News

Panasonic Introduces AVCHD as Professional Industry Replacement for the Mini-DV Format (27/4/2007)

Panasonic PBITS today announced the inclusion of a new compression scheme in the company's line up of professional products. The highly efficient AVCHD, based on the H.264 compression scheme, will serve as the de facto replacement for the mini-DV format, and Panasonic PBITS will support the professional production industry by introducing a range of solid-state products that take full advantage of this remarkable format.

AVCHD offers twice the efficiency of HDV MPEG-2 compression, allowing the operator to capture true HD-quality pictures more efficiently, at lower bit rates. The numbers are compelling: Using AVCHD, camera operators can record 88 minutes of 1080i HD-quality video in the 6-Mbps mode on a 4-Gb SDHC card. Because this technology is based on consumer SD cards, media costs also are reduced dramatically. The format's support for IT-based workflows virtually eliminates post-production transfer times, and the attractive price range for HD equipment costs puts these advances in speed and productivity within the reach of all professionals.

"With the success of its popular P2 solid-state storage, which relies on DVCPRO and soon will support AVC-Intra, Panasonic has been a leader in facilitating true IT production workflows for the professional market," said Marc Irwin, European communication and e-marketing manager at Panasonic PBITS. "Now with the inclusion of AVCHD-based products, the company addresses an increasingly important area in worldwide production - the markets previously served by mini-DV and ranging from the production of wedding videography right up to professional broadcast in all genres. With lower costs and much improved output, AVCHD represents the logical successor to mini-DV."

The first product in the Panasonic professional AVCHD range is the AG-HSC1U AVCHD handheld 3-CCD camcorder. The AG-HSC1U is based on a consumer unit but enhanced with key improvements that differentiate it from the unit available on the general market. The most important of these improvements is the camera's colour matrix settings, which are positioned to create a truer broadcast colour range. The camera also features an advanced Leica Dicomar optical lens system, optical image stabilization, and the world's first 5.1 channel surround sound system (with zoom mic functionality) packaged in a camera.

The AG-HSC1U delivers stunning 1080i video quality using the AVCHD format and, with no moving parts, provides reliable and noiseless operation. The camera is capable of recording at three quality levels, capturing up to 88 minutes - or 41 minutes in the highest-quality mode - to a high-speed 4-Gb SDHC memory card. The camera weighs 1.1 pounds (0.5 kilograms) and comes packaged with a 4-Gb SDHC card and a battery-operated 40-Gb storage unit which can hold the contents of 10 4-Gb cards during field use. The AG HSC1U's first-rate performance and appealing price point makes it easy for professionals to test AVCHD in the field and enjoy the amazing quality possible with this palm-held unit.

Panasonic will be announcing additional product releases in the AVCHD professional range, continuing to offer real IT, real HD, and real flexibility.

www.panasonic-broadcast.com

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