All-in-One HD/SD Camera System offers Easy Integration and Precision Control
(Las Vegas NAB--April 15, 2008) Here at NAB, Panasonic announced that it has begun shipments of its new AW-HE100 multi-format HD/SD camera. Featuring an integrated pan-tilt-zoom (ptz) mechanism with a ergonomic design, the all-in-one HE100 combines outstanding image quality, super smooth pan/tilt/zoom operation and flexible system configuration.
Perfect for an array of applications ranging from high-resolution distance learning and videoconferencing to studio production, sports and government, the HE100 provides incredible quality and easy integration for high-definition and standard-definition production environments. With progressive 1/3” IT 3-CCDs, a 14-bit A/D converter, and a 19-bit digital signal processor, the camera produces incredibly-vivid images in a wide range of lighting conditions and environments, whether in use in large auditoriums and indoor sport facilities or in news studios and conference rooms. The camera supports and can switch between 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p, and can simultaneously output both HD and SD signals.
The HE100 incorporates a broadcast-quality HD 13x auto/manual focus zoom lens with a fast f1.6 maximum aperture, and 32.5mm (35mm equivalent) minimum focal length. The integrated PTZ unit has a highly accurate True-Servo pan-tilt head that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions, with an exceptionally wide range of motion (+/- 175° pan; +210° to -40° tilt). The camera also includes a versatile, user-selectable Smart Flip function that automatically reverses the vertical orientation of the picture to provide natural-looking video, even when the subject passes directly under the camera.
With a maximum pan/tilt speed of 60° per second and pan/tilt stop accuracy of +/- 3’ (0.05”), the camera captures a wide range of slow and fast moving objects flawlessly, without any visually distracting vibration. Moreover, the unit operates in virtual silence, with a noise rating of NC30 (at 30/s motion), NC35 (at 60/s motion).
The AW-HE100 comes standard with a variety of outputs including HD/SD analog component and composite video and is equipped with RS-422 connectivity for precise remote control. An optional HD/SD SDI card is available for critical production applications. Other valuable standard features include three-step gamma correction, seven-step chroma level adjustment, up to 100 pre-set memories, electronic shutter (1/100 to 1/2000 a sec) with synchro scan, tally light and a ceiling mounting bracket. The camera comes with an easy-to-use wireless remote for simple control of up to four HE100 cameras.
The AW-HE100 can easily be integrated with Panasonic’s AK-HC1500 convertible HD camera and SD convertible cameras, and is compatible with a wide range of professional RS-422 control systems including Panasonic’s pan-tilt controllers such as the AW-RP555, AW-RP655, and AW-RP400 (with the AW-IF400), to provide control from remote distances of up to 3,280 ft. The HE100 can also easily be controlled via a desktop or laptop computer.
The HE100 weighs about 15.4 pounds and features an integrated, stylish design for simple installation on ceilings or walls.
The HE100 has a suggested list price of $8,790. Optional accessories include the AW-HHD100 SDI output board, which provides two HD/SD-SDI outputs (BNC) for HD/SD switching.
About Panasonic Broadcast
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast and professional video products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is a unit company of Panasonic Corporation of North America. The company is the North American headquarters of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) of Japan, and the hub of its U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations For more information on Panasonic Broadcast products, access the company’s web site at
http://www.panasonic.com/broadcast.
###
