Panasonic Announces Versatile AW-HE870E 2/3-Inch 3-CCD High Definition Convertible Camera

Panasonic PBITS Professional & Broadcast IT Systems has introduced the AW-HE870E, a cost-effective, versatile 2/3-inch HD/SD convertible camera that supports 1080i/720p/576i image acquisition.
Delivering affordable image capture for a wide range of applications and lighting conditions, the AW-HE870E is compatible with most 2/3-inch motor drive zoom lenses, all current Panasonic broadcast pan/tilts and controllers, and many third-party systems.
The versatility, high video quality and cost-effectivness of the AW-HE870E make it ideal for use in education, government, houses of worship, and other application areas.
The AW-HE870E is the latest addition to Panasonic's best-selling line up of HD convertible cameras that includes the native 1080i resolution AK-HC1800G and the high-performance AK-HC1500G.
The AW-HE870E's new high-performance 38-bit digital signal processor (DSP) and 14-bit A/D converter deliver super-sharp images even in difficult lighting.
Panasonic's advanced spatial-offset and image processing technologies provide high quality and high definition imaging, while 12-axis colour correction allows for precise control and matching of HD video.
The multiformat AW-HE870E provides switchable HD/SD component output at 1080/50i, 720/50p or 576/50i, along with full-time SD composite output. An optional AW-HHD870E output card adds two distributed SDI outputs (HD/SD switchable), and a zoom/focus control port.
The AW-HE870E's other features include flesh tone noise suppression, shutter speeds ranging from 1/100 to 1/1000 second, a Syncro-Scan (50.99 Hz to 1478 Hz) feature that eliminates flicker when shooting a television or computer monitor, genlock, DC 12V operation and a low power consumption of 18 watts.
The compact, 1.2 kg AW-HE870E is the same size as Panasonic's best-selling AW-E860 SD camera and employs the same connectors and an updated version of the remote control software. Because of this, the AW-HE870E offers a simple upgrade path to HD for thousands of Panasonic SD camera customers.
The AW-HE870E is also compatible with Panasonic's comprehensive line of high performance indoor/outdoor pan/tilt systems, including the AW-RP655, AW-RP555, AW-RP400 and AW-CB400 controllers and the AW-H360, AW-PH400, AW-PH405 and AW-PH650 pan/tilt heads. Previously installed control systems may require a firmware upgrade to access all of the new camera's features.
Further information is available at: www.panasonic-broadcast.com.
(KMcA/BMcC)