The PDW-D1 is an XDCAM Drive Unit specifically designed for use in non-linear editing systems. The drive unit supports the i.LINK interface supporting DV IN/OUT (AV/C) and File Access Mode (FAM) protocols, allowing connection with a variety of non-linear editing systems. It features MPEG IMX/DVCAM switchable recording.

The approximate recording times for the XDCAM disc are as follows: 85 minutes of 25 Mbps DVCAM, 68 minutes of 30 Mbps MPEG IMX, 55 minutes of 40 Mbps MPEG IMX, and 45 minutes of 50 Mbps MPEG IMX. Also, proxy AV and a variety of metadata can be created and stored on the disc. Through i.LINK (AV/C), the PDW-D1 supports real time conversion of MPEG IMX recorded material to DVCAM which is subsequently output as a DVCAM stream over i-LINK. This enables a customer to acquire in the highest picture quality and use their existing DV editing infrastructure. Through the i.LINK (FAM) interface, the PDW-D1 appears as a removable storage device and enables an application to access the files directly off the disc.

The PDW-D1's highly compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for many different work environments like a busy journalist's desktop as well as other awkward workspaces in the field. The Sony XDCAM series of professional disc products have a 7-year warranty for the laser block. This warranty is unprecedented for Sony and demonstrates the confidence Sony has in its XDCAM products.