DVCPro
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Format name: DVCPro (aka D7)
Analog or digital: Digital
Date Introduced: 1995
Dates in use: 1995 to present
Tape width: 1/4"
Cassette dimensions: Large cassettes measure 4 7/8" x 3" x 9/16". They are used in editing decks and will record up to 126 minutes in length. Medium cassettes measure 3 13/16" x 2 1/2" x 9/16", and are used in cameras to record up to 66 minutes in length. Note: Medium cassette pictured.
Tape container: Tape containers are hard plastic snap-closure boxes. Large cassette cases are 5 1/4" x 3 5/16" x 3/4". Medium cassette cases are 4 1/8" x 2 3/4" x 3/4".
Tape variations and/or identifying features: Cassettes are generally dark gray with a yellow anti-static cover (Panasonic) or black with a yellow anti-static cover (Maxell) or black with a red anti-static cover (Fuji). DVCPro logo is in the upper right-hand corner, and tape length is generally listed on left. Panasonic cassettes also designate large cassettes with the letter 'L' after tape length (i.e. 126L).
Common manufacturers/brands: Panasonic, Maxell, Fuji.
Tape players/recorders: DVCPro is a relatively new format, so decks are in use, are still being produced and marketed, and are readily available.
Primary usage: The DVCPro format was developed by Panasonic for industrial, educational, and professional markets. It is used for electronic news gathering, cable television, and other field production, including independent production. One of the first small digital formats, it was initially popular, but more recently has lost ground to other DV products.
Risks: The DVCPro format uses the same tape width and compression rate as DVCAM, but the cassette housing is different, and it is not fully compatible with other digital video (DV) products. DVCPro decks will play MiniDV and DVCAM tapes; however, few DVCAM decks will play DVCPro tapes. Considering these "format wars," the future of DVCPro is unknown. In terms of physical characteristics, digital tape has the same issues with deterioration as analog tape, and the size and durability of DVCPro is a concern. However, DVCPro is a higher quality product than older mini formats, such as Hi8. See Risks.
Condition assessment: Most DVCPro tapes can be played back for examination of picture and sound quality. See Condition Assessment.
Conservation actions: DVCPro is not an archival video format, but given the age of the media, re-mastering may not be an immediate need in the context of an institution's overall media preservation plans. See Conservation Actions.
