Panasonic reveals some of its cards for NAB 2011

Panasonic has put some of its cards on the table in terms of hardware and software for broadcast, professional audio and video for the big event in Las Vegas. Although between now and NAB, which will take place from April 9 to 14, we will have the opportunity to break down all this news, now we summarize some of Panasonic's interesting proposals.

One of the main novelties that Panasonic will be taking place this year at NAB 2011, from April 9 to 14 in Las Vegas, is a wireless system for the P2HD AJ-HPX3100 camcorder that allows remote viewing of proxy video from iPads, iPhones and PC browsers as well as the introduction and simplification of the use of user-customized metadata.

Composed of the AJ-WM30 wireless module and the AJ-SFU3100 software, the new system proposes a transfer of critical information between the HPX3100 camera and a wide number of portable devices, such as PCs, iPads and iPhones. A WLAN connection is established based on the IEEE 802.11b/g standard, through which information is obtained from the camera (recording format, remaining battery, proxy video, etc.) or data is sent from the portable device (text-memos, shot marks, metadata...). Proxy video requires the AJ-YDX30 option board.

The new wireless AJ-WM30 wireless module (130 euros) and the AJ-SFU3100 software (1,300 euros) will be available in April.

Lector AJ-PCD30 P2

Panasonic will also present the AJ-PCD30 P2 reader that will offer the user a high transfer speed thanks to its USB 3.0 interface. It is a three-slot P2 device with an ultra-fast USB 3.0 interface that offers, according to Panasonic, the highest transfer speed on the market from a solid-state source.

The new USB 3.0 standard enables transfer rates of up to 4.8Gbps, enabling downloading of AVC-Intra 100 content at 15x the actual recording time. That bandwidth can also be used to download the contents of three P2 cards simultaneously. The AJ-PCD30 P2 reader will be available starting in the summer at a price of around 2,000 euros.

Also with an ultra-fast USB 3.0 interface and HDMI output, we will be able to see in Las Vegas the new P2 AG-HPD24 deck from Panasonic, a half-rack width P2HD recorder/player, which presents unique features such as 3D synchronized recording and playback, native 24P recording with variable frame rate, ultra-fast USB 3.0 interface and recording of four 24-bit audio channels in AVC-Intra mode 100/50.

With AVC-Intra 100/50Mbps recording and playback, the HPD24 makes 10-bit quality, 4:2:2 production affordable and portable. It also supports DVCPROHD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV formats, through two P2 card slots. It incorporates a 3.5" LCD screen on which clips can be reviewed. Two HPD24 units can be synchronized to record 3D content with full resolution on both the left and right. The HPD24 includes HD-SDI inputs and outputs, HDMI output, TC input and output, reference input and RS-422 control. This new deck will be sold at a price of around 5,000 euros starting in the summer.

Monitor LCD BT-LH910

In monitors, review the premiere at NAB of the new BT-LH910, a 23 cm (9-inch) LCD monitor for field and studio applications. It stands out for its high-brightness and contrast IPS panel that offers the best image quality in its class; support functions for 3D and HDMI and 3G-SDI inputs, plus two HD-SDI inputs. The monitor offers support for recording with 3D rigs, starting from a 2D visualization.

The BT-LH910 supports overlay and side-by-side modes, and allows you to check convergence, parallax, color, luminance, focus and zoom settings. It incorporates the display of an RGB waveform monitor, as well as a vectorscope. With 12V DC XLR power input and Anton/Bauer battery adapter, the impressive BT-LH910 can be used as a camera electronic viewfinder, in mobile or live production environments and will be priced around 3,000 euros with availability starting in April.

Archive to LTO tapes

Among other new features, Panasonic will present two new software applications in Las Vegas aimed at facilitating the secure storage and easy retrieval of P2 content. The main application is the AJ-SF100, which allows archiving of LTO data to tape, as well as to Blu-ray discs or other storage systems.

This application supports all P2 cards and formats, and has proxy video creation and metadata editing.

The user can search for content that corresponds to certain metadata, and use proxy viewing to confirm it.

You can also play a P2 clip in its original quality from the LTO tape itself, and recover only a selected part. The database is based on SQL Server. The AJ-SF110 module for video ingest via IEEE1394 or SDI allows you to convert video tapes into P2HD content, whether in AVC-Intra 100/50, DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO or DV formats. Both the AJ-SF100 archiving application and the AJ-SF110 ingest module will be available in May at a price of approximately 4,000 euros.

AVCCAM Importer

Panasonic will also introduce AVCCAM Importer software, a free QuickTime plug-in that eliminates the need to convert AVCHD files to ProRes422 before editing them in Final Cut Pro.

This software allows direct editing of AVCHD “.mts” files without the need to convert them previously. Since it is a component for QuickTime, QuickTime Player will also be able to play “.mts” clips directly, after you have installed AVCCAM Importer on your Mac. AVCCAM Importer will be available this summer for free download on the Panasonic website.