Sony Unveils HVR-V1U 3-Chip CMOS HDV Cam & 60GB Hard-Disk Recorder
September 26, 2006
Park Ridge, NJ - Sony is expanding its line-up of HDV products by introducing the HVR-V1U HDV camcorder ($4,800 list), and the pocket-size HVR-DR60 hard-disk recorder ($1,800 list; pictured atop camcorder). Both new models are expected to be available in December.
Sony says the compact HVR-V1U delivers true 24P progressive scan capture, and uses three of Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ chips combined with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor™ technology to provide greater sensitivity, higher resolution, lower noise, and a wider dynamic range.
The professional-series camcorder enables simultaneous or “hybrid” recording to both an attachable hard-disk recording unit (HVR-DR60), which is optional, and to the videotape used in the camcorder.
Together, the new camcorder and hard-disk recording unit join Sony’s comprehensive range of HDV production systems. By the end of this month, Sony says they expect to have shipped about 91,000 units of professional HDV products worldwide, since introducing the format in January 2005.
“Our entire family of professional HDV products is based on the concept of offering options for customers,” said Bob Ott, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics’ optical and network systems group. “This new camcorder and hard-disk recording unit deliver full production flexibility, and the HVR-V1U camcorder’s ability to capture true 24P images will appeal to any video professional desiring a ‘film-look’ for their work, or for cinematographers working on tight budgets who still need high quality.”
Unlike "progressive-look" pictures interpolated from interlace scan camera systems, the HVR-V1U camcorder’s 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system natively captures progressive images at 24P, 30P or 60P, while maintaining full 1080 HDV resolution. Footage shot using the progressive scan feature can be played back on any of Sony’s HDV professional camcorders and VTRs, and be on compatible NLE systems.
The new ClearVid CMOS Sensor combined with Sony’s Enhanced Imaging Processor technology deliver higher sensitivity and higher resolution. According to Ott, the EIP technology achieves wide dynamic range through the use of a unique algorithm that separates image data into its texture patterns and brightness components. The technology allows the camera’s sensor to produce natural and rich tones for both light and dark areas of an image.
The EIP technology also enables the high-speed processing required for capturing high-definition video and still images at extremely high levels of gradation and image reproduction.
The combination of the ClearVid CMOS Sensor and the EIP technologies also result in a feature called “smooth slow rec. (recording).” Due to the speed of the camcorder’s signal processing, video images can be captured at very high speeds, up to 240 fields per second, allowing very fast movements to be recorded in precise detail without creating artifacts or signal degradation.
The new HVR-DR60 hard-disk recording unit is a 1.8-inch drive with a 60GB capacity and offers up to 4.5 hours of recording time in either the HDV or DVCAM/DV mode.
The unit features Smart Protection, which is combined with a built-in “shock absorber” that automatically protects it at a force of up to three Gs. When the sensor detects that the unit is being dropped, it immediately turns the power off and retracts the head to help prevent damage to the media.
The HVR-DR60 also has a cache recording (buffer memory) function, allowing up to 14 seconds of video and audio signals to be continuously buffered in memory while the camera is in stand-by mode. When the operator presses “record” that content is captured and then recording can continue in real time.
The camcorder also features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens with Extra-low Dispersion Glass and a 20x optical zoom lens with F2.8 at the telephoto end for greater light sensitivity and long-range image acquisition for maximum shooting flexibility.
A Digital Extender feature enables the telephoto focal length to be extended by approximately 1.5 times to a maximum of 1100mm at 35mm conversion.
Additional features of the HVR-V1U camcorder include:
* A timecode preset function.
* A TC Link to synchronize time codes.
* Two XLR microphone inputs for independent sound recording.
* A Camera Profile feature to adjust the camera settings of multiple cameras for multi-camera operations using MemoryStick Duo™ media.
* A 3.5-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally) Clear Photo LCD plus™ viewing screen.
New accessories, to be introduced later this year, include:
* HVL-LBP LED battery video light, which is powered by Sony’s infoLITHIUM® "L" Series battery (NP-F970/F770).
* VCL-HG0862K – a wide conversion lens (exclusive for the HVR-V1U) that features a “bayonet joint” for easy attachment.
* SH-L35WBP LCD Hood (exclusive to the HVR-V1U).
Complementing the new devices is Sony’s highest-quality 6mm HDV videotape, DigitalMaster™. These 63-minute cassettes (PHDVM63DM) use Sony’s Advanced Metal Evaporated II Technology and its dual-active magnetic layers.
The advanced AME II manufacturing process employs Hyper Evaticle IV magnetic grains, improved lubricants, and a refined Diamond-Like Carbon layer. Sony says its DigitalMaster tape exhibits greater packing density of magnetic grains, higher retentivity, higher output and lower noise. The result, says Sony, is a more robust tape with 65% fewer dropouts and 90% fewer errors.
For more information visit the Sony Broadcast and Business Solutions website. WEVA Industry News is a service of WEVA International.
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