Tech Focus and Product Reviews

Panasonic announced the new AW-HE100 multi-format HD/SD camera that features an integrated pan-tilt-zoom mechanism with a unique 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 broadcast and event staging , the HE100 provides incredible quality and easy integration for high definition and standard definition production environments. The camera supports 1080i, 720p and 480i formats and can simultaneously output both HD and SD signals. The camera features three progressive 1/3” IT CCDs, a 14-bit A/D converter, and a 19-bit digital signal processor to produce incredibly clean, high resolution images in a wide range of lighting conditions and environments.

The HE100 incorporates a broadcast quality HD 13x auto/manual focus zoom lens with a fast f1.6 maximum aperture, and wide angle focal length of 4.2mm (35mm equivalent: 32.5mm). The integrated PTZ unit has a highly accurate True-Servo pan-tilt head that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions, with an exceptional range of 350 degrees (pan) and 250 degrees (tilt). Able to smoothly follow a wide range of both slow and fast moving objects without visually distracting vibration, the camera delivers a maximum pan/tilt speed of 60 degrees a second. 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 programmable auto-image flip, three-step gamma correction, seven-step chroma level adjustment, up to 100 pre-set memories, electronic shutter (1/120 to 1/2000 a sec) with synchro scan, tally light, a ceiling mounting bracket, and an easy -to-use wireless remote that controls 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 14.3 pounds and can be surface or ceiling mounted.

The HE100 will be available in April at a suggested list price of $8,790. Optional accessories include an 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 www.panasonic.com/broadcast.

  
EDITORIAL CONTACTS:       

Pat Lamb
(518) 692-8150