HVX200 capabilities made the HVR-Z1U HD Obsolete?

[Mike Schrengohst]

“It sounds like the 720p is the more versatile format and much more desired for television.”

Yes, most of the HD channels will not except HDV. Unless it’s really compelling footage (then they will show anything) the industry is not embracing HDV.
HDV may find an industrial use and I saw a lot of home movies being shot in NYC with HDV this Christmas, but for Broadcast TV I cannot imagine they would be interested in running docs or shows shot on HDV.

[Frank Nolan]

When was the Z1 ever considered a broadcast camera? Sony introduced the camera as an entry level HD acquisition solution. It was never intended to be a broadcast camera. Besides the HVX-200 is a different format to the HDV format of the Z1.

[David S.]

Capturing for television other than ENG on a HVX200 requires 4Gb or 8Gb P2 cards.

At about 4 minutes per card, it isn’t really equipped to long form television.

One poster indicates that the Z1U is a consumer camcorder.

I guess we can agree that we all disagree at times.

David S.

[Hopperhd]

Thanks all for your input!

[Gary Adcock]

[hopperHD] “Has the HVX200 capabilities and price made the HVR-Z1U HD obsolete for broadcast?.”

Thats a narrow view, there need to be tools for all applications, for some the P2 workflow is more than they can wrap their head around. For others is is only about Price. I have been overjoyed using Sony HDV for mastering to SD, for that I think it looks better than 90% of the DV cameras.
I do not however ever thought that HDV was useable for broadcast – and I make a fair amount making HDV good enough to broadcast.

“Secondly, is 1040i on its way out. It sounds like the 720p is the more versatile format and much more desired for television.”
I am hoping that you meant 1080i, but this too is a very narrow view, CBS, NBC, TNT,HBO all use a 1080 signal for their content, not matter how it is captured. People need to differentiate between acquisition and delivery.

IMHO interlaced format materials are for delivery. Progressive is an acquisition format.

Interesting to note however, that I keep see that 720p is the main spec for Hi Def DVDs.

Gary Adcock
Studio37
HD and Film Consultation
Chicago, IL USA

[Hopperhd]

Thanks Gary for the response.

I did actually mean 1080i, my apologies for my newbie ignorance. I’m just now learning about the all of the current technologies, multiple formats, who uses/ accepts what, technologies round the corner, FCP, what computer specs are needed, the list goes on and on… I must say it’s a bit overwhelming. Whewwwwww!

From what I’ve gathered though, it seems to me there is no pro-sumer camera that allows you to do everything (all formats) is accepted by all (networks), is under 10K and isn’t going to change in the next 6 months; EXCEPT… MAYBE… the HVX200. And even then, the first generation will probably go through some transformation when the reviews start coming in.

It just seems like television as well as everything other genre will eventually move to HD. DV will go away, HDV will return to the orphanage and HD will become the new standard. So the question is when do I jump in and not waste my precious dinero?

I

[Gary Adcock]

[hopperHD] “It just seems like television as well as everything other genre will eventually move to HD. DV will go away, HDV will return to the orphanage and HD will become the new standard. So the question is when do I jump in and not waste my precious dinero?”

Depends on what you do, if your a working pro, how long does it take to get return on your investment, if you hobby is video that is a different story.
The HVX 200 offers the largest usability for video of any camera /product under $100K. 5 years is not too much for a tool to be used in a Pro market. Will there be a new model 6 months from now, I doubt it, too much went into the R&D. (has anyone noted that the manual explains how to do w firmware upgrade?)
Will there be something else in 5 years? (insert: jan having a heart attack reading this) Who knows?
I do not have an answer but technology keeps moving forward, sometimes slowly (evolution) or very quickly (revolution)

Gary Adcock
Studio37
HD and Film Consultation
Chicago, IL USA

[David S.]

One question I have for your hopperHD, is how you intend to deliver the footage to the stations.

The HVX200 doesn’t record anything but DV to tape.

Exactly what is your intended delivery medium to the stations?

David S.

[Nick B]

There is only one format

$$$$

hopperHD I am not sure how it works in the US TV market but here in the UK the Broadcaster will commission the producer to make the tv show and give them a budget and dictate the technical requirements ie they are happy with DV or Digibeta or HDCAM etc and the budget will reflect that.

Why not contact the TV network that will take your show and ask them what format they want it to be shot on.

We rent our cameras the rental goes on the clients budget and we make money as a % of the total budget

Remember only one format $ and profit

[Donatello]

1)”obsolete” we’ve all heard this back in late 90’s with sony 1000 dv camera – yea the nroadcasters are all going to say they won’t accept it …. BUT if the project is excellent then it becomes broadcastable.

2) 1080i ( and i’ll include 720p here too) is not on the way out sort of .. i’ll bet my $$ on 1080p for future..