Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of broadcast products and consumer electronics, has announced that it would be launching the AG-HVX200, the world’s first hand-held high definition solid-state memory camcorder during the 12th Middle East International Cable, Satellite, Broadcast and Communications Exhibition (CABSAT) 2006, that will be held from March 7-9 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. Panasonic will be located in Hall 8, stand C8-1, along with its sole UAE agent, Al Futtaim Panatech.
“We are looking forward to launching our latest products at Cabsat 2006, which will serve as an ideal platform for introducing next generation products such as the AG-HVX200 and the AK-HC1500,” said Ono Asahiko, General Manager, System Solutions, Panasonic Middle-east. “The Middle East has been one of Panasonic’s highly successful markets, with most of our products doing exceedingly well here. We are certain that our forthcoming launches during Cabsat will help us further consolidate our market presence in the region.”
With the ability to capture images in 21 video formats, the ultra-versatile HVX200 records in high definition in 1080i and 720p in production-proven 100 Mbps DVCPRO HD quality. The DVCPRO HD format offers users cost-effective, intra-frame compression, where each frame stands on its own for editing, and its full 4:2:2 color sampling allows the image to hold up under color correction. The camera records video on a P2 card as IT-friendly MXF files in 1080/60i, 30p and 24p; in 720/60p, 30p and 24p; in 50Mbps DVCPRO50 and in 25Mbps DVCPRO or DV. With a pair of Panasonic’s new
8GB P2 cards (model P2C008HG), the HVX200 records for 64 minutes in DVCPRO or DV, 40 minutes in 720p, 32 minutes in DVCPRO50, and 16 minutes in 1080/60 and 720/60. The HD and SD video recorded on the P2 card can be rapidly downloaded to a nonlinear editing system or server, or edited virtually instantly from the P2 card by connecting to an IEEE 1394 or USB 2.0 interface.
The multi-format camera has two P2 card slots and offers a variety of record modes including hot-swap recording to ensure continuous recording. With the P2, all moving parts are eliminated from the recording path, which ensures that the HVX200 is extremely reliable and resistant to environmental conditions including the shock and humidity that threaten camcorders based on mechanical recording transports. Moreover, for operator convenience, the camcorder is highly customizable with features including six user scene files, three user setup buttons, and Camera Setup Memory.
Panasonic’s other major launch during Cabsat, the AK-HC 1500 is a multi HD standard convertible box camera and offers the highest quality in multi purpose switchable cameras. For sports and outside broadcast applications where cameras can be left in place, such as stadiums, lecture halls or government buildings, where a feed will often be used for broadcast, these cameras and their adaptability come into focus. The 2/3” 3CCD HD camera is switchable between 720/50p, 60p as well as 1080/50i,60i,59.94i,30p,25p&24p.
Panasonic will showcase the high-end HD camera ‘Varicam’ for FILM and EFP as well as a range of DVCPRO 50 ENG/EFP DV-based progressive & interlaced camcorders and Studio VTRs. Panasonic will also display its Realtime Graphics Processors, capable of generating high quality 3D computer graphics, for the first time in the Middle East.
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (MEI) best known for its Panasonic brand, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronics products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company posted consolidated sales of US$81.44 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information, visit the Matsushita web site at http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html. Panasonic Gulf FZE (PGF) is MEI’s first subsidiary company in the Middle East, followed by Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE (PMM), which is the regional marketing headquarters of MEI for operations in the Middle East and African countries.
