Incorporating a compact and simple design, the HVR-M15U is well suited for desktop applications. With its included stand, the HVR-M15U can also stand vertically during normal operations. The HVR-M15U offers HDV 1080i, DVCAM and DV SP recording and playback capability for easy migration from standard to high definition production, as well as playback of HDV 720p pre-recorded tapes (analog output only). Compatible with mini-size DV cassettes, it is also compatible with standard-size cassettes that allow up to 276 minutes of HDV recording with compatible tapes. Additionally, the HVR-M15U also has a down-conversion function from HD to SD and is switchable between 60 and 50 Hz (NTSC/PAL) to provide full flexibility depending on production needs.
Incorporating a compact and simple design, the HVR-M15U is well suited for desktop applications. With its included stand, the HVR-M15U can also stand vertically during normal operations. The HVR-M15U offers HDV 1080i, DVCAM and DV SP recording and playback capability for easy migration from standard to high-definition production, as well as playback of HDV 720p pre-recorded tapes (analog output only). Compatible with mini-size DV cassettes, it is also compatible with standard-size cassettes that allow up to 276 minutes of HDV recording with compatible tapes. Additionally, the HVR-M15U has a down-conversion function from HD to SD and is switchable between 60 and 50 Hz (NTSC/PAL) to provide full flexibility depending on production needs.

HVR-M15U Highlights
Up to 276 minutes of HD on a single tape
While the HVR-Z1U and HVR-A1U camcorders support Mini cassettes only, these studio decks also support Standard cassettes, for extended record/playback time. Using a single Sony PHDV-276DM DigitalMaster cassette, you can record up to 276 minutes of record/playback time in HDV and DV mode, 184 minutes in DVCAM mode.
SMPTE time code and external time code copy
As true professional decks, the HVR-M25U and HVR-M15U both offer SMPTE time code to identify each hour, minute, second and frame. Both decks can also copy external time code thanks to the HDV/DV in TC. The HVR-M25U goes further with the Duplicate Plus dubbing function, which carries audio, video, time code and user bits over the i.LINK IEEE 1394 interface. Duplicate Plus enables you to copy an HDV, DV or DVCAM work tape with the original time code intact by activating the Duplicate Plus function on the recorder.
Point of information display
You can also use the HVR-M25U and HVR-M15U as high definition players at retail, tradeshows and other points of information. The HVR-M15U offers a playback repeat function, while the HVR-M25U adds programmable Custom Repeat and an HDMI output for consumer high definition televisions.
HDV/DVCAM/DV compatible
The HVR-M15U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM and DV recording and play back, providing full flexibility to record and play back either Standard or High Definition depending on production needs.
Dual-size cassette mechanism
This innovative feature allows six different types of cassette tapes to be used without the cumbersome process associated with additional mechanical hardware. It allows for HDV long-time recording for up to 276 minutes with a PHDV-276DM, Digital Master Tape.
Down-conversion capabilities
Allows for the easy migration to HD, and the backward compatibility to SD.
HDV/DV IN TC
Useful when dubbing tapes or recording to tapes with material edited by nonlinear editing systems.
Color bar/1KHz audio tone
The HVR-M15 is equipped with a signal generator for three types of color bars that is activated from the set-up menu. In addition, the recorder is also equipped with an audio signal generator of 1 kHz (60i: full bit -20 dB, 50i: full bit -18 dB). These are useful when checking system conditions.
60/50Hz (NTSC/PAL) switchable
Worldwide compatibility.
HVR-M15U exclusive features

Vertical or horizontal operation saves precious desktop real estate
Audio recording level -6/0/+6 dB settings and Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
Common features of the HVR-M15U/HVR-M25U decks

HDV 1080i record/playback for superb high definition imagery
Playback of HDV 720p30 recorded material via analog component outputs for broad compatibility
DVCAM and DV record/playback integrates with SD infrastructure, SD tapes
Downconversion of HDV 1080i recordings to SD via the i.LINK IEEE 1394 interface
Conversion from 1080i to 720p via analog component outputs and (in the HVR-M25U only) HDMI output
Choice of edge crop, letterbox or squeeze in HD to SD downconversion
i.LINK IEEE 1394 input/output in HD and SD enables digital transfer of A/V
Analog component video output in HD and SD
S-Video and composite video input and output in SD
Audio Dubbing in SD and HD for flexible postproduction
SMPTE time code with reset
HDV/DV IN time code copies external time code
Auto repeat