Hitachi Debuts Two New DVD Camcorders
January 12, 2004
Brisbane, CA - The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America, Ltd. introduced the company's fourth generation DVD camcorders.
The new models, the UltraVision Digital DZ-MV550A and DZ-MV580A, add a lighter chassis with a more comfortable grip and a new Quick Mode menu function that allows for easier navigation through the camcorder's menu system. Additionally, the DZ-MV580A adds an optional 16 x 9 widescreen filming format for DVD-RAM recording.
Hitachi's DVD camcorders utilize MPEG-2 video recording technology. Users can select between increased recording quality or extended recording time. When using a DVD-RAM disc, the camcorder utilizes either variable bit rate (VBR) or constant bit rate (CBR) recording formats. With a double sided DVD-RAM disc inserted, the camcorders record approximately 40 minutes of video in extra-fine mode (704x480, 3-9 Mbps VBR), 60 minutes in fine mode (704x480, 6Mbps CBR) or 120 minutes in standard mode (352x480, 3Mbps CBR). The double-sided DVD-RAM disc can also hold 1,998 still images recorded at high resolution (1280x960 for DZ-MV580A and 640x480 for DZ-MV550A).
DVD-R disc recordings can be played on most DVD players and DVD-ROM drives.
The camcorder's DVD-R function shoots approximately 30 minutes of high quality DVD video in fine mode (704x480, 6Mbps CBR) or approximately 60 minutes in standard mode (352x480, 3Mbps CBR). DVD-Rs are not re-writeable and in most cases must be finalized before they will play in most DVD players and DVD-ROMs. However, to simplify the process and to save time for the user, three new 2004 Hitachi multi-format DVD players/recorders (DV-RX70U, DV-RF7U and DV-RX7000U) can playback non-finalized DVD-R discs recorded on Hitachi DVD camcorders.
In addition to the new 16 x 9 widescreen recording feature, DVD-RAM discs offer in-camera editing. This sophisticated system allows consumers to shuffle scenes and add special transition effects including fades and wipes without the need for a computer. Also, with the USB2.0 connection, video can be uploaded to a PC and edited with the included PC software. After editing, the video can be transferred back to the camcorder and burned onto a DVD-R for playback on most DVD players, the manufacturer describes. If the PC has a compatible 4.7G byte DVD-RAM or DVD-ROM drive, capable of reading 4.7 GB DVD-RAM discs, the user can simply place the DVD-RAM disc in the drive and download the information directly to a PC.
The camcorders can record digital still photos directly to the DVD-RAM disc or to a Multi Media or Secure Digital flash memory card. Depending on the model of camcorder, the compression and the selected resolution, the camcorders can record between 22-400 JPEG images on a 16MB memory card.
DZ-MV550A Features
Hitachi's DZ-MV550A features a 680k pixel 1/4-inch CCD, 18x optical zoom lens with 500x digital zoom expander, 0.3 Lux in low light mode and electronic image stabilization (EIS) for video and still photos. The camcorder has a six-mode auto exposure, auto and manual white balance and full auto and manual focus.
Fitted with a 2.5-inch TFT LCD color monitor, the unit has a 113K pixel color viewfinder and digital stereo sound. In addition to the USB2.0 PC connection, the camcorder includes an S-video output, an A/V input/output and microphone jack. The unit comes equipped with a Li-ion battery, remote control, 8cm single-sided DVD-RAM disc, A/V cable with S-video, USB cable and PC software CD-ROM with USB driver, UDF file system software, VR editing software and DVD authoring software. The DZ-MV550A measures 3.5 x 2.50 x 5.75 inches and weighs 1.09 lbs.
It is slated for release in Q2 2004, at a retail price of $799.99.
DZ-MV580A DVD Camcorder
Major step-up features of Hitachi's DZ-MV580A are the 16x9 recording mode on DVD-RAM discs, a 1 mega pixel CCD which improves still picture capability to 1280x960 resolution and an S-Video input for optimal transfer of high resolution tape-based material. Additionally, the DZ-MV580A offers a 10x optical zoom lens with 240x digital zoom expander and a hot shoe for flash. Other specs and accessories match the DZ-MV550A.
The DZ-MV580A measures 3.5 x 2.5 x 5.75 inches and weighs 1.12 lbs. The unit is also slated for release in Q2 2004 and will retail for $899.99
For more information, visit
www.hitachi.us
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