Press release from Panasonic Australia
AW-HE120 HD Integrated Camera
This new HD integrated camera will be available in pearl white and metallic black to match a variety of usage situations.
Mathew Alexander, Product Manager – Broadcast, Panasonic Australia, said: “The new AW-HE120 HD integrated camera is ideal for a wide range of applications from broadcast to auditoriums or concert halls because of its great feature set. It has an improved 20x HD zoom lens and 3 x U.L.T. MOS sensors that produce amazing Full-HD video – all packaged in a compact stylish body that is 60 per cent smaller and lighter than its predecessor.”
The AW-HE120 has a 20X zoom lens that covers an extended range of focal distances, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto—32.1 mm at the wide-angle end to 642 mm at the telephoto end (both figures converted to 35 mm equivalents). This optical zoom lens is also supplemented by a 10 X digital zoom function. The built-in four-position ND filter (clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64) allows adjustment of the exposure. The imaging elements, also used in Panasonic’s P2 HD series products, are 1/3-type 2.2-megapixel U.L.T. MOS sensors that enable Full HD superior picture quality. A 3-MOS configuration is used to ensure excellent colour fidelity. Multiple HD and SD video signal formats are supported: 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 480/60i and 576/50i. SDI (HD/SD, BNC), analogue component (D-SUB 15P) and HDMI outputs are provided. Selecting HDMI output enables the higher picture quality of 1080/59.94p and 1080/50p.
The AW-HE120 is equipped with a high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP) used in Panasonic broadcast camcorders. It processes fine image rendering such as gamma and various detail enhancement functions with exceptional precision. It achieves a low power consumption of 21 W, approximately 48 per cent less than the previous model. It also features a Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function that minimises blocked shadows and blown highlights in scene with mixed contrast. A gamma curve and knee slope are estimated to match the contrast of each pixel, and are applied in real time. The images that result are enhanced by a visually wide dynamic range.
In spite of the compact design, the pan-tilt head covers a wide range with a pan of ±175° and a tilt of –30° to 210°. The newly developed pan-tilt driver combines a high level of responsiveness with exact static precision. An NC (Noise Criteria) 35 level of quietness is maintained. The AW-RP50 remote controller, available separately, allows the recording of up to 100 preset positions. The AW-RP50 can connect to one or more AW-HE120 units over an IP link using a LAN cable (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX, RJ45). A single AW-RP50 can control up to 100 AW-HE120 units. Of course, the AW-HE120 maintains compatibility with other optional devices employing serial and other pan-tilt systems manufactured by Panasonic. This makes the AW-HE120 an ideal choice as a replacement camera for existing systems.
Weighing around 3 kilograms, the AW-HE120 is approximately 60% smaller and lighter than the earlier AW-HE100. It is available in two colours to match a variety of decors. The pearl white model (AW-HE120W) is suitable for settings such as chapels and wedding function centres, while the black metallic model (AW-HE120K) is ideal for capturing theatrical performances or events. It has a turn-lock mechanism that allows ceiling mounting in the same manner as a lighting fixture, and its light weight means it can be installed easily by a single person. The control wiring consists of a standard LAN cable, greatly reducing the cost of installation.
The new AW-HE120 will be available in late January 2012 from Panasonic Australia Broadcast dealers, with pricing to be announced closer to the release date.
AV-HS410 Live Switcher with Substantially Improved User Interface and Excellent Expandability
The new professional live switcher features 7-inch colour LCD panel, new memory preview function and improved multi-view display provide enhanced ease-of-use. An all-in-one 1 ME switcher with excellent expandability such as stereo 3D and Software Development Kit offered.
Like its predecessor, the AV-HS400A, the new AV-HS410 is a compact, all-in-one 19” type rack-size 1 ME live switcher that is only around 48 centimetres (19-inches) wide but provides in its standard configuration nine signal inputs, expandable with option boards to a maximum of 13 signal inputs (HD/SD switchable). The AV-HS410 will be available in late November.
The 7-inch colour LCD panel displays settings in an easy-to-read format, and ease-of-use is further enhanced by the new memory preview function, an improved multi-view function and a simple key layout optimised for live broadcasts. Excellent expandability is provided by optional board slots enabling support for a variety of input signals, including 3D cameras, and by the provision of a Software Development Kit (SDK) that makes it possible to add software-based functions.
Mathew Alexander, Product Manager – Broadcast, Panasonic Australia, said: “The AV-HS400 is very popular, so with all the additional functions available on the AV-HS410 broadcasters and rental companies will welcome this new switcher. The AV-HS410 is compact, expandable and easy to use and meets the demands of the live broadcast environment.”
In its standard configuration, the AV-HS410 supports HD and SD multi-format signals and the system frequency is switchable among 60 Hz, 50 Hz, and 24 Hz, enabling operation and digital cinema control worldwide. Eight SDI (HD/SD) inputs and one DVI-D input are provided as standard. By installing optional boards in the two available slots, the number of inputs can be increased to a maximum of 13 (if input boards are installed). Alternately, output boards can be installed to enable a maximum of 10 outputs. In addition, all input channels feature a built-in frame synchroniser, and there are up-converters for four channels and video processing circuits for eight channels. Five HD/SD SDI outputs and one DVI-D output are provided in the standard configuration. In addition, there are four Aux busses, and Aux 1 comes with a mix transition function. In combination with mix effects (ME), the AV-HS410 supports a wide variety of operation scenarios.
The numerous built-in effects include standard wipe, mix and cut effects in addition to DVE transition effects such as squeeze and slide. The chroma keyer employs the powerful Primatte® algorithm, which has a proven track record as plug-in software on many high-end non-linear editing systems. Primatte® high-end chroma keyer technology is widely used in motion picture and TV production, as well as in the creation of music videos and commercials, and provides the high-precision compositing capabilities demanded by professionals.
New video memory and memory preview functions have been added to the existing shot memory and event memory functions. The video memory function allows recording or playback of a couple of still images or the video with appended key signals. Although the AV-HS410 is a 1 ME switcher, it supports memory preview of video effects. It is possible to confirm shot memory or event memory video effects using memory preview. This enables previewing video effects even when on the air or during live operation.
The AV-HS410 also features an improved user interface. It is equipped with a 7 inch WVGA (800 × 480 pixels) colour LCD monitor that, in addition to the setting menus, can show input and output video, WFM display and multi-view display. The multi-view display formats divide the screen into 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 or 16 sections and support the display of time, audio level meters and 4:3 markers. The simple panel layout features A bus and B bus rows that each have 12 crosspoint buttons (expandable up to 22 using the shift expansion function), allowing direct access to a variety of functions for smooth operation.
In addition, support is planned for switching of stereo 3D video signals from 3D cameras in 3D mode (four 3D inputs standard, maximum five 3D inputs) with the installation of the AV-HS04M7D optional board. Primatte® chroma keyer compositing will be also supported.
The AV-HS410 provides 3D video adjustment capabilities, including 3D rig video Left / Right images correction and 3D video signal status monitor display functionality available on the high-end AV-HS450.
The AV-HS410 provides the SDK that makes it possible to extend the switcher’s functionality in a flexible manner. Using the SDK provided by Panasonic, third-party vendors and SI professionals can freely develop plug-in software that adds new functionality to the AV-HS410.
The new AV-HS410 will be available in late November from Panasonic Australia Broadcast dealers, with pricing to be announced closer to the release date. Stereo 3D functionality will require installation of the AV-HS04M7D optional board and an upgrade of the AV-HS410.
LCD Video Monitors with Dual HD SDI Inputs and LED Backlight for Professional Use
The new BT-L2150 and BT-L1500 are LCD video monitors for professional use that support two HD SDI inputs and employ LED backlighting. These models are designed to combine value and performance, offering the key functions required in this environment. They will be available in late November.
In the new BT-L series, there are two HD/SD switchable SDI inputs (BNC × 2) in the standard configuration, allowing the display to be switched between two camera inputs. In addition, HDMI, analogue component (Y/PB/PR, BNC × 3), PC (D-SUB 15P) and analogue composite (BNC × 1) video inputs are provided. HD/SD multi-format support and worldwide 59.94 Hz / 50 Hz system frequency compatibility mean that a variety of input signals can be used. In addition to a single two-channel analogue audio (pin jacks × 2) input, embedded audio via the SDI and HDMI inputs is also supported. The audio can be monitored by using the built-in stereo speakers or stereo headphone. The HD SDI inputs support 1080/24PsF, making these monitors suitable for digital cinema production environments. Additional functions demanded by professionals include tally lamps, markers, blue-only display, various colour adjustments (colour temp., sharpness, RGB white balance) and GPI remote control terminal.
The available panel sizes are 21.5 inches for the Full HD (1920 × 1080 pixels) model and 15.4 inches for the WXGA (1280 × 800 pixels) model. The LCD panel module uses an environmentally friendly LED backlight that contains no mercury and that is designed for low power consumption. The exterior design follows the lead of the earlier BT-LH1710, and the integrated power supply makes it compact and stylish. The supplied stand allows the screen to be adjusted by tilting forward or back, and installation on a VESA mount or commercially available PC monitor arm is also supported. In addition, a removable protective panel comes standard, minimising LCD damage due to impacts such as when moving equipment.
The new BT-L2150 and BT-L1500 will be available in late November from Panasonic Australia Broadcast dealers. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date.