Jeff Merritt
Forum Replies Created
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All,
I’m going to chime in on this one. Virtually all digital camcorders have a sync difference varying from 1 to 3 frames either advanced or delayed. Usually the video is delayed. Those folks who have been shooting digital for a while are quite aware of this issue. Notice what happens with DV.
What it basically boils down to is that any time a digital signal is processed, it takes time, usually a delay. This is inherent in every manufacturer’s equipment, not just the Panasonic VariCam.
Now you may ask why isn’t this taken care of in the camera when the recording is made? Quite simply, various processing requires different times to process the video. Keeping track of this variation as it relates to audio would be a huge electronic task which might even require an additional board in the camcorder, thus making the camera larger and increase the weight, not to mention the additional battery power. So a compromise was made.
As has been stated by Gary and John, this is usually taken care of in Post. It is a known issue and folks have been dealing with it for years, at least since digital came on the scene.
In a perfect world, this issue wouldn’t exist. But we have it and we know how to deal with it.
Good shooting and editing.
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676 -
Hi Bret and all,
The conversion software showed up with a couple of minor bugs and we thought it prudent to hold off until we got it right. We’re doing some more testing and as soon as we believe folks can use it confidently, we’ll release it on our Panasonic web site. Down loads will be free. By the way, currently it will work on a PC platform. We’re looking at a MAC version sometime down the line. But please forgive us for wanting to get this one right from the get-go to save you all some frustration.
Thanks for understanding.
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676 -
I’m sorry to learn of your lost equipment.
I have notified our Panasonic Service Centers in the U.S. to be on the lookout for your equipment. Hopefully it will turn up soon.
Regards,
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676 -
All,
This question has come up many times. It is important to understand that the model AJ-HDC27F can not be upgraded to the new AJ-HDC27H since many of the internal components of the new AJ-HDC27H are engineered to give the increased performance required of the revised model. Due to this fact, and that several menu items have changed, configurations in the AJ-HDC27F can not be directory applied to the AJ-HDC27H and visa versa. However, Panasonic is providing a free software program to allow most of the set-ups to be transferred from one camera model to the other thus allowing the two different models to work together. This transfer software will be available soon on the Panasonic web site.
By downloading this software, it will be possible to use an SD card to capture the set-up information of an AJ-HDC27F, load it into a computer such as a laptop, transfer the set-up information to match an AJ-HDC27H, save back to the SD card and load it into the AJ-HDC27H. The reverse of this procedure is also possible; save the configuration of an AJ-HDC27H, transfer it, and save to an SD card for set-up in an AJ-HDC27F. The conversion software will be available at no cost.
You can compare the functionality of the “F” and “H” versions by down loading the current brochure on our web site.
Thanks,
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676 -
Thank you, Joseph for providing this site for files. May I also suggest that the “Goodman’s Guide to the VariCam” is available from dealers. Included in the book are dozens of scene files thay may suit your purposses. In addition, this book is provided free as part of the VariCamp training put on by HDExpo. For a list of cities, you can go to http://www.HDEXpo.Net for dates and places.
Regards,
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
HD Products
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems -
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 -
Hi Todd,
If you get a chance, go to the Panasonic Web Site for the AJ-HD1200A and download the brochure for the VTR. On page three you will find a handy chart that lists all the different conversions possible with the option cards installed on the HD1200A such as the IEEE 1394 card. There you’ll notice that no matter which HD format is recorded on tape, you can output 480i, standard definition. Just make sure your SD recorder is set up correctly to accept the SD over firewire. Check the manufacturer’s specifications. Also be sure to set the correct output format on the HD1200A. Follow the menu specifications found in the user’s manual.
For your information and the rest of the folks on this forum, this question is asked many times. Panasonic designed the machine to do exactly this type of down conversion. Also know that the output in SD will have the timecode, picture and audio in sync and a direct match-back to the original source tapes.
Thanks for asking.
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676 -
All,
There will be an announcement soon and any speculation is just that. There has been no “Official” announcement from Panasonic so please stand by for the “Official” scoop and that announcement will come only from me.
Regards,
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676 -
Tom and All,
The new Panasonic 1080i camera, model AJ-HDX400 includes a pre-record function that can be set for up to 10 seconds. This function is included with the camera, not an option as it is built-in. Also one more function that many people asked for is a built-in down converter with NTSC Composite out. This too is not an option but built-in to the camera out of the box.
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676 -
Hi John,
Since you’re so close in time I suggest you contact Panasonic Service ASAP to schedule your upgrade. The phone numbers for the Ease Coast and West Coast were posted previously.
Thanks,
Jeff Merritt
Product Line Business Manager
High Definition Products
Panasonic Broadcast
323-436-3676