JVC Intros Portable HD Player/Recorder
February 16, 2004
Wayne, NJ - JVC has introduced the world's first portable high definition player/recorder, the CU-VH1. The new CU-VH1 HDV-format player/recorder brings flexibility to HD video production with multi-format playback and a range of recording options.
Suitable for use in the field, in the studio or at home, the JVC CU-VH1 features a 3.5-inch LCD monitor, an iLink interface for non-linear editing and dubbing, component outputs for multi-format playback, and an SD card slot for capturing stills from tape and transferring them to PC through a USB connection, the manufacturer describes. It records and plays back Mini DV cassettes, and for high definition recording and playback adheres to the HDV format, a standard agreed upon by major consumer electronics manufacturers.
For playback, the new CU-VH1 is versatile. It will play back signals recorded in 720/30p (MPEG-2), 480/60p (MPEG-2) and 480/60i (DV). This includes any footage shot with either of JVC's two HD camcorders the GR-HD1 and JY-HD10. It includes up- and down-conversion so that HD recordings can be viewed on virtually any television or monitor. It frame doubles 30 frames-per-second 720/30p HD recordings for viewing on progressive 720/60p analog HD monitors, or converts 480/60p or 720/30p signals to 1080/60i HD. The player/recorder can also down-convert to 480/60p or 480/60i for playback on progressive or NTSC monitors. 16:9 HD, SD or DV footage can be played in 16:9 or 4:3 letterbox modes.
Footage can also be viewed on the CU-VH1's built-in 3.5-inch, 240,000-pixel high resolution LCD monitor. There's a brightness control, and the monitor folds flat into the top of the unit when not in use.
The CU-VH1's recording capabilities include digital-to-digital recording to and from video equipment and a PC, and recording to and from analog devices. An iLink interface allows digital-to-digital dubbing between the CU-VH1 and HD cameras and decks (D-VHS). Both the iLink interface and a USB connection allow HD and SD MPEG-2 material to be transferred between the CU-VH1 and a PC for playback or non-linear MPEG-2 editing. DV recordings and digital stills can also be transferred through iLink. With the USB connection it's also possible to drag-and-drop digital stills or other content on the memory card to a PC.
Built-in digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion allows easy dubbing between digital and analog sources. S-Video, composite and audio connectors function as both inputs and outputs, allowing HD/SD or DV sources to be dubbed from the CU-VH1 to an NTSC deck or analog material dubbed from an NTSC source onto Mini DV in the CU-VH1. Component video outputs allow dubbing from the CU-VH1 to a professional deck.
The CU-VH1 can also capture progressive HD, SD and DV 1280 x 720 JPEG stills and save them to an SD card. Stored images can be viewed individually or automatically as a slide show. In addition, a Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) request allows the user to easily select images and how many of each for automatic printing.
To ensure that the CU-VH1 is suitable for portable use, component BNC outputs (with supplied RCA adapters), S-Video, composite and audio inputs/outputs and iLink IEEE 1394 and USB inputs/outputs are protected by guard bars and a rugged cover. The SD memory card/MultiMediaCard slot, microphone jack and headphone jack are similarly protected.
The CU-VH1 uses the same batteries as the JVC GR-HD1 and JY-HD10 high definition camcorders, and the included AC power supply charges these batteries. The included battery (BN-V416U) on a full charge lasts up to 1.5 hours. An available optional battery (BN-V428U) provides power for up to two hours, 50 minutes.
The JVC CU-VH1 measures 8-5/16 (W) x 2-1/6 (H) x 6-1/8 (D) inches. It weighs 2.5 lbs., or 2.6 lbs. with the battery pack, Mini DV cassette and memory card.
It is available this month at a nationally advertised value of $1,999.00.
For more information, visit
www.jvc.com
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