Sony BVU-850

Sony BVU-850

AV device › VTR

Overview

Brand

Sony

Model

BVU-850

Type

VTR

Format family

U-matic

AV system

PAL

ECID

EC3781

Format Compatibility

Plays

U-matic, U-matic SP

Records

U-matic, U-matic SP

Inputs

Rear

External Sync
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

2.5V (2.0-5.0Vp-p); with loop-through (without BKU-903)

Mic
1×Analog mono (RCA (connector), Mono audio)

-60dB, 3kΩ

Subcarrier In
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

2Vp-p ±1V, 75Ω

Dubbing In
1×Y/C DUB color-under (Hirose 7-pin DUB)

Y: 0.5Vp-p sync negative 75Ω; C: 0.5Vp-p 75Ω

Line Audio CH-1/CH-2
2×Analog mono (XLR, Mono audio)

+4dB, low impedance, balanced

Time Code In
1×Analog mono (BNC)

0dB ±6dB, 10kΩ

Video In
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

Outputs

Rear

Video Out
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

RF Off-Tape
1×RF (BNC)

0.5Vp-p ±0.1V, 75Ω

Dubbing Out
1×Y/C DUB color-under (Hirose 7-pin DUB)

Y: 0.5Vp-p sync negative 75Ω; C: 0.5Vp-p 75Ω

Monitor Audio
1×Analog mono (XLR)

+4dB at 600Ω, balanced

Line Audio CH-1/CH-2
2×Analog mono (XLR)

+4dBm at 600Ω, balanced

Time Code Out
1×Analog mono (BNC)

0dB ±3dB, low impedance

Front

Headphones
1×Analog stereo (6.35mm TRS)

8Ω, adjustable level (-26dB to -46dB)

Features

SP (Superior Performance) technology, four-head helical scan with Dynamic Tracking heads, 300-line resolution (SP mode), Dolby C auto-detect noise reduction, assemble and insert editing, jog/shuttle transport (up to 10x), 9-pin RS-422 remote, dubbing input/output (7-pin Hirose), subcarrier input, external sync with loop-through, time code input/output, RF off-tape output, rack-mountable

Power

Voltage

220–240V 100–120V

AC frequency

50Hz, 60Hz

Power

180W

Accessories

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Parts

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Archival Links

Database

PALsite U-matic Archive

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Description

The Sony BVU-850 is the first of the Broadcast Video Unit (BVU) series to incorporate Sony's Superior Performance (SP) technology. This page documents the PAL version (BVU-850P). An NTSC version (BVU-850, without the P suffix) was also produced for the North American market.

The BVU-850 offers higher picture quality and dubbing capability alongside Dolby C noise reduction with automatic detection on playback, and a redesigned audio head block with Sendhurst heads. It features Dynamic Tracking (DT) heads, enabling noise-free slow-motion and variable-speed playback. Many SP benefits are only obtained when recording and playing back in SP mode using Sony's KSP series tapes, though the BVU-850 is also compatible with conventional High Band and Lo Band cassettes. The unit provides 300-line horizontal resolution in SP mode and 260 lines in conventional mode. Video signal-to-noise ratio reaches better than 46dB colour in SP mode. Audio performance achieves better than 52dB signal-to-noise ratio in SP mode without Dolby NR. The BVU-850 was designed as a companion to Betacam in the studio environment, extending the application range of High Band U-matic equipment.