Definition: Betacam

An earlier high-quality videotape technology introduced by Sony in 1982. Betacam was initially an analog format with digital following later (see Digital Betacam), Designed for professional TV recording, time codes are built into the 1/2" helical scan format to support precise editing. Evolving from Sony's Betamax consumer format, Betacam tape speed was faster and it used component video rather than composite (see component video and composite video). By the mid-2020s, Betacam units were primarily used for archival footage.

Betacam Superior Performance (SP)
In 1986, Betacam SP increased resolution from 300 to 340 lines and a larger cassette increased time from 30 to 90 minutes. SP was widely used in professional applications until Digital Betacam took over in the late 1990s.

A Boon for Camera Operators
Heavy by today's standards, Betacam camcorders were considerably lighter than the video cameras of the era, and it was a welcome breakthrough for cameramen shooting on location.

In 2001, Sony announced end of life for its analog Betacam camcorders; however, digital Betacam VTRs typically play analog cassettes, and Sony MultiPlayer VTRs support all Betacam formats. See Digital Betacam, HDCAM, Betamax and U-matic.

  BETACAM FORMATS (Half-Inch Tape)

  Year
  Intro. Version    Recording Method


  HD DIGITAL
  2003  HDCAM SR          4:4:4 (MPEG-4)
  1997  HDCAM             3:1:1 (DCT)

                     Sampling Rate (n:n:n)
  SD DIGITAL         (Compression Method)
  2000  MPEG IMX          4:2:2 (MPEG-2)
  1996  Betacam SX        4:2:2 (MPEG-2)
  1994  Digital Betacam   4:2:2 (DCT)

  ANALOG
  1986  Betacam SP  Component Analog (metal tape)
  1982  Betacam     Component Analog

Betacam Video Tape Recorder (VTR)

Used in professional studios, Betacam VTRs cost up to 100 times more than a consumer VHS machine. Betacam is the de facto broadcast videotape format worldwide, and cassettes come in small and large formats. See VHS.