Description
The Sony BVU-870 is a BVU-series U-matic VTR that represents one of Sony's final major revisions to the U-matic format, introducing the SP (Superior Performance) recording system alongside Dynamic Tracking technology. This page documents the PAL version (BVU-870P). An NTSC version (BVU-870, without the P suffix) was also produced for the North American market.
The BVU-870's Dynamic Tracking provides broadcast-quality, noise-free pictures from -1x to +3x normal speed, making it valuable for slow-motion and variable-speed playback in editing and broadcast applications. When coupled with an optional time base corrector, it delivers outstanding broadcast-quality output. The unit incorporates SP circuits, Dolby C noise reduction with automatic detection on playback, and a redesigned audio head block for excellent video and audio performance. First-generation U-matic SP recordings were considered comparable in quality to early Betacam SP, though the format was ultimately superseded by the smaller cassette format. The BVU-870 provides 300-line horizontal resolution in SP mode and 260 lines in conventional High Band mode. Audio signal-to-noise ratio reaches better than 52dB in SP mode without Dolby NR.
