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DVCPRO Strategy--for Users and Partners |
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Seamless Environment--Infinite Possibilities |
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Panasonic's line of
DVCPRO 25-Mbps equipment for broadcasting and other
professional applications has been joined by DVCPRO50
equipment for more demanding high-end production. And they
are joined by DVCPRO HD products which meet the growing need
for high-definition equipment.
Thanks to the use of 1/4-inch tape, DVCPRO products
have realized the compact size and light weight needed in
many applications. Because DVCPRO equipment with higher
specifications can play other DVCPRO-format tape cassettes,
it creates a seamless environment for image processing.
DVCPRO is expanding under one seamless compatibility
both horizontally, with many new model variations, and
vertically, with several classes of specification formats.
This future-proof format is establishing itself as
tomorrow's worldwide standard through the knowledge that
tomorrow's technical advances will remain compatible with
DVCPRO. With digital image production and broadcast
technologies continuing to advance, DVCPRO equipment is an
investment both for today and the future.
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DVCPRO's
Open Architecture for Users' Needs |
DVCPRO is not just a
digital VCR format, nor a standard-alone closed format. It
is a digital system that offers a total solution,
compressing moving-image data, which can then be transmitted
over communications networks and processed by computers,
from non-linear editors to servers. The "open architecture"
of the DV-based digital compression technology enhances the
performance and flexibility of DVCPRO digital networking. As
a result, many of the world's leading manufacturers of
broadcasting equipment and computer-related products are
developing advanced equipment and software for the DVCPRO
format. Some are already on the market. For DVCPRO users,
this means a continually growing range of products to choose
from and applications to explore. We are always in stride
with the market's needs.
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2. DVCPRO Quality |
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A
Compression Rate that Assures Superior Editing and Dubbing
Quality |
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In video, image
quality is key--particularly the image quality that remains
after editing and dubbing. Digital compression recording
systems compress and decompress the image data, which can
affect the overall image quality. Above all, the compression
rate is one of the important factors affecting image
quality.
DVCPRO (25 Mbps) processes 4:1:1 image data at a 1/5
compression rate. Using this compression rate is a more
practical way to assure high image quality even after
multi-generation dubbing. DVCPRO50, on the other hand,
records pure 4:2:2 image data at a low compression rate of
1/3.3. Its larger amount of data provides the superior
quality needed for high-end video production.
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Intra-Frame
Compression for Editing |
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The intra-frame
compression method--used in DVCPRO and DVCPRO50--allows only
minimal picture degradation resulting from data compression
and decompression even in frame-by-frame editing. Also, data
can be edited in its original compressed state, so the
possibility of degradation is avoided altogether.
The MPEG2 format reconstructs one frame's image data
using data from the frames that precede and follow it. And
this data must be decompressed before editing can be done.
Additionally, expanding from compressed data to full-bit
data involves a temporal shift.*
Using this kind of compression method, MPEG attains the
high compression rate needed for transmission and package
transfers. However, its excessive parameters lead to
degradation of the image quality in editing and dubbing.
DVCPRO's intra-frame compression method is the most suitable
for video production.
*Temporal shift: In MPEG several frames are compressed as
a group, with three types of frames in each: an 'I' frame
containing original image data, a 'P' frame containing data
that differs from that in the 'I' frame, and a 'B' frame
with data that differs from that in both the preceding and
subsequent I and P frames. A 'temporal shift' refers to data
that is changed when it is decoded and encoded again--for
example, when an I frame is replaced by a P or B frame.
Image degradation occurs in segments with temporal shifts.
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Versatile
Digital Sound Quality |
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All DVCPRO VCRs
feature two non-compressed 16-bit digital audio channels
with 48-kHz sampling. This provides sound quality equivalent
to a CD, with an S/N ratio, dynamic range, and low-noise
performance that far surpass conventional analog recording.
The combination of non-compressed digital recording and
powerful error correction ensures that the audio quality
remains high and degradation is minimal after editing and
repeated dubbing.
DVCPRO50 VCRs feature four digital audio channels and
offer the same outstanding audio quality as other DVCPRO
VCRs. They are suitable for production of high-end programs
such as multilingual broadcasts. DVCPRO HD will be equipped
with eight channels of digital audio. DVCPRO also has an
analog cue track for quick, easy indexing in linear editing.
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3. DVCPRO Mobility |
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Compact
Size and Light Weight |
Panasonic considers
compact size and light weight a key advantage of digital
compression recording systems. Thanks to its 1/4-inch (6.35
mm) tape, the DVCPRO cassette is only about one-quarter the
overall size and one-sixth the weight of a 1/2-inch tape
cassette. The smaller mechanisms also result in lighter
camera/recorder units. DVCPRO's compact cassettes and long
recording time reduces the burden on news gathering crews in
the field, while in the studio the smaller cassettes require
less space for storage and archiving. Panasonic has used
these advantages to commercialize the world's first laptop
editor in DVCPRO, which boasts mobile editing capabilities
that are revolutionizing video production. DVCPRO's
compactness has also allowed the development of desktop VCRs
and non-linear editing machines with built-in VCRs--devices
that were simply not possible with conventional 1/2-inch
tape. DVCPRO50 equipment brings the same advantages in size
and weight to high-end video production.
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4. DVCPRO Reliability |
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Unsurpassed
Durability and Reliability |
"Based on the
through evaluation, we decided DVCPRO was the best technical
and operational choice and it will become our station's
exclusive digital ENG system."
Dr. Peter Smith, vice president of technology, NBC.
Because DVCPRO equipment has little tape tension, the
heads receive minimal pressure and thus have substantially
longer service lives than those in other professional-use
VCRs. This gives DVCPRO equipment higher reliability and
lower maintenance costs. Panasonic's DVCPRO equipment is
built to withstand use in even the most rugged conditions.
Starting from the design stage, close attention has been
paid to the chassis structure, body materials and
protectors--particularly for camera/recorders and laptop
editors designed for field use.
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The
Proven Reliability of MP Tape |
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Because DV formats for
home use have narrow track pitches, they use ME tapes. But
ME tapes are thin, and their magnetic substance is prone to
separation.
Almost all broadcasting and professional VCRs use MP
tapes because of their proven reliability, which makes them
the standard for data archival. DVCPRO uses an advanced type
of MP tape that provides even better long-term storage than
conventional MP tapes. DVCPRO uses a newly developed type of
MP tape that features ultra-fine metal magnetic
particles--each with half the size and 70% more energy than
previous metal particles--packed densely onto a 0.2-micron
magnetic coating. This advanced tape provides higher output
(+5 dB) and lower noise than previous types and is extremely
reliable and durable.
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5. DVCPRO Fast Networking |
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Non-Linear
Editing and Server System |
Compressed DVCPRO
audio and video data can be stored as files in non-linear
editing machines and on servers. Panasonic has developed
VCRs that use SDTI and transmit compressed DVCPRO data at 4x
normal speed (the DVCPRO 25-Mbps model) or 2 normal speed
(50-Mbps model) and record and play back at faster than real
time speed with outstanding reliability. These VCRs also
transfer data to and from the hard disk at 4x normal speed,
which slashes by a factor of four the time required to
upload recorded images or to archive a transmitted program.
The DVCPRO non-linear editor is also equipped with Picture
Link, which shortens uploading time by skipping unwanted
scenes that the operator marked 'NG' (not good) during
recording. The DVCPRO server has a built-in 90-GB hard disk
that stores up to six hours of DVCPRO data (with an
additional 20 hours possible on an external HDD) and is
equipped with SDTI, SDI and the current analog composite
environment.
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SDTI/Fiber
Channel/ATM/IEEE1394 Interfaces |
More and more, the
broadcasting and video production industries are turning to
digital networks that allow the integrated processing of
image data, audio data, and computer data. With its many
interfaces, DVCPRO lets users select the network system that
best suits the specific application and purpose. SDTI
(serial data transport interface) is recommended for
synchronized transmission between two units. The advantages
of SDTI include fast transmission at 4x normal speed, high
reliability thanks to built-in error correction, and low
cost. It also allows transmission of compressed DVCPRO data
using existing SDI router and cable systems. A Fiber Channel
system can be used within a single facility, and a network
can be created by connecting servers, non-linear editing
machines, and other equipment via fiber cable. An ATM
facilitates the transfer of data from DVCPRO 25-Mbps to
DVCPRO HD 100-Mbps. The DVCPRO terminal, based on the
IEEE1394 standard, allows connection with personal computers
to create inexpensive, small-scale systems for dubbing and
multimedia purposes such as computer networking.
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Digital
Transmission |
DVCPRO data can be
transferred to another station through digital satellite,
and then it can be edited keeping high quality, thanks to
the advantageous DVCPRO Codec technology. Later, for on-air
transmission, it will be converted to MPEG MP@ML (4:2:0), as
in other formats, that cannot be transcoded directly, need
to be decoded once to signal, baseband REC601, and then
encoded again.
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6. DVCPRO Economy |
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Lower
Overall Costs |
With DVCPRO you can
configure a digital system at a minimal cost. Both DVCPRO
field and studio units are less expensive than their
conventional analog counterparts. Operating costs are lower,
too. In terms of recording time, DVCPRO tapes cost
considerably less than other existing 1/2-inch analog metal
tape and much less than other existing digital tape.
Likewise, DVCPRO VCRs offer higher performance at lower
costs than1/2-inch analog component VCRs. With longer head
lives and fewer parts, they dramatically cut costs. The
smaller size and lighter weight of DVCPRO equipment and
tapes also helps reduce transportation costs, space
requirements, and working hours. This can add up to a
substantial reduction in overall costs. DVCPRO equipment is
not only a powerful tool for the production staff, it is
also an impressive cost-saving tool for management.
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7. DVCPRO Variety |
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A
Wide and Innovative Product Lineup--Horizontal and Vertical
Expansion-- |
As the DVCPRO format
becomes more and more popular, the lineup of DVCPRO products
continues to grow, reflecting both the users' voice and our
partners' support. DVCPRO camera/recorders are now available
in 1/3-inch, 1/2-inch and 2/3-inch models, and a dockable
recorder and field recorder are also available. This wide
and growing range of products, horizontally as well as
vertically, lets you configure a variety of systems for
field and studio applications. Panasonic provides a host of
DVCPRO editing equipment, too, including a laptop editor for
field use, non-linear editors, and studio VCRs. Above all,
Panasonic's DVCPRO server, 4x transfer VCR, and Smart Cart
bring higher efficiency to broadcasting and archiving
operations. The Panasonic DVCPRO lineup already includes
everything you need to configure a system with any class of
budget that offers seamless expansion, covering virtually
all video production and broadcasting processes.
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8. DVCPRO Ecology |
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DVCPRO
Systems Are Earth-Friendly |
Because DVCPRO
equipment is compact and lightweight, less energy and
resources are consumed in manufacturing and distributing it,
and in transporting it to recording sites. DVCPRO VCRs also
consume less electricity in operation. In broadcasting
stations that use a larger number of VCRs at the same time,
the energy savings can be impressive. As a leading
manufacturer of electrical products, Panasonic places a high
priority on reducing impact on the environment in all areas
of product development and manufacturing.
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9. DVCPRO Flexibility |
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Compatible
with Panasonic DV-Based Formats |
Higher-specification
DVCPRO equipment is compatible with tapes recorded in DV-based
formats. With their 18-micron track pitches, DVCPRO VCRs can
play back tapes in the consumer mini or standard DV formats
(both 10µm), or in the broadcast-quality DVCPRO format
(18µm). This compatibility allows high-quality digital
dubbing and use in broadcast programs of videos recorded on
low-cost DV cameras and submitted by amateurs. This greatly
increases the potential sources for video materials, and
provides a flexible back-up for DVCPRO news gathering.
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Adaptable
to Mixed-Format Operation |
While DVCPRO can serve
as a single-format platform, it is also designed to
interface smoothly with other formats. The conversion to an
all-digital system can be done in stages, rather than all at
once. You can upgrade your current system by adding some
DVCPRO products before converting entirely. DVCPRO studio
VCRs are equipped with SDI and AES/EBU digital audio input
and output terminals to process digital data recorded in
other formats. They can also be adapted to analog systems,
from the broadcast level to industrial use like the newly
introduced DVCPRO professional series. For budget
considerations, professional-use DVCPRO can easily be
combined in systems with S-VHS, too.
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10. DVCPRO's Proven Performance |
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A
Recognized Winner All Around the World |
DVCPRO is quickly
becoming a worldwide standard, with more DVCPRO VCRs in use
than any other type of digital VCR. Based on digital
equipment investment, DVCPRO already accounts for a share of
around 80% of worldwide markets. Many of the world's major
broadcasters have adopted DVCPRO. As of September 1999
around 85,000 DVCPRO units were in use around the
globe--users who made their choices after carefully
evaluating DVCPRO and comparing it with other digital
equipment.
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Emmy-Award
Winning Technology. Sydney Olympics in 2000 |
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Broadcasting and video
industry critics, also applaud DVCPRO, giving it a variety
of prestigious awards--including the 1997 Emmy award
presented to the DVCPRO laptop editor and the 1998 Emmy for
the overall DVCPRO system.
Following DVCPRO's proven performance in Atlanta and
Nagano, DVCPRO50 will serve as the official video production
and broadcasting equipment for the 2000 Sydney Olympic
Games.
DVCPRO is also becoming increasingly popular for business
applications, in part because it offers seamless connection
to systems used by broadcasting stations .
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Acquisition/Editing/Transmission &
Networking Systems |
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DVCPRO equipment is
shown divided into: acquisition; studio editing; and
transmission categories. An illustration of a DVCPRO
transmission and networking system is included.
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