i need to get one for archiving
tascam's faq:
Frequently Asked Questions about the DV-RA1000 • Updated March 23, 2005
Q: What is DSD?
A: Direct Stream Digital is a digital format devised by Sony for the Super Audio CD player. It plays audio at 2.822MHz, or 64 times the rate of a traditional 44.1KHz CD. It is a 1-bit signal, unlike the 16-bit signal of a CD. Many audiophiles agree that DSD has the best sound quality of any digital format, and better than any analog format as well.
Q: Does the DV-RA1000 record Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio discs?
A: No. It records audio files that are ideal for mastering to DVD-Audio (DVD-A) or Super Audio CD (SACD). However, discs recorded in the DV-RA1000 cannot be played in a SACD or DVD-A player.
Q: Does it play SACD or DVD-A discs?
A: No, it will play DV-RA1000 discs or CDs.
Q: Can I record and play back CDs?
A: Yes, the DV-RA1000 records standard CDs.
Q: Does it record DVD Video files that I can play in a DVD player?
A: No, there is no video on the unit and DV-RA1000 discs can't be played in a DVD player.
Q: What can I do with the discs?
A: The discs can be played in any computer with a DVD-ROM drive capable of playing DVD+RW discs. It creates UDF discs, a standard format read by virtually all computer platforms, including Mac, Windows and Linux. The files recorded are Broadcast Wave (.WAV) or DSDIFF (.DFF) files.
Q: What discs can I use?
A: TASCAM currently recommends DVD+RW media by Ricoh, Philips, Maxell, TDK or Sony, 4.7GB, up to 4x speed.
Q: Do I have to do anything to the discs before recording?
A: Discs have to be formatted before recording on them. The DV-RA1000 formats discs in the background: you'll notice the "CLOSE" indicator flashing in the display while this is happening. You can record or eject a disc before it is completely formatted, but to avoid problems TASCAM recommends waiting for a new disc to be completely formatted (about 30 minutes) before recording.
Q: How long can I record to DVD+RW?
A: The recording times are:
* 44.1kHz/24-bit (290 min.)
* 48kHz/24-bit (267 min.)
* 88.2kHz/24-bit (144 min.)
* 96kHz/24-bit (133 min.)
* 176.4kHz/24-bit (72 min.)
* 192kHz/24-bit (66 min.)
* DSD (2.8224MHz/1-bit, 109 min.)
Q: Can I record at higher sample rates than 44.1k/16-bit to CD?
A: No, recording to CD is only possible at "Red Book" audio CD resolution. The CD you record can be played in any CD player.
Q: How big is the hard drive?
A: There is no hard drive, the DV-RA1000 records directly to DVD or CD.
Q; Does the DV-RA1000 record and play back true Direct Stream Digital, or is it converted from PCM?
A: TASCAM worked with Sony to create a true DSD recorder. The A/D and D/A converters output true DSD resolution in addition to PCM signals. The A/D is a Burr Brown PCM1804, and the D/A is a DSD1792.
Q: What is the control port?
A: This is an RS-232C-compatible jack that can be connected to systems like Crestron¨ and AMX¨. Programming codes to control the recorder will be posted to tascamcontractor.com.
Q: What is a DSDIFF file?
A: A DSDIFF file is the standard file used for DSD recording. It can be read by DSD computer systems, such as Sony Sonoma¨, Philips SA-CD Creator and Sadie¨.
Q: What is an SDIF-3 jack?
A: This is used for digital connection to DSD computer systems or converters.
Q: How is 192kHz/24-bit audio sent digitally?
A: The AES/EBU connectors are capable of dual-speed/double-wire operation.
Q: How does the DV-RA1000 handle editing and DSP if it records directly to a disc?
A: You can edit, trim and process audio using a DVD+RW disc. If necessary, the audio is re-written to the disc.
Q: Can I edit all formats of audio?
A: No, you can only edit and process audio up to 96kHz. 192kHz and DSD audio can not be processed.
Q: I see "Read Error -61" on the display.
A: When you insert a disc, select a new project or even a new track, you'll notice the DISC light flashing as the RAM buffer fills up. Wait until the DISC light stops flashing before pressing PLAY to avoid disc read errors.
