Sony BVU-950

Sony BVU-950

AV device › VTR

Overview

Brand

Sony

Model

BVU-950

Type

VTR

Format family

U-matic

AV system

PAL

ECID

EC3785

Format Compatibility

Plays

U-matic, U-matic SP

Records

U-matic, U-matic SP

Inputs

Rear

Time Code In
1×Analog mono (BNC)

0dB ±6dB, 10kΩ

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

-60dB, 3kΩ

Reference Video In
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

1.0Vp-p ±0.2V (VBS), 75Ω; with loop-through (without BKU-903)

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

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

Video In
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

External Sync
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

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

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

+4dB, 10k/600Ω, balanced

Outputs

Rear

Dubbing Out
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)

+4dBm at 600Ω, balanced

Monitor Audio
1×Analog mono (XLR)

+4dB at 600Ω, balanced

RF Off-Tape
1×RF (BNC)

0.5Vp-p ±0.1V, 75Ω

Time Code Out
1×Analog mono (BNC)

0dB ±3dB, low impedance

Video Out
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

Reference Video Out
1×Composite (CVBS) (BNC)

1.0Vp-p ±0.2V (VBS), 75Ω; with BKU-903

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 PAL mode), plug-in wide window TBC option (BKU-903), plug-in digital noise reducer option (BKU-902), time code generator/reader option (BKU-905) with built-in character generator, Dolby C noise reduction with auto-detection, search dial for time code/diagnostics/VTR functions, jog/shuttle transport (still to 10x), assemble and insert editing, 9-pin RS-422 remote, dubbing input/output (7-pin Hirose), reference video input with loop-through, external sync with loop-through, rack-mountable, dual reel motors

Power

Voltage

90–264V

AC frequency

50Hz, 60Hz

Power

160W

Accessories

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Parts

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Archival Links

Database

PALsite U-matic Archive

Documents

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Description

The Sony BVU-950 is the pinnacle of Sony's broadcast U-matic line, an SP editing VTR that pioneered several features which later became standard on the Betacam format. This page documents the PAL version (BVU-950P). An NTSC version (BVU-950, without the P suffix) was also produced, featuring 340-line horizontal resolution in SP mode compared to the PAL version's 300 lines.

The BVU-950 incorporates SP technology for higher picture quality and dubbing capability while remaining compatible with earlier High Band and Lo Band U-matics, with automatic system and Dolby in/out detection when using Sony KSP series tapes. It supports plug-in options including the BKU-903 wide window time base corrector (with optional BKU-901A variant), the BKU-902 digital noise reducer (which can improve S/N ratio by up to 6dB), and the BKU-905 time code generator/reader with built-in character generator for on-screen display. It was one of the first VTRs to use a search dial for setting and displaying time code, diagnostics, preroll, and operational data. The unit features Dynamic Tracking heads and dual reel motors for improved tape tension and speed control. Video signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 46dB (SP colour), and audio performance is enhanced by Sendhurst heads and Dolby C noise reduction achieving 72dB S/N (CCIR/ARM, RMS) in SP mode. The BVU-950 weighs approximately 28 kg and measures 424 × 237 × 552 mm.