Sony DNW-A25WS User manual

DNW-A25WS/A25WSP
NTSC/PAL
Digital Portable Recorder

2
Since its launch in 1996, Sony has continually enhanced the Betacam SX system and format,
delivering a unique combination of reliability, operational performance and cost efficiency.
It is now in widespread use for ENG, documentary and general TV production. As essential
components in the Betacam SX line-up, Sony developed the DNW-A25 Digital Portable
Recorder and the DNW-A220 and DNW-A225 Digital Portable Editors to bring new solutions
to field editing operations.
In response to the growing requirement for 16:9 wide-screen content creation in current and
future TV operations, these models have been consolidated into the Sony DNW-A25WS*
Digital Portable Recorder. This model adds the capability of displaying a 16:9 wide-screen
picture on its LCD screen without picture squeeze (maintaining a 16:9 aspect ratio). A bright
VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Device) screen is used to enhance the visibility of the sub-menus.
By using the optional docking kit, the BKNW-225, two DNW-A25WS recorders can be easily
docked together to form a dual-deck laptop editor. A single DNW-A25WS can also be used
as a feeder or editing recorder in an editing system.
The DNW-A25WS recorder is equipped with a set of versatile features inherited from its
predecessors including frame-accurate editing, and Betacam®/Betacam SP® format playback.
It brings enhanced productivity and flexibility to production crews in the field, enabling them
to record and edit both 16:9 and 4:3 program content.
*In the following text, “DNW-A25WS” refers to both the DNW-A25WS (525/60 model) and the DNW-A25WSP (625/50 model).
Superb Picture Quality
The DNW-A25WS Portable Recorder delivers superb digital picture
quality, recording 8-bit, 4:2:2 component digital signals using the
advanced MPEG-2 4:2:2P@ML compression algorithm.
Analog Playback Capability
The DNW-A25WS can play back analog Betacam and Betacam SP
recordings made on oxide or metal particle tapes. This analog
playback capability allows existing Betacam SP camcorders to be
used for acquisition, and allows playback of the large volume of
analog Betacam and Betacam SP tapes held by many broadcasting
stations worldwide.
The Latest Addition to the Betacam SX Line-up
—DNW-A25WS, Digital Portable Recorder
with Wide-screen Monitoring Capability
Betacam SX—the Robust Format
Ideal for a Wide Range of Production Applications

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Compact, Lightweight Design
The DNW-A25WS recorder uses a robust tape transport,
an LCD screen and a built-in audio speaker in its compact
body that weighs just 15 lb (under 6.5 kg) and is only
8.4 x 17.5 x 5.9 inches (211 x 443 x 149 mm) overall.
It is small enough to be hand-carried and used in any
space-limited environment.
Double Deck Editor
A portable editing system can be easily created by
docking two DNW-A25WS recorders together*.
This configuration provides VTR-to-VTR editing with a
Jog/Shuttle dial operation and all editing controls.
This package not only provides Betacam SX-to-Betacam
SX format editing, but the analog playback capability of
the DNW-A25WS also allows Betacam/Betacam SP-to-
Betacam SX format editing.
The DNW-A25WS can also be combined with a
DVCAM™ portable editor*, the Sony DSR-70A/70AP.
Since the DSR-70A/70AP has the playback capability of
both DVCAM and consumer DV format recordings, this
configuration allows both consumer DV and
DVCAM-to-Betacam SX format editing to broaden the
choice of acquisition tools.
*An optional docking kit, the BKNW-225 is required. A DNW-A25WS can
also be docked to a DNW-A25.
Long Recording Time
The DNW-A25WS uses S-size cassettes for recording and
playback. For Betacam SX format recording, a single
S-cassette records up to 62 minutes of audio/video signals.
When two DNW-A25WS are docked together, a sequential
recording function is available that uses each deck
alternately. This feature increases the recording time by
synchronizing the recording process across both decks.
Minimum Crew Package
The portable editing system described above is so
compact and lightweight that it can bring a significant
reduction in the amount of field editing equipment
carried by production crews. With bright, built-in LCD
screens in a compact, modular package, the system is
ideal for portable editing applications. During editing,
pictures can be monitored on these screens and audio
monitored via headphones or the built-in speakers.
Battery or AC-powered Operation
The DNW-A25WS recorder operates on battery power
from Sony BP-L60A/L90A lithium-ion batteries or
BP-M50/M100 nickel metal hydride batteries, via the
V-shoe attachment. The BP-M100 nickel metal hydride
battery provides high capacity in a small and compact
size, and offers approximately 90 minutes of operating
time in a fully charged condition. Alternatively, two
DNW-A25WS units can be powered from an AC source by
connecting the output of an AC-DN2B AC Adaptor via
the V-shoe attachment of the first unit and via the 4-pin
connector of the second unit.
AC-DN2B on DNW-A25WS BP-L60A on DNW-A25WS
High Mobility and Portability—Ideal for Field Use
Speaker
8-inch Monitor
VTR VTR
8-inch Monitor
Audio Mixer
BETACAMSP BETACAMSP
Current Editing System
5 Packages
DNW-A25WS x2
1 Package
Crew Package

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16:9/4:3 Selectable Display Mode
The DNW-A25WS recorder is capable of displaying both
16:9 wide-screen and 4:3 standard pictures on its built-in
LCD screen. In the 16:9 mode, the following three
modes are available.
16:9 Upgrade Option: BKNW-26
Designed For the Existing DNW-A25/A220/A225 Models
The BKNW-26 Upgrade Kit is available to add the 16:9 wide-
screen monitoring capability to existing Betacam SX DNW-A25
portable recorders and DNW-A220/A225 portable editors. This
upgrade allows current models to fulfill the requirements of both
16:9 and 4:3 production.
* Two BKNW-26 kits are required to
upgrade DNW-A220 and DNW-A225
models.
*‘EDGE CROP’ mode is not a
provided.
*A software upgrade by an authorized
Sony service center may also be required with the
installation of this kit, depending on the existing software
version of the unit involved. Please contact your local authorized
service center for informaton and labor charges.
DNW-A25WS Control Panel
Excellent Editing Performance
Convenient Operational Features
Noiseless Slow Playback
Variable speed playback is available over the range of -1 to +1
times normal play speed. The DNW-A25WS also includes
Dynamic Motion Control (DMC) Editing with Betacam SX media.
Frame-accurate Assemble/Insert Editing
The DNW-A25WS performs frame-accurate assemble and
insert editing for both video and audio. Time code insert
editing is also available.
Four-channel Audio Recording
The capability to mix or swap any two channels of audio
from the available four digital audio channels or two
analog audio channels is provided. The line output and
monitor output have two output channels (L and R).
Each of the two monitor outputs can output mixed audio
from any of the four recorded channels.
High-speed Color Picture Search
Digital picture search is available in shuttle mode at up to
24 times normal play speed in both forward and reverse
directions. Betacam SP format recordings can be
searched at up to 10 times speed in either direction.

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525/60 or 625/50 Operation
The recorder is easily switched between 525/60 and
625/50 operation when used in a component digital
signal environment. In addition, analog
Betacam/Betacam SP format monitoring is available for
both 525/60 and 625/50 standards. This flexibility
enables the DNW-A25WS to work in international
environments.
Remote Control Interface
Using the Sony 9-pin RS-422A interface, the DNW-A25WS
can be operated from a Sony BVR-3* Remote Controller
or from other controllers that support this interface.
*Pause mode is not available.
Shot Mark Handling
A useful feature of the DNW-A25WS is its support of the
Shot Marks generated by Betacam SX camcorders.
During playback, it is able to scan a tape and automatically
detect all the recorded Shot Marks and REC Start Marks.
The location of each mark is then displayed as a list on the
LCD screen, allowing easy cueing to any mark.
In addition, when in Play, Shuttle, Jog and Still modes,
the system can memorize additional marks, called
“Virtual Shot Marks”, entered by the operators.
This feature speeds up the edit search process
dramatically. The Shot Mark Operation menu is used to
specify whether REC Start marks are recorded. You can
write additional shot marks at any position on the tape
and delete individual marks that are no longer needed.
Reading Shot Data
Shot data is recorded continuously on the tape during
shooting. To display shot data, the PLAY and
ENTRY/SHIFT buttons are simultaneously pressed.
The tape is played back, and the display shown below
appears. The content of the display changes as the
shooting condition changes (for example, the date and
time or the shooting device change).
Speedy and Simple Operation
The Digital Portable Recorder adopts a control layout
similar to that of Betacam/Betacam SP VTRs to provide
simple and familiar operation. The controls include a
specially designed Sony Jog/Shuttle dial, and the familiar
audio slide faders on the control panel give the operator
speedy and precise control with a "hands-on" feel.
Liquid Crystal Display Panel
The liquid crystal display fitted to this unit is manufactured
with high precision technology, giving a functioning pixel ratio
of at least 99.99%. Thus a very small proportion of pixels (at
most 0.01%) may be “stuck”, constantly on or constantly off.
In addition, over a long period of use, because of the physical
characteristics of the liquid crystal display, such “stuck” pixels
may appear spontaneously.
These problems have been kept to the absolute minimum, but
are an unavoidable characteristic of liquid crystal technology.
NOTICE:
Shot Mark List
Current cursor position
number / total number
of marks memorized
Selection mark:
Shows the cue up
shot mark.
Time code
Mark type:
R (REC Start),
S1 (Shot Mark 1),
S2 (Shot Mark 2),
V (Virtual Shot Mark)
Convenient Operational Features

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Docking Kit
BKNW-225
Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
BP-L60A/L90A
Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride Battery
BP-M50/M100
Battery Charger for BP-L60A/90A and
BP-M50/M100 Battery Packs
BC-M50
AC Adaptor
AC-550/550CE
AC Adaptor
AC-DN2B
Remote Controller
BVR-3
Betacam SX Video Cassette
BCT-12SXA/22SXA/32SXA/
62SXA
Cleaning Cassette
BCT-5CLN
Carrying Case (Hard)
LC-DN220
DNW-A25WS Rear Panel
Optional Accessories

57/8(149)
181/2(467)
171/2(443)
83/8(211)
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Specifications
General
Power requirements DC 12 V
Power consumption 65 W
Operating temperature +32 °F to +104 °F (0 °C to +40 °C)
Storage temperature -4 °F to +140 °F (-20 °C to +60 °C)
Humidity 25 to 80% (relative humidity)
Weight 14 lb 5 oz (6.5 kg)
Tape speed
Betacam SX: 59.515 mm/s (525 mode), 59.575mm/s (625 mode)
Betacam/Betacam SP: 118.6 mm/s (NTSC), 101.5 mm/s (PAL)
Digital playback/recording Max. 62 minutes with BCT-62SXA cassette
Fast forward/rewind time Less than 3 minutes with BCT-62SXA cassette
Search speed range Betacam SX: ±24 times normal playback speed
Betacam/Betacam SP: ±10 times normal playback speed
Servo lock time 0.5 s or less (from standby on)
Load/unload time 6 s or less
Input/output signal
Analog composite input BNC (x1), 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω, sync negative
Analog composite output BNC (x2, including one character out),
1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω, sync negative
SDI input BNC (x1), SMPTE 259M, 270 Mb/s
SDI output BNC (x2), SMPTE 259M, 270 Mb/s
Analog audio input (CH1,2) XLR (x2)
Analog audio output (CH1,2)
XLR (x2)
Analog monitor output (L,R) XLR (x2)
Headphones output Standard jack (x1), stereo
Remote control D-sub 9-pin (x1), Sony 9-pin remote interface
Reference input BNC (x1), 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω, sync negative
(with loop through out)
Test AUX 6-pin (x1) (for maintenance)
Time code input BNC (x1)
Time code output BNC (x1)
Processor adjustment range
Video level ±3 dB/ -∞to 3 dB selectable
Chroma level ±3 dB/ -∞to 3 dB selectable
Set up/Black level ±30 IRE/±210 mV
Y/C delay ±100 ns
(in Betacam/Betacam SP playback)
Chroma Phase ±30 °
System phase Sync: ±15 µs (SC step), SC: ±200 ns
Digital video signal system
Sampling frequency Y: 13.5 MHz, R-Y/B-Y: 6.75 MHz
Quantization 8 bits/sample
Compression MPEG2 4:2:2 Profile@Main Level
Analog composite recording playback
Bandwidth (Y) 0 to 4.5 MHz+0.5 dB/-3.0 dB (525 mode)
0 to 5.5 MHz+0.5 dB / -3.0 dB (625 mode)
S/N 53 dB or more
Differential gain 2% or less
Differential phase 2 ° or less
Y/C delay 15 ns or less
K factor (2T pulse) 1.5% or less
Output SCH phase Based upon RS-170A/ITU-R BT.624-3
Digital audio signal system
Sampling frequency 48 kHz (synchronized with video)
Quantization 16 bits/sample
Headroom 20 dB (or 18 dB selectable)
Emphasis T1=50 µs, T2=15 µs (on/off selectable in recording mode)
Analog output
A/D, D/A quantization 16 bits/sample
Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5 dB/-1.0 dB
(0 dB at 1 kHz)
Dynamic range 88 dB or more
(at 1 kHz, emphasis on, 30 kHz LPF ON)
Distortion 0.05% or less
(at 1 kHz, emphasis on, reference level (+4 dBm),
30 kHz LPF ON)
Crosstalk -
80 dB or less
(at 1 kHz, between any two channels, 1 kHz BPF ON)
Others
Channel coding S-I-NRZI PR-IV
Error correction Reed-Solomon code
LCD Monitor
Display method Active matrix transmission
Size 6.4 inches x 1
Picture elements 640 x 360 x 3 pixels (16:9)/640 x 480 x 3 pixels (4:3)
Luminance / brightness Adjustable by knob
Speaker
Built-in speakers x 1, monaural
Display
Counter, Servo Lock, Tape Remain, Battery Remain, etc.
Audio level meter
Ch 1,Ch 2 (indication of Ch 3,4 is also available by switch)
Supplied accessories
Shoulder belt x 1, Operation manual x 1, Maintenance manual (part 1) x 1
Dimensions
unit: inches (mm)

MK7820V1TC02MAR
BC-00653-B
©2002 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Features, designs and specifications subject to change without notice.
All non-metric weights and measures are approximate.
Sony, Betacam SX, Betacam SP, Betacam and DVCAM are trademarks of Sony.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Printed in USA (5/02)
Sony Electronics Inc.
One Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
www.sony.com/professional