Equipment guide for capturing Betacam SP?

[digitalfreaknyc]

Hey all,

So I just purchased some EPK material that I'd love to archive and the master is a Betacam SP tape.
What's the best way of playing back that material for archiving? I know I'm a total noobie when it comes to this but I was wondering if Betamax players would play it or if I'd specifically have to get a Betamax SP machine?

If so, it looks like they all have XLR outputs. Is that the case?

Thanks to all.

[Cornucopia]

Betamax DOES NOT EQUAL Betacam or Betacam SP.

That's like saying VCD is equal to Blu-ray. Sure they have a few superficial things in common, but the quality and complexity is like night (Betamax family) & Day (Betacam family).

You specifically have to get a BetaSP machine (not even Betacam will do)!
These are pro decks, so the workflow expects pro solutions throughout (in order to retain the full quality). This includes XLR audio, and Component BNC(Y-Pb-Pr) video.

Scott

[smrpix]

Betamax and Betacam are very different beasts even though the casette looks the same.

Any BetacamSP, Digital Betacam or Betcam MX deck can handle your tape. Betamax consumer units won't know what to do with it.

Your best bet is probably to bring it to a professional service bureau, or rent a deck to do the transfer. The Sony j30 (list price $21,000) has a firewire output.

(beat me to it, Scott)

[digitalfreaknyc]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I wouldn't be capturing through my PC. I use the Hauppauge for almost everything I do and I'd be happy to use that for this as well.

Since I live in NYC, carrying around a deck isn't an option. I guess I'm either going to have to buy one or bring them somewhere to get them transferred.

[smrpix]

I don't have a specific recommendtation, but you are well situated. Between TV stations, labs, service bureaus, rental houses and independent filmmakers, there should be hundreds if not thousands of beta decks floating around New York.