[Jeff Merritt]

Hi,

Unfortunately the set-ups for one camera system do not transfer to another camera system, such as an HDC27H VariCam to the HDX900. There are some somewhat simple explinations for this such as different imagers, different digital system processor and over-all formats, etc. This is true of other manufacturers as well

Having said this, I’d like to suggest that to try to match two different camera models, TEST, TEST TEST. Then down-load to an SD card the set-up that works for you.

Give it a try.

Thanks,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

Hello All,

Panasonic’s position is that the existing VariCams are still so popular that to upgrade them or make major changes would not be in the best interest of our customers. Again, nothing new for the VariCam at NAB this year. There will be a new version of the VariCam in a couple of years that will be a leapfrog over existing technology for both Panasonic and other companies.

For the price and performance the VariCam continues to be viable as a creative tool and will be for many years. We will continue to provide the best support of the camera and work together with other 3rd party vendors to be sure the post path is easy and appropriate.

Please keep in mind that the HDX900 is not a “poor-man’s” version of the VariCam but an outstanding HD upgraded version of the very popular SDX900 which has sold extremely well.

Enjoy both these cameras but know that in all technology there are certain limitations and it is in your best interest to understand what those limitations are.

Best regards and good shooting,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

Hi,

Please remember the two remotes are not interchangeble. The RC10G will only work with the AJ-HDX900 and will not connect to any other camera at present. The EC3 will not work with the HDX900 but is intended to work with all other DVCPRO camcorders including the VariCam.

Thanks,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

Hi Pat,

As you might expect, the DVCPRO CODEC is proprietary to Panasonic. It is licensed to others with agreements that are also proprietary. If you are interested in furthering this discussion, please contact me off line at merrittj@us.panasonic.com. I’ll be happy to discuss this with you.

Thanks

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

tHello all,

When transfering content via IEEE 1394 from one DVCPRO HD devise to another, you will get an EXACT clone of the original material. This is one of the advantages of 1394 with DVCPRO HD. It doesn’t matter what frame rates are used as 1394 doesn’t care. It’s just a clone. Audio, video, time code all transfer as an original. You only need to make sure that settings on the record machine (HD1200/HD1400) are correct, and there are menue items to check to be sure.

However remember that it’s possible to record 24fps native on the HVX200 via P2. (a real advantage for saving memory space). That will not transfer to other DVCPRO HD tape based equipment since the VariCam and the VTRs need to see 24fps over 60fps (thus adding the 2:3 cadence which can later be eliminated in post via an NLE).

Having said all this, many people sucessfully integrate HVX200 footage with VariCam footage with great results as long as they know how to ingest the footage correctly into the timeline. Many post houses know how and do this on a regular basis. If you’re considering this post parth, I’d suggest you talk to your favorite post house prior to shooting.

Happy new year.

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

All,

I apoligize for being away from the COW for a while due to personal reasons but I’m back. I’ll try to pick up on some important issues I’ve read recently.

First, there will be no new VariCam introduced at NAB because the technology is mature and in such wide use and demand that it would not make sence to introduce a camera that is just an upgrade. The lower price announced recently is in response to the market. Instead, we will have what we call internally “VariCam II” in a couple of years that will surpass the current mode in quality and process. And, yes, we are looking at a very high end camera that will compete with the best of the best. That’s why we’re solicitaing input from the industry.

Second, the AJ-HDX900 is an upgrated HD version of the SDX900 and is NOT a VariCam Light. They are entirely different cameras in design and for different markets.

As to the comparison of the SPX2000 with the HDX900, the first is based on P2 technology while the HDX900 is based on tape and IEEE 1394 techology.

I will continue to monitor the COW and look forward to your input as always. For many of you, I will see you at MAC World FCPUG and at the HPA Technology Retreat in Palm Springs, CA at the end of the month.

Good shooting and good business in HD.

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

Hello all,

As the Product Manager for the high end of the HD line of products, I can assure you that Panasonic Broadcast is NOT back ordered on viewfinders for this camera. As a matter of fact, I am responsible for ordering from the factory and keeping a keen eye on inventory levels. One thing I watch for is to keep additional inventory of viewfinders since people tend to break them and need replacements.

Having said all that, please be assured that we have an ample supply of viewfinders in our Panasonic warehouse.

For any of you who might have a similar issue with viewfinders, please contact me off-line and I’ll do what I can to help you out.

Thanks,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

Ray and All,

The prize for “stumping the expert” is 100 hours of FREE GPS satellite time as sent from space to your camera. Smile.

By the way I have a GPS in my airplane and it updates every second. I have flown with GPS for many years and it’s always there, timely, and accurate. The GPS in my car updates every 5 seconds. The hand-held I use for hiking updates about every 15-20 seconds. Again, I’ll check with the factory and get back to you and everyone.

This is a very interesting question and I am also curious.

Thanks,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

Well you guys got me really stumped on this one! This is the first time this question of update time of the GPS option has been asked and frankly I don’t know but I’ll go to the factory and try to get an answer and post it here.

Thanks for asking,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676

[Jeff Merritt]

Hi,

My understanding is that the HD Channel is the most discriminating and the VariCam and HDX900 are both approved for acquisition. Remember however that their delivery spec is 1080i on HDCam, SRW or Panasonic D5-HD.

Please Contact Josh Derby to be sure. You may mention that I sent you as he and I talk often.

Thanks,

Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676