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Introduction
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DVCAM is a professional-quality variation of the DV video encoding that was introduced by Sony in 1996. DVCAM also refers to video tape recorders and DV and MiniDV videocassettes that are designed to support the DVCAM video recording specification. DVCAM uses the same tape width and compression scheme as DV but increases the track pitch from 10 microns to 15 microns. The recording speed of DVCAM is also significantly higher than DV cassettes. DVCAM recordings have improved colour rendition and robustness, employ “locked audio” tracks, and are well suited for linear editing environments. The DVCAM format was primarily used in professional markets for electronic news gathering, cable television, documentaries and other long form video production.
Identification
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https://psap.library.illinois.edu/collection-id-guide/videotape#dvcam |
Physical Characteristics
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Sony DVCAM PDVM-32N/3 32 Minutes. TapeOnline.com. Accessed February 22, 2021. |
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Preservation Self Assessment Program. "Videotape: DVCAM." University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Accessed February 3, 2021. |
Physical Characteristics
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| Tape width | ¼ inch (6.35mm) |
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| Tape composition | Metal evaporate (ME) |
| Cassette dimensions | Large cassettes: 4 7/8" x 3" x 9/16" Small cassettes: 2 9/16" x 1 7/8" x 9/16" |
| Container dimensions | Large cassettes: 5 3/8" x 3 11/16" x 3/4" Small cassettes: 3 1/16" x 2 1/2" x 3/4" |
| Identifying features | Cassettes are usually bluish grey and are labeled as DVCAM in the upper righthand corner |
| Common manufacturers/brands | Sony |
| Playback | DVCAM tapes can be played using DVCAM, DV and DVCPRO VTRs DVCAM VTRs can playback DVCAM and DV tapes. |
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Types of damage and deterioration
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Binder
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deterioration
Description
Commonly known as "sticky shed syndrome." Affected
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"1.1.3. Inspect for damage / Look for chemical deterioration / Binder degradation". In Audio Tape Digitisation Workflow. Accessed February 22, 2021. |
Description
Commonly known as "sticky shed syndrome." Affected records will have a visible gummy or powdery residue on the surface of the tape. This can damage both the recorded material and playback equipment. Back-coated tapes are most affected by this type of deterioration.
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Baking: Holding the tape at an elevated temperature (45°C to 55°C) for a brief period of time (up to 36 hours) can temporarily remove moisture and allow normal playback for a period of one to two weeks. Tapes should not be rewound before baking.
Drop-out
https://www.musiikkiarkisto.fi/audio/audio113.html
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"1.1.3. Inspect for damage / Look for chemical deterioration / Binder degradation". In Audio Tape Digitisation Workflow. Accessed February 22, 2021. |
Description
A brief signal loss caused by a tape head clog, missing magnetic oxide particles, tape defect, or debris on the tape or machine. These factors can reduce head-to-tape spacing and result in the appearance of white spots or streaks on playback. Multiple drop-outs per frame will result in a snowy appearance.
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Flaking/missing magnetic oxide particles are an indication of tape deterioration. This type of drop-out cannot be corrected physically.
Mould
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Are Your Video Tapes Showing Bad Signs of Mould. MultiMedia Select. Accessed February 24, 2021. |
Description
Active mould is generally moist while dormant mould is dry and dusty. Mould growths may be white, black, brown or mustard-coloured and usually have a pattered, fuzzy, or thread-like appearance. Mould can cause permanent damage to tapes over time if not removed. Fungus and mould is also a significant health hazard and affected materials should be handled using gloves and masks.
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Mouldy tapes should be isolated from unaffected materials to prevent cross contamination. Store tapes at a temperature of 24°C in an environment with effective air circulation and less than 50% Relative Humidity. Loose mold can be vacuumed from the tape pack and then the tape should be treated with an appropriate fungicide.
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fungicide.
Stretching and breaking
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Figure 20. Wrinkled VHS tape. Caring for audio, video and data recording media. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. June 30, 2020. |
Cause
Stretching and breaking of video tape usually results from improper handling or use of playback equipment.
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Stretching can distort the tape signal however data can usually be recovered (with a decrease in signal quality).
Accidental recording
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Record Protection Mechanisms: MiniDV. Preservation Self Assessment Program. Accessed February 24, 2021. |
Description
Camera operators can accidentally record over pre-existing footage
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- Section 9.0 - Outsourced digitization of audiovisual items
- Appendix C - Technical specifications for moving images
University Archives Procedure Manual
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Visit the /wiki/spaces/ALC/overview for further reading on /wiki/spaces/ALC/pages/1891631115.
References
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AMIA. "Video Preservation Factsheets." Accessed December 10, 2020.
Bensinger, Charles. "Chapter 6: All about videotape." In The Video Guide, Second Edition, 71-75. Santa Barbara, California: Video-Info Publications, 1981.
Bogart, John Van. "What Can Go Wrong With Magnetic Media?" In Magnetic Tape Storage and Handling: A Guide for Libraries and Archives. Washington, DC: The Commission on Preservation and Access, 1995.
Casey, Mike. "FACET: Format characteristics and preservation problems." Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, 2007.
Gibson, Gerald. D. "Magnetic tape deterioration: recognition, recovery and prevention." Paper presented at the IASA Conference, Perugia, August 26, 1996.
Jimenez, Mona and Liss Platt. "Videotape Identification and Assessment Guide." Texas Commission on the Arts. 2004.
MediaCollege.com. "The DVCAM Format." Accessed February 3, 2021.
Museum of Obsolete Media. "DVCAM (1996 – )." Accessed February 3, 2021.
PCMag. "DVCAM." Accessed February 3, 2021.
Preservation Self Assessment Program. "Videotape: DVCAM." University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Accessed February 3, 2021.
WDVA. "Do DV Formats Mystify You?" 2004.
Wheeler, Jim. "Videotape preservation handbook." 2002.
Wilt, Adam J. "The DV, DVCAM & DVCPRO Formats: The DV formats tabulated." August 28, 2005.
Wilt, Adam J. "The DV, DVCAM & DVCPRO Formats." July 16, 2006.
Version history
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