JVCKENWOOD U.K. Ltd.

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JVC has announced two upgraded models in its 600 Series of ProHD mobile news camcorders, including the GY-HM660, the industry’s first streaming camcorder with an integrated IFB (interruptible foldback) audio channel. Both the GY-HM660 camera, which replaces the current GY-HM650, and the GY-HM620, which replaces the GY-HM600, feature new CMOS image sensors for greater sensitivity, together with a brighter LCD display for improved daylight viewing.

Both new cameras feature three new 12-bit CMOS sensors with improved F13 (50Hz) sensitivity for superior low-light performance. The cameras also include an upgraded 3.5-inch LCD display, which can be swivelled for use as a talent monitor, as well as a 1.22 MP LCOS colour viewfinder. The integrated Fujinon 23x auto focus zoom lens offers a wide 29-667mm (35mm equivalent) focal range and includes three ND filters as well as manual zoom, focus and iris rings.

“JVC continues to expand our advanced IP technologies,” said Gustav Emrich, European product manager. “The new GY-HM660 will allow reporters in the field to communicate with the studio through IFB while streaming live HD reports from the field. We've also added SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for increased stream reliability.”

When paired with a 4G LTE modem or hotspot, the GY-HM660’s built-in video-over-IP technology delivers high-quality streaming with a choice of resolutions, bit rates and formats without a backpack transmission system or external encoder. For more reliable streaming, it offers SMPTE 2022 or Zixi forward error correction (FEC), automatic repeat request (ARQ) and adaptive bit rate control. The camera also includes support for Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), which allows a direct connection to a number of content distribution networks (CDNs) including Ustream and YouTube, together with compatibility with Streamstar’s range of streaming production tools.

Designed for news, sports and independent production, the cameras record HD and SD footage in a variety of file formats – including 1080p/60/50 and XHQ with virtually lossless 50 Mbps H.264 (.MOV) – to SDHC or SDXC media cards. With two card slots, both cameras support relay mode for uninterrupted recording or simultaneous recording to both cards for instant backup or client copy. The Pre Rec feature can be set to continuously record and store up to 15 seconds of footage in cache memory to help prevent missed shots of breaking events. The GY-HM660 can also record full HD on a memory card while simultaneously streaming footage for live broadcast.

A LANC-based remote interface allows either camera to be controlled remotely for jib or crane shots, or paired with JVC’s DT-X71H ProHD seven-inch portable monitor for use in an affordable studio system. While the cameras include a built-in stereo microphone for capturing natural sound, they also include dual XLR inputs with phantom power, an additional 3.5mm input for a wireless mic receiver, headphone jack and shotgun mic holder. Other features include HD-SDI and HDMI outputs, as well as a time-code synchronization input.

“The new 600 Series camcorders are built to deliver the best performance for run-and-gun ENG and EFP shooters,” adds Gustav Emrich. “They have all the tools you need in the field – a specially designed Fujinon lens with optical image stabilization, excellent low-light performance and multiple native recording formats for the industry’s fastest shoot-to-edit workflow.”

The GY-HM660 and GY-HM620 will be available in May 2016, with the IFB feature available for the GY-HM660 as a free firmware update in the very near future.