Four Village Studio Selects Hitachi's Z-HD5000

Four Village Studio (4VS), a government access television facility, has purchased four Z-HD5000 HDTV cameras from Hitachi Kokusai Electric America Ltd. (Hitachi Kokusai) as part of an upgrade to its production capabilities in HD.

Like many public access channels, 4VS is currently limited to standard-definition delivery by its television distribution arrangements, but is eager to bring HD viewing experiences to its audience.

"Our Cablevision and Verizon channels are SD today, but we want to bring our product to our viewers in its best possible form wherever we can," said James Green, Operations Manager, 4VS. "Upgrading our production operations and infrastructure will allow us to offer HD streams on our website in the short term, and be HD-ready when our television carriage allows it. The flexibility, performance and exceptional value of the Z-HD5000 cameras make them ideal for our transition."

Having been satisfied with the studio's earlier use of Hitachi cameras, Green chose the Z-HD5000 which offered the benefits he was seeking.

The Z-HD5000's 2/3" sensors and advanced digital signal processing provide 4VS with high video quality while helping overcome challenges such as inconsistent lighting within its studio.

"The Z-HD5000s produce great images and a very clean signal, and they perform extremely well in the variety of non-optimal lighting situations we face in our facility," continued Green. "The efficient size and form factor of the cameras and their supporting equipment such as camera control units (CCUs) fit well in our small studio and limited control room space."

The HITACHI cameras have also helped 4VS achieve its educational goals. "More than half of our staff consists of 15- to 25-year-olds wanting to get an education in the television business. With these cameras, the students are learning on equipment that they may encounter in their careers in a high-end TV facility or station. The Z-HD5000 is also operator-friendly, making it easy for students and volunteers to learn how to use the camera and perform basic setup configuration."

As 4VS completes its move to HD, the advantages of the Z-HD5000 cameras will be amplified.

Image credit: Kitiara Maingon.

www.hitachi-kokusai.co.jp

(JP/MH)