The MPEG IMX format by Sony is a new higher quality format for professional and broadcast users and is the digital replacement for the Betacam SP format.

The new IMX format offers higher quality at 50 Mbps and 4:2:2 than the Betacam SX format at 18 Mbps and DVCAM at 25 Mbps and 4:1:1. Color bandwidth in DV-based formats at 25Mbps capture less color chroma information than the IMX format at 4:2:2. This information, once lost, can never be restored. The increase to 50 Mbps and 4:2:2 provide crisper true to life color quality. The IMX format has better low light capabilities and improved sound to noise ratio than the Betacam SP format. Increases the number of active scanning lines from 480 to 512 along with the other technical features provide sharper picture detail and texture accompany the crisp colors.

The IMX line also offers exciting new features in the MSW-900 camera, MSW-2000 recorders, and the new e-VTR. The MSW-900 has a memory stick slot for saving camera preferences and customized settings. The MSW-2000 line of recorders playback all Betacam formats and has up-converter boards for HD or content sharing (e-VTR). The e-VTR allows for easy content monitoring, control, and network sharing. Check back with the newsletter as we take the next several issues to explore these new products and their unique features.

If you would like more information or would like to talk with a salesperson please contact the office nearest you or email sales@vmivideo.com with your request (please include the article name, and your contact information).