Introduction
Digital Betacam was introduced by Sony in 1993. Commonly known as "DigiBeta," the format was a replacement for the analog Betacam SP format. Digital Betacam was superior to DVCAM and DVCPRO but cheaper than D1. Small cassettes were used in cameras and large cassettes were used in video recording and editing decks. It was a popular digital videocassette format for broadcast television use and was considered a low-risk preservation master format until very recently.
Digital Betacam records component video with 10-bit YUV 4:2:2 compression. The tape includes four audio channels (48 kHz / 20 bit PCM-encoded digital audio) plus a fifth analog audio track for cuing. The tape also includes a linear timecode track.
Digital Betacam decks implemented an SDI coaxial digital connection, which allowed video production facilities to transmit digital signals on existing coaxial wiring without having to commit to rewiring other equipment.
Identification
Image source
Maxell BD-40 40-Minute Digital Betacam Video Cassette in Album Case (Small). B&H Foto & Electronics Corp. Accessed February 22, 2021.
Image source
Maxell BD-40 40-Minute Digital Betacam Video Cassette in Album Case (Small). B&H Foto & Electronics Corp. Accessed February 22, 2021.
Physical characteristics
| Tape width | 1/2 inch |
|---|---|
| Tape composition | Metal particulate |
| Cassette dimensions | small cassette: 6⅛" × 3¾" × 1" large cassette: 9⅓" × 5⅔" × 1" |
| Container dimensions | Most common containers are the manufacturer's hard plastic snap-closure cases. Small cassette cases: 6¾" x 4⅜" Large cassette cases are 10⅝" x 6⅜" x 1¼" |
| Identifying features | Cassettes are usually labelled "Digital Betacam" in the upper right corner |
| Common manufacturers/brands | Sony |
| Playback | Requires camera or deck manufactured for Digital Betacam format. Some Digital Betcam equipment is backwards-compatible with Betacam and Betacam SP. |
Technical characteristics
| Record time | Small cassettes: up to 40 minutes Large cassettes: up to 124 minutes |
|---|---|
| Bitrate | 90 Mbit/s |
| Bit depth | 10 bit |
| Colour sampling | 4:2:2 |
| Resolution | NTSC: 720x480 PAL: 720x576 |
| Compression | 2.34-to-1 DCT compression |
Storage
| Storage environment: temperature | Ideal: 40–54°F (4.5–12°C) Acceptable: 55–60°F (13–15.5°C) |
|---|---|
| Storage environment: humidity | 30-50% RH |
| Container | Digital Betacam containers should pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) as specified ISO Standard 18916:2007
Containers are acceptable if they:
Unacceptable containers must be replaced with clean, inert containers. |
| Orientation of tape in storage | Vertical on its end (like books) |
Types of damage and deterioration
Binder deterioration
Image source
"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.
Cause
Polyester urethane is prone to moisture absorption which can cause the molecular structure of the binder to break down. This process is accelerated by high temperature and high humidity.
Remedy
Environmental conditioning: Moving the tape to a controlled storage environment (40°C / 20 to 25% Relative Humidity) may reverse the affects of hydrolysis over time.
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
Image source
"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.
Cause
Tapes kept in dusty conditions will accumulate particulate matter, increasing the risk of drop-out.
Remedy
Flaking/missing magnetic oxide particles are an indication of tape deterioration. This type of drop-out cannot be corrected physically.
Mould
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.
Cause
Storing tapes at high temperature and relative humidity levels can facilitate the growth of mould.
Remedy
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.
Stretching and breaking
Cause
Stretching and breaking of video tape usually results from improper handling or use of playback equipment.
Remedy
Stretching can distort the tape signal however data can usually be recovered (with a decrease in signal quality).
Accidental recording
Description
Camera operators can accidentally record over pre-existing footage
Cause
Tape is set to "record mode" when it is inserted into camera or deck
Remedy
Ensure tape is set to "safe mode" before inserting into camera or deck.
Risk assessment
HIGH RISK
Digital video material stored on magnetic videotape is considered to be at high-risk of loss or degradation.
Polyester base film used in videotape is considered very stable.
Other components of the videotape, including the binder, are considerably less stable and are more likely to be the cause of degradation.
Format obsolesce, including lack of well-functioning playback equipment poses an equal or even greater risk than degradation, even with higher quality formats such as Digital Betacam
Archivists should appraise or reappraise digital video material stored on magnetic tape to determine the nature and significance of video elements contained on the tape. See Section 5 of the University Archives Procedure Manual for guidance on appraising sound recordings and moving images.
The archival appraisal should determine whether the video elements have sufficient archival value to justify reformatting and long-term preservation as digital video files.
Related resources
- Section 9.0 - Outsourced digitization of audiovisual items
- Appendix C - Technical specifications for moving images
University Archives Procedure Manual
Further reading
Visit the /wiki/spaces/ALC/overview for further reading on /wiki/spaces/ALC/pages/1891631115.
References
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.
Museum of Obsolete Media. Digital Betacam (1993-2016). Accessed February 8, 2021. Wheeler, Jim. "Videotape preservation handbook." 2002.
Preservation Self Assessment Program. "Videotape: Digital Betacam." University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Accessed February 8, 2021.
Version history
| Version | Date | Author(s) | Version Notes |
|---|---|---|---|