Varicam and HD Broadcast

[Noah Kadner]

Either way- yes. Some networks accept 720p and the upconverts to 1080i from Varicam if done properly are also acceptable though again there are hundreds of channels in the U.S. and each has their own broadcast standard- some not even requiring an HD master as of yet.

Noah

[David Battistella]

Anyone know of series being shot on Varcicam right now?

David

[Dale Mccready]

that vegas casino show is shot on numerous Varicams, but it’s a reality series and so is not the best showcase for the image quality of the camera, or for filmic functions like shutter and frame rate. We need to see a few more dramas shot with it.

[David Battistella]

Thanks for the response Dale. I agree with you. I love the look of the Varicam and as soon as people can say, “this was shot with it , that was shot with it.” I am sure it will becaome a more widely and easily accepted format.

Sony is just a Gorilla in North America and it’s hard to change people’s thinking.

David

[Jan Crittenden livingston]

Although I am not the product manager for the Varicam, I know that it has been used on a number of shows for National Geographic and Discovery. I think one of the more popular and current is American Chopper on Discovery. I beleive it was also used in coverage of the Super Bowl and a number of others. i will send Jeff a ping on this thread and perhaps he has time to chime in.

The short of it is is an HD standard and it is well accepted.

Best regards,

Jan

Jan Crittenden Livingston
Product Manager, DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, AG-DVX100
Panasonic Broadcast & TV Systems

[David Battistella]

Thanks for your response Jan,

It’s good to see you gues in the forums.

David

[Jeff Merritt]

All,

Jan is partially correct. VariCam is used very often for broadcast production. Yes, indeed, several Super Bowls have had HD content shot with the VariCam. Also one of the most popular shows on broadcast networks is “American Idol”, again shot with VariCam. Hundreds of spot commericals are shot with VariCam; Wal-Mart, Pringles, Ford, McDonalds, to name a few.

You’ll find VariCam on HDNet, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, ESPN 1 & 2, Outdoor Channel, NASCAR, FOX Sports, COX Sports, ABC Sports, CBS Sports, NBC Sports(Olympics), and soon NHL.

In short, you’d be in good company shooting VariCam.

Each network/station has their own particular delivery specifications. However, acquisition and delivery are two very distinct processes. For example, a motion picture shot on 35mm film is not delivered on film, but usually on tape, HD or SD. VariCam shot content may be delivered on D-5 HD, HDCam, Digibeta, whatever. So check with the company you are shooting for and determine what format they want for delivery. Today it is very simple to shoot, edit, master in one format and deliver in another.

Another aspect to remember is that a delivery in 1080i does not necessarily mean you can not shoot in 720p. This format conversion for delivery is done all the time. “American Chopper”, shot with 3 VariCams, is delivered to Discovery Channel on HDCam at 1080i.

There are hundreds and hundreds of people shooting VariCam for broadcast and many are making a very good living doing so.

Good shooting,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
HD Products
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems

[David Battistella]

Thanks Jeff,

That’s a very impressive list. It would be great if you had a “varicam in production” page on the panasonic website so that we could point prospective clients there. It would also be helpful in keeping up with all of the great varicam production going on.

David