The Sony GVD-200 Digital8 video walkman is a portable, all-digital solution for downloading and editing video from Digital8 camcorders. It is also backward compatible with Hi8 and 8mm camcorders. This lightweight, portable unit lets you edit together 20 segments into a movie or presentation without the need for a PC.
The built in Assemble Editor lets you mark cut-in and cut-out points for up to 20 separate scenes. Use the Video Walkman as your source VCR, while controlling almost any remote capable camcorder or VCR, via Infrared, as your recorder. The Index Titler enables you to choose from 8 preset titles (such as Happy Birthday) or create custom titles (up to 22 characters) in 2 sizes, 7 colors, and 9 positions. The 2x playback allows for high-speed playback in forward and reverse, while the 2x playback zoom feature allows you to zoom into a selected area of the video.
Other features include:
Included AC adapter; also compatible with optional InfoLithium batteries (NP-F550, NP-F750, or NP-F960) - Time Base Correction (TBC) replaces the video signal with a clean sync pulse, to correct timing errors
- Digital Noise Reduction reduces chromanance (color) noise by 20% when recording
- S-Video and composite input/output
- PCM stereo digital audio
- Sony's Crystal Clear still/slow motion and frame-by-frame advance
Tech Talk
- Digital8 video: The Digital8 format, created by Sony, delivers high-quality digital video and audio, with up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution and either 12-bit or 16-bit PCM digital stereo audio.
- PCM digital stereo audio: PCM stands for Pulse Code Modulation, which is the type of stereo digital audio system that is used on compact discs. Digital video cameras can record at the 16-bit level on two channels (CD-quality sound) or the 12-bit level, which divides the audio into four tracks (two recorded and two saved for postproduction editing and dubbing).
- i.LINK: Sony's terminology for the IEEE 1394 standard for high-speed transfer of digital information. IEEE 1394 allows loss-free digital transfers between camcorders and PCs or other peripherals. If your computer has an IEEE 1394 port, you can transfer, edit, and save video from your IEEE 1394-equipped camcorder.
What's in the Box
Sony GVD-200 Digital8 video walkman, AC adapter/charger (C-L10A), RCA video cable, and mini male connecter to RCA female cable.
2X Playback and 2x Playback Zoom allows for highspeed playback in forward and reverse. 2X Playback zoom allows you tozoom into a selected area of the video during playback of a Digital8tape. Crystal Clear still/slow motion and frame-by-frameadvance: Digital video recording allows crystal clear still/ slowmotion and frame-by-frame advance capabilities. Time Base Correction (TBC) replaces the video signalwith a clean sync pulse to correct timing errors which eliminates thejitters commonly found in home video. Digital8(R) recording and playback: Records outstandingdigital picture and sound on affordable Hi8 and 8mm tapes. Offers up to500 lines of resolution with three times the color bandwidth of VHS andsignificantly lower video noise. Hi8(TM)/8mm Playback: Video Walkman(R) VCRs canplayback previously recorded material from Hi8 or 8mm videotapes ineither SP or LP modes. S-Video and composite input/output: S-Video connectionoffers superior video signal transfer from analog devices by reducingDot Crawl which is commonly seen as distortion around the edge of therecorded video signal. Built-in assemble editing (20 segments): Allows user toconnect the deck via an i.LINK(R) or infra-red interface to any otheri.LINK or infra-red device and select up to twenty different scenesfrom a video and then have the deck automatically assemble those scenestogether. PCM stereo digital audio: 16-bit recording capabilityoffers the same outstanding sound quality as Compact Disc. 12 bitrecording enables you to transfer the recorded signal via i.LINK to acompatible DV device so that stereo music or narration can be addedwithout disturbing the original soundtracks i.LINK(R) (IEEE 1394) DV Input/Output: Providesbi-directional digital communication that carries digital audiodigital video and control signals to other i.LINK(R) equipped videodevices and a growing range of compatible PCs for dubbing andnon-linear editing. Super LaserLink(R) wireless connection: Allows the userto transmit audio ...
1 Pro-Level recorder with impeccable quality
This device has at least prosumer level recording and playback capabilities. I hooked it up to my 3CCD camera and the results were extremely satisfying when using the Digital 8 mode. It hooks right up to the computer with the 1394 connect and I can extract capture points, fast forward, rewind etc. by clicking the mouse. It supports 625 Horizontal lines of resolution which exceeds my hi-end camera and I can not express enough the clarity of the image. No specks of colored snow or artifacts dancing in the dark areas of the image as I previously had with my pro level SVHS recorder, only crisp, smooth, detailed image rendering. The sound quality is also excellent. For what I wanted it for,, it is better than perfect and for what I will also use it for it is a blessed device.. I highly recommend this recorder/player to anyone needing portability, quality, and professional results for mastering to video tape and of coarse for playback.. The only thing that scares me about this device is how light and small it is,, but at the same time, it's exactly what I need. Hope this info helps someone out there in deciding. Peace..
2 Great for playing back old hi8/8mm tapes
If you are like me and have tons of old 8mm (or Hi8) tapes lying around, this 8mm Walkman is perfect. I upgraded to MiniDV but forgot to transfer my old 8mm tapes before giving my Canon 8mm camcorder away, so with this I'm not stuck with useless tapes. It plays back regular 8mm, Hi8, and also Sony's Digital8 formats. You can hook it up to a VCR or TV, and even to a DV-savvy PC. I capture my 8mm videos to my Fujitsu LifeBook C2210 laptop, using Windows Movie Maker 2 (download for free on Microsoft's website). I'm now about 40% done with transfering my old tapes, but I also enjoy hooking this up to my TV and playing back old tapes and re-living old memories. Ah, how time just flies...
