In May this year South Africa’s Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Video Unit awarded a contract to local company Avmark Systems to supply four Panasonic P2HD cameras and their peripherals. The handover of the equipment took place at the GCIS facilities in Pretoria early in June.
Avmark’ s Renato Acquisto comments: “We tendered for this contract a while back, and were delighted that GCIS decided to go the Panasonic route. As per the contract we supplied two Panasonic AG-HPX372 P2HD cameras and two Panasonic AG-HPX174 P2HD camcorders, including peripherals. Avmark will supply full service back-up for the equipment.’
Says Cindy Ludick, GCIS Video Unit manager: “We are extremely happy with the Panasonic equipment. It offers compatibility with most broadcasters and exceptional mobility. This is especially true of the HPX 174, which is a small compact camera and easy to transport.
“The P2 format has gained huge acceptance worldwide and, being a file based recording format, offers a secure way to record content. It has the ability to move files around in MXF format and allows for archival retrieval.
“On completion of an event or a state visit the GCIS Video Unit cameraman immediately edits on his Mac Book using Final Cut Pro and publishes his inserts on the Presidency’s YouTube website, as well as the Government website.
“The reason for acquiring the equipment is to shoot TV ads as well as promotional DVDs –more creative stuff. We are currently looking into the establishment of a dedicated Government TV channel in the near future.’
Acquisto notes that the P2HD format is used by most broadcasters
