JVC have introduced the new GY-HM890 and GY-HM850 ProHD shoulder-mount camcorders, which they say set a new benchmark in ENG camera IP integration. Complemented by a new interchangeable Fujinon 20x autofocus zoom lens, the new cameras deliver outstanding full HD image capture and delivery, while the built-in streaming engine, FTP and 4G LTE connectivity allows live HD transmission directly from the camera without being attached to external costly and cumbersome bonded cellular solutions.
“We believe the future is with the live video streaming and FTP service fully integrated into the camera, as demonstrated with the new GY-HM890 and GY-HM850,” explained Edgar Shane, general manager of engineering, JVC Professional Products. “With the recent advancements in 4G LTE availability and bandwidth, service providers can deliver reliable high-speed connections that can support HD streaming with a single modem. This technology is here now, and will continue to progress and improve.”
The new 800 Series cameras significantly expand on the live HD streaming and file transfer capabilities introduced in the popular GY-HM650 mobile news camera. JVC’s exclusive dual codec design allows the new cameras to transmit live HD footage or transfer files in the background while shooters continue to record footage in their normal workflow. When paired with a Verizon 4G LTE modem, which is connected directly to the camera via USB, the camera transmits footage to a broadcast facility in real time. JVC’s Advanced Streaming Technology (AST) provides content-aware error correction, bandwidth shaping, and real-time feedback of streaming status.
Each camera features a built-in processor with proprietary algorithms that maximize bandwidth to ensure reliable transmission even under difficult conditions. Plus, advanced content aware error correction compensates for up to 30 percent packet loss. Streamconfidence provides stream and LTE status in the high-resolution 4.3-inch LCD monitor and LCOS color viewfinder.
The cameras provide secure FTP file transfer on location, as well as live monitoring and extensive camera and lens control via Wi-Fi from a smartphone or tablet (iPhone, iPad, or Android). For broadcasters who use metadata, a built-in GPS allows location information to be recorded. Plus, metadata can be edited on a smartphone or tablet and transferred to the camera via Wi-Fi.
The GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 are also compatible with JVC’s Professional Streaming Services, also announced today, which include the new JVC Broadcaster server powered by Zixi for reliable live content delivery to variety of hardware decoders, CDNs, and Web.
Both cameras feature three, 1/3-inch 2.07 effective megapixel CMOS sensors that capture full 1920×1080 images. The imagers provide 12-bit readout, F11 sensitivity (60Hz), and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The new Fujinon wide angle 20x zoom lens features auto focus, built-in optical image stabilization, and chromatic aberration correction. The interchangeable 1/3-inch bayonet lens also includes manual focus, zoom, and iris rings.
Beyond ENG, the GY-HM890 is a versatile studio or multi-camera field production camera, with a 68-pin connection that accommodates JVC fiber or multi-core camera modules. Compatible with a full range of components, including customized studio sled, zoom and focus controls, CCUs, and 8.4-inch LCD viewfinder, as well as box-style lenses from Canon and Fujinon, the GY-HM890 is an ideal choice as an HD studio camera.
Dual SDHC/SDXC card slots allow simultaneous recording (for instant client copy/backup) or relay recording (for continuous shooting) to low cost, non-proprietary media. During simultaneous recording, one card can act as a continuous backup that overrides the pause function triggered by the operator. Relay recording allows virtually unlimited recording capability in the field.
Continuing JVC’s commitment to native file workflows, the GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 record HD or SD footage as Final Cut Pro (.MOV), XDCAM EX (.MP4), AS-10 (.MXF), AVCHD (.MTS), or H.264 (.MOV) files for compatibility with most major NLE systems. Footage can be recorded using MPEG-2 or H.264 compression at a variety of bit rates, frame rates, and resolutions.
The dual codecs offer simultaneous recording of a full HD file on one memory card and smaller, Web friendly H.264 files on the other. Plus, a new H.264 Extreme High Quality (XHQ) recording mode, commonly used in HD SLRs, offers virtually lossless H.264 50 Mbps recording.
“The new HM800 Series are the most feature-rich ProHD camcorders we’ve ever produced. They truly provide broadcasters the tools to be first on-air and first online,” said Craig Yanagi, manager, marketing and brand strategy, JVC Professional Products. “With a 4G LTE modem that you plug directly to the camera or a 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot that you keep in your pocket, you can go live to the broadcast studio or the Web. Add the new technology standards of broadcast ENG delivery with the full studio capabilities of the GY-HD890 and this is by far the most innovative line of professional camcorders available today.”
Both models include genlock and time code terminals for multi-camera setups, HD/SD-SDI out, HDMI out, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, and a four-channel audio system with stereo AUX inputs and two XLR mic/line inputs with phantom power. Other features include 12 assignable user buttons, 10-second Pre Rec (retro cache), focus assist, interval recording for time lapse footage, and variable frame rate recording for over/under crank effects.
The GY-HM890 also includes an HD/SD-SDI Pool Feed input that can record and stream video and audio from another camera or SDI source during press conferences or other pool feed environments. The cameras also support LANC remote controllers as well as JVC’s proprietary wired remote control system.
Including lens, the GY-HM850 has a suggested list price of $7,995, while the GY-HM890 has a suggested list price of $9,995. Both models will be available in March.
JVC GY-HM890 Main features:
1/3-inch 12-bit CMOS sensors (1920 x 1080 x 3)
F11 Sensitivity
Compact shoulder design with interchangeable lens options
Fujinon 20x Optical Zoom Lens with AF/OIS included
Dual SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Recording (HD+HD, HD+SD, HD+web, etc.)
Multiple File Formats for Native Workflows
XDCAM EX™ (.mp4)
Final Cut (.mov)
AS-10 (.mxf)
AVCHD (.mts)
H.264 (.mov)
Virtually lossless H.264 50Mbps recording
4 Position ND Filter (Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64)
0.45-inch LCOS Viewfinder
High-Resolution 4.3-inch LCD Monitor
Histogram Display and Expanded Focus Functions
Focus Assist Function
12 assignable user buttons
Variable Frame Rate Recording (Over Cranking, Under Cranking)
Wired Remote Control Operation
Genlock Input and TC Input/Output
HD/SD-SDI external input for recording and streaming (pool feed)
4-Channel Audio System
Full complement of Fiber or Multicore studio accessories
Advanced Communications Capabilities
Secure FTP File Transfer from Shooting Location
Tablet or Smartphone Camera Control and monitoring
Metadata Editing via Network
Advanced Streaming and Cloud Services
Delivers reliable HD streams without a backpack or microwave link
Single modem (unbonded) plugs directly into camera
Camera processor optimizes stream bandwidth
Advanced content-aware error correction (up to 30% packet loss)
Streamconfidence provides stream and LTE status in VF
Compatible with ProHD Broadcaster powered by Zixi
Hit up JVC for more on their GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 ProHD shoulder-mount camcorders.