DVCAM

Description

DVCAM (not to be confused with MiniDV, which most consumer camcorders use) is the preferred format for a cinematic or theatrical screening. Although it is of superior technical quality to DVD, DVCAM cannot be shown as an endless loop, and is thus less desirable for unattended gallery and museum exhibitions. Developed by Sony as part of the DV format and introduced in 1996, DVCAM transports tape 50 percent faster than DV (digital video) and MiniDV, resulting in a higher track width, which can store more information and result in a higher quality image. The codec used is the same as DV, but because of the greater track width available, the data is much more robust, resulting in 50% less dropout. DVCAM is a professional/industry-level product, and playback decks are designed for high quality playback, with many output options accommodating numerous cable configurations.

If an artist?s master exists on DVCAM, a collector may be provided with a sub-master on DVCAM for archival purposes. This sub-master should not be used for general exhibition playback. An exhibition copy on a more suitable format should be provided.