Betacam (SP, SX, Oxide, Digital…)

You have a Betacam (SP, SX, Oxide, Digital…)

Betacam is a family of ½ inch video cassettes that Sony developed from 1982 onwards, which was mainly used professionally. Betacam tapes occur in an analogue as well as in a digital variety.

Discover the Betacams

Betacam

Do you see the word ‘Betacam’ in the top right corner, possibly accompanied by the Greek letter ‘β’? Then you have a classic Betacam cassette in your hands. This is the first version of the series that was released in 1982.

Betacam vs Betamax

Betacam and Betamax cassettes are similar. But make no mistake: there is definitely a difference. The latter only has the Greek letter ‘β’ at the right side without the word ‘Betacam’. Also, the playing time and the image and audio quality differ.

Betacam SP

Betacam SP cassettes saw the light of day in 1986. The indication ‘SP’ is short for ‘Superior Performance’. The quality is remarkably better than the original Betacam cassettes. The cassette has a playing time of 30, 60 or 90 minutes. The corresponding box is often made from a black, blue or grey hard plastic.

Digital Betacam

Eleven years after the launch of the original Betacam cassettes, they came up with something new: the Digital Betacam. That is a grey, blue or blue grey analogue cassette with a digital recording signal. Many broadcasters use this carrier. Other names for Digital Betacam are: Digibeta, D-Beta and DBC.

Betacam SX

The Betacam SX or Beta SC is easily recognisable by its yellow colour and the logo on the top right. Since 1966, the professional broadcasting sector used these cassettes for digital recordings. Sony, Fuji and Maxell are the most popular brands.

Would you like some more explanation about the Betacam cassettes? Read all details on:

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