Dealing with "beta" format

[AnchorMan]

Hi,

I have CS3 Prod. Prem. on Win XP. I usually use consumer grade cameras, Canon HV30, for example. I have a need to include some footage that unfortunately has only been described to me as "beta". I think this means the common professional format also know as: Digital Betacam, Digibeta, d-beta, dbc or Digi, but I am not sure.

I don't think I would be receiving a tape, what format would this material typically be in to transfer to me in soft form? With CS3, is it true I need a .avi of this? Does it help if I also have Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9.0.

thanks for any ideas,
fred

[filmboss80]

"Betacam," in several variations, is a pro format (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betacam). "Betamax" is an obsolete consumer analog format (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betamax). Physically, they are in videocassette form. Until you get the tape (or else, get more information from the supplier), you cannot know whether a Betacam has an analog or digital recording.

If you don't know what to do with such a tape, there are transfer houses that can put the material on whatever format you require. Most types of Betacam decks can be rented, if you're close to a major metropolitan area.

It's best to capture to whatever format the main body of your footage is (i.e. HDV, DV-AVI, whatever).