U-matic to dvd

[Dr_Layne]

In a few days I will need to convert a U-matic tape to dvd. I have a U-matic deck on the way so I can do the conversion. Question I have, is what is the resolution of a U-matic tape compared to VHS or SVHS? What dvd resolution would be ideal for this format?

Steve

[Guest]

This info may help start your endevor


Basic U-matic System Data
Tape Width 3/4 inch
Drum Diameter 110.00 mm
Speed of Head Disc 1500 rev/min
Video head to Tape Speed 8.54 m/s
Tape Speed (PAL) 9.53 cm/s
Video Track Width 0.83 mm
Guard band width 0.070 mm (Lo-band)
0.040 mm (Hi-band)
Audio Track Width 0.8 mm
Audio Frequency Response 50Hz - 15kHz
Maximum Recording Time
(PAL) 74mins (Lo-Band)
60 mins (Hi-band)
S/N Ratio > 46dB
Horizontal Resolution > 250 lines
Angle of Video Tracks 4° 58' 06"
Converted Sub-carrier 685.991 (Lo-band)
983.803 (Hi-band)
End Sensors Oprical

[Dr_Layne]

Is there anything else I need to know about transferring a Umatic tape to DVD? I know that this is not a consumer format and getting a deck is not a problem. I also know I will need a BNC to composite adaptor. Will the audio outputs be standard line level?

Steve

[johns0]

The easiest way to find out the audio level is to record a sample and see the results,should be close i would think.

[hiptune]

Is there anything else I need to know about transferring a Umatic tape to DVD? I know that this is not a consumer format and getting a deck is not a problem. I also know I will need a BNC to composite adaptor. Will the audio outputs be standard line level?

Steve

Hi Steve,

I have been doing some pro format tapes to DVD. I am using the ADVC-500. Remenber all the great reviews of the ADVC-100? Well this is the same thing but has all the input types and flexibility you need, and you can boost or lower audio level until it is perfect.
This is an analog to DV converter. Once it is in DV you can prep it to your liking, and burn to DVD. It has s-video, composite, and component in, and firewire 1394 out. So it does what you are in need of.

This box runs $1,500.00, but the DV captures are stunning, and in the end your DVDs will look as nice as the original tapes do (unless you screw up the encoding, etc.).

This box saved my ass when I landed a pro job and needed to deliver a good dvd.

Jeff

[Dr_Layne]

Unfortunately I do not have the funds to purchase the Canopus unit. I do have a datavideo dac-100 and tbc-1000. Perhaps in the future I will upgrade, but for now, I'll have to make due with what I have. The tape itself is very valuable to me and irrereplacable. I perfer to do the transfer myself instead of handing this tape over to a video production house.

[The village idiot]

What playback machine are you getting? Thge audio is different on the different models. Some are balanced line level at +4db, some are unbalanced at -10db.

You will need to use the TBC! The timebase of a typical umatic machine is shaky, I imagine that the tapes are old and less stable than when new.

If you are renting a playback machine, then I suggest renting a BVU-900 or 950 with the internal TBC and DNR. It will have balanced audio outputs at +4db, but also has a playback level adjustment for each channel. You will also now need a waveform monitor and a vector scope to properly set the levels on the TBC. All of them will have BNC connectors for the video output, unless you get some VERY old machines which will use PL-259 connectors, reject these machines immediately! And the units with balanced audio connectors will of course use XLR.

You want the truth? Send the tapes out to a professional dub house, prefer one that can clean the tapes first!