Description
The Sony BVU-800 is a High Band U-matic editing VTR produced from approximately 1982 to 1989. This page documents the PAL version (BVU-800P). An NTSC version (BVU-800, without the P suffix) was produced for the North American market with identical features adapted for the EIA/NTSC standard. A SECAM variant (BVU-800PS) was also available.
The BVU-800 features both 9-pin RS-422 and 36-pin parallel remote interfaces for integration into professional editing systems. The four-head helical scan transport provides 370-line colour and 260-line monochrome horizontal resolution with a signal-to-noise ratio better than 46dB. When coupled with an external time base corrector, the BVU-800 delivers broadcast-quality pictures. The unit provides comprehensive editing capabilities including assemble and insert editing on video and audio channels, with auto edit, manual edit, preview, review, preroll, and trim functions. Audio is enhanced by Sendhurst heads and Dolby C noise reduction, with balanced XLR line inputs and outputs at +4dB/+4dBm. The jog/shuttle transport provides variable-speed search from still to 10x normal speed in both directions. The unit weighs approximately 37 kg and can be configured for tabletop or 19" rack-mount operation.
