Disc-based recorders are starting to replace tape-based recorders.

Disc-Based Recorders

In the digital world, videotape recorders have two major problems. First, when tape is downloaded into a computer for editing, it must be done in real time. That means if you have an hour of video, it will take an hour to digitize it into the computer. The second problem is that videotape machines tend to break down and require quite a bit of maintenance.

To deal with these problems, manufacturers have started to introduce disc-based recorders. Some of these machines are designed to be installed in a studio, and others are part of self-contained camcorders. Some of the machines use magnetic discs similar to the hard drives in your computer. Others use discs similar to recordable DVDs. Some of the discs are permanently mounted, and others are removable. Whatever the method used, these machines offer two big advantages over videotape machines. First, they are much more reliable. Second, they interface with computers better. The removable discs can be popped into a player in the computer and be used much like a DVD. The nonremovable disc units can be plugged into a computer port, and the computer will recognize and use it just like it was another hard drive. In either case the need to download material in real time is eliminated.

At the time of this writing these machines are still relatively new. Expect them to become more and more common as time goes on.

Both studio machines and field camcorders can be disc recorders.