Panasonic Press

NBCUniversal News Group (New York, NY) has purchased a number of Panasonic electronic newsgathering (ENG) cameras and related broadcast equipment as part of its technology and workflow transformation initiative.

The pro video equipment includes Panasonic’s latest AVC-ULTRA camcorder models, the AJ-PX5000G P2 HD shoulder-mount and AJ-PX270 P2 HD handheld, as well as AJ-PG50 and AJ-PD500 AVC-ULTRA field recorders, AK-HRP200 remote operation panels, and VariCam 35 4K camera/recorders.

This equipment will be used across the board to acquire contribution video for all NBC News programmes including NBC Nightly News, TODAY, Meet the Press and Dateline, as well as MSNBC. It will also be utilised to contribute to NBC business partners CNBC, Telemundo and other cable properties.

Ultimately, NBCU News Group intends to standardise on AVC-LongG25 as an acquisition and mezzanine format. According to Leonard Venezia, NBCUniversal vice president of field operations and engineering, “We’ve looked carefully at codecs and are very impressed with Panasonic’s LongG25. It’s remarkable to have the ability to capture full 10 bit HD 4:2:2 images using a 25Mbps codec. The quality is outstanding. While there are reduced storage implications, I think for us the real benefit comes when transferring files back to the home office or even for local use. As an example, using a laptop and card reader, we are able to transfer 60 minutes of content to a thumb drive in about two minutes.’

“NBCU News Group’s decision to standardise on AVC-LongG25 is a testament to the power and flexibility of the AVC-ULTRA codec, and we are tremendously excited to support the network in its broad technology initiative with a range of our advanced ENG gear,’ said John Baisley, senior vice-president, Panasonic System Communications Company.

As part of its longstanding relationship with Panasonic, NBC News assisted Panasonic in the development of the feature set of the PX5000G and its next generation of ENG cameras. “The design and functionality of the PX5000G makes it well equipped for today’s fast-paced and competitive news business,’ Venezia said. “The camera weighs a mere 7.5lbs, uses CMOS sensors, has very low power consumption (29W), great sensitivity and S/N. We used the camera for a Telemundo production, La Voz, and the production team was impressed with the quality of the picture. We also value the microP2 media for its reasonable price, durability and speed.’

With respect to the wireless functionality of the PX5000G and PX270, Venezia added, “Wireless connectivity is critical to our workflow. The ability to transfer files and clips – hi res or proxy – while continuing to record is a major leap forward. We have great interest in using cloud architecture to send an EDL to the camera and receive the hi res clip back at the station for immediate play-out. Further, the ability to add metadata over wireless infrastructure will help streamline and automate manual processes.’

Venezia said NBCU News Group plans to use the VariCam 35 to enhance content for long-form projects, citing the camera’s narrow depth of field, multiple frame rates, enhanced dynamic range and colour gamut as tools to allow photographers and producers to expand their creativity.

Also, NBC News will be among the first customers to take advantage of Panasonic’s new “Bumper to-Bumper’ Premium Service, coverage that the network anticipates will lower cost-of-ownership over the long term and sustain a productive engagement with the company.

The latest series of Panasonic’s P2 HD camcorders with built-in wireless/wired streaming capabilities, the AJ-PX270, AJ-PX800 and AJ-PX5000G, are all AVC-ULTRA capable, with the same recording formats, codec and file structure. When used in modern field production – whether fast-breaking news or scheduled interviews – the tool kits provided are similar, with the camcorders differing only in the lens / imager format and pricing. In many cases a mixture of cameras can used by various crews with, for example, the PX270 utilised for lightweight, handheld use by VJs, the PX800 a more traditional yet affordable 2/3′ camera and the flagship PX5000G used by news photographers where the reach of a 2/3′ camera and lens is required.

Panasonic is introducing an innovative “tap-assist’ camera control system, the AW-HEA10, that simplifies and enhances remote control shooting with two of the company’s next-generation pan/tilt/zoom cameras, the AW-HE130 and AW-HE40.

The complete solution includes either an HE130 or HE40 camera, mounted on top of an HEA10 tap-assist module, plus an optional tablet and network connection. When shooting with the primary HE40 or HE130 PTZ camera, a super wide-angle video image is simultaneously captured by the HEA10 and displayed on the tablet screen. Tapping the desired area of the image on the tablet allows the user to move the PTZ quickly and smoothly to capture the selected shot. Remote camera operation is thus significantly simplified and accelerated by allowing instant selection of a new shooting angle, eliminating the need to manually zoom out and reposition the camera. Zooming can be controlled via the familiar “pinching’ motion, or via an on-screen control. Up to nine pre-set main-camera shots can also be selected via dedicated on-screen buttons.

Because the primary HE40/HE130 camera can be controlled using the HEA10’s wide-angle view as a reference, the PTZ can be operated even when selecting a shot that can’t be viewed in the primary camera’s frame. This ability makes the system especially effective for remote seminars, sports, medical education, news, panel discussions and similar applications. Even non-technical personnel can easily select appropriate shots with this system, while experienced camera operators can use the HEA10 to expand the scope of their remote video production.

When using traditional camera controllers, the operator may sometimes miss action that happens outside the primary camera frame. With the tap-assist camera system, these changes in the action can be previewed in the wide-angle tablet view, and instantly responded to by simply tapping the tablet. Even when shooting rapidly changing circumstances, nothing need be missed.

The very wide-angle horizontal view of the HEA10 is also available via an HDMI output, and can be used for input to a local production switcher for a wide-angle POV shot or other uses. POE+.compatibility simplifies integration and expands the range of uses.

At CABSAT 2015, which ran from 10 to 12 March in Dubai, Panasonic Marketing
Middle East and Africa (PMMAF) launched their new AV-HS6000 – a powerful, cost-
effective 2 M/E. With many production houses from the region setting up their
broadcast base in the UAE, there is a marked increase in demand for production
equipment. This new switcher consists of 32 HD-SDI plus two DVI-D inputs, 16 HD-
SDI outputs, 16 keyers, four independent MultiViewers, expandable clip storage, a
Web server and other advanced features that will benefit producers.

The AV-HS6000 is configurable to match an expanded slate of production needs
through options including a touch-screen menu panel, extra Primatte chroma
keyers, expandable clip storage, and an SDK for development of a virtually limitless
range of customised plug-ins to suit emerging production workflow needs.

Hayashi Noriyuki, senior manager of security and broadcast at PMMAF’s systems
solutions department, commented on the versatility of the new products saying,
“Easily customisable for diverse workflows, the HS6000 is a great tool for advanced
production in different production houses of worship, sports, broadcast, staging, and
education. With a 3U compact design, the HS6000’s main chassis features a
generous range of inputs and outputs to facilitate system integration. With its four
DVEs per M/E, 16 keyers and 16 Aux busses, the HS6000 is easily able to handle
creative projects requiring a fast, flexible response.’

The HS6000’s design is enhanced by an ergonomic button layout with OLED source
labelling, active thumbnail touch buttons for intuitive clip access, and many other
technical director-friendly features. This newly designed, easy-to-use graphical
control feature supports an accurate, intuitive workflow; with quick access for each
M/E to wipe patterns, shot memories, event memories and other important
functions. An optional 10.1-inch, touch-screen menu panel (AV-HS60C3) can also
display video, MultiViewer, waveform, and vector scope information. A separate
monitor output is provided, as standard equipment, for non-interactive display of
this same information. A standard Web server function will also allow the switcher
to be set up by a browser via an Ethernet connection.

Additionally, the HS6000 supports HD and SD multi-format signals, with up
conversion available on four inputs, and down conversion on two outputs, as well as
colour correction on eight inputs and four outputs. The live switcher’s system
frequency is also changeable between 59.94 Hz, 50 Hz, and 24 Hz (or 23.98Hz),
enabling worldwide operation and digital cinema production.

The HS6000 also features real-time, high-quality chroma keying employing the
powerful Primatte algorithm. One chroma keyer is provided as standard on each
M/E, optionally upgradeable to four channels per M/E. In the standard configuration,
the switcher supports four channels of PinP and four channels of keying per M/E, as
well as four channels of upstream and four of downstream keying.

Moreover, both single and redundant power supply models of control panel and
main frame chassis are available. Up to three control panels may be connected via
IP and managed via PC in a single system, with up to two panels active at the same
time.

Panasonic’s new AW-HE130, pan/tilt/zoom camera, launched in December 2014,
incorporaties recently-developed high-sensitivity, low-noise ½.86′ 3-MOS imagers
designed to produce high quality images even in low light conditions.

Revolutionary new features include Power over Ethernet+ (POE+) for easier
integration, and multi-stream transmission of H.264 HD video and audio (up to
1080/60p at 24Mbps.) The new camera will debut at Content and Communications
World in New York City from 12 – 13 November.

The HE130 adds several innovative features to Panasonic’s AW-HE120 PTZ, which
has become the standard remote control camera for educational, government and
house of worship use, and is likewise prevalent in news, staging, sports and reality
television production. New features in the HE130 are:

• 3G-SDI output (up to 1080/60p)
• stereo mic/line-level inputs for embedded and streaming audio
• a night mode for hi-res, near IR video acquisition (using an optional IR-illuminator
in the 850nm range)
• an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
• IP-Live Preview for remote control and management of up to 16 cameras via a
browser.
• Standard professional interfaces including HD/SD-SDI, HDMI and SD composite,
as well as 3G-SDI for single cable delivery of high-quality content up to 1080/60p

• RS-422 serial compatibility with controllers designed for use with previous
generations of Panasonic remote camera systems
• Support for both direct and Web-based IP remote control
• native 24p and 30p output for teleproduction
• digital access authentication
• MAC/Android support for web monitoring; and color adjustment by colour
temperature

HE130’s optical zoom lens covers an extended range of shooting situations, from
wide-angle to ultra-telephoto, with 35mm equivalents of 32.1 mm at the wide-angle
end to 642.5 mm at the telephoto. The built-in remote-controllable four-position ND
filter (Through, 1/8, 1/64) facilitates flexible exposure control in brightly lit shooting
situations.

Panasonic’s new Control Assist Camera will launch in March 2015. It is a new remote
camera accessory that allows quick and easy remote camera control. Users can
control the camera by simply tapping the appropriate point on their tablet screen.

The system can be controlled via joystick, which can be used to make even the
smallest adjustments to the camera’s position

The “tap’ technique means that operators can keep up with the action in near to real
time, with no delays as a result of slow camera movement.

IP image transmission allows the user to roam with the tablet, seeing areas that may
be out of the camera’s view

Simple operations means that there is no need for specialist camera support
Can be used in conjunction with VidiGo Live studio automation system

Panasonic took the opportunity at IBC to do the European launch the two variants of
its new Varicam. This camera is at the heart of a number of solutions presented by
Panasonic to optimise workflow in film and television production.

The Varicam was launched earlier this year at NAB and, while the new variants –
the super35mm 4K Varicam 35 and the 2/3 type, high-speed HD Varicam HS –
contain a number of key modifications, they also maintain the modular design and
salient features of the original. The V-Log gamma, which allows for an impressive
14 stops of dynamic range, is still in place, along with the ability to record in two
different formats simultaneously. The latter feature enables shooters to record in
both 4K and HD at the same time, allowing for onset colour grading and offline
editing.
The new Varicam 35 and Varicam HS start shipping in October 2014.

Among Panasonic’s other workflow improvements was its focus on the challenges of
electronic news gathering. The company introduced the world’s lightest shoulder 2/3
type camera-recorder equipped with 3MOS image sensors.

Set for release in October, the AJ-PX800 weighs just 2.8kg, captures both SD and
HD, and comes with a comprehensive range of codecs including AVC-Intra and the
AVC-Long G (50/25/12Mbps) codec set.

Testing of the news gathering network workflow began last month with Independent
Television News (ITN), a major UK broadcaster, and will continue to be carried out
on a rolling basis with the company’s broadcast partners in countries around the
world.

The AJ-PX800 will be released alongside the new AJ-PG50 portable recorder which
enables dual-codec recording and comes with two micro P2 and a single P2 card
slot.

A collaboration with LiveU will see future releases of Panasonic broadcasting
camera recorders support a direct connection with LiveU Central, the unified
management system which allows broadcasters to acquire both live and recorded
content from the field, preview it centrally or remotely, broadcast it live or in
scheduled programming and distribute it to any location.

“By collaborating with LiveU we can realise live transmission and file transfer on to
a world renowned site, making our customer’s workflow more efficient.’ said
Kunihiko Miyagi, Director of Professional AV Business Unit.

Elsewhere, Panasonic have also partnered with VidiGo to showcase a Tap Camera
System, set to launch in March 2015, which enables quick and easy remote camera
control, allowing the user to simply tap a tablet screen on the spot where they want
the camera to point.

Also on show at IBC was Panasonic’s new compact broadcast switcher, aimed at
studio sub-control rooms and outside broadcasts. The AV‑HS6000 is the first 2ME
model in Panasonic’s HS series, it employs a newly designed, easy-to-use GUI
Control Panel to support accurate switching.

Weighing only 2.8kg (main unit), making it the world’s lightest shoulder 2/3 type
camera-recorder equipped with 3MOS image sensors, the Panasonic AJ-PX800 will be
ready to ship in December 2014.

Designed to improve mobility in news gathering situations, the camera captures both
SD and HD and comes with a comprehensive range of codecs including AVC-Intra and
the AVC-LongG (50/25/12Mbps) codec set.

Features:
• Low rate AVC-proxy file recording to allow support for network operation and offline
editing
• Slots for two P2 cards, offering dual recording to speed workflow and reduced media
costs
• LAN, wireless, 4G/ LTE connectivity
• To be released alongside the AJ-PG50 portable recorder to allow dual-codec
recording

In March 2015, Panasonic will launch the Control Assist Camera (AW-HEA10) – a new remote camera accessory which enables quick and easy remote camera control, allowing the user to simply tap on the tablet screen where they want the camera to point.

The system speeds up long, remote camera movements and works in collaboration with joystick control, which can then be used to make small adjustments to the remote camera’s position.

The quick “tap’ technique means action won’t be missed by slow camera control, while IP image transmission can also be used to allow the user to roam with the tablet, and see areas which are out of the camera’s view.

Non-camera specialists can control navigation with the system, which opens up a variety of applications in conferencing and education. The simple operation means there is no need for specialist camera support, which results in reduced costs and more organisations being able to utilise a remote camera facility.

Panasonic partners VidiGo make software compatible with the system. VidiGo Live is an application used widely for online “visual radio’ content by radio stations.

The Panasonic HC-W850M, HC-V750M, HC-V550M, and HC-V250 camcorders include a feature which allows users to monitor a sleeping baby in another room through a mobile device connection.

Baby monitor technology has come a long way since its inception in 1937 when the Zenith Radio Company developed the Radio Nurse, which made use of a transmitter plug positioned close to the baby’s crib and a radio receiver that allowed parents to listen in on their child’s activity.

Due to Wi-Fi and smartphone technology, the Panasonic camcorder is able to alert parents as to when a baby is crying by sending notifications to their device. In addition, by using the mobile device’s microphone, users are able to speak to and comfort their baby from another room.

By using the camera’s Night Mode, which features on the HC-W850M model, users are able to monitor and record their baby with an Infrared LED light, capable of functioning in 0 lux darkness.

Watch the Panasonic camcorder demo video.

Visit the Panasonic website for more information.