Cameras: News and Updates

<Prev | Page 1 | Page 2 | Next>

(Secaucus, NJ) HuskerVision, the high-tech video production unit for the University of Nebraska Athletic Department, recently upgraded its HD video production capabilities with the addition of Panasonic HD Studio cameras and P2 HD camcorders. The equipment roster includes four Panasonic AK-HC931B HD studio cameras, two AK-HC1500G 2/3" multi-format 1080i/720p HD multi-purpose cameras, as well as five AJ-HPX2000, two AG-HPX300 and two AG-HPX170 P2 HD camcorders.

HuskerVision is responsible for all large screen/stadium productions at school's Memorial Stadium, the Bob Devaney Sports Center and soccer and basketball venues. In addition to shooting up to 100 large screen events per year, and producing shows for men's and women's basketball, gymnastics and wrestling teams, the video unit also produces numerous video presentations, a highlight reel for each of the 22 sport teams and nearly 80 "coaches" television shows throughout the year.

The HC931B HD studio cameras are used for stadium and arena large screen productions, and the production of the coaches' shows. The HPX2000 P2 HD camcorders are paired with Telecast fiber equipment to record footage and deliver video directly to the control room switching equipment. The remaining P2 equipment is used to gather isolation footage at home and at away sporting events. The production team uses the HC1500G cameras as remote control "slam cams" at basketball and volleyball productions.

Additional equipment includes AG-HPG200 P2 Gear portable recorders, AJ-PCD20 five slot card readers, and AJ-HD1400 DVCPRO HD VTRs. The crew shoots in 720/60p and 720/30pN for field acquisition.

"The cameras are very versatile and provide pristine pictures with great resolution," said Assistant Athletic Director Shot Kleen. "They offer very flexible setup. Vertical smear and lag are minimal, and the sensitivity and color reproduction is excellent. Also, the scene files are easy to recall and implement which saves us time."

Kleen was especially pleased with the flexibility of the P2. "We have the ability to directly ingest to Final Cut Pro laptop editors, edit, and perform file transfers to our storage servers, particularly when traveling with our teams. We also have several desktop editors to perform the ingest operation in our office environment. Play out servers are Ross SMS, EVS, and direct play Final Cut Pro."

"The pre-record preset feature is fabulous for shooting sporting events," Kleen continued. "The USB host mode allows users to plug a computer in and use it as a card reader. The ability to access Panasonic downloads and upgrade the parameters of the cameras is very convenient for us. It is easy to transfer set up files from one camera to another. The SDI input is useful for taking pool feeds. The overall ease of operation is great, and the ergonomics of the cameras makes handheld shooting for long periods easier.

"Moreover, since there are no moving parts, the cameras are easy to operate and function well in adverse weather conditions; we anticipate the maintenance costs to be lower than that of traditional camcorders."

Kleen added, "The P2 acquisition format is by far the best in the industry. It allows us to increase our workflow efficiency overall."

For more information about HuskerVision, visit www.huskers.com.

About the AK-HC931B

The AK-HC931B is a versatile, multi-format HDTV studio camera system. The studio/EFP camera delivers pristine HD images in both 1080i and 720p formats and offers easy switching between the formats right in the camera menu. This flexible camera offers 2/3" 3-CCDs to deliver 1 million-pixel (1280 x 720) progressive scan resolution, advanced digital signal processing (DSP) and analog-to-digital conversion circuits with 38-bit internal processing. The camera system also provides superb 480i standard definition images (option). With the camera head weighing only 10 pounds, the camera can be configured for either studio or hand-held use and comes standard with a bayonet lends mount.

<Prev | Page 1 | Page 2 | Next>