Digital Betacam

(Redirected From Digibeta)

The Digital Betacam videotape format (more commonly referred to as Digibeta, d-beta, DBC, or simply Digi) was launched by Sony in 1993. It superseded both the older Betacam and Betacam SP analog formats, and cost significantly less than the pre-existing D1 video digital tape format. Each cassette has four discreet 48kHz, 20-bit digital audio tracks, an analog cue track, and a time code channel. The format supports both PAL and NTSC standards. The 1/2" cassette tapes come in small and large sizes, typically have vibrant blue cases, and come in several lengths running from 12 to 124 minutes.

Digibetas are mainly used for broadcast. A key element which aided the adoption of the Digibeta was Sony's implementation of the SDI coaxial digital connection on their Digital Betacam decks. Because of this, facilities could use digital signals on their existing coaxial wiring without having to commit to an expensive re-installation. Additionally, some decks (such as the DVW-A500) are designed to play both Digibeta cassettes and the older analog Betacam/Betacam SP cassettes.

This definition/image is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License found at http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html. It uses material from the Wikipedia article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Betacam.