanced metal particle formulation based on W-VHS HDTV technology. Tape speed is 57.8 mm/s with a maximum recording time of 104 minutes. The cassette dimensions are the same as those of VHS. However, the cassette housing features a newly developed dust-proof cover and cannot be loaded into conventional VHS decks.



Digital Sound

DIGITAL-S's audio specifications are just as impressive. Two independently editable, 16-bit PCM (pulse code modulation) signals can be recorded with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, ensuring audio quality equal to today's most exacting standards. 2 linear cue tracks mirror the digital audio channels for effortless audio scrubbing and cueing.



Editing Facilities

The advanced capabilities of JVC's DIGITAL-S bring a new world of powerful editing features to your edit suite. Editing features include video pre-read (BR-D85U only), 2 independent time code reader/generators built in with VITC/LTC built-in time code recording. Independent editing of video, TC, or either channel of PCM audio is possible. A versatile range of search functions available via the jog/shuttle controls allow footage to be viewed in color at speeds of up to ± 32x Continuous, noiseless slow-motion playback is also available within a range of ± 1/3.



Self-Diagnosis

Thanks to the RS-232C interface, you can check the VTR's operating condition without interfering with operation. When the request command is sent via the 232C interface, diagnostic checks are run for head clogging, error rate, etc.



Genlock/TBC Adjustment

System phase, SC phase and video phase can be adjusted on the front panel while video level, chroma phase, chroma level and setup level can be adjusted remotely via the 15-pin D-SUB connector provided on the rear panel.



Slow Motion

Slow-motion field or frame playback is menu-selectable.



On-Screen Menu

To permit easy access to a full array of professional functions, DIGITAL-S VTRs incorporate an on-screen menu. Menu data is superimposed on the video monitor output. This menu system allows you to set 50 items while referring to the counter or on-screen display. Besides reducing the number of external switches, this system lessens the chance of function settings being accidentally switched on or off as is possible with external switches. A full set of LED indicators on the front panel assure you that the desired functions are engaged. On-screen mode check and warning indications are also provided. And, since the menu system is hierarchical, pressing one of the Direct Menu Access buttons allows you to go straight to the desired menu.



Systems Flexibility

JVC's new DIGITAL-S recorders are designed for easy incorporation in any existing edit suite. Interfaces are provided for analog composite, Y/C, and component signals. Serial digital video interface (SMPTE259M and AES/EBU digital audio) is also available as an option.



Drum Structure

To ensure DIGITAL-S/S-VHS mode compatibility, the drum structure features an upper stationary drum, a middle rotary drum and a lower stationary drum. (A conventional drum, on the other hand, consists of an upper rotary drum and a lower stationary drum.) Recording and playback heads on the middle drum make stable tape movement possible even at 4,500 rpm, while channel separation is improved by splitting the digital recording and playback rotary transformer between the upper and lower drums. The rotary drum itself is very narrow. This eliminates thicker air film at the drum inlet, ensures stable head-to-tape contact, and optimizes track linearity. The inner drum is tapered in order to reduce tape damage, powder drop, wear, and burn at the drum area. The material used to manufacture the drum has a higher silicone content than conventional aluminum alloy to improve wear resistance. The system uses a two-track, parallel recording system with two pairs of record heads located at 180 degrees to each other, and two pairs of playback heads located 90 degrees from the record heads. In addition, two erase heads are provided.



Other Features

Repeat playback from the beginning to the end of a tape

Auto rewind at the end of a tape

Counter search

Jog/Shuttle search dials

Remote control via RS-422A interface using industry standard command set

External sync analog reference signal input

Capstan bump for frame synchronization

Preroll function with user-designated time setting

Headphone output with level control

Playback error checking with LED status display

Auto tracking (with manual mode)

Time code re-generation external TC or jam sync (BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)

Manual audio recording level adjustment (exclusively for analog sources: BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)

ORC (optimized record current) auto setting in the adjustment mode (BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)

Two uncompressed lines for closed caption and teletext recording, selectable by using the menu switch settings (BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)

Vintage JVC BR-D40U DIGITAL S 4:2:2 Recorder with Camcorder D9 Video Camera.
The BR-D40 offers all the high quality of Digital-S in a convenient dockable configuration. It docks not only to JVC cameras, but to other manufacturers' cameras as well.

Perceptually loseless, high picture quality with 3.3:1 compression, and 8 bit 4:2:2 component digital recording. DTV, 16:9 ready.

104 minute recording time

Color playback with 10X picture search

2 time code reader-generators with jam sync and external lock.

Specifications

Format: DIGITAL-S

Tape width: ½ in.

Tape speed: 57.737mm/s

Video signal system: Component digital signal with Digital-S compression (DCT based)

Timecode: based on SMPTE 12M

Dimension: 247 x 253 x 142mm (tentative)

Weight: less than 3.5kg (tentative)

Power consumption: Less than 1.6A (tentative)

Power requirement:

12 V DC

11 V to 15 V DC (permissible voltage range)

Maximum voltage: 17 Volts DC (less than 5 min.)

Recording/PB time: 124 min. (with DS-104 tape)

FF/REW time: approx. 4 min. (with DS-104 tape)

VIDEO

Input:

Camera (50 pin) component

Y:1/R-Y,B-Y:0.7Vpp,75 ohms unbalanced

Output: Composite (BNC) 1.0Vpp,75 ohms unbalanced

External sync input: none

AUDIO

Inputs

Camera (50 pin): -20dBs, 3k ohms, balanced X2

Line (XLR): -60/+4dBs, 10k ohms/3k ohms , balanced X2

Outputs

Line: -6dBs, low-impedance, unbalanced X2

Headphone: -17dBs, low-impedance

Number of PCM tracks: 2

Number of cue tracks: 2

PCM Frequency Response: 20~20,000Hz +1/-1.5dB

PCM Dynamic Range: more than 85dB

Wow & Flutter: less than measurable limit

Timecode(LTC only)

Input: 0±6dBs, high-impedance, unbalanced

Output: 0±6dBs, low-impedance, unbalanced





DIGITAL-S Highlights

4:2:2 Component Digital Processing

DIGITAL-S's outstanding picture quality is derived from 4:2:2, 8-bit component processing that assures the highest resolution and color detail even over multiple generations. Horizontal resolution for the system is 720 pixels or 540 TV lines. To maintain the best possible image quality in multi-generation editing and digital search, the compression ratio is set to a very mild 3.3 to 1 with DCT-based intra-frame coding and a data recording rate of 50 Mbps. The combination of these specifications with wide-band component recording enables DIGITAL-S to reproduce the finest color details and subtlest contrasts of an image while minimizing artifacts.



Video Pre-Read

Video pre-read (BR-D85U only), never before available on a system in this price range, enables the recorder to first play back the digital signal on the tape, modify it with an external device, then re-record the modified signal in its place. It's a capability that allows an A/B roll system to be built with only two VTRs instead of three, saving the cost of one VTR. In addition, video pre-read allows complex layering effects to be performed even when working with a simple switcher with only one mix/effects bank. For multiformat editing, adding just one high quality DIGITAL-S recording deck with pre-read will provide virtually lossless editing, which means your finished tape will look like your original source footage. No other upgrade or addition to your current editing suite can provide such a dramatic increase in video picture quality.



Recording Time

High-resolution DIGITAL-S signals are captured and preserved on a high-density 1/2-inch tape featuring an advanced metal particle formulation based on W-VHS HDTV technology. Tape speed is 57.8 mm/s with a maximum recording time of 104 minutes. The cassette dimensions are the same as those of VHS. However, the cassette housing features a newly developed dust-proof cover and cannot be loaded into conventional VHS decks.



Digital Sound

DIGITAL-S's audio specifications are just as impressive. Two independently editable, 16-bit PCM (pulse code modulation) signals can be recorded with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, ensuring audio quality equal to today's most exacting standards. 2 linear cue tracks mirror the digital audio channels for effortless audio scrubbing and cueing.



Editing Facilities

The advanced capabilities of JVC's DIGITAL-S bring a new world of powerful editing features to your edit suite. Editing features include video pre-read (BR-D85U only), 2 independent time code reader/generators built in with VITC/LTC built-in time code recording. Independent editing of video, TC, or either channel of PCM audio is possible. A versatile range of search functions available via the jog/shuttle controls allow footage to be viewed in color at speeds of up to ± 32x Continuous, noiseless slow-motion playback is also available within a range of ± 1/3.



Self-Diagnosis

Thanks to the RS-232C interface, you can check the VTR's operating condition without interfering with operation. When the request command is sent via the 232C interface, diagnostic checks are run for head clogging, error rate, etc.



Genlock/TBC Adjustment

System phase, SC phase and video phase can be adjusted on the front panel while video level, chroma phase, chroma level and setup level can be adjusted remotely via the 15-pin D-SUB connector provided on the rear panel.



Slow Motion

Slow-motion field or frame playback is menu-selectable.



On-Screen Menu

To permit easy access to a full array of professional functions, DIGITAL-S VTRs incorporate an on-screen menu. Menu data is superimposed on the video monitor output. This menu system allows you to set 50 items while referring to the counter or on-screen display. Besides reducing the number of external switches, this system lessens the chance of function settings being accidentally switched on or off as is possible with external switches. A full set of LED indicators on the front panel assure you that the desired functions are engaged. On-screen mode check and warning indications are also provided. And, since the menu system is hierarchical, pressing one of the Direct Menu Access buttons allows you to go straight to the desired menu.



Systems Flexibility

JVC's new DIGITAL-S recorders are designed for easy incorporation in any existing edit suite. Interfaces are provided for analog composite, Y/C, and component signals. Serial digital video interface (SMPTE259M and AES/EBU digital audio) is also available as an option.



Drum Structure

To ensure DIGITAL-S/S-VHS mode compatibility, the drum structure features an upper stationary drum, a middle rotary drum and a lower stationary drum. (A conventional drum, on the other hand, consists of an upper rotary drum and a lower stationary drum.) Recording and playback heads on the middle drum make stable tape movement possible even at 4,500 rpm, while channel separation is improved by splitting the digital recording and playback rotary transformer between the upper and lower drums. The rotary drum itself is very narrow. This eliminates thicker air film at the drum inlet, ensures stable head-to-tape contact, and optimizes track linearity. The inner drum is tapered in order to reduce tape damage, powder drop, wear, and burn at the drum area. The material used to manufacture the drum has a higher silicone content than conventional aluminum alloy to improve wear resistance. The system uses a two-track, parallel recording system with two pairs of record heads located at 180 degrees to each other, and two pairs of playback heads located 90 degrees from the record heads. In addition, two erase heads are provided.



Other Features

Repeat playback from the beginning to the end of a tape

Auto rewind at the end of a tape

Counter search

Jog/Shuttle search dials

Remote control via RS-422A interface using industry standard command set

External sync analog reference signal input

Capstan bump for frame synchronization

Preroll function with user-designated time setting

Headphone output with level control

Playback error checking with LED status display

Auto tracking (with manual mode)

Time code re-generation external TC or jam sync (BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)

Manual audio recording level adjustment (exclusively for analog sources: BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)

ORC (optimized record current) auto setting in the adjustment mode (BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)

Two uncompressed lines for closed caption and teletext recording, selectable by using the menu switch settings (BR-D85U and BR-D80U only)