The Panasonic
AG-HPD24PJ Solid-State P2 Portable Deck is a lightweight (at 4.4 lb) yet
extremely powerful recording device for professional HD production. With
outputs for HDMI and HD-SDI as well as composite video, the 1/2 rack-wide, 2
RU-high HPD24PJ deck can serve a versatile monitoring station as well as the
heart of a logging station for production in the studio or, with its included
battery, in the field.
The deck has two slots for P2 cards
and acts as a USB 3.0 device, so you can easily & quickly offload files to
compatible hard drives. The AJ-HPD24PJ has a 3.5" LCD screen that shows
not only thumbnails and live playback video, but also a waveform and
vectorscope.
The AG-HPD24PJ supports AVC-Intra
recording at 50 and 100 Mb/s. This intraframe codec offers extremely
high-quality compression that produces high-definition files whose quality can
stand firm against multiple post-production passes. The deck also supports
DVCPRO HD and, for standard-definition compatibility, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO, and DV.
The HD codecs support 1080p, 1080i, and 720p formats, and with the deck’s
HD-SDI inputs, the HPD24PJ can input 1080/24PsF (progressive segmented frame)
material and output it, making the deck appropriate for digital cinema
productions.
Featuring time code in and out as well
as RS-422 control, the HDP24PJ thrives as an NLE deck as well as a component in
a live-event environment, recording the feed of a switcher. Recording options
are manifold, thanks the dual P2 slots: You can record to both cards
simultaneously or in-line, and you can hot-swap the P2 cards. Auto Rec responds
automatically to the presence of an HD-SDI signal, and Loop Rec keeps the
recording going non-stop, recording over each card’s existing contents in turn.
Using the HDMI output and the HD-SDI input of two identical AG-HPD24PJ portable
decks, you can set up a system that can record and play back separate
left-eye/right-eye channels of 3D video.
AVC-Intra Codec
The AVC-Intra codec further advances
HD production. It complies with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 international standard
based on advanced image compression technology, and offers both superb image
quality and highly efficient compression. It uses an intra-frame compression
system to bring important advantages to professional editing. The AG-HPD24 can
record in AVC-Intra 100 for maximum picture quality or in AVC-Intra 50, which
adopts a lower bit rate, for versatile operation. It also supports the DVCPRO
HD codec.
AVC-Intra 100: With the
same bit rate as DVCPRO HD, this mode gives you full 10-bit recording with 1920
x 1080 pixels. It captures master-quality video for high-end image production.
AVC-Intra 50: This mode
delivers video quality very similar to that of DVCPRO HD with 1440 x 1080
pixels, yet is able to do so at bit rates usually associated with standard
definition (e.g. DVCPRO 50). AVC-Intra 50’s lower bit rate doubles the
recording time and cuts the data transfer time in half 1
24PsF Compatible, HD/SD Multi-Format
Handling a wide range of HD formats, such as 1080p,
1080i, and 720p, the AG-HPD24 can be switched between 59.94 Hz and 50 Hz to
adapt to the world’s HD broadcasting formats. The AG-HPD24 supports 1080/24p
native recording and playback with the AVC-Intra codec. HD-SDI mode provides
1080/24PsF input/output for use in high-end movie production. And SD recording
in both NTSC (480i) and PAL (567i) are available with multi-codec (DVCPRO 50,
DVCPRO, DV)
Up/Down/Cross-Conversion
The AG-HPD24 can convert up or down between
HD and SD or cross-convert between 720p and 1080i during playback. It also
features an aspect conversion function 2
VariCam Speed Effects
The AG-HPD24 can extract active
frames from VFR (variable frame rate) signals output by a VariCam and record them
in 720/24p. VariCam-like 60p pull-down output can also be provided by playing
back a video clip in a P2 card recorded in native 720/24p by the AJ-HPX2700,
the AG-HPX500 Series, the AG-HPX370 Series, the AG-HPX170 Series or the
AG-HPX250 P2HD camcorders 3
Gamma Conversion for Cinema Production
This function converts images recorded by a VariCam or
images recorded in the Film Rec mode of the AJ-HPX3100 to the same kind of
film-like look as the Telecine 5 or Telecine 6 mode of the AJ-GBX27G HD Gamma
Corrector. It can also convert to the Cineon curve for film recording
High-Quality 24-Bit Audio Recording
AVC-Intra mode features high-quality
24-bit digital audio recording. You can select either 24-bit, 4-channel or
16-bit, 8-channel recording. DVCPRO HD mode provides 16-bit, 8-channel, and
DVCPRO 50/DVCPRO/DV mode includes 16-bit, 4-channel recording 4
Excellent Reliability and Mobility with the
P2 Card
The P2 card offers a large capacity
of up to 64 GB in a small, lightweight package. Its rugged design withstands
even harsh professional use. It is highly resistant to temperature
fluctuations, dust, impact, and vibration, and is free of the problems that are
common in tapes, such as condensation, head clogging, and dropouts. The P2 card
promises solid reliability and excellent mobility under the often difficult
conditions of field recording. Because data is automatically recorded in blank
card spaces, there is no need for cueing, and the risk of accidentally
overwriting valuable data is eliminated 5
Advanced Recording Functions Employing Two
Card Slots
In addition to continuous,
double-card recording, the AG-HPD24 enables some useful recording functions that
are possible only with memory cards.
Hot-Swap Rec: Thanks to
the two card slots, you can hot-swap P2 cards for continuous non-stop
recording. With multiple cards you can record for hours without interruption.
Auto Rec: This
function automatically starts recording in response to SDI video input.
Loop Rec: This
function continuously records video data onto available memory card areas. When
the card becomes full, older data is deleted to free up the recording area,
resulting in loss-less, endless recording. When used with cameras for
time-sensitive information gathering like weather and news reporting, the Loop
Rec function holds the latest video data for a predetermined time period 6
Text Memo, Shot Marker and Metadata
Text Memo: When recording or previewing a clip,
you can attach a memo (similar to a bookmark) at a desired location (up to 100
locations on a frame basis). The simplified editing function lets you copy a
segment between memos and create a new clip. Text information can be added to a
memo.
Shot Marker: During or
after recording, you can mark each clip with OK, NG, or another designation.
Clip Metadata: This
function lets you browse and edit metadata, such as the name of the camera
operator and reporter, shooting location, and text memos. Text data can also be
easily inserted by connecting a USB or software keyboard, and metadata files
can be uploaded from an SD/SDHC card 7
USB Keyboard Connection
The USB 2.0 keyboard terminal lets you connect an
ordinary USB keyboard for easy metadata text input. A software keyboard is also
provided
Clip Thumbnail Display with Free Clip
Sequencing
Using the clip thumbnail (image list)
display, you can select clips for instant playback, deletion, copying, or
resequencing. This makes it easy to gather and display clips for broadcasting
or editing. The advanced GUI displays the clip properties on the same screen as
the clips and clearly shows the source data – with scroll bar, clip count, and
playback position – at a glance. The thumbnail display can be changed to show
any of the images in the clip 8
Versatile Playback Functions Meet Diverse
Needs
Format Auto Playback: This automatically detects the video
format and codec for each video clip to play back and output.
Variable Speed Playback: For slow-motion and double-speed
playback.
PB Position Selection: This lets you select the playback
position when playing from a thumbnail image. You can select from three
different options: Previous playback position, thumbnail time code position, or
the beginning of the clip.
Repeat Playback: This plays the selected clip (single
or multiple) repeatedly
Waveform or Vectorscope Display
The AG-HPD24 has waveform and vectorscope display
functions for the playback or input video signal on the LCD monitor. It can
also display on Video Out and SDI Out
User Buttons/User Files
You can select from a total of 31 functions for
allocation to the six user buttons. These settings are saved internally and
protected when the power is turned off. They can also be easily checked on a
diagnostic display. A user file containing the settings can be saved onto an
SD/SDHC card
USB 3.0 Interface Allows High-Speed
Transfers to an External Storage Device
USB 3.0 (Host): AVC-Intra 100 codec files can be
copied to external storage at approximately 4 times normal speed.
USB 2.0 (Device): Device mode allows its use as a P2
card drive for a PC (nonlinear editor).
Playback: P2 MXF
files on an external storage device can be displayed as thumbnails and played
back. P2 audio playback is uninterrupted by slow hard disk performance, or when
vibration temporarily delays data reading 9
HDMI Digital HD Output (3D Compatible)
The AG-HPD24 features an HDMI output terminal, the
next-generation interface for HD images and sound. This provides digital output
for a wide variety of both professional and consumer devices. It is also
compatible with 3D images
RS-422A Remote
The AG-HPD24 also features the same RS-422A remote
terminal (9-pin) that is found on many broadcast VTRs, allowing it to be
controlled as a player by an external editing controller
HD/SD SDI Input/Output Terminals
HD/SD-SDI input and output terminals
are provided as standard equipment. This enables high-quality line recording
using signals from a video camera or a video switcher. When connected to a
camera recorder, the AG-HPD24 syncs Rec Start/Stop with the camera trigger.
On-Screen Display (OSD) and thumbnail displays can also be output 10
Analog Input/Output Terminals
The AG-HPD24 has Ref input, analog
video (composite) output, XLR analog audio inputs (Ch 1/Ch 2), audio monitor
outputs (L/R), time code input/output, and a headphone jack 11
2 RU Half-Rack Size and Battery Drive
Half-rack size with a 2 RU height, the AG-HPD24 weighs
only about 4.4 lb. Mounting the large battery (CGA-D54/5,400 mAh) enables 160
minutes of continuous playback. The included AC adapter allows operation from
an AC power source
Front Speaker
Audio can be monitored from the front speaker
Left/Right Sync Recording from a 3D Camera
via Two Decks
Dual HD-SDI (left/right video)
signals from a 3D rig-type camera system or an integrated twin-lens 3D camera,
such as the AG-3DA1 or AG-3DP1 (scheduled to be released in Winter 2011), can
be sync-recorded on two AG-HPD24 decks (left image on the first deck, and right
image on the second). The AVC-Intra codec records high-quality images with
full-pixel HD and full sampling data for both left and right channels for high-end
3D image production 12
Left/Right Sync Playback on a 3D Monitor
via Two Decks
The left and right images from two
AG-HPD24 decks can be played back in sync. HDMI output is possible to a
home-use 3DTV, or HD-SDI dual output is possible to a professional 3D monitor
or projector. Using the control panel of the master (left) AG-HPD24, left/right
sync operations include Rec Start/Stop, Clip Thumbnail Display, Clip Playback
(including variable speed playback), Clip Delete, Text Memo, and Shot Marker
addition. This makes 3D images as easy to handle as 2D images 13