Will a BetacamSX Deck Play Digital Betacam?

[daave]

I have a DNW-A30, and I am wondering if it will be able to play DigiBeta?

[JVRaines]

http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/STARINMANUALS/Sony%20Video/Archive/DNW-30,%20DNW-A30.pdf

[daave]

Yes, I did look at that. It doesn't specifically say anything about DigiBeta, but my understanding is that Digital Betacam preceded BetacamSX, so I thought on the off chance anyone knew anything about it...?

[JVRaines]

It seems to me that if the official specifications make no mention of Digital Betacam, then this model does not support it. And as I recall, SX uses the Betamax size cassettes, not the flattish digital cassettes.

[Cornucopia]

There is a hierarchy to the Sony beta family of tape formats where the more advanced format decks can play lesser formats (aka backwards compatible), but not the reverse (forward compatible).

In descending order (if I'm remembering correctly) of mainly pro formats:

HDcam SR
HDcam
Digibeta (Digital Betacam)
Betacam IMX
Betacam SX
Betacam SP
Betacam
Betamax (sometimes)

And in the prosumer arena, a similar thing occurs:
EDBeta
SuperBeta
Betamax

Scott

[daave]

@Cornucopia,

Ah, so Digibeta supercedes BetacamSX... I thought it was the other way around. Thanks for the info.