NEW GY-HM800 SERIES ENG & STUDIO CAMCORDERS

JVC Professional Europe Ltd. has introduced the GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 ProHD shoulder-mount camcorders, setting a new benchmark in ENG camera network capability. The company will be launching them to the public at the upcoming Broadcast Video Expo show in London at the end of February. Complemented by a new interchangeable Fujinon 20x autofocus zoom lens, both cameras deliver outstanding full HD image capture and delivery, while the built-in streaming engine, FTP and GSM connectivity allows live HD transmission directly from the camera without requiring additional encoding hardware.

Both the GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 models utilise a very nicely-weighted shoulder-mount form factor, with the GY-HM890 also designed for use as an HD studio camera or multi-camera field production camera. It has a multi-pin connection that accommodates JVC fibre or multi-core camera modules and is compatible with a full range of studio components, including customised studio sled, zoom and focus controls, CCUs and 8.4-inch LCD viewfinder, as well as box-style lenses from Canon and Fujinon.

The GY-HM890 also includes an HD/SD-SDI pool feed input that can record and stream video and audio from another camera or SDI source during press conferences or other pool feed environments. The cameras also support LANC remote controllers as well as JVCs proprietary wired remote control system.

Both camcorders feature three, 1/3-inch 2.07 effective megapixel CMOS sensors, capturing full 1920×1080 images. The imagers provide 12-bit processing, F12 sensitivity (50Hz) and excellent signal-to-noise ratio to produce superior colour reproduction. The new Fujinon wide angle 20x zoom lens features auto focus, built-in optical image stabilisation and chromatic aberration correction. The interchangeable 1/3-inch bayonet lens also includes manual focus and iris rings.

We believe the future is with the live video streaming and FTP service fully integrated into the camera, as demonstrated with the GY-HM850 and GY-HM890, explained Gustav Emrich, European Product Manager, JVC Professional Products. With the recent advancements in GSM availability and bandwidth, service providers can deliver reliable high-speed connections that can support HD streaming with a single modem. This technology is here now, and will continue to progress and improve.

Continuing JVCs commitment to native file workflows, the GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 record HD or SD footage as Final Cut Pro (.MOV), XDCAM EX (.MP4), AS-10 (.MXF), AVCHD (.MTS), or H.264 (.MOV) files for compatibility with most major NLE systems. Footage can be recorded using MPEG-2 or H.264 compression at a variety of bit rates, frame rates, and resolutions. Dual codecs offer simultaneous recording of a full HD file on one memory card and smaller, web friendly H.264 files on the other. Plus, a new H.264 Extreme High Quality (XHQ) recording mode, commonly used in HD SLRs, offers virtually lossless H.264 50 Mbps recording.

Dual SDHC/SDXC card slots allow simultaneous recording (for instant client copy/backup) or relay recording (for continuous shooting) to low cost, non-proprietary media. During simultaneous recording, one card can act as a continuous backup that overrides the pause function triggered by the operator. Relay recording allows virtually unlimited recording capability in the field.

The 800 Series cameras significantly expand on the live HD streaming and file transfer capabilities introduced in the popular GY-HM650 mobile news camera. JVCs exclusive dual codec design allows the new cameras to transmit live HD footage or transfer files in the background while users continue to record footage in their normal workflow. When paired with a GSM modem or Wi-Fi adapter, which is connected directly to the camera via USB, the camera transmits footage to a facility in real time. JVC provides different stream protocols to maximize the streaming results: UDP, TCP, RTP/RTSP, ZIXI. The Advanced Streaming Technology (AST) feature provides content-aware error correction, bandwidth shaping, and real-time feedback of streaming status.

Each camera features a built-in processor with proprietary algorithms that maximize bandwidth to ensure reliable transmission even under difficult conditions. Plus, advanced content aware error correction compensates for up to 30 percent packet loss, supported by Zixi streaming solution and streaming protocol. Stream and signal status is provided in the high-resolution 4.3-inch LCD monitor and LCOS colour viewfinder.

The cameras provide secure FTP file transfer on location, as well as live monitoring and extensive camera and lens control via Wi-Fi from a smartphone (iPhone, Android), tablet (iPad, Android), PC or Mac. For broadcasters who use metadata, a built-in GPS allows location information to be recorded. Plus, metadata can be edited on a smartphone or tablet and transferred to the camera via Wi-Fi. The GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 are also compatible with Advanced Streaming Services, powered by Zixi, for reliable live content delivery.

Both models include genlock and time code terminals for multi-camera setups, HD/SD-SDI out, HDMI out, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, and a four-channel audio system with stereo AUX inputs and two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power. Other features include 12 assignable user buttons, 10-second Pre Rec (retro cache), focus assist, interval recording for time lapse footage and variable frame rate recording for over/under crank effects.

The new GY-HM800 Series camcorders are the most feature-rich ProHD products weve ever produced. They truly provide professionals with the tools to be first on-air and first online, according to Gustav Emrich. With a GSM modem that you plug directly into the camera or a GSM Mobile Hotspot that you keep in your pocket, you can go live to the broadcast studio or the web. For both field or studio use, the GY-HM800 Series offers an outstanding combination of image quality, recording formats and network connectivity, allied with excellent camera ergonomics, which we believe is the most innovative line of professional camcorders available today.

Both the GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 camcorders will be available in March.