Betacam video format history
Sony launched Betacam in 1982.
Betacam, a professional, standard definition format was quickly adopted in broadcast television and ultimately superseded Umatic in many broadcast environments.
Available in various tape sizes and durations, the smaller cassettes had run times of up to 30 minutes and were used primarily in first generation professional camcorders. Larger cassettes up to 90 minutes in duration were used in studio VTR’s. Most VTR’s can play back both cassette sizes.
Betacam has a lower bandwidth than Betacam SP and as such the quality of the recording is not as good as Betacam SP. Most Betacam SP decks will not play back Betacam tapes due to the tape formulation (oxide vs metal particle).
Betacam tape types
Pictured here is a Betacam SP large cassette Betacam, Betacam SP, Betacam SX and Digital Betacam are all similar in appearance and can be identified by either colour or logos printed on the case. Large tapes can hold up to 90 minutes of recording.
Betacam to digital conversion
We can transfer Betacam to digital files for use in archiving or editing applications.
We have multiple Betacam VTR’s that will play back Betacam and the other Betacam variants such as Betacam SP, Betacam SX and Digital Betacam (DBC)
Moisture and mould damage
Betacam SP video tapes are very susceptible to damage from moisture and incorrect storage. Long term exposure to moisture can cause irreversible damage. If there are signs of mould on the tape, consider getting them digitized sooner rather than later. Mould damaged tape can be saved, see our tape repair page.
Output file type options include (but are not limited to) the following
- Compressed MP4 – H264
- Uncompressed MOV
- Custom file types – contact us with your requirements.
Contact us for more information on this service.