HDCAM software codec

[hanfrunz]

Hello everyone and a happy new year!

does anybody know if there is a software-HDCAM decoder, that can decode the datastream of the SDTI-Output of a HDCAM-VTR? The SDTI-Interface acts like a normal SDI-Interface, so you can record the signal for example with a normal decklink-SDI(SD) card.

In SMPTE 367M and 369M you find a very precise description of the D-11 (HDCAM) format and compression and the way it is transported in the SDTI-stream. (google for "s367m")

Another question is, if it is alowed do develop a decoder, or do you have to pay some lincense? I hope it is allowed (there are free DV-decoders out there...).

The HDCAM-codec is very similar to DV, JPEG, etc.

any ideas?

hanfrunz

[CQ]

Isn't it MPEG2 with Dolby sound? I have a sample of it (an Sony CAM) and its easily opened with VDubMod (or avisynth's mpeg2 decoders). Your camera have a HDCAM compresion like DV or what? Check again, maybe is MPEG2 :p .

[TEB]

AFAIK HDCAM is a DV 50Mbit/s codec in 4:2:2 mode.

[CQ]

http://www.vasst.com/HDV/media/surfer_walk_gamma.m2t

And you'll see the transport stream method used too :) .

[communist]

Originally posted by TEB
AFAIK HDCAM is a DV 50Mbit/s codec in 4:2:2 mode.
Its certainly not DV 50Mbit / 4:2:2 cause that would be the equivalent to Sony's DigiBeta or JVC'S Digital-S (D9) / Panasonics DVCPRO50.
HDCAM's bitrate is 100 (or more) Mbit and it allows for HD resolutions.
Maybe its similar to Panasonics DVCPRO HD which works at 100Mbit?
:confused:
I'm sure its not MPEG2 - hope you're not confusing it with the consumer HDV codec ;)

[SeeMoreDigital]

I've had good success using "VLC Media Player" to view high-def Mpeg2 (.m2t), shot using Sony's HDV FX1 camcorder.

But, depending on whether the source is PAL or NTSC, you may have to visit the players "Video" tab and adjust the "De-interlace" settings - while playing/pausing the clip!


Cheers

[TEB]

communist.. ure right, i was tired :) DVCAM is a 4:2:2 DVcodec, HDCAM is a 100Mb/s 4:2:2 DVcodec (iframe only=DV).. The HDV Format is basically (AFAIK) a Highprofile mpeg2 transport stream.. (maybe i-frame only? )

[SeeMoreDigital]

For all those interested, I created a post about HDV camcoders a while back....

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=84722

EDIT: I forgot to mention. It looks like HDV camcorders do encode Mpeg2 streams with B-frames, as well as I and P-frames: -

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/2258/sonyhdvsources8bl.gif


Cheers

[communist]

Originally posted by TEB
communist.. ure right, i was tired :) DVCAM is a 4:2:2 DVcodec, HDCAM is a 100Mb/s 4:2:2 DVcodec (iframe only=DV).. The HDV Format is basically (AFAIK) a Highprofile mpeg2 transport stream.. (maybe i-frame only? )
Not quite right yet. DVCAM is just DV with a one or two modifications to the cassettes / transport speed and tape. The picture quality (besides drop-outs) is 100% same as 'normal' DV. It uses I-frames only is 4:2:0 for PAL and 4:1:1 for NTSC and runs @25Mbit/s.
Also HDV isnt I-frame only - that would make it 'too useful' ;)

[SeeMoreDigital]

By the way, if any of you require NTSC samples, look here: -

http://www.vasst.com/HDV/FX-1_images-Surfers.htm

And for PAL, look here: -

http://www.vasst.com/HDV/FX-1_images.htm


Cheers

[hanfrunz]

Hello again,

i think you misunderstood me... i do not mean HDV which is a consumer format. I mean the professional broadcast format from Sony (see http://www.cinealta.com )
It records 1920x1080 with 3:1:1 (yes, luma is only 1440x1080...! )subsampling uses i-frame-only compression using DCT and VLE techniques)

hanfrunz

[CQ]

Cool hardware :cool: !