| 1.
DVCPRO Strategy--for Users and Partners |
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| One Seamless
Environment--Infinite Possibilities |
| 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'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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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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