AVC-Intra is the latest codec that further advances HD production. It complies with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 international standard based on advanced image compression technology, and offers both superb image quality and highly efficient compression. It uses an intra-frame compression system to bring important advantages to professional editing. The AJ-HPM200 can record in AVC-Intra 100 for maximum picture quality or in AVC-Intra 50, which has a lower compression rate, for versatile operation. It also supports DVCPRO HD codec recording.
The AJ-HPM200 can convert up or down between HD and SD or cross-convert between 720p and 1080i during playback. It can also up-convert SD input for recording in HD, and it features an aspect conversion function.
* The cross-converter function is disabled during up-conversion recording. During up-conversion recording, the closed caption signal in the SD signal is recorded as a 608-format HD (VANC) signal (59.94 Hz only). The closed caption signal is not output on SDI during up-conversion, down-conversion or cross-conversion playback.
Supporting a wide range of HD formats, such as 1080p, 1080i and 720p, the AJ-HPM200 can be switched to 59.94 Hz or 50 Hz to adapt to the world&s HD broadcasting formats. The AJ-HPM200 supports 1080/24p (30p/25p) recording and playback with the AVC-Intra codec. In HD SDI mode, it supports 1080/24PsF input/output for use in high-end movie production. It also supports SD, and multi-codec recording (DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV) is possible in both NTSC (480i) and PAL (576i).
The AJ-HPM200 provides a simple, low-cost solution for producing cinema or film-like video. It has two modes (GAMMA 1*, GAMMA 2*) for converting source materials recorded using the F.REC mode and gamma curve into video images with a film-like tone. There&s also a GAMMA 3 (Cineon) mode for converting data into a gamma curve suitable for film recording.
* Same as the AJ-GBX27G HD gamma corrector&s modes: GAMMA 1 = TELECINE 5 and GAMMA 2 = TELECINE 6
The AJ-HPM200 can extract active frames from VFR (variable frame rate) signals output by a VariCam and record them in 720/24p (30p/25p). The built-in monitor lets you check the VFR effect during playback. The AJ-HPM200 can also provide VariCam-like 60p pull-down output (50p from 25p) by playing back a video clip in a P2 card recorded in native 720/24p (30p/25p) by P2HD camcorders AJ-HPX2700, AG-HPX500 series, the AG-HPX300 series, the AG-HPX170 series or the AG-HVX200A series.
The P2 card offers a large capacity of up to 64 GB* in a small, lightweight package. Its rugged design withstands even harsh professional use. It is highly resistant to temperature fluctuations, dust, impact and vibration, and is free of the problems that are common in tapes, such as condensation, head clogging and dropouts. The P2 card promises solid reliability and excellent mobility under the often difficult conditions of field recording.
Because data is automatically recorded in blank card spaces, there is no need for cueing and the risk of accidentally overwriting valuable data is eliminated. The newly released, low-cost E Series (AJ-P2E016XG, AJ-P2E032XG, and AJ-P2E064XG) provides a new level of convenience by meeting a wide range of user needs.
* Total card capacity includes space for data management such as system data; therefore, the actual usable area is less than the capacity indicated on the card.
With its six card slots, the AJ-HPM200 will play a continuous, extended clip recorded in sequence onto six P2 cards. Or, you can mount five P2 cards, and output the playlist editing result to a sixth P2 card.
P2 records a scene as a clip (file). To play back or delete a clip, or to check and edit its metadata (file information) or add or delete a shot marker, just select the clip from the thumbnail display on the built-in 9" LCD monitor.
A clip&s metadata can contain such information as the camera operator&s name, reporter&s name and shooting location. By adding and recording metadata together with P2 content files, data can be efficiently managed, searched and edited. With the AJ-HPM200, metadata can be edited and created. When using a software keyboard or USB keyboard (optional), text data can be entered easily. You can also create a metadata upload file (produced with P2 Viewer software) on an SD/SDHC card, and load it as clip metadata.
The P2 Mobiles playlist function enables speedy cut editing* of up to 100 events (or a 24-hour timeline). The AJ-HPM200 features an all-new editor GUI. It can simultaneously display player-side (source material) thumbnails or a preview screen on the left side, a recorder-side (timeline) preview screen on the right side, and the timeline at the bottom. This allows smooth, intuitive operation for users familiar with nonlinear editors and users accustomed to conventional DVCPRO laptop editors.
* No transition settings or effects are available. V fade between events can be set only for audio.
The AJ-HPM200 is equipped with a Direct Capture function. It lets you set IN and OUT points on the player-side preview screen by controlling an external VTR connected via an RS-422A interface, and register or capture (digitization and clip creation) video footage directly onto the editing timeline. This allows quick P2HD production from tape sources in a linear-like fashion. Files on an external HDD (eSATA/USB connection) can be used as editing materials.
The AJ-HPM200 is provided with an Ethernet port (1000Base-T/100Base-TX/10Base-T) and features the following network functions. This enables the AJ-HPM200 to connect to a network without using a PC for easy file transfers over the Internet.
Source materials on an external hard disk connected via eSATA or USB 2.0 can be played* back smoothly from thumbnails. If the data reading speed decreases temporarily due to vibration or when using a low-speed hard disk, it is possible to output only audio for continuous playback. Source materials on a hard disk can also be used in playlist editing, just like source materials on a P2 card.
* Playback is based on a best-effort basis. Panasonic does not guarantee smooth playback without frame drops.
The AJ-HPM200 is the first P2HD recorder to offer compatibility with low bit rate AVCHD. When equipped with the optional AJ-YCX250G AVCHD codec board, the AJ-HPM200 can record and play back AVCHD files on an SD/SDHC memory card. It can also convert and copy files between P2HD and AVCHD at normal speed.
The AJ-HPM200 is equipped with an RS-422A remote terminal same as a broadcasting VTR. Using an external controller, this lets you operate the AJ-HPM200 as an editor-player.
*Remote control with the RS-422A interface is not possible in AVCHD mode.
The AJ-HPM200 can record and play back high-quality, 16-bit/48-kHz digital audio. It comes with 4-channel AES/EBU digital audio input and output (BNC) terminals. This allows the connection of digital audio equipment with a 48-kHz sampling rate or digital VTR. Since the AJ-HPM200 supports SDI embedded audio, it can record and play back up to 8 channels.
With its rugged casing and magnesium die-cast frame, the AJ-HPM200 is tough enough for go-anywhere field production. The rear connector section is protected by a cover. With the editing panel closed, the AJ-HPM200 is the size of a large briefcase and comes equipped with a metal handle for easy carrying. You can take it onboard an airplane as a carry-on.
When using an SD/SDHC memory card, metadata can be imported and AVCHD files can be recorded and played.
The AJ-HPM200 has broadcast-standard SDI (HD/SD) input and output terminals. This allows it to handle a variety of operations, such as line recordings, studio production and on-air broadcasting.
* The input system can be separately selected for video and audio with the Input Select key on the front panel.
* The output supports display of titles and thumbnails.
* To use linked and automatic recording, the function must be supported by the connected camera-recorder.
The versatile AJ-HPM200 runs on either 100 to 240 V AC or 12 V DC. Plug it in and you have an outstanding desktop recorder, or take the AJ-HPM200 outside and mount it in an OB van or carry it right into the field.
An IEEE 1394 digital interface comes standard on the AJ-HPM200. Connect a DVCPRO HD camera-recorder/VTR, and the AJ-HPM200 can input or output a DVCPRO-compressed stream with no image degradation.
* Input/output is possible only when the system frequency mode is set to 59.94/50 Hz. Input/output is not possible in AVC-Intra and AVCHD mode. Analog Input/Output The AJ-HPM200 is equipped with various analog I/Os: Composite In, Composite Out, Audio In/Out (4 channels), Audio Monitor Out (2 channels), Time Code In/Out and Reference Video In.
The AJ-HPM200 is extremely versatile. It can be used to preview P2HD recordings, field edit using the playlist function, and make backups on another memory card or external hard disk. When equipped with the optional AJ-YCX250G AVCHD codec board, the AJ-HPM200 can be used to view video recorded with an AVCCAM camcorder or consumer-type AVCHD camera-recorder or to convert files to or from the P2 format. The AJ-HPM200 easily operates in a mixed P2 and AVCHD environment.
Equipped with an FTP client function, the AJ-HPM200 can connect directly to the Internet via Gigabit Ethernet. This lets you transfer files to the server of a broadcasting station. By converting files from P2HD to AVCHD (when equipped with the optional AJ-YCX250G AVCHD codec board), files can be transferred at high speed for newsflash broadcasts in HD.
When connected to a nonlinear editor via USB 2.0, the AJ-HPM200 serves as a P2 drive.* The RS-422A terminal lets you control a VTR player, while the Direct Capture function simplifies the production of P2 files from tape sources. The AJ-HPM200 helps to shift from tape-based to file-based workflows.
*PCs must be installed with the included P2 driver in order to mount P2 cards. For editing, PCs must be installed with P2-compatible editing software available from various companies.
Compact, lightweight and versatile, the AJ-HPM200 lets you make effective use of the limited space in an OB van. Use it to make line recordings of SDI (HD/SD) input data, or for digital tape-to-card copying of DVCPRO HD data input via IEEE 1394. The AJ-HPM200 can combine the input content with a source recorded on a P2 card for relay broadcasts, and it expedites playlist transmission.
The AJ-HPM200 can record signals from a digital cinema camera via the 1080/24PsF interface in native 1080/24p format using the AVC-Intra 100 or AVC-Intra 50 codec. It can also input signals of 720/24p over 60p from a VariCam and record them in native 24p.
P2 cards containing 1080/24p recorded by the P2HD camera-recorder can be inserted into the AJ-HPM200 for direct transfer. The versatility of the AJ-HPM200 responds to a wide range of cinema and cinema-like program production needs.