Professional Film and TV News

AW-HE50, COMPACT HD/SD INTEGRATED PAN/TILT/ZOOM CAMERA NEW MULTI-FORMAT HD/SD DIGITAL A/V MIXER (3D CAPABLE) - AG-HMX100 NEW PORTABLE P2 MEDIA STORAGE UNIT FOR FAST, RELIABLE BACK-UP OF P2 CONTENT - AG-MSU10 NEW LOW COST SINGLE-SLOT P2 CARD DRIVE - AJ-PCD2 NEW PROFESSIONAL 25.5" 3D PRODUCTION MONITOR - BT-3DL2550 WORLD'S FIRST INTEGRATED FULL HD 3D CAMCORDER - AG-3DA1

AW-HE50, COMPACT HD/SD INTEGRATED PAN/TILT/ZOOM CAMERA

* Full HD Quality Camera System Includes IP Control Capabilities *

(March 19, 2010) – Panasonic introduces a new multi-format HD/SD camera with integrated pan-tilt-zoom mechanism, the AW-HE50. The camera will be available in two versions, the AW-HE50H with an HDMI output and AW-HE50S with an HD/SD-SDI output and genlock.

The HE50 will be a key component in the company’s first complete Internet Protocol (IP) and Serial-control capable system. Up to 100 HE50 located in remote locations can be operated by a new remote camera controller, the AW-RP50. To facilitate a virtually unlimited range of applications, the camera will also be controllable via RS-422 serial control by Panasonic AW series controllers, computers, and control systems from other manufacturers.

The all-in-one HE50 combines outstanding image quality, super smooth pan/tilt/zoom operation and easy integration for superior high-definition and SD production and communications. The camera has a full HD MOS sensor (effective resolution 1920 x1080), producing realistic video in a wide range of lighting conditions and environments. The HE50 supports 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 480/59.94i and 576/50i. In addition to control via IP, Panasonic AW-series RS422 control protocols are also supported.

The HE50H is ideal for such applications as HD videoconferencing and distance learning; the HE50S (with HD/SD-SDI and genlock) is a great choice for multi-camera systems and for demanding applications such as television and cable production, sports video, A/V and conference facilities, houses of worship, and professional staging applications.

The HE50 incorporates a high-quality 18x HD optical zoom lens, plus a 10x digital zoom. The HE50’s Hybrid Noise Reduction function reduces noise without image latency or loss of resolution by combining 3D and 2D noise reduction algorithms. The camera’s Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) enables multi-zone digital image processing over a wide dynamic range, for exceptional results in difficult shooting conditions. Highlight over-saturation and blocking in dark areas are reduced for more detailed imaging, through the application of real-time gamma and knee correction. A new “Flesh Tone” function enables accurate and pleasing reproduction of live subjects.

The HE50 incorporates a smooth and highly accurate pan-tilt head that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions. The unit provides a wide range of motion (+/- 175° pan; +90° to -30° tilt). These capabilities enable the capture of a wide range of slow and fast moving objects without visually distracting vibration or “bounce”. Moreover, the unit delivers quiet operation.

Other powerful standard features include three-step gamma correction, seven-step chroma level adjustment, up to 100 pre-set memories, electronic shutter (1/100 to 1/10,000 a sec) with synchro scan, tally light, and a ceiling mounting bracket.

The unit weighs just over four pounds, and its light body and a simple turn-lock mounting mechanism can significantly reduce installation cost and time. Since the HE50 supports both IP and AW-series RS-422 serial control, it is easily integrated with systems using Panasonic’s HD and SD convertible cameras, switchers, and controllers, and with many 3rd party control or automation systems. The HE50 can also easily be controlled via computer.

The AW-HE50 will be available mid 2010.« Back

NEW MULTI-FORMAT HD/SD DIGITAL A/V MIXER (3D CAPABLE) - AG-HMX100

* Low-Cost Mixer Offers High-Quality Switching Capabilities with
HD/SD-SDI Embedded Audio and 3D HD Support *

(February 10, 2010) – Panasonic introduces the new AG-HMX100, a low-cost HD/SD digital A/V mixer that incorporates a built-in multi-viewer display output and combines high-quality video switching and audio mixing features. It offers a very flexible use interface and supports SD, HD, and 3D HD formats. Highly affordable, the new AG-HMX100 is ideal for use by schools, hotels, government facilities, corporations, public access channels, event producers, and in mobile or portable applications.

The multi-format* HMX100 is an affordable, high-quality switcher/mixer designed to support multiple camera workflows, from production, to corporate A/V projects, to wedding and live events. This versatile production tool can even switch 3D HD video, making it the first affordable live switcher for use in 3D production.

The HMX100 offers an array of interfaces including four HD/SD-HDI inputs/outputs, two HDMI inputs and two analog composite inputs, allowing the HMX100 to connect directly to virtually any camcorder or other video source. Additional connections include a DVI-I input for computer use, two DVI-D outputs (PGM and Multi-Viewer), a microphone input, dual aux in and audio outputs, a headphone jack, as well as connections for genlock, GPI, RS-232C and tally output. In addition to the ability to mix embedded audio from HD/SD-SDI camcorders and other and sources, the HMX100 offers eight XLR and 2 RCA connectors for line level audio inputs, as well as embedded audio output and two channels of analog audio out.

The compact HMX100 features a 5.7-inch LCD display and an intuitive control panel that provides easy access to digital effects including basic pattern key, transition wipes, chroma and luminance keys, downstream keying (DSK), title key, time effects (still/strobe) and fades (in/out, video, audio). The unit also features preset/event memory buttons.

For added flexibility, the mixer has a Multi-Viewer function that allows users to display video sources, audio levels, and a waveform monitor, in multiple windows on a single monitor. When connected to a single display, the mixer can display preview out, audio level meters, program out, input audio level meters (digital input only), six sources of video inputs, one source of DVI-I input and a waveform monitor.

For use in A/V systems, the HMX100 connects easily with Panasonic projectors via DVI-D, HD-SDI and RS-232C connections to mix in various sources during a presentation, and can remotely control the projector’s power and shutter settings.

The HMX100 mixer will be available this July at a suggested list price of NZ$8,500 + gst.

* The unit cannot operate in a system with mixed HD and SD, 50Hz and 59.94Hz, or 1080i and 720p signals.

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NEW PORTABLE P2 MEDIA STORAGE UNIT FOR FAST, RELIABLE BACK-UP OF P2 CONTENT - AG-MSU10

*New Workflow Tool Eliminates Need for Computer or Large Appliance
To Offload P2 Footage in the Field *

(February 12, 2010) – Panasonic announces the AG-MSU10 P2 Media Storage Unit, a portable workflow tool that simplifies the process of backing-up or aggregating P2 content to a larger removable solid-state drive. Delivering fast, stable transfer of data, the compact P2 Media Storage Unit removes the need for computers or larger, more expensive appliances in the field and can quickly free up cards for additional shooting.

The MSU10 boasts a small form factor with two slots: one for a P2 card, and the second for the AG-MBX10 removable housing that encloses a standard 2.5” SATA solid-state drive (SSD). Equipped with USB 2.0 and eSATA connectors, the drive can be connected to PCs and Macs, including laptops.

“A highly portable device like the P2 Media Storage Unit becomes even more convenient with the inclusion of the removable MBX10,” said Steve Cooperman, Product Manager, P2 Systems. “The operator can quickly download P2 content, and then walk away with a featherweight SSD unit that can be powered by virtually any computer.”

The P2 Media Storage Unit features a 3.2” LCD screen and simple one-touch operation. It provides P2 thumbnail display and supports master-quality 10 bit AVC-Intra (100/50) and DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV recording formats. Content is transferred from a P2 card to the solid-state drive at four times real-time when recording in AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD. The MSU10 is battery-operated.

The AG-MSU10 will be available in October at a suggested list price of NZ$3,700 + gst. Widely-available SATA solid-state drives are not included but can purchased affordably from a variety of sources.

P2 HD all solid-state products offer high definition recording without the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 HD products provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs, longer useful product life, and immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize, ingest or create proxy video files) and metadata. P2 HD provides the reliability of solid-state production; the immediate connectivity to existing IT infrastructures; the speed, ease of use and portability of P2 cards; and the interoperability with leading NLE systems.

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NEW PROFESSIONAL 25.5" 3D PRODUCTION MONITOR - BT-3DL2550

Offers wide colour gamut, professional I/Os and displays 3D formats

(February 12, 2010) - In an expansion of its 3D production product offerings, Panasonic introduced the new BT-3DL2550, a 25.5-inch 3D LCD production monitor with full 1920 x 1200 resolution. The BT-3DL2550 provides 3D display with true-to-life color in a durable, production-tough LCD panel package.

The monitor displays 3D content using an Xpol®* polarizing filter, so content can be viewed with polarizing (passive) 3D eyeglasses. It switches from Left to Right image display, overlay, Left and Right two window display and 3D.

The BT-3DL2550 offers the same exceptional-quality color reproduction as Panasonic’s popular BT-LH2550 LCD production monitor. With an In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel and 10-bit processing circuit, the monitor delivers full 1920 x 1200 resolution with exceptionally clear detail and offers six color settings - SMPTE, EBU, ITU-R BT.709, Adobe 2.2, Adobe 1.8 and D-Cinema – for superior color range and a three-dimensional look-up table (LUT) for calibration. It supports 1080i, 1080p and 720p playback, and offers pixel-to-pixel function in 720p mode.

The BT-3DL2550 is equipped with two HD/SD-SDI inputs for simultaneous display of Left image, Right image and 3D signals. 3D signals can also be supported line-by-line or side-by-side using the monitor’s DVI-D input. Additional professional level inputs include two HD/SD-SDI inputs, component and RGB, as well as standard RS-232C (9-pin) and GPI (9-pin) remote inputs, headphone jack, green and red tally lamps on the front panel. It also has an embedded audio decoder on board (through its headphone jack), time code display, closed caption (through video input only), audio level meter display of up to eight channels.

The 3D monitor can be connected directly to Panasonic’s Full HD 3D camcorder and other 3D cameras via HD-SDI inputs. It can also be connected to high-end NLE systems like Quantel’s IQ and Pablo via its two HD-SDI (simultaneous signal) or to a NLE system running Final Cut Pro via DVI-D (line-by-line signal).

Additional features include pre-installed calibration software, Cine-gamma Film-Rec compensation, Standard Markers and Blue-only, H/V delay display, monochrome and Cross Hatch overlay display, split-screen/freeze frame (live input vs. freeze frame),

Five customizable function keys on the front panel can be assigned with various display modes and settings for quick, one-touch adjustments.

The BT-3DL2550 has a durable, lightweight frame and aluminum alloy back panel, and it is VESA-mount compatible. It comes standard with two polarizing 3D glasses, a desk stand and an AC adapter.

The BT-3DL2550 3D production monitor will be available this September at a suggested list price NZ$14,500 + gst.
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WORLD'S FIRST INTEGRATED FULL HD 3D CAMCORDER - AG-3DA1

Available In October 2010 - Solid-State Recording System Will Offer Highly-Efficient Full HD 3D Video Production

(January 6, 2010) – Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) will release the world’s first* professional, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder in October 2010. Panasonic New Zealand will begin taking orders in April. Engineering samples of the professional Full HD 3D solid-state camcorder will be exhibited at the Panasonic booth at the 2010 NAB Conference in Las Vegas, USA, from April 12 to 15.

This Full HD 3D camcorder will offer the following core benefits:

Easier to Use
Current 3D systems are large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D camcorder, the lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate.

The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point** to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.

More Flexible
The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full HD 3D videos in more challenging shooting environments. The camcorder is lighter weight and smaller than current 3D rigs, while providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and filmmaking projects.

Solid-State Reliability and Workflow
Right and left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than on other tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs, and the 3D camcorder will be better able to perform in extreme environments and be more resistant to temperature extremes, shock, and vibration.

And users will enjoy a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.

More Affordable
Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the Full HD 3D camcorder will be offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs. Transportation expenses for this handheld unit will be less and faster setup times reduce labor costs. Using standard, re-recordable SDHC/SD Memory Cards available already everywhere, media costs become almost insignificant.

In addition to a camcorder, Panasonic also plans to offer a professional-quality 3D Full HD LCD monitor for field use as well as a professional HD digital AV mixer for live event production. Panasonic will offer professional production equipment to allow video professionals to efficiently create 3D content, so consumers can enjoy 3D video using Panasonic 3D home theater systems.

Major Specifications (tentative)

Product Name: AG-3DA1 Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder
Tentative Price for the Main Unit: $31,000 + gst
Available: October 2010 (made to order)
Power Consumption: Under 19 W (main unit only)
Weight: Under 3 kg (main unit only)
Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card

* As an integrated twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder capable of recording Full HD 3D video to Memory Cards. As of January 2010 (based on our investigation)
** The point at which the left and right-camera lenses’ optical axes converge

Development Background
Movie companies and content producers are eager to produce more 3D content. 3D video is set to become a mainstream motion picture technology. In response to the resurgence of 3D movies, in September 2009, Panasonic proposed the world’s first 3D home theater systems, based around 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc players and Plasma TVs (announced and exhibited at CEATEC 2008). In February 2009, the company established the Advanced Authoring Center (within Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory) – at which 3D movies are authored for replication on 3D Blu-ray Discs (announced at CES 2009). Currently, producing 3D movies is a painstaking process. Panasonic intends to promote the production of high-quality 3D video content by accelerating the development of 3D video production systems designed to boost production speed and efficiency.

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