Panasonic launches '09 line of professional media and broadcast recording equipment

Also included in this launch are new support equipment and free software update which will allow users to down-convert content to fit older media.

Recording Equipment
AG-HPX300 P2 HD

The world's first affordable professional camcorder with 10-bit, 4:2:2, individual frame recording and native 2.2 megapixel imagers. Incorporating an innovative, low profile shoulder mounted design, the 1/3" AG-HPX300 P2 HD camcorder offers the flexibility of interchangeable lens but comes standard with a 17x HD Fujinon lens.

The AG-HPX300 imager incorporates advanced 1/3" 2.2-megapixel 3-MOS technology to acquire full native resolution HD images. With a redesigned optical block and a high-precision prism bonding technology, these advanced 3-MOS imagers provide exceptional image quality while minimizing any flare and chromatic aberration. A new 20-bit digital signal processor (DSP) also enhances the HPX300's image performance. The solid-state 1/3" HPX300 offers the security of a five-year warranty program (1 year + 4 additional years with registration), ultimate quality and flexibility in an affordable, full-size HD camcorder.

AG-HPG20 P2

New to Panasonic's media line is the solid-state AG-HPG20 P2 Portable recorder/player with AVC-Intra capability. The AG-HPG20 P2 offers greater P2 workflow flexibility, a bridge to higher recording quality or tapeless workflow for older HD-SDI equipped cameras, and a solution to a multitude of other high quality recording challenges - the HPG20 dramatically reduces the cost for these capabilities.

With AVC-Intra, DVCPRO HD/50/25 and DV compatibility, the HPG20 P2 Portable is a 10-bit, 4:2:2 master-quality deck for fast, file-based recording and with removable solid state cards, offers recording times that exceed those of tape or optical disc based products.

AJ-PCD35 - Memory Drive

A new five-slot P2 solid-state memory drive with a PCI Express (PCIe) interface. Joining Panasonic's growing line of advanced P2 workflow tools, the PCD35 can increase transfer speed of P2 content max.1.0Gps or higher to desktop computer systems.

An essential workflow tool for file-based P2 production, the PCD35 P2 memory card drive provides professionals with a faster, more convenient file transfer workflow with the latest generation of computers equipped with a PCIe bus. It can transfer data from up to five P2 cards simultaneously, making content immediately available to nonlinear editing systems and servers.

AG-HMR10

In its range, Panasonic has expanded its Professional AVCCAM line of professional solid state high definition products, with the introductions of the AG-HMR10 handheld, battery-operated field recorder/player and the AG-HCK10 compact, multi-purpose camera head.

Offering the unbeatable combination of high quality, low cost and extreme mobility, the new AVCCAM recorder and camera utilise advanced compression (MPEG-4/AVC High-Profile) and are ideal for applications in video production, sports coaching, healthcare, law enforcement, remote operation/ surveillance, and much more. Equipped with an HD-SDI input and output, the HMR10 recorder is also suitable for back-up recording from any HD-SDI-enabled camera, or for use in studio and event production.

Support Equipment & Software
AJ-HRW10 P2 - Data Writer

The AJ-HRW10 P2 Rapid Writer, a portable workflow tool that dramatically simplifies access to P2 content and incorporates the in-demand feature of RAID 1 mirroring support.

With slots for two 3.5-inch removable hard disk drives (HDDs), the P2 Rapid Writer can automatically transfer data from up to five P2 cards and, with the touch of a button, copy material simultaneously to two separate RAID drives, putting this critical back-up function well within the grasp of even the least technical members of a production team.

AJ-CVF100G - Viewfinder

A new colour viewfinder, the AJ-CVF100G, for premium quality P2 HD and DVCPRO HD solid-state and tape-based production cameras. Incorporating LCOS display technology, and groundbreaking features like a built-in heater for operation in low temperatures, the AJ-CVF100G far exceeds the performance of competitive models.

The CVF100G is designed for operation with Panasonic's P2 VariCam series (AJ-HPX3700 and
AJ-HPX2700), the AJ-HPX3000 and AJ-HPX2000 P2 HD camcorders, and the AJ-HDC27H VariCam and AJ-HDX900 DVCPRO HD camcorder.

BT-LH2550 LCD Multi Format HD Production Monitor

With a full 1920 x 1200-pixel In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel, the 25.5" LCD production monitor features an expanded colour gamut, exceeding the NTSC standard, to ensure vivid, true-to-life colour for critical monitoring at a cost far less than premium-priced reference monitors.

The LH2550 offers six colour space settings - SMPTE, EBU, ITU-R BT.709, Adobe 2.2, Adobe 1.8 and D-Cinema - to expand the range of colours that can be viewed onscreen for high-end applications ranging from broadcast and print to digital graphics and postproduction. The monitor's image processing engine has a three-dimensional look-up table (LUT) that calibrates it to reproduce content according to the specific colour standard selected. With its advanced IPS panel, 1920 x 1200 resolution and 10-bit processing circuit, the LH2550 produces ultra-faithful colour and exceptionally clear detail in any video format. Its high contrast and brightness, excellent motion response and wide 178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles make it the cost-effective choice versus more expensive reference monitors.

BT-LH1710 LCD Multi Format HD/SD Production Monitor

Building on its predecessor, the BT-LH1700W, the next-generation LH1710 offers enhanced image performance, excellent motion response and adds a wider range of production tools for advanced HD monitoring at an affordable cost.

With a new 1280 x 768 In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel, the LH1710 incorporates the latest panel and image processing technology to deliver higher contrast, improved black level performance and more functionality. The monitor utilizes a newly-designed 10-bit image processing circuit that reproduces colour with increased accuracy and detail and has a 3D look-up table (LUT) that calibrates the panel to reproduce accurate images according to the specific colour standard selected.

Software Update

An update of its free AVCHD transcoder that will allow users to down convert AVCHD content recorded by AVCCAM camcorders into DV files, in addition to DVCPRO HD.
Available at www.panasonic.com/avccam, the AVCHD Transcoder version 2.1 will provide AVCCAM users with even more flexibility for work across HD and SD workflow environments.

With the free AVCHD Transcoder version 2.1 update, AVCCAM users can now edit AVCHD clips on non-linear editors that support both P2-DVCPRO HD and standard definition DV-AVI. The software update will transcode the following AVCCAM formats to DV: 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 1080p/29.97, 1080p/25, 1080p/23.98. Cross-conversion is not available. The software continues to offer transcoding from AVCHD to DVCPRO HD in both 1080 and 720 formats.