Panasonic announced the delivery of it’s new AJ-HDP2000 2K Processor for the D-5 HD VTR, a new high-quality mastering solution for use in production of movies, commercials and high-end video content.

Designed for post production, telecine systems and dual-link 4:4:4 HD video system cameras, the
AJ-HDP2000 provides a cost-effective and efficient method of recording, editing and archiving 2K and 4:4:4 HDTV images on the post-production standard D-5 HD mastering video tape recording system – a process not easily achievable until now. Coupled with Panasonic’s AJ-HD3700H, AJ-HD3700A or AJ-HD3700B D-5 HD VTRs, professionals can now record, playback and edit full 12-bit 4:4:4 “2K” 2048 x 1080 resolution film image data or 12-bit 4:4:4 sampled dual link 1920 x 1080 HD images onto videotape for editing, archiving and distribution.

The AJ-HDP2000 processor uses JPEG2000 compression, the same compression scheme specified by the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) for cinema release, to convert film to digital data for subsequent processing in advanced DI environments while maintaining its core resolution. The processor’s advanced encoder ensures that images remain faithful throughout the recording process, minimizes distortion and resolution degradation, and offers optimized bit rate control and increased error tolerance for reliable interchange required in editing.

The AJ-HDP2000 comes equipped with the industry-standard SMPTE 372M Dual Link SDI input/output interface. Video signal, audio signal and TV are embedded into one system for connection to high-end linear and telecine equipment. The 2K Processor also features a 4:4:4 to 4:2:2 conversion capability that allows professionals to output a 4:2:2 video signal from the units HD-SDI terminal for easy interfacing with high definition equipment. The AJ-HDP2000 maintains full eight-channel 24-bit recordings, as well as the ability of the system to handle compression audio streams for multi-channel / second language applications. Time Code in/out is embedded on XLR. Maximum record time is 155 minutes at 24fps HD / 2K modes. A software upgrade for the AJ-HD3700 series D-5 HD VTRs is required and is available through Panasonic Broadcast Service.

The AJ-HDP2000 is shipping now at a suggested list price of $35,000.

Panasonic D-5 recorders are the de facto standard for HD and SD mastering, with substantial investments in the format having been made by major television networks, studios and post-production facilities in Hollywood, New York, London, and other facilities around the world. In standard definition video applications, the AJ-HD3700B VTR can record and playback both uncompressed 625 line and 525 line digital component video, while in high definition applications, the AJ-HD3700B provides full-bandwidth 4:2:2 digital 10-bit component recording in a wide variety of image sizes and frame rates, assuring the pristine picture quality demanded in digital mastering. For more information on Panasonic’s complete HD product line up, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast