New P2 Mobile Adds Enhanced Editing, Split Screen Viewing, Network Connectivity, Optional AVCHD Support and More

Panasonic introduced its new solid-state AJ-HPM200, a P2 HD mobile recorder/player featuring an exciting range of new editing, recording and AV/IT connection functions, and multi-format compatibility including optional AVCHD support.
The HPM200 offers all of the popular features found in its predecessor, the AJ-HPM110, and adds new functionality including: enhanced cuts editing with separate source and record windows, full-frame rate playback from external disk drives, AVCHD compatibility (with the AJ-YCX250G option card), up-conversion of live video inputs in real time, FTP and Giga-bit Ethernet interfaces for expanded network connectivity and 24p Time Code input for production applications, including use as a source for a traditional dailies process.

With DVCPRO HD and AVC-Intra standard as well as optional AVCHD compatibility and expanded input/output connections, the HPM200 P2 Mobile is the most comprehensive and versatile master-quality HD field recorder and can be used with virtually any camera. The field recorder offers 10-bit independent frame 4:2:2 quality recording in a variety of high definition formats and frame rates, including 1080p (native), 1080i and 720p, and also records in standard definition DVCPRO50/25 and DV.

The HPM200’s AVCHD compatibility gives users more options for content management, backup recording and distribution. Professionals can play back AVCHD content on an SD card using the unit’s SD card slot, convert P2 content to AVCHD for low bit rate distribution over the network, convert AVCHD to P2 to edit in a P2 project, or record P2 and AVCHD simultaneously for backup or distribution, especially useful for producing on-set dailies. SD cards with AVCHD content can be inserted into and played back on a growing number of consumer playback devices with SD card slots, including Blu-ray players, select plasma displays, game consoles and more.

With enhanced editing functions and network capabilities, the HPM200 has increased appeal for use in production facilities, news, sports, and live event staging applications. The HPM200’s split screen function displays both the source and recorded images simultaneously for easier editing. The new P2 Mobile adds new features such as clip exchange, multiple clip selection, undo/redo last action, auto record, and text memo. The HPM200 also offers two-channel voice over recording and real-time audio memory during playback (adjust and save audio levels during playback).

The HPM200 is equipped with the range of audio/video and IT connections offered in the HPM110, including HD-SDI input/output, analog component/composite and audio, IEEE 1394 and USB2.0. The new field recorder adds compatible AES Digital audio inputs/outs as well as high-speed eSATA and Giga-bit Ethernet (GigE), which provide users with even more choices to enhance workflow. The HPM200 can ensure the highest recording quality with 10 bit 4:2:2 AVC-Intra or compatibility with existing DVCPRO editors when connected to any HD-SDI equipped camera, camcorder, deck or device. Professionals can then randomly access and view content selected via thumbnail clips on the unit’s built-in 9-inch LCD monitor.

The HPM200 is ideal for transitioning ENG users shooting SD on Panasonic P2 HD camcorders to HD field editing. It’s the perfect workflow tool when a project or news story is shot using P2 HD and AVCCAM camcorders. The HPM200 can convert edited clips to AVCHD for more convenient handling; the clips can then be transferred to an FTP server via GigE or saved on an SD card for storage or distribution. Users also have the option of connecting a hard disk drive directly to the unit via eSATA for faster transfers and access to content. Additional valuable features, similar to the HPM110, include RS-422A for remote control operation, a range of recording functions including loop record, eight 16-bit digital audio channels, built-in waveform monitor and vectorscope, broadcast-level editing controls with a jog/shuttle dial (100x forward/reverse speed) and audio faders, an SD card slot and assignable user files.

The HPM200 has the durable, compact P2 Mobile laptop-style design, with a magnesium die-cast frame for easy transport. It operates on either AC or DC power and is backed by a five-year limited warranty program (Panasonic Broadcast’s normal 1-year basic warranty plus an extended warranty for years two through five upon product registration).

The HPM200 will be available this October at a suggested list price of $16,000. The AJ-YCX250G AVCHD option card will be available at a suggested list price of $3,000.

P2 HD all solid-state products offer high definition recording without the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 HD products provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs, longer useful product life, and immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize, ingest or create proxy video files) and metadata. P2 HD provides the reliability of solid-state production; the immediate connectivity to existing IT infrastructures; the speed, ease of use and portability of P2 cards; and the interoperability with leading NLE systems.