DVCAM TO DVD

DV to DVD transfer at Timeless DVD covers the DV variant created by Sony called DVCAM. This format is intended for professional video production. Using the same Digital Video (DV) codec as in Mini DV tapes, the tape consists of digital information rather than an analog signal.

A DVCAM cassette is also called "L size." The tape's casing is 120mm x 90mm x 12mm, roughly between a Video8 tape and Betamax tape in size. The tape itself is a slender quarter-inch wide and tied between two spools. Both DVCAM and Mini DV include a small embedded memory chip, which can be used to sample still frames from edits.

DVCAM is a variant on the DV standard, which also includes Mini DV and DVCPRO, as well as Digital 8, which records digital video in a slightly different tape format. DV as a format was first launched in 1996, but did not gain wide acceptance until the turn of the millennium. The DV codec is known for its intraframe compression for easy edits, a standard interface which enables easy transfer to NLEs, and better video quality than that offered by the 8mm formats and VHS-C.

The DVCAM variant was developed by Sony and is frequently used for independent filmography and prosumer shooting. Panasonic's larger-size DV variant, DVCPro, was created for high-end newsgathering.

We transfer DV as well as Mini DV to DVD, but Timeless DVD does not currently handle DVCPro as part of our DV transfer to DVD offerings.

Convert DV to DVD

DVCAM to DVD transfer quality is based on the setting on the camcorder, but has extensive running times even at high-quality settings. It can record up to 4.6 hours of video in SP mode (6.9 hours in EP or LP). For that reason, we can usually not combine more than one of these tapes to DVD, and in fact, sometimes an overflow DVD is needed. Note that the LP mode of consumer DV is not supported on DVCAM.

DVCAM displays 520 lines of resolution on the television screen, and loses no quality when we convert DV to DVD. We are able to keep much of the detail intact because of the high-quality decks and transfer processes we use on every project. Since few people have DVCAM decks, it is much simpler to have us convert tapes to DVD for easier viewing.

One difference between DVCAM and Mini DV is that DVCAM has a higher track width and transports the tape 50% faster than Mini DV, which lowers the chance of dropout errors. This means that when we perform a video to DVD transfer from these tapes, fewer errors occur during the DV video transfer process. Because of this wider track, DVCAM can do a frame-accurate insert tape edit, and also features locked audio (which means that even in fourth-generation copies, the audio sync never shifts).

Transfer DV

Transfer your DV tape to DVD with Timeless DVD!