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Panasonic Australia to introduce three new HD integrated cameras

Press Release from Natasha Gillooly

Panasonic Australia will release three new HD integrated cameras, the AW-HE60SE, AW-HE60HE and AW-HE2E in December 2012. The AW-HE60SE and AW-HE60HE are the first cameras to be capable of IP image monitoring as well as superb HD video output.*1

The new AW-HE60SE and AW-HE60HE HD integrated cameras for the professional broadcast industry are equipped with a 1/3 type Full-HD MOS sensor and powerful 18x optical zoom lens. For maximum versatility multiple HD/SD video format signals can be outputted. The AW-HE60SE will feature a HD/SD- SDI video output and the AW-HE50H will feature a HDMI digital video output supporting 1080p. Both cameras can also output analogue HD/SD component and analogue composite output when fitted with the optional AW-CA20T6G break out cable (D-sub15 pin).

Continuing from the current HD Integrated cameras the new 60-series HD Integrated cameras will also incorporate dynamic range stretch (DRS) to minimise saturation in highlights and blocking in dark areas and hybrid digital noise reduction (Hybrid DNR) for suppressing afterimages even in dimly lit situations. They will also contain a whisper quite drive mechanism for panning ±175o and tilting between +90o and -30o as well as 100 preset memory positions.

New to the 60-series HD Integrated cameras is an infrared "Night Mode"*2 for shooting at night or in dark places, and the industry’s first IP monitoring function*1. The IP image output function on the AW-HE60SE and AW-HE60HE cameras allow an IP image to be transmitted to up to 14 terminals*3 per camera.

The new AW-HE2E is a low-cost model that incorporates a 1/2.33 type, 14-megapixel MOS sensor. Using ultra-high resolution technology the camera is able to achieve approximately 2x "iA zoom" and electronic pan/tilt control is possible through image scanning. It is also equipped with nine preset memory points and a HDMI terminal that can output multiple HD/SD format signal including Full-HD progressive output (1080p). The AW-HE2E IP image output can transmit to one terminal only.

The AW-HE60SE and AW-HE60HE can be remotely controlled in serial mode from remote control panels, such as the AW-RP50E, that are configured for Panasonic's HD integrated cameras. In addition to serial control both cameras can also be controlled by the AW-RP50E or a PC/ Mac via a switching hub through IP connections. Up to 100 units of the AW-HE60SE, AW-HE60HE or AW-HE2E can be controlled through IP connections.

The AW-HE60SE, AW-HE60HE and AW-HE2E will be available in Australia in December 2012 from specialist Panasonic Professional Video Resellers. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date. For more information on Panasonic Broadcast visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

These products are currently on display at the European International Broadcasting Equipment Exhibition "IBC2012”, being held at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam from Friday, September 7 to Tuesday, September 11.

*1: AW-HE60S/H only. Supports the industry's first video streaming as a camera integrated with a rotating table (as of August 2012, research by Panasonic)

*2: An optional infrared light is required.

*3: For the AW-HE60S/H. the maximum number of terminals varies depending on the distribution settings.

Key features of the AW-HE60S and HE60H

1. 1/3-Type Full-HD MOS Sensor and 18x Optical Zoom Lens

The new AW-HE60S and HE60H HD integrated cameras are equipped with a 1/3 type Full-HD MOS sensor and 18x optical zoom lens (36.9 to 664.5 mm, 35 mm equivalent). They also feature a 10x digital zoom.

They can output multiple HD/SD format signals. The AG-HE60H also supports Full-HD progressive output (1080p). The video output interfaces include HD/SD SDI output (AW-HE60S only), HDMI (AW-HE60H only) digital video output, analog component (D-sub15 pin) output, and analog composite output.

2. Incorporates DRS, Hybrid DNR and Infrared Night Mode

They feature the dynamic range stretch (DRS) function to minimise saturation in highlights and blocking in dark areas. The gamma curve and knee slope are estimated to match the contrast of each pixel in real time. When dark, bright and intermediate areas are all contained in the same scene, this function produces excellent gradation for each area. The images of results are enhanced by a visually wider dynamic range. They also feature the hybrid digital noise reduction (Hybrid DNR) function that allows objects in a dark place to be shot clearly while minimising afterimages. In addition, they are equipped with infrared "Night mode"* for shooting at night or in dark places. Furthermore, they incorporate mechanisms for panning of ±175 degrees and tilting between 90 and -30 degrees at the maximum speed of 90 degrees per second and preset memories for 100 points.

* An optional infrared light is required.

3. IP Control with IP monitoring

The AW-HE60S and HE60H can be remotely controlled in serial mode from the remote control panel (AW-RP50) that has been designed for Panasonic's HD integrated cameras. IP connection allows control of up to 100 AW-HE60S and/or HE60E units from an AW-RP50 Remote Camera Controller or a PC/Mac via a switching hub. One AW-HE60S or HE60H can be controlled simultaneously by up to five Remote Camera Controllers (AW-RP50) via IP connection. Furthermore, the industry's first IP image output function allows an IP image to be transmitted to up to 14 terminals* per camera.

*For the AW-HE60S/H. The maximum number of terminals varies depending on the distribution settings.

4. Compact design for space saving and turn-lock mounting mechanism.

The camera is designed for space saving with a width of 160 mm (6-5/16 inches) and height of 178 mm (7 inches), and weighs only about 1.4 kg (about 3.1 lb.) A cable cover prevents clutter. The IP connection that allows LAN cables to be used, lightweight main body, and the turn-lock mechanism that allows the camera system to be configured by one person ensure excellent connectivity and installability.

Key features of the AW-HE2

1. 1/2.33 type 14-megapixel MOS sensor and an ultra-high resolution 2x "iA zoom."

The AW-HE2 is a low-cost model that incorporates a 1/2.33 type, 14-mega pixel MOS sensor. Approximately 2x zooming is possible from a wide horizontal angle of 95 degrees with the ultra-high resolution technology "iA zoom." Can expand images up to four times when digital zooming is activated.*

* The picture quality is degraded when the zoom factor is increased.

2. Multiple HD/SD formats including Full-HD progressive signals.

It also features HDMI terminals and can output multiple HD/SD format signals supporting the Full-HD progressive output (1080p). From the HDMI terminals, 1080/59.94p, 1080/50p, 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/25p, 720/59.94p and 720/50p signals as HD, and 480/59.94i and 576/50i signals as SD can be outputted.

3. IP connection supports camera controls (electronic pan/tilt/zoom) and image streaming.

Electronic pan/tilt/zoom control is possible with image scanning. It is equipped with a preset memory for up to nine points. The remote control panel AW-RP50 for Panasonic HD integrated cameras or a PC/Mac can control up to 100 units of the AW-HE2 via a switching hub through IP connections. Furthermore, the IP image output function allows IP images to be transmitted to a terminal*.

* The AW-HE2 can transmit to one terminal only.

4. Space saving compact design with a diameter of 55 mm and length of 135 mm.

The space saving and lightweight design with a diameter of 55 mm (2.2 inches) and length of 135 mm (5.3 inches) and main body weight of approximately 0.3 kg (0.7 lb.)* means that the AW-HE2E camera will unobtrusively blend into location décor. The IP connection that allows LAN cables to be used and lightweight main body provide excellent connectivity and installability. In addition to normal DC power supplies, the camera supports USB bus power supplies (micro B connector). Thus, the power can be supplied from micro USB AC/DC converters for mobile phones, PCs or TVs equipped with USB terminals.

* Main body only

• The product specifications and design details are subject to change without notice.