[Jeff Merritt]

Hi,

The SDX900 uses a Medium size cassette and the VariCam uses only a Large cassette. They are not compatible. We do not recommend using a cleaning cassete in the VariCam except in emergency situations. If you suspect a problem, please contact one of our Service Centers in either Secaucus, N.J. or Los Angeles, CA.

Thanks,

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

[Jeff Merritt]

Please contact me offline at merrittj@us.panasonic.com

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

[Jeff Merritt]

The Goodman’s Guide is available from the VariCam Resellers and many Rental Houses. It is not out of stock. If you can’t find it in one facility, try another. Also, students who attend the HDExpo VariCamps receive the book for free. For dates and locations please go to http://www.hdexpo.net.

Thanks

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

[Jeff Merritt]

All,

I would like to inform you that the BBC has adopted DVCPRO HD as their HD format of choice for acquisition and has purchased a number of AJ-HDX400E for their use.

Regards,

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

[Jeff Merritt]

Hi,

As was previous stated, there is no software to make the VariCam capable of acquiring at 120 Fps. The fastest frame rates are 59.94 or 60.00 in the “H” version depending on the set ups.

This is a strong request from many customers so perhaps in some future version in the next couple of years we might see this, but for now it is simply not possible with the current technology in the VariCam.

Having said that, I’m quite sure that there are people who will be able to simulate this effect in post. Of course one way would be to speed up the 60:00 Fps by double, record it to another machine, and then slow it down to 24 Fps. This would render some type of “super Slo-mo” but with some obvious artifacts.

Regards,

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

[Jeff Merritt]

Hi,

Steve is quite right about the new heat sinking that is built in to the 27H version of the VariCam. This is mostly due to the 12bit processing that takes place in the camera. But I want to tell you about another advantage of trying to at least warm up the camera ahead of time. Basically in all of the HD cameras, Panasonic and others, there is a differential in the lens to CCD distance that changes with temperature. This effects the back focus. So Panasonic designed the heat sink to put more of a constant temperature near the lens mount to keep the back focus more constant. In another words, we totally intended to use the heat generated to the advantage of the camera optics. I talk about this in quite depth at the VariCamps which I encourage you to attend if you haven’t already.

In short, the VariCam is not a “Point and Shoot” camera any more than the top of the line film cameras. It does take a reasonable amount of set up, preperation, and understanding of the technology to make compelling pictures.

Thank you for your inquiry.

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

[Jeff Merritt]

Almost all VTRs today are designed to lock up to either Video IN or Referance. If either is out of time, such as a loop from the NLE, the machine can not lock up. Disconnect the Video IN and Reference and you should be OK during playback for ingesting. Do not connect BOTH a Video IN and Reference when recording back to the machine.
Hope this works for you.

Regards,

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

[Jeff Merritt]

Hi Blake,

Please take a look at Page 80 of the AJ-HD1700 Opertations Manual and you will see you can change the System setting to 23/24 from 59/60. Do that. When you do, the machine will automatically convert the 720p/24 to 1080p/24 on the output HD-SDI. This is really 23.98 Psf. This same function is also available on the AJ-HD1200A in the System menu.

Incidentlally, if you playback AG-DVX100 or AJ-SDX900 footage acquired at 24 FPS, you will get the same result, only up converted from SD to HD.

Good luck.

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

[Jeff Merritt]

All,

While we’re squelching rumers, there will not be any new software or any new version of the VariCam at NAB this year. So if you’re saving your money to see what’s new at NAB, “Fogeta ’bout it”. And hopefully you’ll take advantage of the rebate program on the VariCam and other DVCPRO HD products through March 31, 2006. Check the Panasonic Web site.

I hope to see many of you at NAB and at future VariCamps. For a list of upcoming training sessions including the one scheduled in Las Vages around NAB time, check http://www.hdexpo.net.

Good shooting!

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

[Jeff Merritt]

Ray and All,

There will be IDX batteries at the VariCamp as they are a sponsor. However there will be IDX to Anton converters available so you won’t have to bring batteries. So don’t worry about batteries. There will be plenty of power including AC.

See you there and Happy New Year.

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