Sony DSR-1800 User manual

DSR-1800/1800P
© 2000 Sony Corporation
3-204-675-61(1)
Digital
Videocassette
Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual
thoroughly and retain it for future reference.
Note
The supplied CD-ROM includes Operating Instructions
for the DSR-series Digital Video Cassette Recorder or Player
(English, Japanese, French, German, Italian and Spanish
(DSR-1500A only) versions).
For more details, see “Using the CD-ROM Manual” on page 12.

2
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located at the rear.
Record thesenumbers in the spaces provided below. Refer
to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer
regarding this product.
Model No. Serial No.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
CAUTION
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and no objects filled with liquid, such as vases,
shall be placed on the apparatus.
The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source
(mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if
the unit itself has been turned off.
WARNING: THIS WARNING IS APPLICABLE FOR
USA ONLY.
Using this unit at a voltage other than 120 V may require
the use of a different line cord or attachment plug, or both.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing
to qualified service personnel.
For customers in the USA (DSR-1800 only)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual
must be used with this equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules.
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
Thissymbolisintendedtoalerttheuserto
the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
WARNING
Thissymbolisintendedtoalerttheuserto
the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the
appliance.
Important Safety Instructions

3
•Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug dose not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
•Protect the powercord from being walked onor pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
•Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
•Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
•Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
•Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid hasbeenspilled or objectshavefallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
Caution
Television programs, films, video tapes and other
materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such material may be contrary
to the provisions of the copyright laws.
For customers in Europe (DSR-1800P only)
This product with the CE marking complies with both the
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage
Directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the
European Community.
Compliance with these directives implies conformity to
the following European standards:
•EN60065: Product Safety
•EN55103-1: Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)
•EN55103-2: Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)
This product is intended for use in the following
Electromagnetic Environment(s):
E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light industrial), E3
(urban outdoors) and E4 (controlled EMC environment,
ex. TV studio).
Voor de Klanten in Nederland
•Dit apparaat bevat een vast ingebouwde batterij die niet
vervangen hoeft te worden tijdens de levensduur van het
apparaat.
•Raadpleeg uw leverancier indien de batterij toch
vervangen moet worden.
•De batterij mag alleen vervangen worden door
vakbekwaam servicepersoneel.
•Gooi de batterij niet weg maar lever deze in als klein
chemisch afval (KCA).
•Lever het apparaat aan het einde van de levensduur in
voor recycling, de batterij zal dan op correcte wijze
verwerkt worden.

4
AVERTISSEMENT
Afin d’éviter tout risque d’incendie ou d’électrocution, ne
pas exposer l’appareil àla pluie ou àl’humidité.
Afin d’écarter tout risque d’électrocution, garder le coffret
fermé. Ne confier l’entretien de l’appareil qu’à un
personnel qualifié.
CET APPAREIL DOIT ÊTRE RELIÉÀLA TERRE.
Attention
Eviter d’exposer l’appareil àun égouttement ou àdes
éclaboussures et ne placer aucun objet rempli de liquide,
comme un vase, sur l’appareil.
Cet appareil n’est pas déconnectéde la source
d’alimentation secteur tant qu’il est raccordéàla prise
murale, même si l’appareil lui-même a étémis hors
tension.
Des programmes de télévision, films, bandes vidéo et
autres peuvent être protégés par des droits d’auteur.
L’enregistrement non autoriséde tels matériaux risque de
constituer une violation de ces droits d’auteur.
Pour les clients européens
(DSR-1800P seulement)
Ce produit portant la marque CE est conforme àla fois àla
Directive sur la compatibilitéélectromagnétique (EMC)
(89/336/CEE) et àla Directive sur les basses tensions
(73/23/CEE) émises par la Commission de la
Communautéeuropéenne.
La conformitéàces directives implique la conformitéaux
normes européennes suivantes:
•EN60065: Sécuritédes produits
•EN55103-1: Interférences électromagnétiques
(émission)
•EN55103-2: Sensibilitéélectromagnétique (immunité)
Ce produit est prévu pour être utilisédans les
environnements électromagnétiques suivants:
E1 (résidentiel), E2 (commercial et industrie légère),
E3 (urbain extérieur) et E4 (environnement EMC contrôlé
ex. studio de télévision).
VORSICHT
Um Feuergefahr und die Gefahr eines elektrischen
Schlages zu vermeiden, darf das Gerät weder Regen noch
Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden.
Um einen elektrischen Schlag zu vermeiden, darf das
Gehäuse nicht geöffnet werden. Überlassen Sie
Wartungsarbeiten stets nur qualifiziertem Fachpersonal.
DIESES GERÄT MUSS GEERDET WERDEN.
Achtung
Das Gerät ist nicht tropf- und spritzwassersicher, daher
dürfen keine mit Flüssigkeiten gefüllten Gegenstände,
z. B. Vasen, darauf abgestellt werden.
Solange das Netzkabel an eine Netzsteckdose
angeschlossen ist, bleibt das Gerät auch im
ausgeschalteten Zustand mit dem Stromnetz verbunden.
Für Kunden in Europa (Nur DSR-1800P)
Dieses Produkt besitzt die CE-Kennzeichnung und erfüllt
sowohl die EMV-Direktive (89/336/EEC) als auch die
Direktive Niederspannung (73/23/EEC) der
EG-Kommission.
Die Erfüllung dieser Direktiven bedeutet Konformität für
die folgenden Europäischen Normen:
•EN60065: Produktsicherheit
•EN55103-1: Elektromagnetische Interferenz (Emission)
•EN55103-2: Elektromagnetische Empfindlichkeit
(Immunität)
Dieses Produkt ist für den Einsatz unter folgenden
elektromagnetischen Bedingungen ausgelegt:
E1 (Wohnbereich), E2 (kommerzieller und in
beschränktem Maße industrieller Bereich), E3
(Stadtbereich im Freien) und E4 (kontrollierter
EMV-Bereich, z.B. Fernsehstudio).

5
ATTENZIONE
Per evitare il pericolo di incendi o scosse elettriche, non
esporre l’apparecchio alla pioggia o all’umidità.
Per evitare scosse elettriche, non aprire l’apparecchio. Per
le riparazioni, rivolgersi solo a personale qualificato.
QUESTO APPARECCHIO DEVE ESSERE MESSO A
TERRA.
Attenzione
L’apparecchio non deve essere esposto a gocciolamenti o
spruzzi. Noncollocare sull’apparecchio oggetti contenenti
liquidi, come ad esempio vasi di fiori.
L’apparecchio non èscollegato dalla fonte di
alimentazione CA (corrente di rete) fintanto che è
collegato ad una presa di corrente, anche se l’apparecchio
stesso èstato spento.
Programmi televisivi, film, videonastri e altro materiale
possono essere tutelati dai diritti d’autore.
Registrazioni non autorizzate di tali materiali possono
infrangere la legge sui diritti d’autore.
Per i clienti in Europa (DSR-1800P soltanto)
Questo prodotto recante il marchio CE èconforme sia alla
direttiva sulla compatibilitàelettromagnetica (EMC)
(89/336/CEE) che alla direttiva sulle basse tensioni
(73/23/CEE) emesse dalla Commissione della Comunità
Europea.
La conformitàa queste direttive implica la conformitàalle
seguenti normative europee:
•EN60065: Sicurezza dei prodotti
•EN55103-1: Interferenza elettromagnetica (Emissione)
•EN55103-2: Sensibilitàai disturbi elettromagnetici
(Immunità)
Questo prodotto èdestinato all’uso nei seguenti ambienti
elettromagnetici:
E1 (residenziali), E2 (commerciali e industriali leggeri),
E3 (esterni urbani) e E4 (ambienti EMC controllati, ad
esempio studi televisivi).
1. Für Ihren privat genutzten Videorecoder mußeine
Fernseh-Rundfunk-Genehmigung beantragt
werden, sofern nichtbereits eine Genehmigungfür
einFernsehgerätdesselbenHaushaltesvorliegt. Im
geschäftlichen Bereich ist jeder einzelne
Videorecorder anmelde- und gebührenpflichtig.
(Auskunft ggf. bei der GEZ oder den
Rundfunkanstalten.)
2. Im privaten Bereich ist die Aufzeichnung von
urheberrechtlich geschützten Werken auf Bild-
und Tonträger gestattet. Die entsprechenden
Urheber-Vergütungen sind im Kaufpreis des
Gerätes enthalten. Öffentliche Wiedergabe oder
Verbreitung von mitgeschnittenen
Fernsehsendungen ist ohne Erlaubnis nicht
zulässig, verpflichtet zu Schadenersatz und ist
gegebenenfalls strafbar.
3. Im Rahmen der Regelung des §47 des
Urheberrechtsgesetzes sind Aufzeichnungen von
Schulfernsehprogrammen gestattet. Mitschnitte
von Schulfunksendungen dürfen jedoch nur für
den Unterricht verwendet werden und sind
spätestens am Ende des laufenden Schuljahres zu
löschen.

6

7
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Features........................................................................9
DVCAM Format .............................................................9
A Wealth of Interfaces..................................................10
Facilities for High-Efficiency Editing...........................10
Other Features...............................................................11
Optional Accessories.....................................................11
Using the CD-ROM Manual.......................................12
CD-ROM System Requirements...................................12
Preparations...................................................................12
To Read the CD-ROM Manual.....................................12
Location and Function of Parts................................13
Front Panel....................................................................13
Rear Panel .....................................................................21
Chapter 2 Recording and Playback
Usable Cassettes.......................................................27
Inserting and Ejecting Cassettes ...................................29
Recording...................................................................31
Settings for Recording ..................................................31
Recording Procedure.....................................................34
Playback.....................................................................37
Settings for Playback ....................................................37
Playback Procedure.......................................................38
Repeat Playback—Automatic Cyclical Playback.........40
Setting Points A and B for Repeat Playback.................40
Cuing Up to Any Desired Position Set as Point A or B 45
Chapter 3 Convenient Functions for Editing Operation
Setting the Time Data................................................47
Displaying Time Data and Operation Mode Indications ..
47
Using the Internal Time Code Generator......................49
Synchronizing Internal and External Time Codes........51
Rerecording the Time Code—TC Insert Function........51
High-Speed and Low-Speed Search—Quickly and
Accurately Determining Editing Points ............54
Search Operations via External Equipment ..................54
Search Operations on This Unit....................................55

8
Digitally Dubbing Signals in DVCAM Format..........56
Chapter 4 Menu Settings
Menu Organization ....................................................59
Menu Contents...........................................................62
Setup Menu ...................................................................62
Auto Mode (AUTO FUNCTION) Execution Menu.....75
Changing Menu Settings ..........................................76
Buttons Used to Change Settings..................................76
Changing the Settings of Basic Items...........................76
Displaying Enhanced Items ..........................................78
Changing the Settings of Enhanced Items ....................78
Returning Menu Settings to Their Factory Default
Settings ................................................................79
Displaying Supplementary Status Information.......80
Chapter 5 Connections and Settings
Connections for a Digital Non-Linear Editing System
83
Connections for a Cut Editing System....................85
Connections for an A/B Roll Editing System..........86
Connections for SDTI (QSDI) Dubbing....................92
Connections for Analog Recording.........................93
Adjusting the Sync and Subcarrier Phases............94
Chapter 6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance...............................................................97
Condensation.................................................................97
Regular Checks .............................................................97
Head Cleaning...............................................................99
Troubleshooting ......................................................100
Error Messages............................................................102
Alarm Messages..........................................................102
Appendixes
Precautions..............................................................105
Specifications ..........................................................106
ClipLink Guide .........................................................110
What Is ClipLink?.......................................................110
Example System Configuration and Operation Flow.111
Data Generated When Shooting..................................112
Glossary ...................................................................115
Index .........................................................................117

9
Features
Chapter 1
Overview
Features
The DSR-1800/1800P is a 1/4-inch digital video cassette
recorder using the DVCAM digital recording format. It
achieves stable, superb picture quality by digitally
processing video signals separated into color difference
signals and luminance signals (component method).
The unit is equipped with a variety of functions needed for
videocassette recorders and players used in professional
digital video editing systems. It supports the ClipLinkTM
function developed by Sony Corporation for highly
efficient video editing. When connected to a Sony
EditStationTM, the unit serves as part of a powerful non-
linear editing system*.
The unit is also equipped with a full-fledged analog
interface to support hybrid systems that combine
conventional analog equipment with digital equipment.
* Non-linear editing: This is an editing method that uses video and audio
signals digitally encoded and recorded ona hard disk as digital data. When
compared with conventional (linear) editing methods, non-linear editing
offers vastly improved efficiency in editing operations, for example, by
eliminating tape transport time.
The main features of the unit are described in the
following.
DVCAM Format
DVCAMis based on theconsumer DV format, which uses
the4:1:1componentdigitalformat,andprovidesa1/4-inch
digital recording format for professional use.
High picture quality, high stability
Video signals are separated into color difference signals
andluminancesignals,whichareencodedandcompressed
to one-fifth size before being recorded to ensure stable and
superb picture quality.
Because the recording is digital, multi-generation dubbing
can be performedwithvirtually nodeterioration ofquality.
Wide track pitch
The recording track pitch is 15 µm, fully 50 percent wider
thanthe10-µmtrackpitchof theDVformat. Thankstothis
feature, the DVCAM format sufficiently meets the
reliability and precision requirements of professional
editing.
High-quality PCM digital audio
PCM recording makes for a wide dynamic range and a
high signal-to-noise ratio, thereby enhancing sound
quality.
There are two recording modes: 2-channel mode (48-kHz
sampling and 16-bit quantization), which offers sound
quality equivalent to the DAT (Digital Audio Tape)
format, or 4-channel mode (32-kHz sampling and 12-bit
quantization).
Playback compatibility with DV and
DVCPRO formats
A DV cassette recorded on a DV format VCR as well as a
DVCPRO (25M) format recorded cassette can be played
back on this unit.
Note
When playing back a tape recorded in DVCPRO (25M)
format, the SDTI and i.LINK outputs (see “Digital
interfaces” on page 10) of this unit are muted.
Furthermore, it is not possible to play back the cue-audio
track of the tape.

10 Features
Chapter 1 Overview
Support for three cassette sizes
There are two sizes of DVCAM cassette: standard and
mini. You can use either size with this unit.
The unit also accepts L and M sizes of DVCPRO cassette.
•When a cassette is inserted, the reel mechanism of the
unit automatically adjusts to the size of the inserted
cassette.
•The capacity of a standard cassette is 184 minutes of
recording/playback, and that of a mini cassette is 40
minutes.
A Wealth of Interfaces
Digital interfaces
The following optional digital interfaces are available for
use with the unit.
SDTI (QSDI)* (optional DSBK-1802 SDTI (QSDI)
Input/OutputBoard): Whentheunitisfittedwiththe
optional DSBK-1802 board, SDTI (QSDI)-format
video, audio and time code signals can be transferred
between the unit and the Sony EditStation at normal
speed. When this unit is connected to another
DVCAM VCR, it is possible to copy compressed
signals between the two VCRs.
SDI (serial digital interface)/AES/EBU (optional
DSBK-1801 SDI/AES/EBU Input/Output Board):
When the unit is fitted with the optional DSBK-1801
board, it can input and output D1 (component) format
digital video and audio signals and also AES/EBU-
format digital audio signals.
i.LINK (DV)** (optional DSBK-1803 i.LINK/DV
Input/OutputBoard): Whentheunitisfittedwiththe
optional DSBK-1803 board (i.LINK compatible), it
can input and output digital video and audio signals in
DV format.
* SDTI is the name of a standard interface established as SMPTE 305M.
QSDI is a type of SDTI. This unit uses SDTI to transmit DV data, and the
input/output connectors are labeled “SDTI (QSDI).”
** i.LINK and are trademarks and indicate thatthis product is inagreement
with IEEE1394-1995 specifications and their revisions.
Analog interfaces
Theunit alsocomeswithanaloginterfacesenablingittobe
connected to analog video and audio equipment.
Analog video: These interfaces include a component
interface, composite interface, and S-video interface.
Analog audio: Four channels each of input and output are
provided.Itis alsopossibletoconnectamicrophoneto
the unit.
Facilities for High-Efficiency Editing
The unit provides an abundance of functions that enhance
editing efficiency and precision.
Cross-fade editing
For audio editing, you can select from cut-in editing, fade-
in/fade-out editing, and cross-fade editing.
Support for ClipLink function
In response to commands sent from the EditStation, index
pictures recorded on tape or ClipLink log data recorded in
the cassette memory can be transferred to the EditStation.
The EditStation operator can then efficiently use these
pictures and data in a preliminary editing session.
For anoverview of the ClipLink function, see the appendix
“ClipLink Guide”(page 110).
Internal time code generator and reader
An internal time code generator and reader enables time
code compliant with SMPTE (for DSR-1800)/EBU(DSR-
1800P) formatto be recorded andplayedback. This allows
editing to single frame precision.
Outputting or inputting time code (LTC) to or from an
external device is also possible using the TIME CODE IN/
OUT connectors.
The unit is also compatible with VITC.
Remote control
Theunit can be operated byremote control froman editing
controlunitthatsupports theRS-422Ainterfaceorfroman
optional SIRCS*-compatible remote control unit such as
the DSRM-10.
* SIRCS (Sony Integrated Remote Control System): A command protocol
to remote control Sony professional videocassette recorders/players.
Playback control using search dial
The search dial on the front panel of the unit allows you to
carry out playback operation in jog or shuttle mode
withoutrequiringanexternaleditingcontrolunitorremote
control unit to be connected to the unit.
High-speed search function
The unit has a picture search function that allows you to
view color picture at playback speeds up to 85 times
normal speed in forward and reverse directions.
When remote-controlling this unit in shuttle mode from an
editing control unit or aremotecontrol unit, youcansearch
at any speed in the range 0 (still) to 60 times normal speed
in both directions. You can also search frame-by-frame in
jog mode.