BR-D51U Digital-S Source VTR with S-VHS Playback

The BR-D51 is a fully featured Digital-S and S-VHS player in one unit. It has the same Digital-S playback features and quality of the BR-D80.

S-VHS Playback features:

  • Digital processing of S-VHS allows the cleanest S-VHS output ever.
  • Provides simultaneous Serial Digital (optional), component, composite and Y/C outputs
  • Full time code reader capabilities (VITC/LTC)
  • 4 audio channels – 2 linear, 2 Hi-Fi


DIGITAL-S Highlights




4:2:2 Component Digital ProcessingTOP

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-ReadTOP

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 TimeTOP

High-resolution DIGITAL-S signals are captured and preserved on a high-density 1/2-inch tape featuring an advanced metal particle formulation. 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 SoundTOP

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 FacilitiesTOP

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-DiagnosisTOP

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 TOP

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 MotionTOP

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



On-Screen MenuTOP

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 FlexibilityTOP

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.



Tape PatternTOP

With a track-width of 20 µm, 1 frame consists of 10 tracks with the video area on either side of the audio area. The longitudinal tracks include cue audio tracks and a CTL track for tracking purposes.



Tape TransportTOP

A proven tape path system using sapphire guide roller flange, 7-mm diameter guide poles and a tape cleaner knives made from artificial sapphire ensure more stable tape transport and longer service life. For precise tracking and alignment, there's not only a linear control track, but an auto tracking servo system which utilizes tracking signals embedded in the digital data tracks.



Drum StructureTOP

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 FeaturesTOP

  • 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 (record models only)
  • Manual audio recording level adjustment (exclusively for analog sources: record models only)
  • ORC (optimized record current) auto setting in the adjustment mode (record models only)
  • Two uncompressed lines for closed caption and teletext recording, selectable by using the menu switch settings (record models only)
  • Tape speed overide from the front panel.




SpecificationsTOP

General
  • Format: DIGITAL-S
  • Tape: 1/2-inch metal particle
  • Power requirement: 120 V AC, 60Hz
  • Power consumption: 180 W (BR-D85U/80U/750U), 160 W (BR-D51U/350U)
  • Dimensions:
    • 429 (W) x 188 (H) x 567 (D) mm
    • (16-15/16" x 7-7/16" x 22-3/8")
  • Weight:
  • 23kg (50.7 lbs.) (BR-D85U/80U/750U),
  • 22kg (48.5 lbs.) (BR-D51U/350U)
  • Temperature:
    • Operating: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
    • Storage: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
  • Humidity: 30% to 80%
  • Tape speed: 57.737 mm/s
  • Recording time: 104 minutes (using DS-104 tape)
  • Picture search: ±32 times with visible color picture
  • Slow motion: ±1/3 times with full picture quality (requires remote control)
  • Remote control: RS-422A
  • Remote diagnosis: Via RS-232C
  • Drum rotation speed: 4500 rpm
  • Tracks:
    • 2 audio cue, 1 control,
    • 10 video/audio per frame
  • Track pitch: 20 µm
  • Head drum:
    • 62 mm
    • Tri-layer structure with rotating inner drum
    • High silicon material used for long life
Video
  • Sampling:
    • 4:2:2 8-bit component
    • Y;13.5 MHz
    • R-Y/B-Y;6.75 MHz
  • Compression: 3.3:1 DCT based, intra-frame coding
  • Date rate: 50 Mbps
  • Video control adjustment range
    • System sync phase: ±3 µs or more
    • System SC phase: 360° or more
    • Video phase: ±1.5 µs or more
    • Video level: ±3 dB or more (only remote control)
    • Chroma level: ±3 dB or more (only remote control)
    • Chroma phase: ±30° or more (only remote control)
    • Setup level: 0 mV or less to 100 mV or more (only remote control)
Audio
  • 2-channel PCM, 48 KHz, 16-bit
  • Each channel individually editable
  • Input/output:
    • Analog
    • Digital (AES/EBU); optional
  • Frequency characteristics: 20 Hz to 20 KHz +1/-1.5 dB
  • Dynamic range: 90 dB or more (at 1 KHz)
  • Distortion: 0.1% or less (1 KHz, at operation level)
  • Crosstalk: -75 dB or less (at 1 KHz)
  • Headroom: 20 dB
  • Emphasis: Automatic switching in play (OFF in recording)
Accessories
  • Provided: Power cord
  • Optional:
    • SA-D80U digital input/output interface
    • SA-D50U digital output interface