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Frank's thoughts on HDV (High Definition Video)

Original Article: http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/

Date: Ongoing

CONTENTS:

Revision History
Introduction
Try Before You Buy
Background Materials
Official Reference
JVC HDV Products
Sony HDR-FX1
Sony Qualia 002
Sony HDR-FX1E
Sony HVR-Z1U and HVR-M10U
Sony HVR-Z1J and HVR-M10J
Sony HVR-Z1E and HVR-M10E
Sony HVR-Z1P and HVR-M10P
Sony HVR-Z1N and HVR-M10N
Sony HVR-Z1C and HVR-M10C
Points to Consider (HVR-Z1 and HVR-M10)
Sony HVR-A1U
Sony HVR-A1E
Sony HVR-A1J
Sony HVR-A1N and HVR-A1P
Sony HVR-A1C
Sony HDR-HC1
Sony HDR-HC1E
Sony HDR-HC3
Sony HDR-HC3E
Sony Overseas (JE) Models
Sony HVR-M15 Series
Sony HVR-M25 Series
Sony HDC-X310, HFU-X310, and HFBK-TS1
Sony PDW-F70 and PDBK-102
Sony HDW-D1800/HDW-1800 and HKDW-105
Sony HDR-FX7
Sony HDR-FX7E
Sony HVR-V1 Series and HVR-DR60
Sony HVR-1500
Canon XL H1
Canon XH G1
Canon XH A1
Canon HV10
Editing HDV
Where to Buy
Comments on transcoding from DV25 to MPEG-2 for DVD-Video
Contact, trademark, and validation information

REVISION HISTORY

DATE: May 12, 2004. [Web page originally posted.]
REVISED: July 6, 2004. [Added Official Reference section.]
REVISED: August 29, 2004. [Enhanced the Background Materials section.]
REVISED: September 7, 2004. [Added Sony HDR-FX1 section.]
REVISED: October 10, 2004. [Added link to Sony HDR-FX1 review.]
REVISED: November 14, 2004. [Added Sony HVR-Z1U and HVR-M10U section.]
REVISED: November 18, 2004. [Added Sony HVR-Z1J and HVR-M10J section.]
REVISED: December 1, 2004. [Added Sony HVR-Z1E and HVR-M10E section.]
REVISED: January 26, 2005. [Minor content changes, and updated page to comply with HTML 4.01 Transitional (loose) and CSS 2.1 standards. (Yes, this page is hand-coded.)]
REVISED: January 29, 2005. [Added some additional links.]
REVISED: February 5, 2005. [Minor content changes.]
REVISED: February 26, 2005. [Added some additional links and pricing information.]
REVISED: March 12, 2005. [Added additional links to sample HDV video clips and product reviews.]
REVISED: March 16, 2005. [Added Where to Buy section.]
REVISED: March 27, 2005. [Added Sony HVR-Z1P and HVR-M10P section.]
REVISED: April 5, 2005. [Added Sony HVR-Z1N and HVR-M10N section.]
REVISED: April 7, 2005. [Added Sony HVR-Z1C and HVR-M10C section.]
REVISED: May 18, 2005. [Added Sony HVR-A1U and Sony HVR-A1E sections.]
REVISED: May 21, 2005. [Added Sony HDR-HC1 and Sony HDR-HC1E sections.]
REVISED: June 9, 2005. [Added Editing HDV section.]
REVISED: June 18, 2005. [Added Sony HVR-A1J section.]
REVISED: June 20, 2005. [Added Sony HVR-A1N and HVR-A1P section.]
REVISED: July 11, 2005. [Added Sony Qualia 002 section.]
REVISED: July 17, 2005. [Added Sony Overseas (JE) Models section.]
REVISED: August 16, 2005. [Added some additional links.]
REVISED: August 27, 2005. [Added Sony HVR-A1C section.]
REVISED: September 9, 2005. [Added some additional links and a comment area (bulletin board).]
REVISED: September 15, 2005. [Added Canon XL H1 section.]
REVISED: October 2, 2005. [Expanded the JVC HDV Products and Editing HDV sections.]
REVISED: October 23, 2005. [Added some additional links.]
REVISED: December 6, 2005. [Added some additional links.]
REVISED: December 22, 2005. [Added some additional links.]
REVISED: February 22, 2006. [Added Sony HDR-HC3 and Sony HDR-HC3E sections.]
REVISED: March 29, 2006. [Added some additional links.]
REVISED: April 13, 2006. [Added Sony HVR-M15 Series and Sony HVR-M25 Series sections.]
REVISED: April 19, 2006. [Added Sony PDW-F70 and PDBK-102 section.]
REVISED: May 5, 2006. [Added JVC GY-HD200U, GY-HD250U, and SA-HD50U information.]
REVISED: July 13, 2006. [Added JVC GY-HD110U, JVC GY-HD110E, JVC GY-HD111E, Sony HDR-HC3K(JE), and Sony HDR-HC3EK(JE) information.]
REVISED: July 27, 2006. [Added Canon XH G1 and Canon XH A1 sections.]
REVISED: August 3, 2006. [Added Canon HV10 section.]
REVISED: August 20, 2006. [Added Panasonic/Sony AVCHD information.]
REVISED: August 26, 2006. [Added Sony HDW-D1800/HDW-1800 and HKDW-105 section.]
REVISED: August 31, 2006. [Added Panasonic AVC-Intra (H.264 Compliant) information.]
REVISED: September 7, 2006. [Added Sony HDR-FX7 and Sony HDR-FX7E sections and Sony HDR-SR1(JE), Sony HDR-SR1E(JE), Sony HDR-UX1(JE), and Sony HDR-UX1E(JE) information.]
REVISED: September 9, 2006. [Added Sony HVR-V1 Series and HVR-DR60 section.]
REVISED: September 18, 2006. [Added Sony HVR-1500 section.]
REVISED: September 23, 2006. [Added some additional links.]

Notes:

1. All links on this Web page open in a new browser window.
   
   
2. All URLs referenced were correct and working when originally posted. If you should spot a technical inaccuracy or encounter a broken link on this Web page, please kindly use the contact information at the bottom of the page to notify the author via e-mail so that an adjustment can be made.
   
   
3. If you are the owner of a site (or a file) to which this page links and you would prefer not to be linked, notify me and the link will be promptly removed.
   
   
4. This Web page contains numerous links to Adobe Acrobat PDF (Portable Document Format) files. Some of these .pdf files reside on the server which hosts this Web page while others reside on third-party servers. In both cases, it is strongly suggested, especially for Windows users, as an alternative to clicking on the .pdf file links, to instead download and save a copy of the .pdf file to your local HDD (hard disk drive) for leisurely offline viewing/printing, rather than attempting to display the file directly within your browser window using the Acrobat browser plug-in or ActiveX control. This can be accomplished simply by performing a right-click (Windows and Linux) or Control-click or click-and-hold (Macintosh) operation on the link and in the small pop-up context menu window which appears choose the "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As...", etc. item. This will bring up a file save dialog wherein you can specify the filename and location on your local hard disk where you want to save a copy of the .pdf file. After the download has completed, you can manually open the .pdf file from within your installed copy of the Adobe Reader program.
   
   
5. Given the not inconsiderable size of this Web page, it's suggested that if you're seeking information on a specific subject, you use your browser's "Find" feature, usually located on its 'Edit' menu but also usually accessible (in most browsers) via a Ctrl-F keyboard sequence. You may want to repeat this procedure multiple times so as to locate all "hits" on the page.
   
   
6. Although all prices were correct when originally posted, this Web page should not be relied upon as a source of accurate pricing information. Both list prices and actual retail selling prices of the products mentioned herein are subject to change without notice. Always check with your reseller for current and up-to-date pricing and availability information.
   
   
7. If you should see a graphic here that you would like to use on your own Web site or blog, please feel free to save a copy of the image file to your local system and then upload it from there to your own server, rather than linking directly to the copy on this Web site. I promise not to draw images off of your server (steal your bandwidth) if you promise not to draw images off of mine (steal my bandwidth).
   
   
8. The author has no association of any kind, past or present, with any of the hardware/software companies mentioned herein except as an end-user of some of their products. As a result, except for certain personal preferences, the information presented here is unbiased in nature. For example, almost without exception, I consider all camcorders, regardless of brand, price, or form factor, that have unbalanced 2-pin audio inputs to be consumer-grade products. If a given camcorder has 3-pin balanced XLR audio inputs, then I would consider it to be at least a prosumer product and possibly a professional-grade product, depending upon its other features.
   
   
9. Although, without exception, all vistors from all over the world are welcome here, I would like to extend a special greeting to those from  and  and .
   

New! Leave a comment the easy way. As an alternative to e-mail, you're encouraged to use the bulletin board to leave a comment about this Web page. Your suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!

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INTRODUCTION

The HDV (High Definition Video) format writes widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio 720p (1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels high progressive scan) 19.7 Mbps (mega bits per second) 8-bit 4:2:0 MPEG-2 (Moving Picture Experts Group-2) TS (Transport Stream) data to 6 mm wide MiniDV tape, less than the 25 Mbps data rate of the ordinary consumer DV (Digital Video) format or, alternatively, anamorphically squeezed 4:3 aspect ratio 1080i (1440 x 1080 interlaced 2 fields per frame) data at a 25 Mbps data rate in an MPEG-2 PES (Packetized Elementary Stream). Tape speed (approximately 18.812 millimeters per second) and track width are identical to that used in standard DV recording, although with the exception of the JVC BR-HD50U and BR-HD50E VCRs, and the recently introduced Sony HVR-M15 and HVR-M25 series VCRs, existing HDV products support only the use of the smaller Mini cassette shells. Use of the larger Standard size cassettes is not implemented in any other currently available HDV products and thereby limits maximum record/play time. No currently available HDV camcorder supports use of Standard-sized cassettes.

Note that the MPEG-2 data on a DVD-Video disc, whether burned on a computer-attached DVD writer or a standalone DVD recorder in a home/office environment or commercially replicated in a factory/plant, is an MPEG-2 Program Stream, not a Transport Stream or a Packetized Elementary Stream, and that HDV MPEG-2 video is always CBR (Constant Bit Rate), never VBR (Variable Bit Rate). In contrast, the MPEG-2 data on a DVD-Video disc is almost always VBR-encoded. Note also that although 1080i HDV data is written to tape in an MPEG-2 Packetized Elementary Stream format, all HDV data, whether 720p or 1080i, is in MPEG-2 Transport Stream format when transmitted over an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394a (aka Apple FireWire 400 / Sony i.LINK) connection.

Important: Those who are considering use of an HDV-format camcorder or HDV-format VCR need to be aware that the 720p and 1080i flavors of HDV are quite separate and distinct from each other. At the present time, JVC is the sole manufacturer of 720p HDV equipment. Also, all HDV products manufactured by JVC are 720p. Conversely, Sony and Canon are the only manufacturers of 1080i HDV equipment. Additionally, all HDV products produced by Sony and Canon are 1080i.

The 720p HDV format is sometimes referred to as HDV1 (or HD1) and the 1080i HDV format is sometimes referred to as HDV2 (or HD2). The logos shown below are often used to distinguish between the two different flavors of the HDV format.

The HDV 1080i format, because it uses non-square pixels, appears as a 1920 pixel wide by 1080 line high widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio image when displayed on a 1080i-capable television display device. This is a display aspect ratio of 1.7778:1 (16 divided by 9 equals 1.7778). Content acquired in the HDV 720p format, because it uses square pixels, will be shown with a display aspect ratio of 1:1 (1 to 1).

There are 45 blanked (unseen or non-visible) scan lines when material in the 1080i format is displayed on an 1125-line HDTV system. Lines 1 thru 20 inclusive, 561 thru 583 inclusive, and 1124 and 1125 are non-active, and field 1 contains 563 lines while field 2 contains 562 lines. There are 30 blanked (unseen or non-visible) scan lines when material in the 720p format is displayed on a 750-line HDTV system. Lines 1 thru 25 inclusive and 746 thru 750 inclusive are non-active.

The JVC 720p HDV camcorders listed on this Web page employ a 74.25 MHz (mega Hertz or millions of cycles per second) luminance sampling frequency, while the Sony and Canon 1080i HDV camcorders listed on this Web page utilize a lower 55.6875 MHz luminance sampling rate. This contrasts with the various DV25 formats (DV, DVCAM, and DVCPRO), all of which use a much lower 13.5 MHz luminance sampling rate.

Both JVC 720p and Sony/Canon 1080i HDV camcorders use a type of MPEG-2 "profile at level" video compression known as MP@H-14 (Main Profile at High-14 Level).

With the exception of the GY-HD200U and the GY-HD250U in 60p mode, the JVC camcorders listed on this Web page use a GOP (Group Of Pictures) size of 6 frames, whereas the Canon and Sony products use a GOP of 12 (in 50i mode) or 15 (in 60i mode). These long GOPs allow for more efficient (that is, a greater degree of) MPEG video compression, and thus enable the use of 25 Mbps MiniDV cassettes for data storage and an ordinary IEEE 1394a connection for data transfer from HDV device to computer, although they do present certain challenges in a computer-based editing environment.

DV video uses intraframe compression, so the data stored for each frame is complete: for editing/playback purposes, the compressed data for any given, individual frame provides all of the information needed by the decoder to completely reconstruct that particular frame; no reliance is made or need be made upon the information stored for any previous or subsequent frame or frames. This is not the case in the long-GOP interframe MPEG-2 compression scheme used in the HDV format. Here, only I frames are complete frames, containing all of the information needed to decode the frame for editing or display purposes. Decoding of other frames in a sequence (GOP) requires an examination of one or more previous and/or subsequent frames (B frames and P frames), thus making editing of such streams a much more compute-intensive process than is the case with intraframe DV compression.

With the exception of the GY-HD200U and GY-HD250U in 60p mode, the GOP structure (sequence of frame types) used in the JVC 720p HDV format is IBBPBB. The GOP sequence used by the Canon and Sony 1080i HDV products is IBBPBBPBBPBBPBB when operating in the 60i mode, and IBBPBBPBBPBB when operating in the 50i mode.

Another difference between DV video and HDV video is that DV operates in the familiar ITU-R BT.601 (formerly CCIR 601) color space, whereas HDV operates in the ITU-R BT.709-5 color space. Most extant consumer-level NLE (non-linear editing) systems are designed to operate in the ITU-R BT.601 color space. A properly-written HDV editor will operate in ITU-R BT.709-5 color space. Black level is always 0 IRE (Institute of Radio Engineers) in HD, and hence HDV. This is in contrast to the 7.5 IRE level used in all U.S. NTSC video (0 IRE in the Japanese flavor of NTSC).

JVC 720p HDV camcorders use square pixels and therefore have a pixel aspect ratio of 1:1 (1 to 1), while Sony (and Canon) 1080i HDV camcorders use non-square pixels and have a pixel aspect ratio of 1.3333:1 (1440 multiplied by 1.3333 equals 1920). For comparison, DV, which also uses non-square pixels, has a pixel aspect ratio of 0.8889:1 (640 divided by 720 equals 0.8889, usually written as simply 0.9) in NTSC and 1.0667:1 (768 divided by 720 equals 1.0667) in PAL.

While NTSC DV video is lossy compressed, after 4:1:1 chroma decimation, at an approximate 5:1 (5 to 1) ratio, 59.94 field per second 4:2:0 1080i HDV video is lossy compressed at approximately 22.4:1 (22.4 to 1). Also, all DV video compression is strictly spatial (spacial) in nature while all HDV video compression is both spatial and temporal in nature, and the temporal compression is even greater in 1080i HDV video than in 720p HDV video due to the use of a longer (one-half second) GOP length (duration) in the 1080i HDV format.

Many MPEG-2 compression experts consider long-GOP MPEG-2 compression to be up to approximately five times more efficient than NTSC DV compression, for equivalent visual quality. If one accepts this 5:1 efficiency claim, then it can be said that 720p HDV, despite its larger 1280 by 720 frame size and lower data rate of 19.7 Mbps compared to NTSC DV at 720 by 480 and 25 Mbps, is more lightly compressed (less compressed) than NTSC DV. Conversely, if one accepts the MPEG-2 long-GOP 5:1 compression efficiency claim, then it can be said that 1080i HDV, with a stored frame size of 1440 by 1080 at 25 Mbps, is more heavily compressed than NTSC DV. It is for this reason that 1080i HDV is sometimes referred to as "looking as good as it does despite being compressed to within an inch of its life".

Standard HDV audio is 16-bit / 48 kHz 2-channel stereo in lossy compressed 384 kbps (kilo bits per second) MPEG-1 Layer II format (.mp2). This contrasts with uncompressed PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) DV Audio at 12/32 (non-linear), 16/44.1 (linear), or 16/48 (linear). HDV audio, compared to 16/48 LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation) audio, is compressed at a ratio of exactly 4:1 (4 to 1). Note that the 384 kbps figure quoted above is the total audio payload data rate. The actual audio data rate, in its 4:1 lossy compressed form, is 192 kbps per channel. Given the rule of thumb of 6 dB of dynamic range per bit of word length (also variously called resolution, sample size, word size, or quantization), the 16-bit word length used in HDV audio offers 96 dB of dynamic range and the 48 kHz sampling rate (Fs) used in HDV audio, as per Nyquist-Shannon, offers an AF (audio frequency) upper limit response of 24 kHz. Both of these figures are theoretical maximums, of course, and will be less in actual practice.

Two exceptions to the HDV audio standard described above currently exist: 1) The JVC GY-HD100, along with recording standard HDV audio, is able to simultaneously record the Channel 1 audio signal in 16/48 DV PCM mode and 2) the Canon XL H1, as an alternative to recording standard HDV audio, is capable of recording four channels of 16/48 MPEG-2 Layer II audio at a 96 kbps per channel data rate.

Transmission of DV data over an IEEE 1394a link is governed by IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 61883-2 protocol and uses a 480-byte packet size. In contrast, transmission of HDV data over an IEEE 1394a link is governed by IEC 61883-4 protocol and uses a 188-byte packet size. An IEEE 1394a link operates in isochronous S100 mode (98.304 Mbps) when transferring either DV data or HDV data.

On Microsoft Windows operating systems, when DV data is transferred over an IEEE 1394a link and saved to a hard disk drive as an .avi* (audio video interleaved) file, there's header information at the start of the .avi file which contains a FourCC (4-character code) identifying the codec (coder-decoder or compressor/decompressor) that was used to encode the video data contained within the file. In the case of DV data, this four-character code is set to 'dvsd', meaning Digital Video Standard Definition. The precise format of this data is officially defined in Part 2 of a document entitled Specification of Consumer-use Digital VCRs, also known as the "Blue Book". Ironically, Part 3 of the "Blue Book" defines a high definition version of DV to which Microsoft has assigned a FourCC of 'dvhd', meaning Digital Video High Definition. High definition DV, however, has never been commercially implemented in the form of available products. Instead, the four companies which comprise the HDV Format Co-Promoters group have developed the HDV format.

* A Microsoft Windows .avi file is just like a Microsoft Windows .wav (wave) file or an Apple QuickTime .mov (movie) file in that it's just a container or wrapper file format. The actual audio and/or video datastream(s) contained within the .avi, .mov, or .wav file can be encoded with any number of available codecs. Many users (mistakenly) believe, for example, that a .wav file can only contain uncompressed linear PCM data. This is quite untrue, as the Windows ACM (Audio Compression Manager) facility allows the audio data within a .wav file to be encoded with any ACM-compatible codec which happens to be installed on the system where the encoding is taking place. Similarly, the video data contained within an .avi file can be encoded with any VfW VCM (Video for Windows - Video Compression Manager) codec or DirectShow (part of DirectX) filter that's installed on the encoding system.

720p HDV data can be transferred to a JVC D-VHS (Digital - Video Home System) format VCR (video cassette recorder), such as the SR-VD400US, using an ordinary IEEE 1394a connection.

It's also possible to burn HDV MPEG-2 Transport Stream files to DVD-ROM-formatted discs and play them back in the networkable JVC model SRDVD-100U ProHD DVD Player, co-developed by JVC Professional Products Company and I-O Data Device, Inc., manufactured and supported by I-O Data, and exclusively distributed by JVC. The SRDVD-100U, which also supports DivX, XviD, and WMV9 video as well as PCM, AAC, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, and WMAPro audio and plays regular Redbook audio CDs and DVD-Video discs, became available in September 2005 at a U.S. MSRP of $399.

MacroSystem Digital Video AG of Wetter, Germany offers the HDV Recorder, a standalone product with an internally-mounted removable hard disk drive (250 GB drive supplied), that can record and play both 720p and 1080i HDV datastreams. The HDV Recorder has two FireWire ports, DVI and VGA video outputs, a S/PDIF coaxial digital audio output, analog audio output, an RS-232 control port, and a 1080i to 1080p deinterlacing function. Additional information on this product can be found at the following URL.

MacroSystem-HDV Recorder (German language)
http://www.hdv-recorder.de/

In the U.S., the HDV Recorder is offered by MacroSystem US of Boulder, Colorado and carries a U.S. MSRP of $1999. More information on the U.S. version of the HDV Recorder can be found at the following URL.

MacroSystem HDV Recorder (U.S. version)
http://www.hdvrecorder.us/

A review by John Jackman of the U.S. version of the MacroSystem HDV Recorder was published in the September 2006 issue of DV magazine. The review is available online on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, September 2006, Volume 14, Number 9
MacroSystem US HDV Recorder, product review by John Jackman, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=192203127

Both JVC's 720p and Canon's/Sony's 1080i flavors of HDV can be considered HDTV. For display purposes, suitable interconnections include consumer HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and professional HD-SDI (High Definition - Serial Digital Interface). In the world of analog VGA (Video Graphics Array) connections, high resolution 16:10 aspect ratio computer displays can support either or both flavors of HDV depending upon the resolutions supported by the computer's video card and the attached display device. DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connections are sometimes only suitable for handling JVC's 720p HDV format, however, because the 1920 horizontal pixels of Canon's/Sony's 1080i flavor of HDV exceed the maximum 1600 pixels per scan line permitted by many single-TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) DVI implementations, so it's important to check the manufacturer's specifications and not make assumptions whenever it's necessary to output 1080i signals over a DVI link.

Future connection technologies such as DisplayPort, being promoted by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association), provide for much higher data transfer rates than existing standards and may become commonplace some day. Another possible future interface is UDI, which is backed by an industry consortium called the UDI SIG (Unified Display Interface Special Interest Group), composed of both PC (personal computer) makers and CE (consumer electronics) firms. The UDI SIG has developed a replacement for the age-old VGA interface that is highly compatible with both DVI and HDMI, incorporates HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), and will allow UDI-enabled personal computers including notebooks, desktops, and workstations, to connect just as easily to digital DVI-equipped computer display devices as to HDMI-equipped television display devices and will support the display of high definition video content. UDI will utilize the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express (PCIe) bus in order to maintain the very high data transfer rates required by HDTV.

Sample still images in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format depicting the difference in frame size between NTSC, PAL, JVC's 720p flavor of HDV, and Sony's/Canon's 1080i flavor of HDV, are available at the following Web page.

HDVxDV Sample Images
http://www.dvdxdv.com/hdvxdv.example.htm

For delivery of HD (high definition) video content in 720p and 1080p formats today, and although neither burnable Blu-ray Discs (BD) nor burnable High-Density Digital Versatile Discs (HD DVD), and players to play them, are widely used here in the U.S. yet, two solutions do exist. One is to use Microsoft's free Windows Media Technologies software to produce WMV HD DVD-ROM (Windows Media Video High Definition Digital Versatile Disc - Read Only Memory) discs and the other is to use the DVD Producer HD product from Sonic Solutions. Note that the authoring of such content requires use of a personal computer running Microsoft's Windows XP Professional SP (Service Pack) 2 operating system and that the playback of such content requires use of a personal computer running either Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Media Center Edition. Additional information on the creation of WMV HD DVD-ROM discs is available via the following two links.

Authoring Guide for Windows Media High Definition Video DVDs
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/wmvhddvd/

Sonic Solutions DVD Producer HD (product information)
http://www.sonic.com/products/Professional/Producer/ProducerHD/

Sonic Solutions also has in development two professional-level products for authoring high definition video content on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc media, Scenarist 4 and CineVision, which will be released when the standards for these new media are finalized.

Sonic Solutions Scenarist 4 (product information)
http://www.sonic.com/products/Professional/Scenarist/

Sonic Solutions CineVision (product information)
http://www.sonic.com/products/Professional/CineVision/

Speaking of Microsoft's Windows Media Video, it should be noted that the VC-1 codec has been adopted as SMPTE standard 421M-2006. This was announced in a SMPTE press release dated April 3, 2006 that can be found at the following URL.

SMPTE Releases VC-1 Standard
http://www.smpte.org/news/press_releases/003_06.cfm

SMPTE offers VC-1 Test Materials on DVD under license, including sample bitstreams and the Reference Decoder, for U.S. $400. A downloadable PDF order form can be found on the SMPTE Store Test Materials Web page at the following URL.

SMPTE Store Test Materials
http://www.smpte.org/smpte_store/test_materials/

MPEG LA, LLC controls the licensing of VC-1 encoders/decoders and VC-1 encoded content and has assembled a patent portfolio (pool) encompassing all patent holders having claims to the VC-1 codec technology. More information on this subject, including a schedule of royalty fees (see the press release dated August 17, 2006 for details), can be found at the following URL.

VC-1 Licensing
http://www.mpegla.com/pid/vc1/

To support the offline creation of content in the VC-1 format, Microsoft offers the Windows Media Encoder Studio Edition (Beta) program. This application supports 10-bit uncompressed input files, segment-based (scene-by-scene) re-encoding, the use of ISAN and Ad-ID metadata, and includes a graphical bitstream analyzer capability that can verify the quality of any selected clip. More information on Windows Media Encoder Studio Edition (Beta) can be found at the following URL.

Windows Media Encoder Studio Edition Beta
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/encoderse/default.aspx

Inlet Technologies of Raleigh, North Carolina offers the Fathom hardware-based VC-1 encoding solution which includes a 64-bit 66 MHz PCI-X board and application software that encodes in realtime from both file (AVI, MPEG-2, and QuickTime) and live or recorded HD-SDI sources. Additional information on the Fathom product, which costs about U.S. $45,000, runs under Windows XP SP2, and is also available in a turnkey configuration using an AMD Opteron based Hewlett Packard xw9300 workstation, can be found at the following URL.

Inlet Technologies Fathom (product information)
http://www.inlethd.com/products/fathom.html

In addition to the options just listed, Telestream, Inc. makes a Mac OS X product called Flip4Mac WMV Studio Pro which supports export of Windows Media Video High Definition (WMVHD) files from Apple QuickTime-based applications including Final Cut Pro HD.

Also, users of Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) can use Apple's DVD Studio Pro 4 and QuickTime 7 to author high definition content encoded in the MPEG-4 Part 10 AVC H.264 format and play it back from DVD-Video disc or HDD (hard disk drive) on their Mac with DVD Player 4.6 Update.

Additional information on the BD, DVD, and HD DVD formats can be found on the Web sites of their respective industry trade organizations, as follows.

Blu-ray Disc Association (BD)
http://www.blu-raydisc.com/

DVD Forum (DVD)
http://www.dvdforum.com/ or http://www.dvdforum.org/

HD DVD Promotion Group (HD DVD)
http://www.hddvdprg.com/

Additionally, in an effort to help spread adoption of the HD DVD format at the consumer level, the North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc. maintains an informational Web site at the following location. According to a press release on the site, the non-profit trade organization and its member companies expect to spend U.S. $150 million into 2007 promoting the format.

HD DVD - The Look and Sound of Perfect
http://www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com/

Some useful information from Microsoft on authoring in HD DVD format, including a tools download, can be found at the following URL.

Getting Started with HD DVD
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/hddvd/default.aspx

The DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation licenses the HD DVD format to those who wish to manufacture HD DVD products and use the HD DVD logo. More information on this topic can be found on their Web site in Japan at the following URL.

DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation
http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp/

For those who are still mystified about the old-style standard definition DVD format, I recommend a thorough read of Jim Taylor's fine DVD Demystified FAQ Web page—which is not only larger than this Web page, but even has a lot more links than this one!

DVD FAQ
http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html

For an excellent overview of most all aspects of the BD format, I highly recommend Hugh Bennett's 10-part series entitled "The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc (BD) FAQ", posted to the EMediaLive Web site beginning at the following URL.

EMediaLive.com: The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc (BD) FAQ, by Hugh Bennett
http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11392

Mr. Bennett has also written a similar 10-part series on the HD DVD optical disc format. It's available on the EMediaLive Web site beginning at the following URL.

EMediaLive.com: The Authoritative HD DVD FAQ, by Hugh Bennett
http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11629

The AACS (Advanced Access Content System), to be used on both BD and HD DVD discs, will include ACP (Analog Content Protection) technology from Macrovision Corporation, thus closing the so-called "analog hole". Use of this system is controlled by the AACS LA, found at the following URL.

Advanced Access Content System Licensing Administrator (AACS LA)
http://www.aacsla.com/

In an effort to promote the development of authored content for use on high definition media, Sonic Solutions has joined with a number of the world's leading DVD-Video authoring houses to form the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA). A press release, dated July 12, 2005, announcing the formation of this new group and including an initial list of members, can be found on the following page on the Sonic Solutions Web site.

Sonic Forges High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA)
World's Leading Media Creation Companies Join Forces with Sonic to Jump Start HD Title Development for HD DVD and Blu-Ray Disc Formats
http://www.sonic.com/about/press/news/2005/07/hdaa.aspx

Although it will be dated in a few month's time, here's a link to a five-page article by Melissa J. Perenson, taken from the July 2006 issue of PC World magazine and posted to the Web on May 30, 2006, describing currently available and soon-to-be-available BD and HD DVD products, complete with a BD versus HD DVD comparison chart.

PCWorld.com - DVD Goes High-Def, by Melissa J. Perenson
High-definition DVD products are here, but consumers still face a thorny dilemma as two incompatible formats battle for their dollars.
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,125769,pg,1,00.asp

And here's a link to a follow-up article, dated June 20, 2006, also by Ms. Perenson, containing all of the latest BD and HD DVD news.

PCWorld.com - Burning Questions - Blu-ray vs. HD DVD: Which Has the Early Edge?
The next-generation disc formats are here--and so are hints of where the format war is going.
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,126112,tk,nl_dnxnws,00.asp

So-called "early adopters" may wish to invest in the Sony BWU-100A Internal Blu-ray Disc (BD) Rewritable Drive (U.S. $749.90, available August 2006), which is an internally-mounted half-height 5-1/4-inch optical drive installable in any Windows 2000/XP desktop or workstation computer having an unused drive bay and a free IDE (ATA/ATAPI) interface. The drive is bundled with CyberLink BD Solution from CyberLink Corporation, which can be used to burn native HDV 1080i footage for playback on home BD players and BD computer drives compatible with the BD-AV format such as the Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player (U.S. $999.95, available October 2006).

The Plextor Corporation PX-B900A internal IDE/ATAPI Blu-ray Disc drive (U.S. MSRP $999.99, available October 2006) will be packaged with a software bundle that includes a program called BD DiscRecorder that supports direct recording (burning) of a live HDV datastream to BD in realtime, as well as a save-to-hard-disk (capture) function for editing purposes.

Ulead Systems offers a software product called DVD MovieFactory 5 Plus (U.S. $79.99) which includes a feature known as "Blu-ray Direct-to-Disc" that supports direct recording (burning) of a live HDV datastream to BD in realtime.

Online Media Technologies Ltd. of London, England, offers the free AVS Disc Creator program, that supports burning of both single-layer 25 GB and dual-layer 50 GB BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (rewritable) Blu-ray Discs. Additional information on AVS Disc Creator, including a download link, can be found at the following URL.

AVS Disc Creator (product information and download)
http://www.avsmedia.com/DiscCreator/

Those who wish to become involved with BD authoring on a professional level will be interested in Sony Blu-Print, announced by Sony Media Software on August 1, 2006. This $50,000 per license Windows-only product, which was developed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, is described as "a complete and cost-effective software solution for use in authoring DVD's in the new Blu-ray format". A press release announcing this product can be found at the following URL.

Sony Media Software Unveils Blu-Print for Advanced Blu-Ray Disc Authoring (press release dated August 1, 2006)
Application Provides Streamlined Development for New High-capacity DVD Format
http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/news/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=634

For the truly adventurous, and for those with time on their hands, here's a link to a bulletin board post by Joseph Clark containing a detailed step-by-step procedure for Windows users describing how to burn high definition MPEG-2 Transport Stream files in .ts, .tp, or .m2t formats to ordinary burnable DVD discs that will play back in a standard HD DVD player such as the Toshiba HD-A1 (U.S. $499.99) or HD-XA1 (U.S. $799.99).

HD-DVD Authoring to DVD -/+ Media - AVS Forum
The AVS Guide to HD DVD Authoring: HD DVD Creation Guide
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7936017&&#post7936017

Update, September 2006: Toshiba has announced second generation replacements for their first generation HD DVD players mentioned above. The HD-A1 and HD-XA1 will be superceded by the HD-A2 (U.S. $499.99, October 2006) and HD-XA2 (U.S. $999.99, December 2006), respectively. The HD-XA2 produces 1080p output signals and implements the latest HDMI Version 1.3 specification. A press release announcing these two new models can be found at the following URL. This announcement was timed to coincide with the CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) Expo held September 13 thru 17, 2006 in Denver, Colorado.

Toshiba | News: Toshiba Announces Introduction Of Second Generation HD DVD Players (press release dated September 14, 2006)
Continuing to lead the evolution in high definition DVD, Toshiba introduces new HD DVD models and adds new features including 1080p output capability
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/news/newsarticle.asp?newsid=131

Additional information about the HD DVD format, including available commercially-produced titles, can be found on the Toshiba HD DVD Web site (Flash required).

Those who feel that neither the BD nor HD DVD formats offer sufficient space to hold their work, may wish to track developmental progress on the HVD (Holographic Versatile Disc) format.

HVD Alliance (Holographic Versatile Disc)
http://www.hvd-alliance.org/

Aside from BD and HD DVD, a third high definition optical disc format vying for attention is being promoted by New Medium Enterprises, Inc. (NME) of London, England. The format, which is red laser based and supports a large variety of video codecs including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 (including H.264/AVC), DivX, XviD, and VC-1, is called HD VMD, or Versatile Multilayer Disc. VMD supports 1080i and 1080p playback at up to a 40 Mbps datarate using a 20 GB to 40 GB storage medium. Standalone (television-attached) HD VMD players would be able to play not only most all previous formats (CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, etc.) but also the EVD (Enhanced Versatile Disc) format developed by a consortium of Chinese consumer electronics companies called Beijing E-World Technology Company, Limited. As a development stage company with limited funding, NME faces an uphill battle in developing and promoting VMD. Although unlikely to be adopted by the Hollywood motion picture industry, HD VMD may gain some traction within the PRC or by the Bollywood film industry. Additional information about the HD VMD format can be found on the NME Web site at the following URL.

New Medium Enterprises (Versatile Multilayer Disc)
http://www.nmeinc.com/

HDV hardware support in the form of camcorders and decks comes from Canon, JVC (Japanese Victor Company), Sharp, and Sony, although as of the latest revision to this document, Sharp had not yet introduced any HDV products to the marketplace.

In this author's opinion, HDV is much more of a prosumer/consumer-oriented format than a professional grade format, although it can certainly have applicability in some production situations—especially where cost is a major consideration. Personally, I'd probably feel better about the HDV format if instead of MPEG-2 video compression and MPEG-1 Layer II audio compression, the designers had chosen to use MPEG-4 video compression (which would have provided better-looking pictures at the same data rate) and MPEG-4 AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) audio compression, which would have provided higher quality sound at a much lower data rate.

Note that according to Dave Walton*, General Manager of Corporate Communications at JVC, both 24p video and LPCM audio are included in the HDV specification, although none of the Sony products mentioned on this page implement these capabilities.

* "The 24p mode and LPCM (Linear quantization PCM recording) record/playback capability have been part of [the] HDV format since it was established."

Reference:
JVC Clarifies ProHD Announcement, by Charlie White, Digital Media Net
http://www.creativemac.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=32220

With regard to post production technique, because it's MPEG-2, cuts-only editing at the GOP (group of pictures) level, with no re-compression of the data, is the best approach to take if a high visual quality level is to be maintained. Note also that since the audio is lossy compressed, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary transcoding operations.

Primarily, I see two major things to like about the HDV format.

1. It's quite inexpensive, especially when compared to the cost of other HD formats.
   
   
2. Because it's 4:2:0, it directly translates to DVD-Video, which is also 4:2:0, so chrominance (color) information is maintained. This is an ideal situation if the material will not be edited/enhanced/altered in any way. See the Comments on transcoding from DV25 to MPEG-2 for DVD-Video footnote at the end of this page for additional information on the topic of color space conversion.

Essentially, HDV is to HD as DV is to SD. Despite being a relatively low grade format when compared to other much more expensive HD acquisition options, in a few years HDV may possibly be as pervasive as DV is today. HDV is an HD format. JVC's 720p flavor of HDV conforms to the requirements of the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) 296M standard and Sony's (and Canon's) 1080i flavor of HDV conforms to SMPTE 274M.

For a good overview of just how HDV fits into the overall HD picture (no pun intended), see the report by David Tamés on the June 16, 2005 SMPTE New England Chapter's Second Annual HD Boot Camp meeting at the following URL.

High Definition From Near to Here
A report on the 2nd Annual SMPTE/NE High Definition (HD) Boot Camp discussing the latest technology in HD.
http://www.newenglandfilm.com/news/archives/05july/hd.htm

For a variety of tips on shooting HDV and handling HDV footage in post, see the article Hands-On HDV: Navigating production and post with HDV compiled by Bryant Frazer, Alison Johns, Beth Marchant, and Linda Romanello published on the Studio Daily Web site October 1, 2005.

Studio Monthly | Hands-On HDV
http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomonthly/5451.html

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

A good approach to evaluating the suitability of an HDV format camcorder to any given shooting situation or project is to rent/hire one for a day or two and then carefully review the results in light of one's own perception of what constitutes minimum acceptable production values. Any such evaluation should include the entire post production workflow, from acquisition to process to final output, so that an informed judgment can be made. I also think that if it's expected that your project will involve any chroma key work, that this aspect of the production be tested as well.

Here in the U.S., typical daily rental rates in New York and Los Angeles are about $200 to $300 for the Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder and about $175 to $200 for the Sony HVR-M10U VCR. Rates, especially for camcorders, will vary considerably due to specific kit/package contents.

Although most all large and medium-sized U.S. cities are host to a number of video rental facilities, New York and Los Angeles tend to have the most since they are major centers of both film and television production. Two of the larger and more well-known operations are Abel Cine Tech, with locations in both NY and LA, and Birns and Sawyer, Inc. in Hollywood/North Hollywood.

Those who remain undecided as to whether to switch from shooting DV and migrating to HDV may want to read the following article from EventDV magazine which was posted to the Web on July 8, 2005.

EventDV magazine, August 2005, Volume 18, Number 8
"HDV--Is it for Me?" by Doug Graham, Contributing Editor
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=10175

Independent filmmakers working on a tight budget, especially those planning a film-out, will be interested in the following article by John Jackman which appeared in the January 2006 issue of DV magazine.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, January 2006, Volume 14, Number 1
"HDV to Film: A Real-World Test", by John Jackman, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.jhtml?
category=Archive&articleId=174900673

For some additional technical information on the video-to-film process, see the following FAQ on the Videotape Products, Inc. (VTP) Web site.

Film versus Video (Video to Film. Frequently Asked Questions)
http://www.myvtp.com/htm/vidfilm.htm

BACKGROUND MATERIALS

Two HDV references from DV magazine. Highly recommended reading.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

Pre-Roll column, October 2003, Volume 11, Number 10
"HDV and Me", by Jim Feeley, Editor In Chief
http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.jhtml?
LookupId=/xml/feature/2003/feeley1003

Technical Difficulties column, April 2004, Volume 12, Number 4
"Size Isn't Everything: Aspects of Image Quality", by Adam Wilt, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.jhtml?
LookupId=/xml/feature/2004/wilt0404

Adam Wilt's current views on HDV, including a description of some of the challenges inherent in editing and distributing HDV content, can be found in his March 2005 article HDV: A Hands-On Test Drive on the DV.com Web site at the following URL. (At the end of the article, it's noted that Adam "...has had his FX1 2 weeks longer than Steve Jobs has had his.".)

"HDV: A Hands-On Test Drive", by Adam Wilt, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.jhtml?articleId=159905634

An article from Broadcast Engineering magazine recounting use of the JVC JY-HD10U in the production of a television sitcom pilot. Production costs were reduced to $150,000 from an estimated $1,500,000 by use of a three-camera JY-HD10U shoot.

Broadcast Engineering, February 1, 2004
"HDV transforms sitcom budgets", by L. T. Martin, freelance writer
http://www.broadcastengineering.com/ar/broadcasting_hdv_transforms_sitcom/

Although now somewhat dated due to newer options having become available since originally written, here's an excellent article from Video Systems magazine describing the format and software considerations involved with computer-based editing of material produced by the JVC JY-HD10 camcorder.

Video Systems, September 1, 2003
"How to Edit HDV", by Steve Mullen, Ph.D., Owner, Digital Video Consulting, New York, NY
From capture to final output, the format of the JVC JY-HD10 poses some unique postproduction problems. Here are solutions.
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mag/video_edit_hdv/

A more-recent Video Systems magazine article by Steve Mullen entitled "High-Resolution DV" covers the Sony HDR-FX1 and HVR-Z1U camcorders. He begins this article by stating that the Sony HDV camcorders "...might be the most elegant camcorders ever designed.".

Video Systems, March 1, 2005
"High-Resolution DV", by Steve Mullen
Sony's HVR-Z1 and HDR-FX1 1080i camcorders ease the transition from DV to HD.
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mag/video_highresolution_dv/

Down in San Marcos, Texas, Chris Hurd and friends have "thrown together" a Web site, HDV Info Net, devoted to the HDV video format, complete with a bulletin board containing forums covering JVC HDV camcorders and HDV editing solutions.

HDV Info Net - The HDV Format Information Network
http://www.hdvinfo.net/

DV Info Net - High Definition HDV: The Next Wave (bulletin board)
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?forumid=61

The Creative Cow HDV Format Forum, moderated by Steve Mullen and Derek Serra, is also a good place to go for some interesting discussions on the subject of HDV.

Creative Cow HDV Format Forum (bulletin board)
http://forums.creativecow.net/cgi-bin/new_view_posts.cgi?forumid=162

HDV is the primary topic discussed in the "HD for the Masses/HDV" forum on the 2-Pop Forums Web site.

2-Pop HD for the Masses/HDV forum (bulletin board)
http://www.2-popforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=194

HDV is also heavily discussed in the "High Definition Cameras & High Definition Camcorders" forum on the High Def Forum - Your High Definition Community & High Definition Resource bulletin board.

High Def Forum - High Definition Cameras & High Definition Camcorders (bulletin board)
http://www.highdefforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3

More discussions on the subject can be found in the "HDV Forum" on the Video University Web site at the following URL.

Video University Forums: HDV (bulletin board)
http://videouniversity.com/forums/gforum.cgi?forum=19

The following link will return a list of links that del.icio.us blogosphere users consider to be noteworthy HDV-related Web-based resources.

del.icio.us HDV tags
http://del.icio.us/tag/HDV?setcount=100

Users in the U.K. will be interested in the DVdoctor HDV and HD forums.

HDV and DV - DVdoctor.community (bulletin board)
http://forums.dvdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=35

Users in Australia will be interested in the "High Def Video" forum provided by the publishers of Australian Video Camera magazine.

Australian Video Camera High Def Video Forum (bulletin board)
http://www.videocamera.com.au/bbs/viewforum.php?f=6

Users in Argentina will want to visit the ClubPremiere HDV forum (bulletin board) at the following URL.

ClubPremiere :: Ver Foro - HDV (bulletin board)
http://clubpremiere.com.ar/foro/viewforum.php?f=23935

Anyone interested in shooting in the HDV format but producing their final output on ordinary DVD-Video discs would be well-advised to read the following article on EventDV.Net.

EventDV, posted November 19, 2004
"From HDV to DVD" by Stephen F. Nathans, Editor, EMedia and EventDV
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=9057

Another good source for HDV-related information is Kerr Cook's Sony HDV Info bulletin board (not associated with Sony Corporation, but registered to Robin Liss of Camcorder Info).

Sony HDV Info (bulletin board)
http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/

The good folks up at DV Shop in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, have assembled a page of useful HDV-related links at the following URL.

HDV Café Hi Def Video Resources
http://www.hdvcafe.com/

The DVGuys, Philip Hodgetts and Ron Margolis, entitled their live streaming Internet audio show of Thursday, March 3, 2005 "HDV Night". Guests were Jody Eldred, Craig Birkmaier, Mark Shepherd, and Mike Curtis—all of whom had some interesting comments to make about the HDV format. The DVGuys have since evolved into Digital Production BuZZ (now a Creative Planet Community, a division of United Entertainment Media, itself a part of CMP Entertainment Media, Inc.), but I've received permission to host a copy of the show on this site. It has a running time of approximately 66 minutes and is available as an AAC LC-encoded (Advanced Audio Coding - Low Complexity) downloadable .m4b* (MPEG-4 Bookmarkable) file via the following link.

* Windows users can play this file using the free Apple QuickTime Player program.

Note that to avoid the possibility of skipping, pausing, and buffering delay issues caused by the clip's high data rate, it's suggested that you use your browser's Save Link As... / Save Target As... / etc. function to download the file to your system for local playback rather than attempting to pseudo-stream it in realtime directly from this Web server.

DVGuys "HDV Night" show of March 3, 2005
dvg05_03_03.m4b [12,499,103 bytes] 

And speaking of Jody Eldred, here's a 3-minute Microsoft .wmv (Windows Media Video) clip of Jody discussing how he used a Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder to shoot some difficult footage for a portion of an episode of the CBS network television series JAG (Judge Advocate General). This footage was shot, edited, and encoded by Douglas Spotted Eagle of VASST (Video, Audio, Software, Support and Training), the training arm of Sundance Media Group, and appears here with their kind permission.

Note that to avoid the possibility of dropped frames and buffering delay issues caused by the clip's high data rate, it's suggested that you use your browser's Save Link As... / Save Target As... / etc. function to download the file to your system for local playback rather than attempting to pseudo-stream it in realtime directly from this Web server.

Interview with Jody Eldred by Douglas Spotted Eagle
Interview_with_Jody_Eldred.wmv [12,470,672 bytes] 

DigitalSolutions A/S in Denmark have posted some HDV samples, taken with a Sony camcorder, in the form of an anamorphic (1440 x 1080) uncompressed .tif (TIFF or Tagged Image File Format) file and an .m2v (MPEG-2 Video) file. These two files are linked from the following Web page, although I've also provided direct links to these files below.

DigitalSolutions Denmark A/S (HDV Samples)
http://www.digitalsolutions.dk/hdv.htm

Direct Links:

Sådan ser en full frame HDV ud - Downloades som TIFF. (Hvidovre havn)
[TIFF - 4,682,172 bytes]
http://www.digitalsolutions.dk/billeder/HvidovreHavn.tif 

Download 5 sekunders Native HDV klip (Kræver HDV-Transport stream afspiller 15Mb)
[MPEG-2 Video - 14,909,846 bytes]
http://www.digitalsolutions.dk/Support/HDV/5secHDV.m2v 

In Germany, HD-Channel.com have posted over a dozen sample HDV clips, in Microsoft .wmv (Windows Media Video) HD (high definition) 1080p and 720p formats, from Sony HDR-FX1 and JVC JY-HD10 camcorders. These clips are available for download via links on the following Web page.

HD-Channel.com (HDV Samples)
http://www.hd-channel.com/535457979d0979003/index.html

In Vienna, Austria, Sanjin Jukic has posted several sample video clips from the JVC GR-PD1 and Sony HDR-FX1E camcorders. They're available via various links on his Web site at the following URL.

Sanjin Jukic Online (HDV Samples)
http://www.sanjinjukic.com/

Sony has prepared an informative, introduction/overview type of document on the HDV format. It's entitled Sony HDV Technology Handbook, includes a glossary of terms and an HDTV (High Definition Television) historical development timeline, and is available in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file via the link given below. It's not only recommended reading for anyone new to the subjects of HDV and/or HDTV, but can also prove useful in situations where help is needed in convincing someone, such as a business partner or significant other, that an expenditure on HDV/HDTV equipment is an extraordinarily worthwhile, extremely desirable, and tremendously rewarding investment.

Sony HDV Technology Handbook
[Dated October 19, 2004 - English language - 30 pages - 841,148 bytes]
http://news.sel.sony.com/hdvcamcorder/hdv_technology_book.pdf 

Sony has also published a consumer-level/sales-oriented booklet entitled The Ultimate Guide to HDTV and HD Audio that's available for download via the following link.

The Ultimate Guide to HDTV and HD Audio
[Dated August 9, 2005 - English language - 16 pages - 1,283,588 bytes]
http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/documents/article/
HomeAudioandVideo/theultimateguide.pdf 

A Sony-written white paper on HDV can be downloaded via the link given below. [Side note: Page 6 of this Sony HDV White Paper, under the heading "Shooting HDV for SD distribution", states in part, "Shooting HDV original footage and editing in HD produces standard definition DVDs which are visually superior to those using DV content. Since the MPEG-2 compression used by HDV utilizes the same 4:2:0 color space as the DVD standard, the color sampling remains consistent throughout the production, editing, and encoding workflow. In comparison, content acquired in DV is sampled at 4:1:1, then re-sampled at 4:2:0 during the DVD encoding process, yielding a visually inferior 4:1:0 image on the DVD." Coincidentally, this is exactly the same argument that I make in the footnote entitled Comments on transcoding from DV25 to MPEG-2 for DVD-Video, located down at the bottom of this Web page — and no, I did not write this White Paper for Sony.]

Sony HDV White Paper
[Dated March 2, 2006 - English language - 15 pages - 700,340 bytes]
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/
docs/whitepapers/hdv_whitepaper.pdf 

Sony also offers HDV product information and sampler videos in Microsoft's WMV (Windows Media Video) 720p and 1080p formats. These .wmv files are downloadable via links found on the following Web page. Warning: these four files are fairly large, ranging in size from approximately 82.9 MB to approximately 355 MB.

Sony HDV Demos
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/minisites/HDV/demos.shtml

Canopus has published an eight-section series of articles about the HDV format. It's available via the following link. Note that I do hold a certain disagreement over their statements about DVI and its (in)ability to support 1080i HD content.

About HDV | Canopus USA
http://www.canopusedu.com/abouthdv/

Doug Jensen, Nate Hill, and Chris Jensen have written and produced a 22-chapter, 90-minute HDV training video entitled HandsOnHDV: A Complete Guide to the HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1. It's published by Vortex Media of East Greenwich, Rhode Island and JTV Productions of Orem, Utah and is available on DVD for U.S. $85 from the following Web site.

HandsOnHDV: Instructional Videos for Sony HDV Camcorders
http://www.handsonhdv.com/PRODUCT_Z1.html

Douglas Spotted Eagle and Mark Dileo have written a 130-page book (U.S. $24.99) about the HDV format entitled HDV: What You NEED to Know. More information about the book, including downloadable sample pages, can be found at the following URL.

HDV: What You NEED to Know
http://www.vasst.com/printproducts/hdv.htm

A review of "HDV: What You NEED to Know" by Doug Graham, a Contributing Editor at EventDV magazine, was published in the May 2005 issue of the magazine. The review was posted to the magazine's Web site on May 2, 2005 and can be found at the following URL.

EventDV magazine, May 2005, Volume 18, Number 5 - book review by Doug Graham
eventdv.net: HDV: What You NEED to Know by Douglas Spotted Eagle and Mark Dileo--Book Review by Doug Graham
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=9873

Update: Douglas Spotted Eagle has produced a revised version of HDV: What You NEED to Know. Information about this expanded, 232-page Second Edition (U.S. $29.99), which includes a DVD containing sample HDV files, demo, trial, and other software, plus an IRE level test chart, can be found at the following URL.

HDV: What You NEED to Know, Second Edition
http://www.vasst.com/product.aspx?id=ed515883-935a-4037-aef0-0ad68139e940

Steve Mullen has written a 270-page e-book (U.S. $39.95) entitled Sony HVR-Z1 and HDR-FX1 Handbook: HDV Technology, Production, and Post-Production. Additional information can be found at the following URL.

Sony HVR-Z1 and HDR-FX1 Handbook
http://www.knowledge-download.com/SonyHDV/

Andrew Lock offers a book (U.S. $24.99) entitled How to Shoot, Edit & Distribute HDV. The book is available through the Edgewise Media Web site at the following URL.

How to Shoot, Edit & Distribute HDV
http://www.edgewise-media.com/howtosheddih.html

A review of Andrew Lock's "How to Shoot, Edit & Distribute HDV" by Stephen F. Nathans, Editor-in-chief of EventDV magazine, was published in the April 2006 issue of the magazine. The review was posted to the magazine's Web site on February 26, 2006 and can be found at the following URL.

EventDV magazine, April 2006, Volume 19, Number 4 - book review by Stephen F. Nathans
eventdv.net: Book Review: Andrew Lock's How to Shoot, Edit & Distribute HDV
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11087

In September 2005, the Muska & Lipman division of Thomson Course Technology PTR (Professional - Technical - Reference) published, as part of its Aspiring Filmmaker's Library, a 488-page book (list price $49.99) by Chad Fahs entitled HDV Filmmaking. The book is available direct from the publisher for $44.99 or from Amazon.com for $32.99.

HDV Filmmaking
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?group=film&isbn=1-59200-828-3

In September 2006, the Focal Press division of Elsevier B.V. published a 256-page book (list price $34.95) by Chuck Gloman and Mark J. Pescatore, Ph.D. entitled Working with HDV: Shoot, Edit, and Deliver Your High Definition Video. The book is available from Amazon.com for $23.07.

Working with HDV: Shoot, Edit, and Deliver Your High Definition Video
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/709385

In Australia, two instructional DVDs entitled HandsOnHDV: How to Shoot Like a Pro with the Sony HDR-HC1 Camcorder and HandsOnHDV: A Complete Guide to the Sony HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1 are available from ON2DVD via the following link for AUS $99.95 and AUS $150.70, respectively, including GST.

HandsOnHDV Training DVD's for SONY HDV Cameras- Australia
http://www.handsonhdv.com.au/

Steve Mullen, in the HDV@Work newsletter that he writes for Video Systems magazine, has published two series of articles, one entitled "Much More about 720p24 HDV" and the other entitled "Just What is 1080i?", both of which are highly recommended reading for anyone interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of and greater insight into these two topics and related subjects than I've provided here. At the time of this writing, the "Much More about 720p24 HDV" series is comprised of three articles and the "Just What is 1080i?" series consists of five articles and I've provided links to all eight of these articles below.

HDV@Work: Much More about 720p24 HDV

• Part 1 (March 13, 2006)
• Part 2 (March 27, 2006)
• Part 3 (April 10, 2006)

HDV@Work: Just What is 1080i?

• Part 1 (January 23, 2006)
• Part 2 (February 13, 2006)
• Part 3 (February 27, 2006)
• Part 4 (March 27, 2006)
• Part 5 (April 10, 2006)

Videotape Products, Inc. (VTP) of Burbank, California has published a useful HDV FAQ on its Web site at the following URL.

HDV Questions and Answers
http://www.myvtp.com/htm/hdvquest2.htm

OFFICIAL REFERENCE

Official announcement of the HDV format was made in a press release dated September 30, 2003. A copy of this press release is available on the HDV Format Web Site at http://www.hdv-info.org/.

The HDV Format Co-Promoters are as follows:

• Canon Inc.
• Sharp Corporation
• Sony Corporation
• Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC)

Notably absent from the above list, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial Company), is perhaps more interested in developing its own P2 (Professional Plug-in) flash memory-based product line although Sony, despite its efforts with regard to its XDCAM Professional Disc-based (blue-violet laser) system, has found ample time to develop HDV products. Canon has been busy with its XL2 MiniDV camcorder and didn't announce an HDV product until September 2005. As to Sharp, well, someone suggested to me that all of their engineers were hard at work developing a new line of microwave ovens, but that didn't sound quite right to me, and besides, Panasonic also makes microwave ovens and I don't think that that fact has hurt their VariCam camcorder sales.

Depicted to the left is the official HDV logo. According to the requirements of the HDV Format Co-Promoters, this logo can only be used on products that contain a transport mechanism capable of reading and writing HDV format tape cassettes.

The term 'HDV' and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and the Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC).

A copy of the HDV Format Main Specifications, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, can be downloaded from the HDV Format Web Site via the following link.

HDV Format (ver 1.0) Main Specifications (Revised)
[Dated July 6, 2006 - English language - 1 page - 15,225 bytes]
http://www.hdv-info.org/HVDSpecifications.pdf 

Recent (early 2006) updates to the Specifications document include the addition of 24p support, four-channel audio, LPCM audio encoding, and the use of MP@HL (Main Profile at High Level) video encoding.

JVC HDV Products

JVC JY-HD10U - the first HDV format camcorder to appear on the market in the United States. Although it's a single CCD (Charge Coupled Device) unit, JVC announced a step-up model (the GY-HD100U, part of its ProHD line, which also includes the matching BR-HD50U HDV/DV VCR) with three 1/3-inch CCDs and an interchangeable lens at the NAB2005 Show, April 16 thru 21, 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(start at the following URL and then follow the links on the left-hand side of the Web page for additional information)
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/Attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101394

The JY-HD10U has a U.S. MSRP of $3995.00. B&H Photo-Video offers it for $2599.95.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist
&A=details&Q=&sku=279560&is=REG

Gates makes the HD-1 underwater housing, designed especially for use with the JVC JY-HD10U camcorder.
http://www.gateshousings.com/HD1.html

In Australia, JVC offers the model JY-HD10EX camcorder with a Recommended Retail Price of $5939 AUD including GST. More information about this product can be found on the Web site of JVC Professional Products Australia at the following URL.

JVC JY-HD10EX (product information)
http://www.jvcpro-australia.com/JVCPRO/jsp/
c_products_details.jsp?catID=8&prodID=74

JVC GY-HD100U ProHD camcorder.
(start at the following URL and then follow the links on the left-hand side of the Web page for additional information)
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101539

Recommended mini-cassette tape for use with the GY-HD100U camcorder, especially when operated in HDV mode, is the JVC M-DV63HD ProHD tape. While readily available in Japan, this tape can be difficult to locate in the U.S.

The Focus Enhancements DR-HD100 direct-to-disk recorder is designed specifically for use with the JVC GY-HD100 camcorder. A press release, dated April 18, 2005, announcing this new product can be found at the following URL.

JVC Offers Dual Media Storage for its JVC GY-HD100U ProHD Camcorder
DR-HD100 Portable Hard Drive First to Offer Direct To Edit Technology in HD
http://pro.jvc.com/pro/pr/2005/nab/presskit/focus_release.html

The DR-HD100 is available in both 40 GB and 80 GB versions. Both models utilize a FAT32-formatted 5400 RPM hard disk drive with 8 MB of on-board cache memory. The DR-HD100-40 provides 3.75 hours of recording time in HDV mode while the DR-HD100-80 provides 7.5 hours of recording time in HDV mode. Up to four DR-HD100 DTE devices, which can be of differing capacities, can be daisy-chained together for extended recording times. The DR-HD100 can be used even when there's no tape inserted into the camcorder.

On March 23, 2006 Focus Enhancements issued a press release announcing the actual availability of the DR-DH100 products. It's available via the following link.

Focus Enhancements and JVC Professional Announce Availability of DR-HD100 DTE Recorder for JVC ProHD Camcorders
Highly Anticipated Direct to Edit Recorder Brings DTE Technology, Extended Record Time, and Seamless Integration to the JVC GY-HD100/HD101 Camcorder
http://www.focusinfo.com/company/article.asp?id=114323

More information on the GY-HD100U and other ProHD products can be found on JVC's ProHD.Net Web site.

ProHD.Net - JVC ProHD product line information
http://www.prohd.net/

A review by Steve Mullen of the JVC GY-HD100U camcorder was published in the November 2005 issue of Video Systems magazine. It's available on the Web at the following URL. Be sure to read the sidebar discussion of the so-called "Split Screen Effect" aka "the 'SSE' issue".

Video Systems magazine, November 2005, Volume 31, Number 11
Shoot Review - JVC GY-HD100, product review by Steve Mullen, Contributing Editor
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mag/video_jvc_gyhd/

A review by Mark Montgomery of the JVC GY-HD100U was published in the December 2005 issue of Videomaker magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Videomaker magazine, December 2005
Videomaker Magazine Test Bench: JVC GY-HD100 HDV Camcorder, product review by Mark Montgomery, Editorial Assistant
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article.cfm?id=12472

A review of the JVC GY-HD100U by Marc Smiler was published in the April 2006 issue of EventDV magazine. It was posted to the magazine's Web site on March 26, 2006 and can be found at the URL given below. The review was written from the viewpoint of someone who appears to possess a certain dislike for the 1080i HDV format (and possibly even Panasonic's AG-HVX200 in 1080i DVCPRO HD mode as well) and contains statements such as "Also, I feel uneasy about 960- or 1440-line cameras recording 1440, compressing it via MPEG, and then scaling it up to full 1920x1080 HD." and "The 1080i version of HDV seems like too much of a compromise, one I am not willing to be a part of at this level of camera.".

EventDV magazine, April 2006, Volume 19, Number 4
eventdv.net: Review: JVC GY-HD100U ProHD Camcorder, product review by Marc Smiler
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11192

A review by Adam Wilt of the JVC GY-HD100U was published in the May 2006 issue of DV magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Note: User registration may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, May 2006, Volume 14, Number 5
DV - Reviews (JVC GY-HD100U), product review by Adam Wilt, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=185301200

Walter Graff has written an extensive hands-on evaluation of the JVC GY-HD100U HDV camcorder, compared to the Panasonic AG-HVX200 DVCPRO HD camcorder, with honorable mention given to the Canon XL H1 and Sony HDR-FX1 HDV camcorders. His "One Mans Look" review is located on the BlueSky Media, Inc. Web site at the following URL.

6GOPHDV and P2-DVCPRO HD
http://www.bluesky-web.com/HDVHVX.htm

The JVC BR-HD50 HDV VCR, unlike the Sony HVR-M10 series HDV VCRs discussed later on this Web page, accepts both Mini and Standard size cassette tapes. It also, unlike the Sony product, has an HDMI output and an RS-422A control port. The BR-HD50 cannot, however, play back 1080i HDV tapes, whereas the HVR-M10 can play both 720p and 1080i HDV tapes. The BR-HD50 can also play Sony DVCAM tapes.

JVC BR-HD50U HDV/DV format VCR.
(start at the following URL and then follow the links on the left-hand side of the Web page for additional information)
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101540

I've made available on this Web site the following Adobe Acrobat PDF file that contains detailed information about the GY-HD100U, BR-HD50U, and DR-HD100.

JVC GY-HD100U, BR-HD50U, and DR-HD100 Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated May 27, 2005 - English language - 18 pages - 3,061,766 bytes]

I've also made available on this Web site a copy of the manual (Instructions), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, for the GY-HD100U, GY-HD100E, and GY-HD101E camcorders.

JVC GY-HD100U, GY-HD100E, and GY-HD101E Instructions (manual) 
[Dated July 14, 2005 - English language - 96 pages - 5,008,702 bytes]

And here's a copy of the Instruction Manual, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, for the matching BR-HD50U and BR-HD50E VCRs.

JVC BR-HD50U and BR-HD50E Instruction Manual (manual) 
[Dated June 30, 2005 - English language - 92 pages - 2,230,407 bytes]

Here are two articles by Steve Mullen from Video Systems magazine's HDV@Work column about 24p video and the JVC GY-HD100U camcorder. The first article includes a description of how the JVC GY-HD100U handles 24p video and the second article, which covers both Windows XP and Mac OS X, offers specific solutions for editing footage produced by the JVC GY-HD100U camcorder when operating in 24 frames per second mode.

Video Systems, HDV@Work column, October 21, 2005
"JVC's approach to 24p", by Steve Mullen
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/e-newsletters/hdv_102405/

Video Systems, HDV@Work column, November 28, 2005
"How do you edit 24fps HDV?", by Steve Mullen
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/e-newsletters/hdv_work_11282005/

The GY-HD100U and BR-HD50U have U.S. MSRPs of $6295.00 and $3399.00, respectively. Here in New York, B&H Photo-Video carries both products and I've provided links below.

JVC GY-HD100U - $5499.95 at B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist
&A=details&Q=&sku=381904&is=REG

JVC BR-HD50U - $3195.00 at B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist
&A=details&Q=&sku=389736&is=REG

Charles Papert has written an in-depth review of the P+S Technik Mini35 lens adapter used in conjunction with a pre-production sample of the JVC GY-HD100U. It's available on the HDV Info Net Web site at the following URL. This article will be of particular interest to independent filmmakers who wish to shoot a production using the GY-HD100U. Note that this is a five-part review including still images and downloadable video clips in the form of .m2t (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) files.

P+S Technik Mini35 and the JVC GY-HD100U (product review)
http://www.hdvinfo.net/articles/jvcprohd/hd100mini35test1.php

There's also a bulletin board forum on the HDV Info Net Web site devoted specifically to the JVC GY-HD100. It's located at the following URL.

The Digital Video Information Network - JVC GY-HD100 (bulletin board)
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=98

Important note: Beginning March 20, 2006, JVC will upgrade current model GY-HD100U camcorders sold in the United States by authorized dealers to the latest version ("A") at no cost to the customer, except for shipping to the JVC Factory Service Center in Cypress, California. This upgrade offers improved performance with NLE systems, improved reliability, improved interoperability with the DR-HD100U hard disk recorder, and adds serial communications with Anton/Bauer battery systems including a live battery status display in the camcorder's viewfinder. Note that the changes made to the camcorder do not pertain to "the 'SSE' issue". The initial upgrade period expires July 31, 2006, after which a U.S. $149 charge will apply. JVC strongly recommends that all qualified owners submit their camcorder for this upgrade. Additional information on this offer can be accessed via the following link.

Free GY-HD100U Upgrade
http://pro.jvc.com/pro/special/HD100_upgrade/hd100upgrade.html

The European versions of the GY-HD100U camcorder and BR-HD50U VCR are known, respectively, as the GY-HD100E and BR-HD50E.

The JVC GY-HD101E is a special European-only version of the GY-HD100E. It has full IEEE 1394a I/O capability (DV/HDV In and DV/HDV Out) and is therefore priced higher than the GY-HD100E due to European Union duty charges (15 percent import tax) on video tape recorders.

I've made available on this Web site the following Adobe Acrobat PDF file that contains detailed information about the GY-HD100E, GY-HD101E, BR-HD50E, and DR-HD100.

JVC GY-HD100E, GY-HD101E, BR-HD50E, and DR-HD100 Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated June 23, 2005 - English language - 18 pages - 3,253,611 bytes]

Nigel Cooper has done a very nice review of the GY-HD101E, evaluating its capabilities in terms of the needs of a professional shooter rather than those of a typical consumer or prosumer camcorder user. His review, dated September 7, 2005, is available via the following link.

JVC GY-HD101E HDV Camcorder review by Nigel Cooper
http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=35

I've also made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, which contains preliminary specifications of the DR-HD100 Direct To Edit drive.

JVC/Focus Enhancements DR-HD100 Brochure (specifications) 
[Dated April 11, 2005 - English language - 2 pages - 2,564,642 bytes]

The DR-HD100-40 and DR-HD100-80 are available at B&H Photo-Video and I've provided links to both products below.

JVC DR-HD100-40 (Focus Enhancements 40 GB DTE HDD) - $1399.95 at B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist
&A=details&Q=&sku=401417&is=REG

JVC DR-HD100-80 (Focus Enhancements 80 GB DTE HDD) - $1749.95 at B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist
&A=details&Q=&sku=401416&is=REG

The GY-HD110U is a replacement for the GY-HD100U. Additional information on the GY-HD110U can be found at the following URL.

JVC GY-HD110U (product information)
(start at the following URL and then follow the links on the left-hand side of the Web page for additional information)
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101642

A list of the approximately ten differences between the original GY-HD100U and the newer GY-HD110U can be found at the following URL.

Differences between GY-HD110U and GY-HD100U
http://pro.jvc.com/pro/attributes/HDTV/desc/hd110_diff.html

I've made available on this Web site the following Adobe Acrobat PDF file that contains detailed information about the GY-HD110U, BR-HD50U, and DR-HD100.

JVC GY-HD110U, BR-HD50U, and DR-HD100 Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated June 20, 2006 - English language - 18 pages - 2,971,037 bytes]

The U.S. MSRP of the GY-HD110U is $6295. B&H Photo-Video is offering it for $5495.

JVC GY-HD110U at B&H Photo-Video
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist
&A=details&Q=&sku=444424&is=REG

A press release dated July 11, 2006 from JVC Professional Europe Ltd. announcing the European versions of the GY-HD110U, the GY-HD110E (with IEEE 1394a DV/HDV output only) and the GY-HD111E (with IEEE 1394a DV/HDV input and output), can be found at the following URL.

JVC GY-HD110E and GY-HD111E (press release dated July 11, 2006)
The ProHD 100 Series has evolved. - JVC Professional Europe :: X-treme Performance
http://www.prohd.net/news/releases_html?atype=release&releaseID=1276

Detailed product information on the GY-HD110E and the GY-HD111E can be found at the following URLs.

JVC GY-HD110E (product information)
http://www.prohd.net/item/index_html?item=GY-HD110E

JVC GY-HD111E (product information)
http://www.prohd.net/item/index_html?item=GY-HD111E

I've made available on this Web site a copy of the manual (Instructions), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, for the GY-HD110U, GY-HD110E, and GY-HD111E camcorders. (Note: Pages 6 through 9, as well as the back cover, are missing from this PDF version of the manual.)

JVC GY-HD110U, GY-HD110E, and GY-HD111E Instructions (manual) 
[Dated June 14, 2006 - English language - 91 pages - 3,711,886 bytes]

The JVC GR-HD1US camcorder is a lower-priced version of the JY-HD10U and lacks some of the features of the JY-HD10U. JVC is positioning the GR-HD1US as a consumer version of the JY-HD10U.
(start at the following URL and then follow the links on the left-hand side of the Web page for additional information)
http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD1206000&pathId=29

The JVC GR-HD1US has a U.S. MSRP of $3499.95. B&H offers it for $1899.95.

JVC GR-HD1US - $1899.95 at B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?
O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278495&is=REG

The JVC GR-PD1 is a PAL-like 50 Hz HDV format camcorder. A brief non-technical review of the GR-PD1 appeared in the March 2004 issue of Computer Video magazine and is reproduced at the following URL.
http://www.computervideo.net/mar04-1.html

ZDNet UK also reviewed the GR-PD1.
http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/camcorders/0,39023805,39118144,00.htm

JVC CU-VH1US-P HDV format portable VCR. Note that this VCR does not have the ability to play 24p HDV tapes from the GY-HD100U camcorder.
(start at the following URL and then follow the links on the left-hand side of the Web page for additional information)
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/Attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101457

The CU-VH1US-P has a U.S. MSRP of $1,995.00. B&H offers it for $1,749.95.

JVC CU-VH1US-P - $1,749.95 at B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?
O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=321741&is=REG

In Australia, JVC offers the model CU-VH1EX portable HDV VCR with a Recommended Retail Price of $3689 AUD including GST. More information about this product can be found on the Web site of JVC Professional Products Australia at the following URL.

JVC CU-VH1EX (product information)
http://www.jvcpro-australia.com/JVCPRO/jsp/
c_products_details.jsp?catID=8&prodID=263

At NAB2006, JVC introduced three new HDV products: two camcorders — the GY-HD200U and the GY-HD250U — and an HD-SDI to HDV Encoder/Decoder known as the SA-HD50U. Both of the camcorders support 60p recording through use of a 12-frame GOP size and the GY-HD250U has an HD-SDI output with embedded audio, genlock input, and time code input and output. The SA-HD50U supports both 720p and 1080i modes of operation. Press releases dated April 24, 2006 announcing these three new products, all of which have U.S. MSRPs well under $10,000 and estimated availability dates in the October/November 2006 timeframe, can be accessed via the following links.

JVC Professional Press Releases page (GY-HD200U camcorder)
[U.S. MSRP $7,995 (tentative). Deliveries expected to begin in October 2006.]
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/press_res.jsp?
model_id=MDL101623&feature_id=08

JVC Professional Press Releases page (GY-HD250U camcorder)
[U.S. MSRP $8,995. Deliveries expected to begin in October 2006.]
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/press_res.jsp?
model_id=MDL101625&feature_id=08

JVC Professional Press Releases page (SA-HD50U Encoder/Decoder)
[U.S. MSRP $8,995 (tentative). Deliveries expected to begin in November 2006.]
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/press_res.jsp?
model_id=MDL101628&feature_id=08

The move to a 12-frame GOP is interesting given that JVC has previously used its employment of a shorter GOP (6 versus 12 or 15 in Sony/Canon HDV) as a point of superiority compared to those manufacturer's HDV products.

JVC reportedly also has in development a model GY-HD7000U HDV/DV camcorder which uses three 2/3-inch CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors (rather than CCDs) and which captures true full-frame 1080i video using square pixels and a frame size of 1920 x 1080 (rather than the non-square pixels of the 1440 x 1080 frames captured by the Sony/Canon HDV camcorders). U.S. MSRP of the GY-HD7000U, not including lens, will be $27,950.

A good source of information on JVC high definition products is the JVC HD Camcorders bulletin board, located at the following URL.

JVC HD Camcorders (bulletin board)
http://www.gyhduser.com/

Off-topic side note: The JVC Professional Products Web site has a very good 5-minute Adobe Shock Wave Flash (.swf) tutorial on Setup at the following URL.

http://pro.jvc.com/pro/attributes/PRODV/clips/blacksetup/demo.html

SONY HDR-FX1

Well, it's Tuesday, September 7, 2004 and yesterday—the Labor Day holiday here in the U.S.—Sony officially announced their first consumer-grade NTSC-compatible HDV format camcorder, the HDR-FX1. Their press release is located at the following URL.

Sony Unveils World's First HDV 1080i Consumer Camcorder (press release dated September 6, 2004)
New Handycam Model Brings High-Definition Quality to Personal Content
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/
digital_imaging/release/9271.html

Two articles about the announcement, from EMediaLive, The Digital Studio Resource, and PC World magazine, are referenced below.

"Sony Unveils Three-CCD HDV 1080i Consumer Camcorder"
http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=8864

"Sony Shows High-Def Camcorder", by Paul Kallender, IDG News Service
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,117699,tk,dn090704X,00.asp

Sony sales literature and specifications, all in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, are available via the following three links.

HDR-FX1 Features, Specifications, and Optional Accessories
[Dated November 4, 2004 - English language - 2 pages - 385,697 bytes]
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/specs/HDRFX1final_mksp.pdf 

Sony Accessories for HDR-FX1 HDV Handycam Camcorder
[Dated September 3, 2004 - English language - 1 page - 89,403 bytes]
http://news.sel.sony.com/filestorage/download/
sd_2004/hdv_camcorder/Accessories Copy.pdf 

HDR-FX1 Recording/Playback Time and Charging Time
[Dated October 4, 2004 - English language - 1 page - 408,599 bytes]
http://www.sonystyle.ca/html/pdf/HDRFX1_chart.pdf 

I've made available on this Web site, in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, copies of the manuals (Operating Instructions) for the HDR-FX1 camcorder and the VCT-FXA shoulder brace. They're available via the following two links.

Sony HDR-FX1 Operating Instructions (manual) 
[Dated August 27, 2004 - English language - 112 pages - 3,908,636 bytes]

Sony VCT-FXA Shoulder Brace (for all models of the HDR-FX1 and HVR-Z1 camcorders) - Operating Instructions (manual) 
[Dated October 28, 2004 - Multiple languages - 2 pages - 791,137 bytes]

Recommended cassette tape for use with the HDR-FX1 camcorder, whether operated in HDV mode or DV mode, is the Sony DVM-63HD. More information about this new tape can be found at the following URL.

SonyStyle.com | 63-min HD DVC
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/
SY_DisplayMoreInfoAccessories-Start?ProductSKU=DVM63HD

Sony's official August 16, 2005 statement regarding HDV tape dropouts can be found at the following URL.

Notice to Customers Recording Video in HDV format
http://www.sonydigital-link.com/dime/hotnews/cam/cam_hdv_tape.asp?l=en

The HDR-FX1 has a fixed (non-removable, non-interchangeable) Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical power zoom lens that accepts 72 mm diameter attachments/accessories (filters, etc.).

The Century Optics division of Schneider Optics, Inc. in Van Nuys, California offers a number of accessories for the HDR-FX1 (and HVR-Z1U) including a wide angle adapter, wide angle converter, fisheye adapters, and a tele-converter. More information on these products can be found on their Web site at the following URL.

Century Optics - Products for Sony HDR-FX1
http://www.centuryoptics.com/products/prodv/hdr-fx1/hdr-fx1.htm

Seacam Subsea Systems of Huntington Beach, California offers an underwater housing for the HDR-FX1 (and HVR-Z1U). More information on this product can be found on their Web site at the following URL.

Seacam's HDR-FX1 High Definition Camcorder Underwater Housing
http://www.seacamsys.com/HDV1.htm

Robin Liss of CamcorderInfo.com fame has written a superlative, in-depth, "first impression" review of the Sony HDR-FX1. It's recommended reading for anyone with an interest in the HDR-FX1.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-
HDR-FX1-First-Impression-Camcorder-Review.htm

Mike Curtis of Austin, Texas, has written, on his HD For Indies Weblog (blog), an interesting review of the Sony HDR-FX1, including a comparison of its output to that of a Sony HDW-F900.

Mike Gets Hands On: Sony HDR-FX1 (HDV) vs Sony F900 (HDCAM) Footage Comparison
http://www.hdforindies.com/2005/01/mike-gets-hands-on-sony-hdr-fx1-hdv-vs

In November 2004, prior to the release of the Sony HVR-Z1U, Jarred Land and Barry Green conducted a shoot out of the Canon XL2, Panasonic DVX-100A (now replaced by the DVX-100B), and Sony HDR-FX1 camcorders. The results, which should be of particular interest to aspiring independent filmmakers who, because of budgetary limitations, want to shoot video at 24p in order to achieve a filmic look, can be found on the following Web page.

DVXuser.com ::: 3 way shootout, DVX vs. XL2 vs. Sony HD
http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/

A bulletin board topic with user comments on this shootout can be found at the following URL. It's mentioned in one of the thread's posts that a future test, comparing a JVC GY-HD100U, a Panasonic AG-HVX200, and a Sony HVR-Z1U, is planned.

DVXuser.com - The online community for Digital Filmmaking - The 3 way shoot out
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=27704

This probably belongs under the JVC HDV Products, Sony HVR-Z1U, or Canon XL H1 sections of this Web page, but since Barry Green and a camcorder shoot out was just mentioned, I'm putting it here. In early January of 2006, Barry organized a comparison test of three HDV camcorders (the Canon XL H1, the JVC GY-HD100U, and the Sony HVR-Z1U), two Panasonic DVCPRO HD products (the AG-HVX200 and the AJ-HDC27F), and a Sony HDCAM product (the HDW-F900/3). Adam Wilt was present for these tests and documented the proceedings in writing. His article, which appeared in the May 2006 issue of DV magazine, is available on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, May 2006, Volume 14, Number 5
Four Affordable HD Camcorders Compared, article by Adam Wilt, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/news/news_item.jhtml?articleId=177103305

The results of a follow-up test, conducted over a four-day period by Chris Hurd, Mike Curtis, and Adam Wilt, that included not only four of the same camcorders as used in the original test — a Canon XL H1 (1080i HDV), a JVC GY-HD100U (720p HDV), a Panasonic AG-HVX200 (720p, 1080p, and 1080i DVCPRO HD), and a Sony HVR-Z1U (1080i HDV) — but also a Panasonic AJ-HDC27H (720p DVCPRO HD) and a Sony PDW-F350 (1080i and 1080p XDCAM HD), were published in the September 2006 issue of the magazine and are available on the Web at the following URL.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, September 2006, Volume 14, Number 9
Texas Shootout!, article by Adam Wilt, Contributing Editor
Affordable HD cameras put to the test, Episode 2
http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.jhtml?articleId=189500064

And speaking of camcorder comparisons, Jan Ozer, a Contributing Editor at EventDV magazine, has written a two-part series of articles comparing the Canon XL H1, JVC GY-HD100U, Sony HDR-FX1, and Sony HVR-Z1U camcorders. The articles originally appeared in the May and June 2006 issues of the magazine and are available on the magazine's Web site at the following URLs.

EventDV magazine, May 2006, Volume 19, Number 5 (Posted April 24, 2006)
HDV Camcorder Showdown, Part One: Features and Usability
http://www.eventdv.net/articles/readarticle.aspx?articleid=11287

EvevtDV magazine, June 2006, Volume 19, Number 6 (Posted May 31, 2006)
HDV Camcorder Showdown, Part Two: Quality Comparisons
http://www.eventdv.net/articles/readarticle.aspx?articleid=11435

Jan Ozer has written an excellent article entitled "HDV and the Sony FX1" which appeared in the February 2005 issue of EventDV, The Authority for Event Videographers magazine. The article contrasts the Sony HDR-FX1 (primarily in SD mode) with a Canon XL2 in the areas of resolution, zooming, chromakeying, and low light abilities. Unfortunately, the Web-based version of the article looses much of its value because it doesn't include the very informative graphics (screen shots and frame grabs) included in the hardcopy print version of the magazine. Nonetheless, here's a link to the article.

EventDV magazine, February 2005, Volume 18, Number 2
"HDV and the Sony FX1", by Jan Ozer, Contributing Editor
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=9491

Adam Wilt did a review of the Sony HDR-FX1 for the March 2005 issue of DV magazine. It's available on the Web at the following URL.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

Sony HDR-FX1 review
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=159401466

A review of the HDR-FX1 by D. Eric Franks, Technical Editor, appeared in the November 2004 issue of Videomaker magazine. It's available on the Web at the following URL.

Videomaker Magazine Test Bench: Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Camcorder
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article.cfm?id=10594

Sony HDR-FX1 sample video clips, in the form of downloadable .m2t (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) and .wmv (Windows Media Video) files, are available from VASST (Video, Audio, Software, Support and Training), the training arm of Sundance Media Group, via links on the following Web page.
http://www.vasst.com/HDV/FX-1_images-Surfers.htm

Absolute Digital Broadcast Rentals of Bellevue, Washington has posted some HDR-FX1 video clips in the form of Apple QuickTime .mov (Movie) and Microsoft .wmv (Windows Media Video) files. These files are available via links on the following Web page.
http://www.absolutedigi.com/hdrpictures.htm

Absolute Digital Broadcast Rentals has also posted some .mov and .wmv files demonstrating the effects of digital chroma key. Links to these files can be found on the following Web page.
http://www.absolutedigi.com/ck.htm

Absolute Digital Broadcast Rentals has also posted five HDR-FX1 frame grabs in lossy compressed .jpg (JPEG or Joint Photographic Experts Group) format at the following URLs.

http://www.absolutedigi.com/images/hd1.jpg [396,003 bytes] 
http://www.absolutedigi.com/images/hd2.jpg [397,601 bytes] 
http://www.absolutedigi.com/images/hd4.jpg [108,015 bytes] 
http://www.absolutedigi.com/images/baddan.jpg [25,155 bytes] 
http://www.absolutedigi.com/images/xmasgrab.jpg [85,805 bytes] 

It's possible to add balanced 3-wire XLR phantom powered microphone input capability to the HDR-FX1 through use of an adapter such as the DXA-8 from BeachTek Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Additional information on this U.S. MSRP $399 product can be found on the following Web page.

BeachTek Audio Adapters - DXA-8
http://www.beachtek.com/dxa8.html

Owners of the Sony HDR-FX1 camcorder may be interested in the information provided by John Beale of Mountain View, California, in the "Using the Sony HDR-FX1: Notes & Observations" section of his Beale Corner Productions Web site.

Using the Sony HDR-FX1
http://www.bealecorner.com/fx1/

Essentially, the HDR-FX1 is to HDV as the DCR-VX2100 (and its predecessors, the DCR-VX2000 and DCR-VX1000) is/were to DV.

In the United States, the HDR-FX1 lists for $3699.99. Here in New York, J&R has it for $3199.99. In Canada, the HDR-FX1 lists for C $4999.99.

The Australian version of the HDR-FX1 carries a Recommended Retail Price of $5,999.00 AUD including GST. More information on this version of the HDR-FX1 can be found on the Web site of Sony Australia Limited at the following URL.

Sony Australia: World's First 1080i HDV Camcorder HDR-FX1
http://www.sony.com.au/dis/product.jsp?id=HDRFX1

C|Net Australia published a review of the HDR-FX1 by Ben Wolf on May 5, 2005. It's available at the following URL.

Sony HDR-FX1 Review: Camcorders
http://www.cnet.com.au/photography/camcorders/0,39028348,40054562,00.htm

SONY Qualia 002

Sony offers a modified version of the HDR-FX1 camcorder as part of its high-end consumer-grade Qualia product line. The Qualia 002 (Q002-HDR1) is equipped with an improved Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar SQ T* lens, an improved built-in stereo microphone, includes a long-life NP-F970 battery with AC-VQ850 dual-well high-speed charger and comes bundled with a number of accessories such as a Sony ECM-672 shotgun microphone, VCT-FXA shoulder brace, and includes a three-year parts and labor warranty. It is available in a piano black finish.

Selling price in Japan is 598,500 Yen. Additional information, in Japanese, is available via the following two links.

Sony Qualia 002 (press release dated April 21, 2005)
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200504/05-0421/

Sony Qualia 002 (product overview information)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/QUALIA/jp/products/002/index.html

The Qualia 002 is also available in the U.S. at Sony showrooms in New York (550 Madison Avenue) and Las Vegas (3500 Las Vegas Boulevard South). Additional information is available at the following URL.

Sony Qualia product line (U.S. site) [Flash required]
http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/qualia/

Sony has produced a brochure (sales literature) about the Qualia 002 camcorder in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. I've made a copy available for download from this Web site via the following link.

Sony Qualia 002 Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated June 23, 2005 - English language - 7 pages - 429,741 bytes]

Information about the entire Qualia product line, in Japanese, can be found at the following URL.

Sony Qualia product line (Global site for general information)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/QUALIA/jp/

SONY HDR-FX1E

The European (50 Hz PAL-like) version of the HDR-FX1 is known as the HDR-FX1E. Sony's press release announcing the HDR-FX1E can be found at the following URL.

Sony Europe : Press Center : The World's First-ever HDV1080i Camcorder from Sony
http://www.sony-europe.com/PageView.do?site=odw_en_EU
&page=PressReleaseDetail&section=en_EU_Press&pressrelease=1094201865016

An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the press release can be found at the following URL. The PDF version contains considerably more information than the HTML version.

[Dated September 6, 2004 - English language - 6 pages - 469,958 bytes]
http://www.sony-europe.com/content/attachment/090704 HDR-FX1FINALPR.pdf 

I've made a copy of the HDR-FX1E manual (Operating Instructions), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, available on this site via the following link.

Sony HDR-FX1E Operating Instructions (manual) 
[Dated September 14, 2004 - English language - 112 pages - 3,878,441 bytes]

In the U.K., HEXUS.net have an extensive 10-page review of the HDR-FX1E by James Morris and Bob Crabtree at the URL given below. This review, which was posted to the Web on February 3, 2005, includes a brief description of how Matteo Ricchetti of Eidomedia in Genova, Italy, has modified a Sony HDR-FX1E to accept either Nikon bayonet mount still-camera lenses or professional grade B4 mount lenses.

HEXUS.net : Review : Sony HDR-FX1E - three-CCD semi-professional HDV Camcorder
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=997

HDR-FX1E Lens Modifications
http://www.eidomedia.com/hdv/

Another review of the HDR-FX1E, by Colin Barrett of SimplyDV Ltd (UK), can be found on the following Web page.

SimplyDV: Review of Sony HDR-FX1E HDV Camcorder
http://www.simplydv.com/Reviews/sony_hdr-fx1e.html

From his vantage point in Zandvoort, Netherlands, Jan van der Meer's Global Digital Videographers Centre site, with his usual mixture of Dutch and English, has useful and frequently-updated info on Sony HDV camcorders.
http://www.global-dvc.org/Sony HDV.htm

In Sweden, Roger Garpenholm has not only posted some sample HDR-FX1E video clips — in the form of downloadable .avi (audio video interleaved) and .wmv (Windows Media Video) files — but has made an open offer to shoot and post clips of specific subjects as requested by visitors to his site.

Home Page
http://hdr-fx1.garpenholm.se/

Video samples of the HDR-FX1E
http://hdr-fx1.garpenholm.se/HDR-FX1_samples.cfm

Demo video request
http://hdr-fx1.garpenholm.se/HDR-FX1_request.cfm

In Bracknell, Berks, U.K., Ingenious TV have posted a .jpg (JPEG or Joint Photographic Experts Group) image and two high definition Microsoft .wmv (Windows Media Video) clips, one in native 1440 x 1080 mode and one in widescreen 1920 x 1080 format, from an HDR-FX1E. They're available at the following URL.

HD Tests
http://www.ingenioustv.co.uk/comparehd.htm

Ingenious TV have also posted a 1440 x 1080 JPEG frame grab at the following URL.
http://www.ingenioustv.co.uk/FX1-Test1.jpg [408,391 bytes] 

In Hong Kong, Sony offers two HDR-FX1E sample clips, in both MPEG-2 Transport Stream (.m2t) and Windows Media Video (.wmv) format. (Click the link labeled "HDV" at the bottom of the Flash presentation. It's the fourth link from the left.) Warning: these four files are fairly large, ranging in size from approximately 455 MB to approximately 1.69 GB.

Sony HDR-FX1E Sample Video Clips
http://www.hkbn.net/bb100_sony/

A comparison of the standard definition Sony DCR-VX2100E (DV) with the high definition Sony HDR-FX1E (HDV), complete with still images, can be found on the following Web page.

Sony Shoot-Out - VX versus FX
http://www.supervideo.com/shtoutsvFXVX.htm

More Sony HDR-FX1E sample video clips, in the form of downloadable .m2t (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) files, are available from VASST (Video, Audio, Software, Support and Training), the training arm of Sundance Media Group, via links on the following Web page.
http://www.vasst.com/HDV/FX-1_images.htm

Important note: On January 14, 2005 Sony issued an advisory concerning an error in the audio settings in both the HDR-FX1 and the HDR-FX1E. Only units with certain serial numbers are affected. A description of the problem, with detailed information on how to obtain free warranty repairs, can be found at the following URL.

Notice to Owners of Sony Digital High Definition Camcorder
http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/handycam/
information/info_ex/top_hdr_en.html

Here in New York, J&R has the HDR-FX1E for $2999.99. B&H has it for $3499.95.

SONY HVR-Z1U and HVR-M10U

On November 10, 2004 Sony officially announced their first prosumer HDV format camcorder and companion HDV format VCR for distribution in the U.S., the HVR-Z1U and HVR-M10U, respectively. Their press release is located at the following URL.

Sony Unveils Its First Complete Professional HDV System
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/8885.html

Charlie White has written an article, posted at the MacAnimationPro.com Web site, describing Sony's gala New York unveiling of these two products. It's available at the following URL.

Sony HVR-Z1U Camcorder: The HDV Revolution Has Arrived
http://www.macanimationpro.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=29230-0

The HVR-Z1U camcorder, which was shown in prototype form at NAB in April 2004, has three 1/3-inch CCDs, 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion, is designed with a fixed (non-removable, non-interchangeable) 12x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens that accepts 72 mm diameter attachments/accessories (filters, etc.), supports both NTSC-like 1080/60i (actually 59.94 or 60/1.001 fields per second) and PAL-like 1080/50i (25 frames per second with two interlaced fields per frame) standards, and can shoot in HDV, DVCAM, and DV (SP only) modes.

Useful features include a 24-step manual iris control, balanced 3-pin XLR mic inputs with switchable 48 VDC (volts direct current) phantom power for use with condenser microphones, independent left/right channel audio input level controls, SMPTE time code capability with user bits, generation of true SMPTE color bars, selectable 0 IRE or 7.5 IRE setup, and an EVF (electronic viewfinder) which is operable in either color or black-and-white mode. The viewfinder is even capable of displaying an underscanned video image, something which is quite useful for those producing video for Web distribution. The camcorder has a built-in 3.5-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) and is shipped with an IR (infrared) wireless remote control. It's also possible to downconvert a 1080/60i digital recording to 480/60p analog output via the unit's component output jacks.

When operated in HDV mode, the unit is intended to be used with Sony's new 63-minute high grade PHDVM-63DM DigitalMaster mini-cassette tape. A press release announcing this new tape can be found at the following URL.

DigitalMaster Tape Technical Fact Sheet
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/8887.html

A new tape with improved resistance to dropouts was necessary due to the use of a GOP size of 15 (at 60i; 12 at 50i), where an unreadable GOP would result in a half-second interruption in the flow of data. According to Sony, this new tape utilizes an improved, second-generation Advanced Metal Evaporated (AME II) coating technology, as well as better quality control processes. Sony also claims that it has a lower carrier-to-noise ratio, produces a higher output signal level, and generates less noise during recording. Note that even without the use of special recording media, HDV tape recordings tend to be more resistant to dropouts than DV recordings because error correction in HDV recording is carried out across multiple tracks instead of just within single tracks as in DV recording.

I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, about the new PHDVM-63DM tape.

Sony PHDVM-63DM Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated November 16, 2004 - English language - 2 pages - 584,910 bytes]

Those who don't want to completely rely upon tape for critical recordings, or who simply want to avoid the time normally spent transferring data from tape to their computer's HDD (hard disk drive) over an IEEE 1394a link, however, might want to consider the new Focus Enhancements FireStore FS-4Pro HD portable hard disk drive recorder, called DTE or Direct To Edit by Focus, which supports direct-to-disk capture of 720p and 1080i MPEG-2 Transport Streams via an IEEE 1394a connection from the HDV camcorder. The Focus Enhancements press release announcing this product is available at the following URL.

Focus Enhancements to Unveil Industry's First High Definition Portable DTE Recorder (press release dated March 14, 2005)
Featuring Direct To Edit Technology, FireStore FS-4 HD Maintains a Pure HD Signal From Acquisition and Editing to Distribution and Broadcast
http://www.focusinfo.com/company/article.asp?id=82561

A similar product, from Shining Technology, Inc. of Cypress, California and Wise Advanced Co., Ltd. of Taipei, Taiwan, called the CitiDISK HDV (FW1256H-80 and FW1256H-100), can record HDV .m2t files directly to HDD. The CitiDISK also supports recording of DV, DVCAM, DVCPRO, and DVCPRO50 video formats and writes .dv, .avi, or .mov files to its FAT32-formatted 80 GB ($879) or 100 GB ($949) HDD. The CitiDISK HDV is both Mac OS X and Windows XP compatible. More information about the CitiDISK HDV can be found at the following two URLs.

Shining Technology Brings Direct DV, HDV Capture To Broadcast And Video Markets With CitiDISK HDV (press release dated April 18, 2005)
http://www.shining.com/news/press/04182005.shtml

CitiDISK HDV (product information)
http://www.shining.com/products/totalsolution/citidisk_hdv/

A review by Mark Rinehart of the CitiDISK HDV was published in the May 2006 issue of DV magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Note: User registration may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, May 2006, Volume 14, Number 5
DV - Reviews (CitiDISK for HDV), product review by Mark Rinehart
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=185301210

A review by Anthony Burokas of the CitiDISK HDV was published in the May 2006 issue of EventDV magazine. The review was posted to the magazine's Web site on April 24, 2006 and can be found at the following URL.

EventDV magazine, May 2006, Volume 19, Number 5
eventdv.net: Review: CitiDISK HDV, product review by Anthony Burokas, Contributing Editor
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11291

A review by Andrew Burke of the CitiDISK HDV was published in the May 2006 issue of Videomaker magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Videomaker magazine, May 2006, Volume 20, Number 11
Videomaker Magazine Test Bench: Shining Technologies CitiDISK HDV 120GB Direct-to-Edit Device, product review by Andrew Burke, Assistant Editor
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article.cfm?id=12312

In Europe, the CitiDISK HDV is offered in 40 GB, 80 GB, and 100 GB capacities and carries MSRPs of €790 to €990, as indicated in the following press release issued September 9, 2005 at IBC2005.

Shining Technology Brings Award-Winning Direct-To-Edit DV, HDV Recording Accessory To European Market At IBC2005
Portable, Timesaving Solution Eliminates Re-Capturing Process; Offers Fast FireWire Connection for Direct Video Recording and Instant Playback.
http://www.shining.com/news/press/CitiDiskHDVEuroNR3.shtml

Shining Technology also offers an optional hot-shoe adapter and rechargeable 7.2 volt Lithium battery pack with built-in flash light for use with the CitiDISK HDV.

Hot-Shoe Mount (HSHU1256) & 3-Hour Battery (BPKT21865)
http://www.shining.com/products/totalsolution/hotshoe_mount/

At NAB2006, Bella Corporation of Burbank, California, a manufacturer of specialty video editing keyboard replacement products, announced an intriguing interface device called the Catapult that connects between the IEEE 1394a port of most any DV or HDV camcorder and a user-supplied USB 2.0 hard disk drive (HDD) or drive array, including an Apple iPod, and which allows direct recording of video to the HDD — although the exact format in which the video data is written isn't currently specified. The Catapult can be operated off of internal rechargeable batteries or via an included AC power adapter. After recording is complete, the HDD can be disconnected from the Catapult and directly attached to an NLE system for immediate, direct access to the video for editing purposes. The Catapult, which may turn out to be a viable alternative to dedicated HDD devices such as those discussed above from companies such as Focus Enhancements and Shining Technologies, is expected to become available in the second half of 2006 and pricing is projected to be under U.S. $300. A press release announcing the Catapult, as well as product information, can be accessed via the following two links.

Bella Corporation Catapult (press release dated April 24, 2006)
http://www.bella-usa.com/News-042406-1.htm

Bella Corporation Catapult (product information)
http://www.bella-usa.com/Catapult.htm

A 3-page article by Stephen Schleicher containing an overview of the Bella Corporation, Focus Enhancements, and Shining Technology hard disk drive products, including a comparison chart, can be found on the Digital Producer Web site at the following URL.

Direct to Disk Recorders, by Stephen Schleicher (posted April 28, 2006)
Three companies offer select at NAB
http://www.digitalproducer.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=40232

Those who wish to monitor their signal levels while shooting may be interested in the Serious Magic, Inc. DV Rack product (U.S. MSRP $295) in conjunction with the forthcoming HDV PowerPak option (U.S. MSRP $195), expected in late June 2005. More information about DV Rack and its HDV PowerPak option can be found at the following two URLs.

HDV Add-on for DV Rack (press release dated April 18, 2005)
http://www.seriousmagic.com/news/hdv_for_dvrack.cfm

DV Rack (product information)
http://www.seriousmagic.com/dvrack.cfm

Creative Cow has published a review by Tim Kolb of the Serious Magic DV Rack with the HDV PowerPak option. It can be accessed via the following link.

Serious Magic DV Rack with HDV PowerPak - product review
http://www.creativecow.net/cgi-bin/page_wrapper.cgi?
forumid=<FORUMID>&page=/articles/kolb_tim/hdv_dv_rack/index.html

Scheduled U.S. availability of both the HVR-Z1U camcorder and the matching HVR-M10U VCR is February 2005, with MSRPs of approximately $4900 and $3700, respectively. Coincidentally, the MSRP of the HDR-FX1 consumer camcorder announced back in September 2004 is also $3700.

Additional technical information about the HVR-Z1U camcorder, including a comparison of features with the HDR-FX1 consumer HDV camcorder, can be found at the following URL.

HDV Camcorder for Professionals - Technical Fact Sheet
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/8886.html

More information about Sony's professional HDV product line can be found at the following URL.

Sony Business Solutions & Systems - Featured
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/minisites/HDV/home.shtml

Update: I should mention that the last time I visited this site, the MSRPs for both the HVR-Z1U camcorder and the HVR-M10U VCR had risen a bit compared to what I've shown earlier on this Web page: as of January 22, 2005, the HVR-Z1U camcorder had risen to $5946 (from $4900) while the HVR-M10U VCR had risen to $3950 (from $3700). The prices that I had originally posted were taken from Sony's November 10, 2004 press release.

In Canada, the HVR-Z1U and HVR-M10U have MSRPs of C $7250.00 and C $5150.00, respectively.

Sony has produced product brochures, in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, for both the HVR-Z1U camcorder and HVR-M10U VCR. I've made copies available on this site via the following two links.

Sony HVR-Z1U Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated January 24, 2005 - English language - 12 pages - 506,092 bytes]

Sony HVR-M10U Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated January 24, 2005 - English language - 6 pages - 271,023 bytes]

I've made copies of both the HVR-Z1U and the HVR-M10U manuals (Operating Instructions), in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, available on this site via the following two links. Please note that the HVR-Z1U manual also covers the HVR-Z1N camcorder and that the HVR-M10U manual also covers the HVR-M10N, HVR-M10E, and the HVR-M10P VCRs.

HVR-Z1U and HVR-Z1N Operating Instructions (manual) 
[Dated December 14, 2004 - English language - 136 pages - 5,486,479 bytes]

HVR-M10U, HVR-M10N, HVR-M10E, and HVR-M10P Operating Instructions (manual) 
[Dated December 22, 2004 - English language - 76 pages - 763,881 bytes]

The February 2005 (Vol. 27 No. 2) issue of Studio/monthly magazine (formerly AV Video Multimedia Producer magazine) contained a hands-on review by Erik Holsinger of both the Sony HVR-FX1 and HVR-Z1U camcorders. The review is available on their Web site but does not include the graphics (images) that appeared in the hardcopy print version of the magazine. Nonetheless, here's a link to the article.

Studio Monthly | Sony HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1 Camcorders
http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomonthly/searchlist/5080.html

Adam Wilt did a review of the Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder for the May 2005 issue of DV magazine. The review is available online at the following URL.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

Sony HVR-Z1U product review, by Adam Wilt, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=163105790

A review by Jan Ozer of the Sony HVR-Z1U appeared in the August 2005 issue of EventDV magazine. It's available on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

EventDV magazine, August 2005, Volume 18, Number 8
eventdv.net: Review: HVR-Z1U Camcorder, by Jan Ozer, Contributor
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?CategoryID=49&ArticleID=10274

A review by John Jackman of the Sony HVR-M10U VCR appeared in the September 2005 issue of DV magazine and is available on their Web site at the following URL.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, September 2005, Volume 13, Number 9
Sony HVR-M10U product review, by Rev. John Jackman, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=167101039

Sample still images from a Sony HVR-Z1U, in the form of .png (Portable Network Graphics) files, are available from VASST (Video, Audio, Software, Support and Training), the training arm of Sundance Media Group, on the following Web page.
http://www.vasst.com/HDV/hdv_z1_images.htm

Amphibico of Montreal, Quebec, Canada has developed the Phenom FXZ1 underwater housing exclusively for use with the Sony HDR-FX1 and HVR-Z1U camcorders. It's expected to be available in two different versions: a Basic model for approximately U.S. $4895 MSRP and a Pro model for approximately U.S. $5995 MSRP. Availability is expected in the March/April 2005 time frame. A press release, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, announcing this new product can be accessed via the following link.

[Dated February 18, 2005 - English language - 1 page - 215,067 bytes]
http://www.amphibico.com/PressRelease.pdf 

A review by Paul Waghorn (aka "Wags") of Western Australia of the Amphibico Phenom underwater housing, used in conjunction with a Sony HDR-FX1 camcorder, can be found on the following Web page.

Amphibico Phenom & FX1 (end-user product review)
http://www.ningalooreefteach.com/camera/phenomreview.htm

Paul has also devoted a page to the subject of manual versus automatic white balancing with the Phenom/HDR-FX1 combo, and published information about a modification that he performed to the Phenom so as to allow manual white balancing.

Phenom WB (manual versus automatic white balancing)
http://www.hdvunderwater.com/phenomwb.htm

Phenom WB Mod (manual white balancing modification)
http://www.hdvunderwater.com/phenommod.htm

Timely reminders: Sony is offering a $250 mail-in rebate on the HVR-M10U VCR to end-user purchasers in the continental U.S. only. This offer applies to purchases made from May 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005, inclusive. More information on this offer, which is designated Promotion Number 050155A, can be found on the following Web page.

Featured Hardware Promotions
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/info/promotions.shtml

Another offer, consisting of a $400 mail-in cash rebate, a full-version copy of Sony Vegas 6 NLE software, and a copy of the 12 Inch Design ProductionBlox Unit 01 animated backdrops product, when purchasing an HVR-M10U VCR between October 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006 in the continental United States, is also available via the link given above. This is Promotion Number 050488C.

An extended $400 mail-in cash rebate is being offered on purchases of the HVR-M10U VCR within the continental U.S. between April 1, 2006 and September 30, 2006. This is Promotion Number 060006A.

Additionally, Sony is offering a $75 rebate to those end-users in the continental U.S. who purchase a Sony HDV camcorder and a Sony ECM-678 microphone. This offer is designated Promotion Number 050104A and applies to purchases made between April 1, 2005 and September 30, 2005, inclusive.

Purchasers of the HVR-Z1U camcorder in the continental U.S. and Alaska (sorry, Hawaii) between June 1, 2006 and September 30, 2006 are eligible to receive a dual battery pack, a 10-pack of Sony DigitalMaster tapes, and a copy of Sony Vegas 6.0 NLE software. This is Promotion Number 060235B.

Here in New York, B&H Photo-Video has the HVR-Z1U camcorder for $4900.00 and the HVR-M10U VCR for $3299.95. B&H also offers a "Shoot/Edit Kit" consisting of the HVR-Z1U and the HVR-M10U for $7999.95, a $200.00 savings when compared to purchasing each item individually from B&H. PHDVM-63DM HDV tapes are priced at $21.95 each or $199.50 ($19.95 each) for a box of 10 and the optional VCT-FXA Shoulder Brace is available for $284.95. The short shotgun microphone often seen in promotional photos of the HVR-Z1U is a low impedance (200 ohm) super cardiod (uni-directional) Sony model ECM-678 electret condenser and is not included with the camcorder as a supplied accessory; it's an optional item and B&H has it for $599.95.

Although I highly recommend B&H for many purchases, I would suggest Tape Resources, Inc. of Virginia Beach, Virginia for more competitive pricing ($16.37 each) on Sony's PHDVM-63DM HDV tape.

Serious users of the Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder will want to add some additional accessories such as a follow focus, matte box, French flag, and filters. High-quality versions of these items suitable for use with the HVR-Z1U are available from the usual sources including 16x9 Inc., Alfred Chrosziel, and Formatt Filters. In addition, Markertek Video Supply of Saugerties, New York, offers a Handle Bracket and a Skid Plate for use with the HVR-Z1U (and HDR-FX1).

For a more in-depth review of the various accessories available for the HVR-Z1U (and other HDV and non-HDV camcorders), see the following two-part article by Lee Rickwood published on the EMediaLive Web site.

EMediaLive.com: Gear & Now: HDV Accessories, Part 1 (December 1, 2005)
http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=10814
  
EMediaLive.com: Gear & Now: HDV Camcorder Accessories, Part Two--Lenses and Filters (January 1, 2006)
http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=10910

SONY HVR-Z1J and HVR-M10J

In Japan these products are known as the HVR-Z1J (camcorder) and the HVR-M10J (video cassette recorder). For those who read Japanese, more information can be found on the Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc. Web site at the following URLs.

HVR-Z1J camcorder
http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/c_c/hdv/HVR-Z1J/
  
HVR-M10J VCR
http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/c_c/hdv/HVR-M10J/

Sony's press release, written in the Japanese language, announcing these two new products, is located at the following URL.

News and Information HDV1080i-DVCAM-DV-HDV
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200411/11-1110/

SONY HVR-Z1E and HVR-M10E

In Europe these products are known as the HVR-Z1E (camcorder) and the HVR-M10E (video cassette recorder) and the Suggested Retail Price in European Union countries will be €5500 and €3600, respectively. Availability is February 2005.

The official Sony Europe press release can be found at the following URL.

Sony confirms pricing, delivery date & features for first professional HDV camcorder and VTR
http://www.sony-europe.com/PageView.do?site=odw_en_EU
&page=PressReleaseDetail&section=en_EU_Press&pressrelease=1095156844875

An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the press release can be found at the following URL.

[Dated November 9, 2004 - English language - 3 pages - 92,780 bytes]
http://www.sony-europe.com/content/attachment/HDV Press Release_Final_Eng.pdf 

Sony Europe (SonyBiz.net) have produced a brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, which includes a brief description of the HVR-series camcorders and VCRs and a chart describing some of the major technical differences between the HDV 1080i and HDV 720p formats. I've made a copy available on this Web site via the following link.

Sony HDV 1080i Brochure 
[Dated August 25, 2004 - English language - 2 pages - 85,450 bytes]

Sony Europe have also produced a product brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, which covers both the HVR-Z1E camcorder and the HVR-M10E VCR. I've made a copy available on this Web site via the following link.

Sony HVR-Z1E and HVR-M10E Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated February 28, 2005 - English language - 16 pages - 1,267,508 bytes]

I've made a copy of the HVR-Z1E manual (Operating Instructions), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, available on this site via the following link. Please note that the HVR-Z1E manual also covers the HVR-Z1P camcorder.

HVR-Z1E and HVR-Z1P Operating Instructions (manual) 
[Dated December 14, 2004 - English language - 136 pages - 5,474,257 bytes]

Here's a link to a three-page review of the HVR-Z1E from High Definition magazine of the U.K. No date of publication or author attribution is given.

HDV Basics - Z1 review (Sony HVR-Z1E product review)
http://www.definitionmagazine.com/html/mb/hdv_basics.html

In Switzerland, DVD Studio Pro created an Adobe .swf (Shock Wave Flash) video presentation of an HVR-M10E in action. The video for the presentation was shot with an HDR-FX1E. I've made a copy of the file available on this site.

Sony HVR-M10E
http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/Sony_HVR-M10E.swf [7,520,613 bytes] 

SONY HVR-Z1P and HVR-M10P

In Australia, New Zealand, and certain other areas, Sony offers the HVR-Z1P camcorder and the HVR-M10P VCR. MSRPs in Australia have been set at AUS $8,500 and AUS $5,300, respectively.

A press release, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, announcing these two products can be found on the Web site of Sony Australia Limited at the following URL.

Sony Unveils Its First Complete Professional HDV Solution
[Dated November 24, 2004 - English language - 4 pages - 42,716 bytes]
http://www.sony.com.au/Objects/other/Sony_Unveils_Professional_HDV.pdf 

More information on these models can be found at the following two pages on the Sony Australia Limited Web site.

Sony HVR-Z1P camcorder
http://www.sony.com.au/production/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=23796

Sony HVR-M10P VCR
http://www.sony.com.au/production/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=23797

Sony product information, in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, is available via the following two links.

Sony HVR-Z1P and HVR-M10P Product Brochure
[Dated December 2, 2004 - English language - 2 pages - 191,908 bytes]
http://www.sony.com.au/Objects/PDF/HVRZ1P-
M10P_brochure.pdf 

Sony HVR-Z1P Additional Features
[Dated December 23, 2004 - English language - 3 pages - 93,877 bytes]
http://www.sony.com.au/Objects/PDF/HVRZ1P_
Additional_Features.pdf 

I've made available on this Web site, in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, brochures for the HVR-Z1P camcorder and the HVR-M10P VCR. These items are available via the following two links.

Sony HVR-Z1P Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated February 22, 2005 - English language - 12 pages - 817,902 bytes]

Sony HVR-M10P Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated February 22, 2005 - English language - 6 pages - 367,782 bytes]

SONY HVR-Z1N and HVR-M10N

In Korea, Latin America, and certain other areas, Sony offers the HVR-Z1N camcorder and the HVR-M10N VCR. Information (in the Korean language) about these two models can be found on the Web site of Sony Korea Corporation at the following two URLs.

Sony HVR-Z1N camcorder
http://bp.sony.co.kr/CS/handler/bp/kr/BProductDetail-detail?
CatalogID=110112&ProductID=11011201

Sony HVR-M10N VCR
http://bp.sony.co.kr/CS/handler/bp/kr/BProductDetail-detail?
CatalogID=110207&ProductID=11020701

An English language press release from the BPLA (Broadcast and Professional Latin America) division of Sony Latin America, Inc. announcing these two products can be found at the following URL.

HVR-Z1N and HVR-M10N Press Release (English) [dated January 21, 2005]
http://www.sonypro-latin.com/bpla?page=newsPressDetail
&article_type=news&article_id=1192

A Spanish language version of this press release can be found at the following URL.

HVR-Z1N and HVR-M10N Press Release (Spanish) [dated January 21, 2005]
http://www.sonypro-latin.com/bpla?page=newsPressDetail
&article_type=news&article_id=1197

A version of this press release in Brazilian-Portuguese can be found on the Web site of Sony Brasil Limited at the following URL.

HVR-Z1N and HVR-M10N Press Release (Brazilian-Portuguese) [undated]
http://www.sonypro.com.br/bpla?page=newsPressDetail
&article_type=news&article_id=1121

Information (in English) about these two models can be found on the Sony Latin America, Inc. Web site at the following URLs.

Sony HVR-Z1N camcorder
http://www.sonypro-latin.com/dvcam?page=product&root_pro_id=41332

Sony HVR-M10N VCR
http://www.sonypro-latin.com/dvcam?page=product&root_pro_id=41335

In Hong Kong both the "P" and "N" models of both the camcorder and VCR are offered, as per the information on the following Web page on the Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited Web site.
http://pro.sony.com.hk/product_showprod.php?id=1150

The following PDF file leaflet, from Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited, covers both models.

Sony HDV 1080i - Showcasing High Definition Quality in a Small Package
(HVR-Z1P / HVR-M10P and HVR-Z1N / HVR-M10N)
[Dated November 16, 2004 - English language - 2 pages - 1,547,092 bytes]
http://pro.sony.com.hk/product/spec/leaflet/hdv_leaflet.pdf 

Also from Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited, I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, that covers both the HVR-Z1N and HVR-Z1P camcorders.

Sony HVR-Z1N and HVR-Z1P Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated May 5, 2005 - English language - 12 pages - 1,352,196 bytes]

SONY HVR-Z1C and HVR-M10C

In China, Sony offers the HVR-Z1C camcorder and the HVR-M10C VCR. A press release (in the Chinese language), dated November 15, 2004, about these two models can be found on the Web site of Sony Pro China at the following URL.

HVR-Z1C and HVR-M10C Press Release (Chinese) [dated November 15, 2004]
http://pro.sony.com.cn/newsWeb/news.aspx?id=1006826

Overview information about these two products can be found at the following URL.

Sony HVR-Z1C camcorder and HVR-M10C VCR
http://pro.sony.com.cn/proWeb/proList.aspx?id=1007222&cid=0

Detailed information about these products can be found at the following two URLs.

Sony HVR-Z1C camcorder
http://pro.sony.com.cn/proWeb/proCon.aspx?pid=1007381&cid=1007222

Sony HVR-M10C VCR
http://pro.sony.com.cn/proWeb/proCon.aspx?pid=1007434&cid=1007222

MSRPs in China are RMB 39,800 for the HVR-Z1C camcorder and RMB 28,800 for the HVR-M10C VCR.

I've made Sony sales literature (brochures), in the form of Chinese language Adobe Acrobat PDF files, available on this Web site via the following two links.

Sony HVR-Z1C Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated March 7, 2005 - Chinese language - 12 pages - 2,419,406 bytes]

Sony HVR-M10C Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated March 7, 2005 - Chinese language - 6 pages - 1,497,319 bytes]

General information about Sony's 1080i HDV format, in Chinese, is available via the following link.

Sony HDV (Chinese)
http://pro.sony.com.cn/hdv/

POINTS TO CONSIDER (HVR-Z1 and HVR-M10)

Here are three points to keep in mind when evaluating the Sony HVR-Z1 series camcorders:

1. These camcorders shoot only interlaced video. They are not capable of producing progressive (NI or non-interlaced) video. This is true even in the so-called (24F/25F/30F) "Cineframe modes". The Cineframe modes are effects modes and not true progressive scan modes of operation. See Adam Wilt's Cineframe modes explained and CineForm's CineFrame Modes Exposed for an in-depth analysis of this topic. Also note that on all models of the HVR-Z1, the field order (dominance) is upper (top) field first, which is the exact opposite of the DV format where the sequence is lower (bottom) field first.
     
2. The 1080i shooting modes have a frame size of 1440 x 1080 (width by height), not the 1920 x 1080 (width by height) frame size which is usually associated with the term "1080". That's a reduction of 518,400 pixels per frame, or exactly 25 percent fewer pixels per frame than one might expect from a 1080 format. Additionally, a frame size of 1440 x 1080 equates to an aspect ratio of 4:3, not 16:9. 1920 x 1080, on the other hand, is a 16:9 aspect ratio frame size. Needless to say, digital video files produced by these camcorders use non-square pixels, while the camcorders themselves utilize a pixel offset technology to help compensate for the fact that the imaging CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) have but 960 active pixels per scan line, exactly half of the 1920 pixels required for true ATSC-compliant 1080i HDTV.
     
3. As with all HDV gear, the audio is lossy compressed MPEG-1 Layer II and therefore represents a reduction in sound quality compared to the lossless non-compressed 16/48 LPCM (linear pulse code modulation) audio recording usually used in the DV format.
     
   

With regard to the HVR-M10 series VCRs, here are three things to consider:

1. Although these Sony HDV VCRs are capable of playing 720p recordings, such as those produced by the JVC products listed above, they cannot record in 720p mode. In fact, these VCRs seem to offer little or no additional functionality over and above that provided by the transport sections of their respective matching camcorders although unlike most VCRs, they can be operated off of battery power (NP-F570, NP-F970, etc.) or AC power, making them suitable for on-location field use where a regular AC power source may not always be available or reliable. I do think, however, that inclusion of an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) or HD-SDI (High Definition - Serial Digital Interface) output option on these VCRs would have been a nice feature. And speaking of digital interfaces, I also happen to think that it would have been nice if 110 ohm balanced AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union) and/or 75 ohm unbalanced S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) digital audio I/O connections were offered, even if only as an extra-cost optional feature. Also, although these VCRs offer LANC control, there's no RS-422 option.
     
2. The analog audio I/O on these decks is on unbalanced two-pin RCA phono jacks rather than the balanced three-pin XLR connectors commonly found on professional grade equipment, so cable runs should be kept as short as possible so as to reduce the possibility of noise pickup.
     
   If you need to get balanced audio either into or out of these VCRs, there are a number of balanced-to-unbalanced and unbalanced-to-balanced conversion products on the market from a variety of manufacturers. Personally, I can recommend the Laird Telemedia LTM-10XR Balanced to Unbalanced converter and LTM-10RX Unbalanced to Balanced converter, having used one of each for over three years now. They have good build-quality, offer 10 channels of I/O, and use Canare internal point-to-point wiring and Neutrik XLRs.
     
   Note: When the units I'm using were purchased over three years ago, the prices were higher ($795 each versus $595 each) and each unit had a front-panel-mounted illuminated power on/off switch. The above recommendation is made on the assumption that in the intervening period the manufacturer has reduced neither the quality of parts selection nor the fabrication quality of the products.
     
3. These VCRs are not capable of accepting Sony's Standard full-size DigitalMaster cassettes, only the same shorter-running Mini cassettes that are used in the HVR-Z1 series camcorders. For this reason, it is not possible to produce as the final result of your computer-based video editing session, say, a 90-minute program, and write this out in HDV format to a single tape in one of these VCRs. [Note: The HVR-M15 and HVR-M25 series VCRs resolve this issue by providing recording times of up to 276 minutes per cassette.]
     
   

Available language choices for the OSD (on-screen display) for the six models of the Sony HVR-Z1 series camcorders and the six models of the associated Sony HVR-M10 series VCRs are as follows.

• "C" models: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified English
• "E" models: German, Greek, English, Simplified English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Persian
• "J" models: Japanese, English, Simplified English
• "N" models: English, Simplified English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian-Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Korean
• "P" models: English, Simplified English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
• "U" models: English, Simplified English, Canadian-French

SONY HVR-A1U

The Sony HVR-A1U is a new, lower-cost, prosumer-grade, tri-mode HDV/DVCAM/DV camcorder which utilizes a single 1/3-inch 3 MP (mega pixel) CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. This imager runs at a lower voltage and consumes less power than an equivalent CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. The HVR-A1U uses 14-bit EIP (Enhanced Imaging Processing), has balanced 2-channel XLR audio with switchable 48 VDC microphone phantom powering, time code preset, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens (10x optical and 40x digital), can downconvert HDV to SD (standard definition), has the ability to shoot stills at 2.8 MP (1920 x 1440) and 1.2 MP (1440 x 810), has a histogram display, a 2.7-inch 16:9 aspect ratio flip-out hybrid LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, a switchable black-and-white / color 16:9 aspect ratio electronic viewfinder, includes PictBridge support for direct-to-printer printing, is approximately half the physical size of the older model HVR-Z1U camcorder, and weighs about 2-1/2 pounds fully loaded.

The HVR-A1U's fixed (non-removable, non-interchangeable) lens accepts 37 mm diameter attachments/accessories (filters, etc.).

All of the camcorder's SD (standard definition) functions are NTSC-based. When operated in HDV mode, Sony recommends use of their PHDVM-63DM DigitalMaster tape, which is the same tape recommended for use with their HVR-Z1 series camcorders. The HVR-A1U's tape transport mechanism is bottom-loading and the tape eject switch and the battery release switch are both located on the underside of the unit. Recommended head cleaning cassette is the Sony DVM-12CLD.

The HVR-A1U accepts M series InfoLITHIUM lithium-ion battery packs including the NP-FM50 (supplied), NP-QM71D, and NP-QM91D. Using the supplied AC adapter, a battery pack can only be charged while it's attached to the camcorder. This limitation can be overcome by use of the optional dual-slot Sony AC-SQ950D AC Adapter / Charger (U.S. MSRP $149.99) which can simultaneously charge one or two NP-QM71D and/or NP-QM91D battery packs independently of the camcorder. The NP-QM91D battery pack, which can provide for up to over five hours of continuous operation, is available singly as well as in a 2-pack known as the 2NPQM91D/B. Note that use of the NP-QM91D battery pack isn't recommended, however, as due to its size, it protrudes from the rear of the camcorder to such an extent that viewfinder use is impeded.

Although not a direct replacement product, Sony is suggesting that buyers interested in the now-discontinued DSR-PDX10 consider the HVR-A1U instead due to their similar physical form factors.

Expected availability is early Fall 2005 and the U.S. MSRP is $3100, with a street price of around $2500 including an NP-FM50 battery pack, microphone, and AC-L15A AC Adapter. Sony's press release, dated May 17, 2005, announcing the HVR-A1U, can be found at the following URL.

Sony Unveils New HDV Camcorder For Professional Videographers (press release dated May 17, 2005)
HVR-A1U Features First Professional HD Application of Sony's CMOS-based Enhanced Imaging Processor Technology
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/9103.html

I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, about the new HVR-A1U camcorder.

Sony HVR-A1U Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated September 2, 2005 - English language - 10 pages - 413,683 bytes]

I've also made a copy of the HVR-A1U manual (Operating Guide), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, available on this site via the following link. Please note that the HVR-A1U manual also covers the HVR-A1N camcorder.

Sony HVR-A1U and HVR-A1N Operating Guide (manual) 
[Dated August 1, 2005 - English language - 128 pages - 7,627,685 bytes]

Additional information on the HVR-A1U can be found on the Sony Broadcast and Business Solutions Company Web site at the following URL.

HVR-A1U - Sony Broadcast and Business Solutions Company
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?id=80897

An illustrated listing of some of the accessories that Sony offers for use with the HVR-A1U can be found on the following Web page.

HVR-A1U Accesories - Sony Business Solutions & Systems - Featured
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/
minisites/HDV/HVR-A1_accessories.shtml

Douglas Spotted Eagle has written a "first look" review of a pre-production sample of the HVR-A1U. It's available on the Web at the following URL.

First look at the Sony HVR-A1U camcorder (product review)
http://www.sundancemediagroup.com/articles/A1U/HVR-A1U.htm

A review of the HVR-A1U by Barry Braverman was published in the January 2006 issue of Video Systems magazine and is available on the Web at the following URL.

Video Systems magazine, January 2006, Volume 32, Number 1
Shoot Review — Sony HVR-A1U, product review by Barry Braverman, Contributing Writer
http://www.digitalcontentproducer.com/cameras/revfeat/video_sony_hvrau/

A review by Jennifer O'Rourke of the Sony HVR-A1U was published in the May 2006 issue of Videomaker magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the URL below. The review begins with the statement, "There's nothing like sitting by a roaring fire on a rainy evening reading the manual of a new HDV camcorder." Hey, what can I say? 

Videomaker magazine, May 2006, Volume 20, Number 11
Videomaker Magazine Test Bench: Sony HVR-A1U HDV Camcorder, product review by Jennifer O'Rourke, Managing Editor
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article.cfm?id=12315

A review by Mike Elwell of the Sony HVR-A1U was published in the July 2006 issue of DV magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the URL given below. This "must read" review even includes a comparison of the HVR-A1U to a regular burrito (without guacamole, of course).

Note: User registration may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, July 2006, Volume 14, Number 7
DV - Reviews (Sony HVR-A1U), product review by Mike Elwell
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=188700830

Seacam Subsea Systems of Huntington Beach, California offers an underwater housing for the HVR-A1U. More information on this product can be found on their Web site at the following URL.

Seacam Subsea Systems HD/A1 Underwater Housing
http://www.seacamsys.com/HD_A1.htm

DeMaagd Accessories offers adapters for the Sony HVR-A1 series camcorders, as well as the HDR-HC1, which allow tape changing without having to remove the camcorder from the tripod. More information on these adapters, which are made of aluminum and have a satin black powder coat finish and work with most small- and medium-sized tripods, is available at the following URL.

DeMaagd Accessories: Bottom Loading Camcorder to Tripod Adapters
http://www.dm-accessories.com/

Timely reminders: Sony is offering a $500 mail-in rebate on the HVR-A1U camcorder to end-user purchasers in the continental U.S. only. This offer applies to purchases made between December 28, 2005 and March 31, 2006, inclusive. More information on this offer, which is designated Promotion Number 050676A, can be found on the following Web page.

Featured Hardware Promotions
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/info/promotions.shtml

An extended $500 mail-in cash rebate is being offered on purchases of the HVR-A1U camcorder within the continental U.S. between April 1, 2006 and September 30, 2006. This is Promotion Number 060010A. Use the link above for additional information.

Additionally, Sony is offering a free six-month extension to the Limited Parts Warranty on the HVR-A1U camcorder when purchased during the period of December 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, provided that the owner completes online registration of the product at http://www.sony.com/PRO by June 30, 2006. This warranty extension offer also applies to the HVR-Z1U camcorder and the HVR-M15U and HVR-M25U VCRs, as well as a number of other Sony products, a complete list of which can be found at the following URL.

Sony Professional Product Registration
http://www.onlineregister.com/sonypro/index.cgi?PAGE=models

Update: Sony has extended their warranty extension offer to December 31, 2006.

SONY HVR-A1E

The Sony HVR-A1E is the 50 Hz European version of the HVR-A1U. This model weights 670 grams and is smaller and lighter than the older model HVR-Z1E camcorder. All SD operations are PAL-based. Shipments are expected to begin in the Autumn and the projected Suggested Retail Price (SRP) in European Union countries will be under €3000. SRP in the U.K. is expected to be around £2100.

Sony's press release, dated May 17, 2005, announcing the HVR-A1E, can be found at the following URLs.

HD for Everyone: compact new camcorder extends HDV format's appeal
HVR-A1E adds latest-generation CMOS sensor, still shooting mode and new features
http://www.sonybiz.net/hdv^/templates/std_page.jsp&OID=163651
and
http://www.sony-europe.com/PageView.do?site=odw_en_EU
&page=PressReleaseDetail&section=en_EU_Press&pressrelease=1116313846227

An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the press release can be found at the following URL.

[Dated May 17, 2005 - English language - 3 pages - 129,860 bytes]
http://www.sony-europe.com/content/attachment/
Press_Release_Sony_HDR_HVR_A1E.pdf 

I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, about the new HVR-A1E camcorder.

Sony HVR-A1E Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated September 14, 2005 - English language - 10 pages - 413,507 bytes]

I've also made a copy of the HVR-A1E manual (Operating Guide), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, available on this site via the following link. Please note that the HVR-A1E manual also covers the HVR-A1P camcorder.

Sony HVR-A1E and HVR-A1P Operating Guide (manual) 
[Dated August 1, 2005 - English language - 124 pages - 7,536,365 bytes]

Sealux Unterwassertechnik of Germany offers the model HD1 underwater housing for the HVR-A1E (and HDR-HC1E). More information on this product can be found on their Web site at the following URLs.

Sealux HD1 Housing for Sony HDR-HC1E and HVR-A1E (English language)
http://www.sealux.de/e/esony/hd1.htm

Sealux HD1 Housing for Sony HDR-HC1E and HVR-A1E (German language)
http://www.sealux.de/sony/hc1.htm

Technically inclined users of the HVR-A1E will be interested in the report entitled Colorimetric and Resolution Settings for the Sony-HVR A1/HC1 by Alan Roberts, retired British Broadcasting Corporation Research and Development Engineer and author of the 2002 BBC R&D White Paper, Colorimetric and Resolution requirements of cameras, for which he produced a series of addenda over the years for numerous, mostly HD, cameras, including the Sony HDW-900/3 CineAlta and the Panasonic AJ-HDC27F VariCam. His report on the Sony HVR-A1E camcorder includes measurement results, a comparison with the Sony HDR-HC1E camcorder, and suggested settings for each of the camcorder's menu items. These days, Mr. Roberts describes himself as "happily retired from Auntie Beeb", and is a frequent contributor to the DVdoctor bulletin board in the U.K. The HVR-A1E report, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, can be downloaded from the first link given below. The second link points to the BBC Web site where the original 2002 White Paper and its Addenda are freely downloadable subject to the restrictions outlined in the posted copyright notice.

[Dated April 2, 2006 - English language - 12 pages - 716,687 bytes]
http://img.hexus.net/v2/lifestyle/alanroberts/sony
_hvr-a1_n_hc1_colorimetric_n_res_sets.pdf 

BBC - R&D - Publications - WHP034
http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp034.shtml

A review by Richard Payne of the Sony HVR-A1E, with some input from Alan Roberts, from the Autumn 2005 issue of the UK's Showreel magazine, is available via the following link.

Showreel article : Sony A1 Perfectly formed?, product review by Richard Payne
http://www.showreel.org/memberarea/article.php?11

A review, dated August 8, 2005, of the HVR-A1E by Nigel Cooper is available via the following link.

Sony HVR-A1E Camcorder Review, product review by Nigel Cooper
http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=34

SONY HVR-A1J

The Sony HVR-A1J is the Japanese version of the HVR-A1U. Shipments are expected to begin in September 2005 and the projected manufacturer's suggested price is 278,250 Yen.

Sony's Japanese language press release, dated May 24, 2005, announcing the HVR-A1J, can be found at the following URL.

Sony HVR-A1J Press Release (Japanese)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/index/information/20050524.html

Additional information about the HVR-A1J, can be found at the following URL.

Sony HVR-A1J Product Description (Japanese)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/c_c/hdv/HVR-A1J/

I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, about the new HVR-A1J camcorder.

Sony HVR-A1J Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated June 9, 2005 - Japanese language - 2 pages - 841,048 bytes]

SONY HVR-A1N and HVR-A1P

Both the Sony HVR-A1N and HVR-A1P will be available in Hong Kong. The HVR-A1N will also be available in Korea, while the HVR-A1P will also be available in Australia. The HVR-A1N offers downconverted playback from 1080i to 480i and 480p while the HVR-A1P offers downconverted playback from 1080i to 576i and 576p.

A press release dated May 24, 2005 and located on the Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited Web site, announcing these two new models, can be accessed via the following URL.

Sony HVR-A1N / HVR-A1P Press Release (English)
http://pro.sony.com.hk/news_showlist.php?id=3652
&path=type,product_release,year,2005,11,3652

Additional information about the HVR-A1P can be found on the Web site of Sony Australia Limited at the following URL.

Sony HVR-A1P Product Information
http://www.sony.com.au/production/catalog/product.jsp?id=HVRA1P

From Sony Australia Limited, I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, about the HVR-A1P camcorder.

Sony HVR-A1P Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated October 19, 2005 - English language - 10 pages - 1,393,352 bytes]

From Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited, I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, that covers both the HVR-A1N and HVR-A1P camcorders.

Sony HVR-A1N and HVR-A1P Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated October 12, 2005 - English language - 10 pages - 526,564 bytes]

SONY HVR-A1C

The Sony HVR-A1C is the Chinese version of the HVR-A1U. This product was announced at BIRTV (Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Equipment Exhibition) 2005, held in Beijing from August 25 thru August 28, 2005. The following link is from the Broadcast & Professional Products Asia Company division of Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited Web site.

Sony at BIRTV 2005: Total HD Solution
http://pro.sony.com.hk/news_showlist.php?id=3791
&path=type,events_release,year,2005,12,3790,12,3791

And here's a text-only version of that same announcement from the Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. Web site.

Sony at BIRTV 2005: Total HD Solution
http://www.sony-asia.com/corporate/news/regional/2005/aug/25.htm

Detailed technical information about the HVR-A1C can be found at the following URL on the Sony Pro China Web site.

Sony HVR-A1C Product Description (Chinese)
http://pro.sony.com.cn/minisite/SonyFocus/Issue/118/html/page_03_02.htm

I've made available on this Web site the following brochure, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, about the new HVR-A1C camcorder.

Sony HVR-A1C Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated October 27, 2005 - Chinese language - 2 pages - 417,744 bytes]

SONY HDR-HC1

The Sony HDR-HC1 is a 1/3-inch single-CMOS-sensor-based, consumer-grade, dual-mode HDV/DV camcorder and is smaller and lighter than the older model HDR-FX1. This camcorder has a Carl Zeiss zoom lens (10x optical and 120x digital) with zoom ring, 2.7-inch touch-panel LCD screen, zebra pattern, spot focus, built-in pop-up flash, shot transition feature, YPbPr analog component video output, SD (standard definition) downconversion, 4-pin IEEE 1394a and USB connections (for motion video and still image transfers, respectively), both manual and auto white balance setting, both manual and auto shutter speed setting, both manual focus and auto focus, can store stills on Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo media, supports an infrared low-light/no-light shooting mode, includes PictBridge support for direct-to-printer printing, and weights approximately 1.5 pounds less battery. All of this camcorder's SD functions are NTSC-based.

The fixed (non-removable, non-interchangeable) lens accepts 37 mm diameter attachments/accessories (filters, etc.).

Recommended cassette tape for use with the HDR-HC1 camcorder, especially when operated in HDV mode, is the Sony DVM-63HD. This is the same tape that Sony recommends for use with the HDR-FX1.

The HDR-HC1's tape transport mechanism is bottom-loading. The battery release switch is also located on the underside of the unit. Additionally, use of a battery that is physically larger than the included battery will result in making the viewfinder very difficult to use.

Availability is specified as on or before July 15, 2005 with a U.S. MSRP of $1999.99. Sony's press release, dated May 16, 2005, announcing the HDR-HC1, can be found at the following URL.

Sony Unveils World's Smallest and Lightest HD Consumer Camcorder (press release dated May 16, 2005)
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/
camcorders/high_definition/release/9024.html

Additional information on the HDR-HC1 can be found on the Sony B2B (Business to Business) Web site at the following URL.

HDR-HC1 - Sony Business to Business [Dead link. Product discontinued.]
http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product-detail.do?prodId=29929
&pageName=B2bUnified:Home:Digital Imaging:Camcorders

Sony has made a wide variety of optional accessories available for the HDR-HC1, as shown in this JPEG image (1066 x 800 pixels - 108,341 bytes).

A pre-release review of the HDR-HC1 by Robin Liss, with contributions from David Kender, Matthew Culler, and Kerr Cook, was published on the CamcorderInfo.com Web site on June 29, 2005. It's available at the following URL.

Sony HDR-HC1 HDV Camcorder Review
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HCR-HC1-Review.htm

A review of the HDR-HC1 by Morgan Paar, Technical Editor, appeared in the August 2005 issue of Videomaker magazine. It's available on the Web at the following URL.

Videomaker Magazine Test Bench: Sony HDR-HC1 HDV Camcorder
http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/article.cfm?id=12070

An article about the Sony HDR-HC1 by David Pogue appeared in the New York Times of Thursday, August 11, 2005. It's available on the Web at the following URL.

Note: User registration may be necessary in order to access this content.

The New York Times: Premium Archive
"A Look Ahead At HDV, Shot by You", by David Pogue, August 11, 2005
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?
res=9B0CEFDA143EF932A2575BC0A9639C8B63

I've made a copy of both the HDR-HC1 product brochure (sales literature) and the U.S.A./Canada version of the manual (Operating Guide), in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, available on this site via the following two links.

Sony HDR-HC1 Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated August 12, 2005 - English language - 2 pages - 339,832 bytes]

Sony HDR-HC1 Operating Guide (manual) 
[Dated May 25, 2005 - English language - 123 pages - 6,820,361 bytes]

The Australian version of the HDR-HC1 carries a Recommended Retail Price of $3499 AUD including GST. More information on this version of the HDR-HC1 can be found on the Web site of Sony Australia Limited at the following URL.

Sony Australia: Compact 1080i HDV Handycam HDR-HC1
http://www.sony.com.au/dis/product.jsp?id=HDRHC1

Sony Australia Limited have produced a product brochure (sales literature) on the HDR-HC1 camcorder. I've made a copy available, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, on this site. It can be downloaded via the following link.

Sony HDR-HC1 Brochure (Australian) 
[Dated June 15, 2005 - English language - 3 pages - 1,421,378 bytes]

C|Net Australia published a review of the HDR-HC1 by Lori Grunin on July 1, 2005. It's available at the following URL.

Sony Handycam HDR-HC1 Review: Camcorders
http://www.cnet.com.au/photography/camcorders/0,39028355,40055667,00.htm

The U.S. version of this review, dated June 30, 2005, is available at the following URL.

Sony Handycam HDR-HC1 review - Digital Camcorders - CNET Reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Handycam_HDR_HC1/4505-6500_7-31385157.html

In Japan, the HDR-HC1 has a manufacturer's selling price of 178,000 Yen including tax, shipping cost, and a basic three-year service guarantee, and is available with black (B) or silver (S) finish.

Sony eCatalog: HDR-HC1 (Japanese language)
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/camera/handycam/
products/index.cfm?PD=21748&KM=HDR-HC1

Additional information about the HDR-HC1J (Japanese version) can be accessed via the following two links.

HDR-HC1 -Sony Style (Japanese language)
http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Product/Cam/Hdr-hc1/

Sony Handycam - HDR-HC1 (Japanese language)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/handycam/PRODUCTS/HDR-HC1/

Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. have published a rather complete list of specifications for the HDR-HC1 at the following URL.

Sony Handycam HDR-HC1 (English language)
http://www.sony-asia.com/hc1/specifications.html

SONY HDR-HC1E

The Sony HDR-HC1E is the 50 Hz European version of the HDR-HC1. This model weights 680 grams and is smaller and lighter than the older model HDR-FX1E camcorder. All of the camcorder's SD (standard definition) operations are PAL-based.

Sony's press release, dated May 17, 2005, announcing the HDR-HC1E, can be found at the following URL.

Innovative Compact HDV1080i Camcorder from Sony with HD Video and 2.97 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
Sony brings high definition video to the home with the ultra-convenient HDR-HC1E
http://www.sony-europe.com/PageView.do?site=odw_en_EU
&page=PressReleaseDetail&section=en_EU_Press&pressrelease=1116313840613

An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the press release can be found at the following URL.

[Dated May 17, 2005 - English language - 4 pages - 430,797 bytes]
http://www.sony-europe.com/content/attachment/HDR-HC1_PRfinal.pdf 

Sony U.K. Limited have produced a product brochure (sales literature) on the HDR-HC1E camcorder. I've made a copy available, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, on this site. It can be downloaded via the following link.

Sony HDR-HC1E Brochure 
[Dated July 20, 2005 - English language - 8 pages - 872,637 bytes]

I've made a copy of the English language version of the HDR-HC1E manual (Operating Guide), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, available on this site via the following link.

Sony HDR-HC1E Operating Guide (manual) 
[Dated May 30, 2005 - English language - 119 pages - 6,740,335 bytes]

Shipments are expected to begin during the Summer of 2005 and the projected Suggested Retail Price (SRP) in European Union countries will be €2199.

A 15-page review by Frank Völkel of the Sony HDR-HC1E was posted on March 30, 2006 to the Tom's Hardware Web site at the following URL. Downloadable video clips in Microsoft's .wmv (Windows Media Video) format comparing the relative resolutions of HDV, DV, and VHS are available at the end of the article.

Sony HDR-HC1: A Quantum Leap For Video Buffs | Tom's Hardware
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/03/30/sony_hdr_hc1/

Those who read the German language and who presently own or are considering purchase of the HDR-HC1E will be interested in the series of Web pages (nine of them, as of this writing) created by Wolfgang Winne beginning at the following URL.

Sony HDR HC 1 (Erfahrungsbericht SONY HDR-HC 1 - Seite 1)
http://www.fxsupport.de/hc1/

SONY HDR-HC3

The Sony HDR-HC3 is a new, low-cost (U.S. MSRP $1499.99), dual-mode HDV/DV camcorder with a single 1/3-inch CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor intended for the point-and-shoot segment of the consumer market. It's both smaller and lighter, by about 26 percent, than the HDR-HC1 and has a highly-automated "Easy Handycam" mode of operation. The CMOS sensor employs Sony's ClearVid technology, which makes it more sensitive than the sensor used in the HDR-HC1.

The HDR-HC3 has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a 10x optical zoom and 20x and 80x digital zoom modes, a 2.7-inch 16:9 aspect ratio LCD touch screen display with 211,200 dots, a built-in flash, a built-in speaker, supports NightShot and Super NightShot modes, and includes an AC adapter and a lithium-ion battery. Power consumption is less than that of the HDR-HC1 and unlike the HDR-HC1, the HDR-HC3 is not bottom-loading; the tape transport mechanism on the HDR-HC3 is located on the side of the camcorder—although the battery release lever is located on the underside of the unit near the tripod mount. The camcorder has a Sony AIS (Active Interface Shoe) that can be used to supply power to optional accessories such as a video light, a photo flash, or an external microphone, although the HDR-HC3 lacks an input jack for connection of an external mic, so only an AIS-compatible microphone such as the Sony ECM-HGZ1 shotgun can be used. There's also no headphone jack provided on the unit.

The fixed (non-removable, non-interchangeable) lens accepts 30 mm diameter attachments/accessories (filters, etc.).

The HDR-HC3 includes a Memory Stick slot that accepts both Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo flash memory cards and which can be used to store JPEG still images at a number of different resolutions. Usable Memory Stick PRO Duo media is limited to 2 GB in size. Also included on the camcorder are a 4-pin IEEE 1394a (aka Sony i.LINK) port operating in S100 mode for computer transfer of both DV and HDV datastreams and a Mini-B USB port for computer still image transfer and for connection to PictBridge-compliant printers such as the Sony DPP-FP50 Digital Photo Printer. Still images can be saved to Memory Stick media while the camcorder is recording live video to tape, although the built-in flash is disabled during tape recording.

The HDR-HC3 can perform DV-mode tape recording at SP and LP (Standard Play and Long Play, respectively) speeds and in traditional standard 4:3 or special widescreen 16:9 aspect ratios, while 2-channel stereo DV audio can be captured at user-selectable bit depths and sampling rates of 12/32 or 16/48. JVC-style 720p HDV tape recordings can be played by the HDR-HC3, but no signal is output via the camcorder's IEEE 1394a connector when playing back such tapes.

The HDR-HC3 has a 2.5 mm LANC jack, built-in HDV to DV downconversion capability, analog component video (YPbPr) output, an A/V connector which supplies composite video, S-Video (Y/C), and audio, and a 19-pin Type A HDMI output jack. All of the camcorder's SD (standard definition) functions are NTSC-based. Whether recording in DV mode or in HDV mode, any blank DV tape can be used in the HDR-HC3, although tapes having the Cassette Memory feature cannot be used. Recommended head cleaning cassette is the Sony DVM-12CLD. The HDR-HC3's viewfinder is designed to be user-removable with a screw driver for cleaning purposes, an unusual feature on a consumer-grade camcorder.

A variety of battery packs can be used to power the HDR-HC3 including the NP-FP50, NP-FP60 (supplied), NP-FP70, NP-FP71, and NP-FP90, although the NP-FP30 cannot be used with this camcorder. The camcorder can be used with the Sony SPK-HCB underwater housing, which is waterproof to a depth of 17 feet, making it useful for snorkeling but not for serious diving.

Additional information on the U.S. version of the HDR-HC3, which is a replacement model for the older HDR-HC1, can be found on the Sony Style Web site at the following URL.

SonyStyle.com | HDR-HC3 HDV 1080i Handycam Camcorder
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/
en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=HDRHC3

The Sony of Canada Ltd. Web site offers, in the form of a two-page Adobe Acrobat PDF file, charts and tables showing still image storage capability of various sized Memory Stick Duo cards, recording/playback times in both DV and HDV modes for various battery packs, as well as charging times for various battery packs as used by the HDR-HC3 camcorder. It's available via the following link.

[Dated February 13, 2006 - English language - 2 pages - 6,933 bytes]
http://www.sonystyle.ca/html/pdf/HDRHC3_Media_Charts.pdf 

I've made copies of both the HDR-HC3 product brochure (sales literature) and the HDR-HC3 manual (Operating Guide), in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, available on this site via the following two links.

Sony HDR-HC3 Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated April 23, 2006 - English language - 22 pages - 4,650,596 bytes]

Sony HDR-HC3 Operating Guide (manual) 
[Dated February 15, 2006 - English language - 135 pages - 3,189,994 bytes]

Sony has assembled a rather elaborate Adobe Shock Wave Flash (.swf) presentation on the HDR-HC3 camcorder. It's viewable at the following URL, but do note that some elements pertain to the older HDR-HC1 camcorder and not the newer HDR-HC3 model.

Sony HD World
http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/di/hdworld/

A review of the HDR-HC3 by Robin Liss and David Kender, with contributions from James Murray, Kerr Cook, and Alex Karol, was published on the CamcorderInfo.com Web site on April 17, 2006. It's available at the following URL.

Sony HDR-HC3 Camcorder Review
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HDR-HC3-Camcorder-Review.htm

A review of the HDR-HC3 by Denny Atkin was published on the C|Net Web site on May 9, 2006. It's available at the following URL.

Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 Reviews. Digital Camcorders Reviews by CNET.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Handycam_HDR_HC3/4505-6500_7-31749257.html

A review of the HDR-HC3 by Richard Baguley was published on the Web site of PC World magazine on May 12, 2006. It's available at the following URL.

PCWorld.com - First Look: Sony's Slick New HD Camcorder
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,125692,00.asp

The Japanese version of the HDR-HC3 went on sale in Japan on March 3, 2006 and began to become available in other markets the following month. The manufacturer's selling price in Japan is 158,000 Yen and, like the Japanese version of the HDR-HC1, will be available in a choice of black or silver finishes so as to properly complement the buyer's lifestyle.

Additional information about the Japanese version of the HDR-HC3 can be accessed via the following three links, the last of which requires the Adobe Flash plug-in to be installed in your browser.

HDR-HC3 -Sony Style (Japanese language)
http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Product/Cam/Hdr-hc3/

Sony Handycam - HDR-HC3 (Japanese language)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/handycam/PRODUCTS/HDR-HC3/

Sony Handycam (Japanese language)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/handycam/hc3special/main.html

SONY HDR-HC3E

The Sony HDR-HC3E is the European 50 Hz version of the HDR-HC3. As would be expected, this model doesn't offer an analog-to-digital pass-through capability and all of its SD (standard definition) functions are PAL-based.

A press release from Sony Europe in Berlin, Germany, dated February 21, 2006 announcing the HDR-HC3E is available at the following link.

Sony: The new high definition camcorder from Sony is the lightest and smallest HDV in the World
Highest resolution and sensitivity ensures unrivalled picture quality
http://www.sony-europe.com/view/View.action?section=en_EU_Press
&pressrelease=1140104287335&site=odw_en_EU&page=PressReleaseDetail

An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of this press release can be downloaded via the following URL.

[Dated February 20, 2006 - English language - 4 pages - 121,880 bytes]
http://www.sony-europe.com/content/attachment/
HDR-HC3E%20FinalPR210206.pdf 

I've made a copy of the G.B. (Great Britain) version of the HDR-HC3E manual (Operating Guide), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, available on this site via the following link.

Sony HDR-HC3E Operating Guide (manual) 
[Dated December 14, 2005 - English language - 131 pages - 3,051,366 bytes]

SONY OVERSEAS (JE) MODELS

If you're a foreigner (tourist, businessperson, etc.) visiting Japan and wish to purchase a consumer-grade Sony HDV camcorder in Japan for use both during your stay there as well as when you return home, Sony currently has six (JE) models, the HDR-FX1(JE), HDR-FX1E(JE), HDR-HC1K(JE), HDR-HC1EK(JE), HDR-HC3K(JE), and HDR-HC3EK(JE), to offer. These are products that can be used both in Japan and overseas—that is, outside of Japan.

These Overseas Models offer Common Warranty Service which is applicable in 46 different countries/areas and include Operating Instructions (manuals) written in a variety of languages.

Detailed information about the six currently available HDV-format (JE) models can be accessed via the following links, all of which are in the English language.

HDR-FX1(JE) camcorder [NTSC]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/acc/
index.cfm?PD=18549&KM=HDR-FX1(JE)&LG=1

HDR-FX1E(JE) camcorder [PAL]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/acc/
index.cfm?PD=18551&KM=HDR-FX1E(JE)&LG=1

HDR-HC1K(JE) camcorder [NTSC]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=21704&KM=HDR-HC1K(JE)&LG=1

HDR-HC1EK(JE) camcorder [PAL]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=21706&KM=HDR-HC1EK(JE)&LG=1

HDR-HC3K(JE) camcorder [NTSC]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=21111&KM=HDR-HC3K(JE)&LG=1

HDR-HC3EK(JE) camcorder [PAL]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=21113&KM=HDR-HC3EK(JE)&LG=1

Four AVCHD-format (JE) models are also available, as follows.

HDR-SR1(JE) camcorder [NTSC]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=25572&KM=HDR-SR1(JE)&LG=1

HDR-SR1E(JE) camcorder [PAL]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=25571&KM=HDR-SR1E(JE)&LG=1

HDR-UX1(JE) camcorder [NTSC]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=25247&KM=HDR-UX1(JE)&LG=1

HDR-UX1E(JE) camcorder [PAL]
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/tourist/videocamera/products/
index.cfm?PD=25286&KM=HDR-UX1E(JE)&LG=1

Basic information about the (JE) models can be found on the following Web page.

Sony Overseas Models - Basic Info
http://www.sony.jp/products/overseas/contents/english/info.html

A list of over 50 locations within Japan where Overseas Models may be purchased can be found at the following URL.

Sony Overseas Models - Japan Nationwide Sales Shop List
http://www.sony.jp/products/overseas/contents/english/shop.html

SONY HVR-M15 SERIES

The new HVR-M15 series VCRs resolve the Mini-only cassette size limitation of the earlier HVR-M10 series VCRs, accepting Standard (large) cassettes as well as Mini (small) cassettes. Like the HVR-M10 series, the HVR-15 series VCRs are tri-mode DV/DVCAM/HDV models switchable between 50/60 Hz operation. The units are compact and include a stand for vertical operation if so desired.

The HVR-M15 series VCRs, which are intended as replacements for the now-discontinued HVR-M10 series products, have a built-in HD to SD downconversion function and can play back JVC-style 720p HDV tapes through their analog outputs but not over IEEE 1394a. DV mode is limited to SP speed. These VCRs also include the ability to copy external time code through use of an "HDV/DV in TC" feature and also have an auto-repeat facility.

Both the HVR-M15 series VCRs and the HVR-M25 series VCRs (discussed in the section below) can be used in conjunction with the optional Sony DSRM-10 Wired Control S Remote Control Unit (U.S. MSRP $380).

Sony Electronics Inc. issued a press release on February 20, 2006 announcing the U.S. version product, the HVR-M15U, along with a new Standard-sized DigitalMaster HDV tape, the PHDV-276DM, and a new step-up model HDV VCR known as the HVR-M25U. A copy of this press release can be viewed at the following URL.

Sony Unveils Two New HD Videocassette Recorders (press release dated February 20, 2006)
1080i Recording and Playback Decks Expand Family of Professional HDV Products
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/9093.html

Additional information on the HVR-M15U, which has a U.S. MSRP of $2640 and an expected availability of Summer 2006, can be found at the following URL.

Broadcast and Business Solutions Company - HVRM15U
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?id=84296

Update, August 2006: Sony has increased the U.S. List Price of the HVR-M15U to $2820, but B&H continues to offer the unit at a very attractive price.

I've made available on this site two brochures (sales literature), in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, for the HVR-M15U and HVR-M25U VCRs. The first brochure is from Sony Corporation and the second is from Sony Electronics Inc. They are available for download via the following links.

Sony HVR-M15U and HVR-M25U Brochure (sales literature from Sony Corporation) 
[Dated April 4, 2006 - English language - 8 pages - 2,287,635 bytes]

Sony HVR-M15U and HVR-M25U Brochure (sales literature from Sony Electronics Inc.) 
[Dated August 15, 2006 - English language - 8 pages - 1,328,938 bytes]

Sony of Canada Ltd. also issued a press release on February 20, 2006. This press release can be viewed at the link below.

Sony Unveils Two New HD Videocassette Recorders (press release dated February 20, 2006)
1080i decks expand family of professional HDV products
http://www.sony.ca/sonyca/view/english/corporate/newsreleases/
FDABF7A7996444D983447BD161916417.shtml

A review by Tom Patrick McAuliffe of the Sony HVR-M15U VCR was published in the July 2006 issue of Digital Content Producer magazine and was posted to their Web site on July 1, 2006 at the following URL.

Digital Content Producer magazine, July 2006, Volume 32, Number 7
Sony HVR-M15U product review, by Tom Patrick McAuliffe, Contributing Writer
VTR takes on HDV playback and recording.
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/cameras/revfeat/sony_hvrmu

Sony Europe issued a press release about these new products on February 28, 2006. It can be viewed at the link below.

Sony Unveils Two New HD Videocassette Recorders (press release dated February 28, 2006)
1080i decks expand family of professional HDV products
http://www.sony-europe.com/view/View.action?section=en_EU_Press
&pressrelease=1140104306570&site=odw_en_EU&page=PressReleaseDetail

I've made available on this site two documents, both in the form of Adobe Acrobat PDF files, concerning the European versions of the HVR-M15 and HVR-M25 series VCRs, known as the HVR-M15E and HVR-M25E. The Specifications document, as its name suggests, contains a list of detailed specifications for the two VCRs while the Product Bulletin document contains a description of all of the major features of these two products, including a clear indication of which features and capabilities are exclusive to one just model or the other. The document also covers interfacing these VCRs with the HFBK-TS1 and PDBK-102 MPEG-2 Transport Stream options described in the sections below.

Sony HVR-M15E and HVR-M25E Specifications 
[Dated June 13, 2006 - English language - 2 pages - 139,277 bytes]

Sony HVR-M15E and HVR-M25E Product Bulletin 
[Dated March 30, 2006 - English language - 19 pages - 1,605,540 bytes]

As with the original HVR-M10 series products, both the "N" (NTSC) and "P" (PAL) versions of the HVR-M15 series VCRs are offered for sale in Hong Kong. I've made available on this site a copy of the brochure (sales literature), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, for the HVR-M15N and HVR-M15P. This brochure also covers the HVR-M25N and HVR-M25P.

Sony HVR-M15N, HVR-M15P, HVR-M25N, and HVR-M25P Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated April 10, 2006 - English language - 8 pages - 1,970,271 bytes]

I've also made available on this site a copy of the brochure (sales literature), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, for the Japanese version of the HVR-M15 and HVR-M25 VCRs, known as the HVR-M15J and HVR-M25J, respectively. It's available via the link below.

Sony HVR-M15J and HVR-M25J Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated March 9, 2006 - Japanese language - 2 pages - 657,909 bytes]

More information, in Japanese, on the HVR-M15J and HVR-M25J can be found on the Web site of Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc. below.

HVR-M15J and HVR-M25J Specifications (Japanese)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/index/information/20060302.html

I've also made available on this site a copy of the brochure (sales literature), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, for the Chinese version of the HVR-M15 and HVR-M25 VCRs, known as the HVR-M15C and HVR-M25C, respectively. It's available via the link below.

Sony HVR-M15C and HVR-M25C Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated May 22, 2006 - Chinese language - 8 pages - 1,577,765 bytes]

SONY HVR-M25 SERIES

The HVR-M25 series VCRs are step-up models from the HVR-M15 series VCRs described in the previous section. Additional features incorporated into the HVR-M25 series machines include the ability to perform 1080/60i to 720/60p conversions and an edge crop adjustment feature that can be used during downconversion operations to specify the precise area of the original HD frame to include in the SD output.

The HVR-M25 series VCRs also include an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output jack, a headphone jack, and have a 2.7-inch, 211,200 pixel, 16:9 aspect ratio LCD display on the front panel. The display utilizes Sony's latest Clear Photo LCD Plus design.

Additional information on the HVR-M25U, which has a U.S. MSRP of $3960 and an expected availability of Summer 2006, can be found at the following URL.

Broadcast and Business Solutions Company - HVRM25U
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?id=84297

Update, August 2006: Sony has increased the U.S. List Price of the HVR-M25U to $4080, but B&H continues to offer the unit at a very attractive price.

Although the inclusion of HDMI on the HVR-M25 series VCRs is a useful addition, users who had expected that at least one of Sony's new HDV VCRs would include balanced analog audio I/O on XLRs, AES/EBU XLR digital I/O, and an SDI/HD-SDI interface, will be disappointed as all three of these features are absent from both the HVR-M15 series and HVR-M25 series products.

I've made available for download from this site two versions of the Sony HDV Family Brochure. They include more information on the HVR-M25U VCR as well as the HVR-Z1U and HVR-A1U camcorders and the HVR-M15U VCR.

Sony HDV Family Brochure (old version) 
[Dated April 19, 2006 - English language - 12 pages - 1,463,724 bytes]

Sony HDV Family Brochure (new version) 
[Dated August 8, 2006 - English language - 24 pages - 837,087 bytes]

SONY HDC-X310, HFU-X310, and HFBK-TS1

[Note: This is being included here solely for the sake of completeness, since it is an HDV product. I don't really expect that many readers of this Web page will be particularly interested in this, however, and as a package, it doesn't quite meet the criteria of "low-cost HD acquisition".]

The Sony HDC-X310 Compact HD Multi-Purpose Camera (three 1/2-inch 1.5 mega pixel CCDs), when driving a Sony HFU-X310 Optical Fiber Interface Unit with optional HFBK-TS1 4-pin i.LINK (IEEE 1394a) Interface Module Board installed, can produce a 1080i HDV datastream. The HDV datastream output from the HFBK-TS1 can be recorded to tape in a Sony HVR-M series HDV VCR.

These three products have U.S. MSRPs of $16,500 (not including lens or view finder), $3,800, and $2,700, respectively. The HFBK-TS1 can also be used to transcode to HDV from a directly-connected HD-SDI source. A press release announcing these three new products can be accessed via the following link.

Sony Unveils Multi-Purpose Compact HD Camera With Optical Fiber Interface (press release dated February 15, 2005)
New HDC-X310 Model Enables Longer Cable Runs and Multiple Plug-in Output Boards for More Connectivity Options
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/8922.html

For those who are interested, additional information about these products can be accessed via the following three links.

Sony HDC-X310 Compact HD Multi-Purpose Camera
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?id=80177

Sony HFU-X310 Optical Fiber Interface Unit
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?id=80399

Sony HFBK-TS1 HDV Interface Module Board
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?id=82430

Here in New York, B&H Photo-Video offers the HDC-X310, HFU-X310, and HFBK-TS1 on a special order basis.

I've made available on this Web site a brochure (sales literature), in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, that covers the HDC-X310, HFU-X310, and HFBK-TS1. It can be downloaded via the following link.

Sony HDC-X310, HFU-X310, and HFBK-TS1 Brochure (sales literature) 
[Dated September 12, 2005 - English language - 10 pages - 1,552,704 bytes]

SONY PDW-F70 and PDBK-102

[Note: As with the Sony HDC-X310, HFU-X310, and HFBK-TS1 section directly preceeding this, the information presented below is being included here solely for the sake of completeness, since it is an HDV product.]

The Sony PDW-F70 XDCAM HD recorder deck (U.S. MSRP $15,990), when used in conjunction with the optional Sony PDBK-102 MPEG-2 Transport Stream Input/Output Board (U.S. MSRP $2000), supports bi-directional transfer of 1080i HDV datastreams to and from the deck over IEEE 1394a (Sony i.LINK), permitting XDCAM HD equipment and HDV equipment to easily co-exist within a facility. This option also allows direct connection of the PDW-F70 XDCAM HD deck to an HDV-based non-linear editing system as well as to HDV 1080i camcorders and HDV 1080i VCRs. The PDBK-102 option board can also be used with the PDW-F30 XDCAM HD feeder deck (U.S. MSRP $9500).

Announcement of the PDW-F70 XDCAM HD deck was made in a press release dated January 18, 2006 and can be accessed via the link below. This press release also covers the PDW-F350 and PDW-F330 XDCAM HD camcorders and the PDW-F30 XDCAM HD deck.

Sony Unveils Line Of High Definition Products In Its XDCAM Professional Disc System (press release dated January 18, 2006)
Combination of Proven Optical Disc Technology with HD Resolution Puts Powerful New Production Tools in the Hands of Cinematographers, Broadcasters and Video Professionals
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/9081.html

 Because they support "true 24P" recording, both of these XDCAM HD camcorders are tagged with Sony's CineAlta moniker. The lower-cost PDW-F330 is rather aggressively priced at a U.S. MSRP of $16,800 less lens, battery, and AC adapter. Both Canon and Fujinon offer appropriate 1/2-inch HD lenses for use with the PDW-F330 and PDW-F350 camcorders. Sony offers an optional 1/2-inch Canon HD lens for a U.S. MSRP of $9000.

Redhawk Productions has posted some downloadable .m2t (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) files from the Sony PDW-F350 XDCAM HD camcorder including tests of latitude, chroma key, HD SDI, and motion. Some of the tests include comparisons to a Canon XL H1 HDV camcorder.

Both of these XDCAM HD decks offer AES/EBU digital audio I/O as a standard feature, something still missing on Sony's HDV VCRs. Note that it's inappropriate to refer to the PDW-F30 and PDW-F70 as VCRs (video cassette recorders), or even VTRs (video tape recorders), as neither product incorporates a tape transport mechanism. Deck is truly the correct term to use.

Announcement of the PDBK-102 MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream) Input/Output Board was made in a press release dated February 20, 2006 and can be accessed via the link below. This press release also covers three other option boards for the PDW-F70 and PDW-F30 XDCAM HD decks.

New Option Boards For Sony's XDCAM HD Products Add Production Flexibility And System Growth
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/release/9100.html

Detailed information on the PDW-F70 XDCAM HD recorder deck can be accessed via the following link.

Broadcast and Business Solutions Company - PDWF70
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?id=79098

Here in New York, B&H Photo-Video is a stocking dealer for all four members of the XDCAM HD family of products, including the PDW-F330 and PDW-F350 camcorders and the PDW-F30 and PDW-F70 decks.

Users of Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 can use the MPEG Pro HD plug-in (U.S. $399) from MainConcept AG of Aachen, Germany, to edit XDCAM HD footage. The plug-in also supports AVC/AAC.

MainConcept Releases MPEG Pro HD - Plug-in For Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 (press release dated July 12, 2006)
New version features enhanced HD editing performance, XDCAM support and H.264 support
http://www.mainconcept.com/site/index.php?id=14731

Users of Sony's own Vegas software NLE will be pleased to know that Version 7 of the product includes support for all XDCAM (standard definition) and XDCAM HD (high definition) formats. FAM (File Access Mode) support is also included in Version 7. A workstation running Vegas 7 could act as a useful adjunct to an existing Sony XPRI system, for example. Sony Vegas 7 also includes AVC/AAC support, including templates for both the Apple iPod and the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable).

 Introduction of the XDCAM HD family of products, along with the AVCHD (which presumably stands for Advanced Video Coding High Definition) format jointly announced by Panasonic and Sony on May 11, 2006, completes Sony's high definition video format lineup, which is enumerated below in descending sequence from highest quality/highest cost to lowest quality/lowest cost.

• HDCAM SR - highest quality, highest cost - cinemagraphic motion picture film substitute
• HDCAM
• XDCAM HD - moderate cost - designed for ENG/EFP applications
• HDV
• AVCHD - lowest quality, lowest cost - consumer grade applications

It should be noted that AVCHD (MPEG-4 Part 10 H.264 AVC), HDV (MPEG-2), and XDCAM HD (MPEG-2 with MPEG-4 proxy) are all lossy-compressed, long-GOP, interframe-encoded video recording formats.

General information about Sony's XDCAM HD 1/2-inch format (a model LO-32BMT 2/3-inch to 1/2-inch lens adaptor is available), which records to Sony's 12 cm, 23.3 GB, cartridge-enclosed, blue-violet laser PFD-23 Professional Disc optical media, can be found at the following URL.

Sony Business Solutions & Systems - Featured
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/
markets/10014/xdcamhd_info.shtml

 With regard to the AVCHD format, as of August 2006, Panasonic, which needs the format to fill-in their product line because they currently offer no consumer-grade high definition camcorders, has yet to make any specific product announcements. Sony, on the other hand, which already has consumer-grade high definition camcorders (such as the HDV-format HDR-FX1 and HDR-HC3) on the market, has announced two 1080i AVCHD products — the HDR-SR1 (U.S. $1499.99), which uses a non-removable 30 GB HDD (hard disk drive) as its storage medium, and the HDR-UX1 (U.S. $1399.99), which records data to removable 8 cm Mini-DVD red laser optical discs.

For those who are interested, below are links to more information, in Japanese, about the two Sony AVCHD camcorders mentioned above.

Sony Handycam - HDR-SR1 (Japanese)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/handycam/PRODUCTS/HDR-SR1/

Sony Handycam - HDR-UX1 (Japanese)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/handycam/PRODUCTS/HDR-UX1/

Note that recording time on the HDR-UX1, using the highest capacity 2.8 GB DVD+R DL media (lower capacity DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW media is also usable) in the highest quality recording mode (HQ+ at 12 Mbps), offers just 27 minutes of recording time per disc. In contrast, the HDR-SR1, using the highest quality recording mode (XP at 15 Mbps), offers four hours of recording time. Neither of these first two AVCHD products, however, takes full advantage of the AVCHD format, which is specified as supporting a maximum data rate of approximately 24 Mbps.

Sony has indicated that AVCHD-format discs produced by the HDR-UX1 camcorder will be playable on its PlayStation 3 (PS3) game console, scheduled to be released in Japan on November 11, 2006.

Upon their initial release, AVCHD camcorders will be in approximately the same position that HDV camcorders were in at their initial release: almost none of the existing NLEs will support the format either for ingest, editing, or output, but this situation will change over time for AVCHD just as it did for HDV.

In the high definition mode of the AVCHD format, the 8-bit, 4:2:0, VBR, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC video datastream, along with it's companion audio datastream, is encapsulated within an MPEG-2 Transport Stream prior to being written to the storage medium, whether HDD, Mini-DVD, or flash memory (SD and Memory Stick). In high definition mode, AVCHD audio is lossy compressed using the Dolby Digital AC-3 algorithm.

The term 'AVCHD' and the AVCHD logo are trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation.

The H.264/AVC video codec utilized in the Panasonic/Sony AVCHD format is an implementation of a portion of the MPEG-4 Part 10 H.264 AVC standard that was jointly developed by members of the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and the ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission) Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). This development effort extended over a period of time beginning with a call for proposals by VCEG in early 1998 to the March 2003 submission by the Joint Video Team (JVT) of the proposed standard for formal approval (ITU press release). This proposal was eventually approved by the ITU-T as Recommendation H.264 and by ISO/IEC as IS (International Standard) 14496-10:2005, Information Technology - Coding of Audio-Visual Objects - Part 10: Advanced Video Coding.

Some additional information from Sony about the AVCHD format, also in Japanese, can be found on the following four Web pages.

Sony AVCHD Information (Japanese language)

• Introduction
• Recording
• Playing
• Editing

Sample HDR-UX1 video clips shot at various data rates, in both native .m2ts and .wmv (Windows Media Video) formats, as well as JPEG still images, are available for download from the following Japanese language Web page.

Sample Sony HDR-UX1 video clips and still images (Japanese)
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20060809/zooma268.htm

Additional information, in the English language, about the HDR-SR1 and HDR-UX1 AVCHD-format camcorders, can be found on the SonyStyle USA Web site at the following two URLs.

SonyStyle.com | HDR-SR1 AVC HD 30GB Handycam Camcorder (English)
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/
-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=HDRSR1

SonyStyle.com | HDR-UX1 AVCHD DVD Handycam Camcorder (English)
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/
-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=HDRUX1

The European 50 Hz PAL-like versions of these two Sony AVCHD camcorders are known as the HDR-SR1E and HDR-UX1E. A press release from Sony Europe, dated July 19, 2006, announcing these two new products, can be found at the following URL.

Sony: Two new Disc/Disk-based Sony HD camcorders : Europe (press release dated July 19, 2006)
http://www.sony-europe.com/view/View.action?section=en_EU_Press
&pressrelease=1150907445130&site=odw_en_EU&page=PressReleaseDetail

And speaking of AVCHD (MPEG-4 Part 10 H.264/AVC), at NAB2006, Panasonic announced a new P2-based (Professional Plug-in) DVCPRO HD camcorder known as the AJ-HPC2000 (U.S. MSRP $27,000, available early 2007). Along with this announcement, Panasonic stated that they would be offering a new codec option for use with the AJ-HPC2000 and other newly-introduced P2 HD products. This new codec is called AVC-Intra (H.264 Compliant) and is also based upon the MPEG-4 Part 10 H.264/AVC ISO/IEC standard although, as its name implies, it will be an intraframe encoding codec, whereas AVCHD is an interframe codec. The AVC-Intra (H.264 Compliant) codec is expected to run at about 50 Mbps, thus doubling recording time for a given sized P2 flash memory card, compared to the 100 Mbps DVCPRO HD codec.

A press release about the Panasonic AJ-HPC2000 camcorder and the Panasonic AVC-Intra (H.264 Compliant) codec can be accessed via the following link.

Panasonic Debuts AJ-HPC2000 Full 2/3" P2 HD Camcorder, Offering Production Quality Video And Superior Reliability (press release dated April 23, 2006)
Optional AVC-Intra (H.264 Compliant) Codec Saves Bandwidth and Storage Costs
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/sales_o/
news_info/nab2006releases/nab06_16.html

AVCHD footage, being long-GOP MPEG-4 Part 10 H.264/AVC, will be more computationally intensive, and thus more difficult to edit in its native form, than long-GOP MPEG-2 HDV; Panasonic's AVC-Intra (H.264 Compliant) format, with only spatial compression, less so.

Some observers feel, quite strongly in some cases, that the combination of AVCHD at the lower end, and AVC-Intra (H.264 Compliant) at the higher end, spells the death of HDV. Only the passage of time will tell exactly how long the HDV format continues to flourish, but certainly it has thus far proven to be a uniquely useful format in a variety of modes—from the consumer level through to the low-budget independent filmmaker and even some ENG (electronic news gathering) users. As more and more video formats take on the characteristics of IT (Information Technology) products, including file-based random access capabilities plus tapeless workflows, it is likely that the rate of introduction of new formats will tend to increase and existing formats will tend to experience shorter useful life spans, just as in the rapidly changing world of computer technology, where the only constant is change itself.

It is true that due to its ability to produce approximately equal visual quality at about half the data rate, everything else (image sensor, lens quality, DSP, etc.) being equal, the AVCHD format, especially at its maximum data rate of 24 Mbps, has the potential to exceed both HDV and even 35 Mbps XDCAM HD in quality. The first round of AVCHD-format camcorders are all consumer-grade products, however, without balanced XLR audio, 1/2-inch or 2/3-inch sensors and lenses, genlock, time code, component and/or HD-SDI output, full-size over-the-shoulder form factor, etc. Whether or not higher-end products will ever be released remains to be seen, so at least for the moment (August 2006), AVCHD remains a consumer-only video recording format.

If nothing else, I believe that the history books will show that the HDV format, due largely to its under U.S. $10,000 pricing structure, was single-handedly responsible for bringing high definition video acquisition capability to many tens of thousands of users throughout the world for the first time in their lives. In the final analysis, that's a good thing, at least to my way of thinking.

SONY HDW-D1800/HDW-1800 and HKDW-105

[Note: As with the Sony HDC-X310, HFU-X310, and HFBK-TS1 and Sony PDW-F70 and PDBK-102 sections directly preceeding this, the information presented below is being included here solely for the sake of completeness, since it is an HDV product.]

 Sony issued a press release in Japan on August 23, 2006 (link below) announcing two new HDCAM-format VCRs, the HDW-D1800 and the HDW-1800. The two machines are essentially identical except that the HDW-1800 lacks the MPEG IMX and Digital Betacam playback capability and SD to HDCAM upconversion feature of the HDW-D1800.

One of the available options for both the HDW-D1800 and the HDW-1800 is the HKDW-105. This option adds a rear-panel-mounted 6-pin input-only IEEE 1394a port that allows direct attachment of an HDV camcorder or HDV VCR for dubbing of 1080i HDV footage from the HDV device to HDCAM tape. Using the HKDW-105, only 1080i HDV transfers are supported—not 720p HDV, and the HDCAM deck (HDW-D1800 or HDW-1800) does not provide device control for the attached source HDV camcorder or HDV VCR.

Click here for a large (800 by 376 pixels) rear-panel JPEG image. The connector labeled "HDV IN (OPTION)" is the HKDW-105.

The HDW-D1800 (4,200,000 Yen) and HDW-1800 (3,465,000 Yen) are expected to become available in Japan in December 2006. The HKDW-105 (241,500 Yen) is expected to become available in Japan in March 2007. Below is a link to the Japanese language press release announcing these three new products.

Sony HDCAM Product Announcement (press release dated August 23, 2006)
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200608/06-0823/

The HDW-D1800/HDW-1800 VCRs and the HKDW-105 HDV input option were announced in China at BIRTV2006 (China International Radio TV & Film Exposition), held at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, August 23 thru 25, 2006. A press release, in the Chinese language, can be found at the following URL.

Sony HDCAM Product Announcement (press release dated August 19, 2006)
http://pro.sony.com.cn/newsWeb/news.aspx?id=1022441

The HDW-D1800/HDW-1800 VCRs and the HKDW-105 HDV input option were announced in Europe at IBC2006 (International Broadcasting Convention), held at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, September 7 thru 12, 2006. A press release, in the English language, can be found at the following URL.

Sony HDCAM Product Announcement (press release dated September 7, 2006)
Sony strengthens HDCAM line-up with launch of two new VTRs
http://www.sonybiz.net/^/templates/std_page.jsp&OID=193720

The HDW-D1800/HDW-1800 VCRs and the HKDW-105 HDV input option were announced in Canada by Sony of Canada Ltd. on September 13, 2006. Expected availability is December 2006. The press release can be found at the following link.

Sony Strengthens HDCAM Line With Launch Of New VTRs (press release dated September 13, 2006)
HDW-1800 and HDW-D1800 bring new levels of affordability and even more accessibility to the de facto standard for HD production
http://www.sony.ca/sonyca/view/english/corporate/newsreleases/
277CC9F84053416C8C1EF917CE418683.shtml

SONY HDR-FX7

Sony announced, in a Japanese language press release dated September 7, 2006 (link below), a new dual-mode DV/HDV consumer-grade camcorder known as the HDR-FX7. The HDR-FX7 is 40 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter (or 25 percent lighter, depending upon which spec sheet/press release one reads) than Sony's first HDV camcorder, the HDR-FX1.

Sony HDR-FX7 (press release dated September 7, 2006) [Japanese language]
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200609/06-0907/

The HDR-FX7 uses three 1/4-inch ClearVid CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors. The use of three independent sensors should eliminate the need for a Bayer filter. The image sensors have 1,120,000 gross pixels and 1,036,800 effective pixels, uniquely arrayed at a 45 degree angle. Low-light sensitivity of the HDR-FX7, which is specified as 4 lux minimum (U.S. system; 8 lux at 1/60th second shutter speed in the Japanese system), is less than that of the HDR-FX1 due to use of a smaller sensor — 1/3-inch on the HDR-FX1 versus 1/4-inch on the HDR-FX7 — and a smaller lens than that used on the HDR-FX1. The use of three CMOS sensors in the HDR-FX7 is a first on any HDV camcorder, although the sensors used have a standard 4:3 aspect ratio rather than a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. Sony used three 1/6-inch CMOS sensors in their non-discontinued 2005-vintage consumer-grade DCR-PC1000 MiniDV camcorder.

The HDR-FX7 is fitted with a fixed (non-removable, non-interchangeable) Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 20x optical (30x with digital extender function) power zoom lens that accepts 62 mm diameter attachments/accessories (filters, etc.). Because the HDR-FX1 uses larger 72 mm diameter lens accessories, there's no filter interchangeability between the two models. The longer 20x zoom capability of the HDR-FX7, versus 12x on the HDR-FX1, will be welcomed by many, however. The HDR-FX7, like the HDR-FX1, employs Sony's Super SteadyShot OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) system, as opposed to an EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) system.

The physical appearance and form factor of the HDR-FX7, which is charcoal in color, is closer to that of the DCR-VX2100 than the HDR-FX1 because the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel (3.5-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio, 211,200 dot, Clear Photo LCD Plus type) on the HDR-FX7 is located in its traditional left side position rather than on the top of the camcorder like on the HDR-FX1 and the HVR-Z1 series camcorders.

The HDR-FX7 can store JPEG still images, at either 1440 by 810 or 1080 by 810 pixels in size, to a Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo flash memory card while simultaneously recording video to tape, and has both a microphone input jack (unbalanced) and a headphone output jack. Unlike the older HDR-FX1, the HDR-FX7 has an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output jack. [Side note: I feel quite strongly that all consumer-grade and most prosumer-grade products capable of generating a high definition video signal should include an HDMI output jack. I consider the lack of such a port to be a fairly serious omission, such as in the recently-announced Canon HV10 camcorder. Inclusion of HDMI output capability allows use, for example, of the Blackmagic Design Intensity (U.S. $249, available October 15, 2006) PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) HDMI I/O computer expansion card for workstation ingest, edit, and output/display of HDMI streams.]

The HDR-FX7 is USB-equipped (Universal Serial Bus version 1.1, Mini-B connector, cable included) and is PictBridge compatible for direct-to-printer printing. The HDR-FX7 lacks Sony's special CineFrame recording modes. The camcorder has two built-in ND (neutral density) filters with values of 1/4 and 1/16, plus six user-definable preset function buttons. A LANC (Local Application Control or Control-L) control jack is provided.

Some users may complain that the particular lens used on the HDR-FX7, with a minimum focal length of only 37.4 mm (35 mm equivalent in 16:9 mode), makes it somewhat difficult to easily achieve wide angle shots. Additionally, some users may complain about the fact that the HDR-FX7, like the HDR-FX1 before it, uses sensors that have only about 960 active pixels per scan line. Given that the HDR-FX7 optics/lens system is specified as having a resolution of only 1 MP, this lens would appear, at least, to be a good match for the sensors used. Actually, some might argue that the lens has twice the resolving power needed, since the camcorder is interlaced and 960 pixels per line times 540 lines per field comes out to about 0.5 MP. The prosumer version of the HDR-FX7, the HVR-V1 series discussed below, will utilize the full resolving power of the lens when operated in progressive mode, however, since 960 pixels per scan line times 1080 lines per frame equals approximately one megapixel. Of course, one could still argue that having sensors with 1920 pixels per scan line is preferable to having sensors with 960 pixels per scan line.

While the HDR-FX7 has analog component video output, S-Video (Y/C) output, and A/V output, it lacks A/V input capability, which implies no analog-to-digital pass-through capability, although the 4-pin IEEE 1394a (Sony i.LINK) port is, as expected, bi-directional in operation. The camcorder accepts Sony's NP-F series batteries, including the high capacity NP-F970, where up to eight hours of continuous operation is possible with the LCD off and the EVF (Electronic View Finder) on or with the LCD on and the EVF off. Of course, both the LCD and the EVF can be used simultaneously, but this will result in shorter battery life. The EVF is a 0.54-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio, 252,000 dot type. An NP-F570 battery is included with the product. The HDR-FX7 accepts the same optional Sony model VCT-FXA Shoulder Brace (U.S. $399.99) as the HDR-FX1.

Price-wise, the HDR-FX7 series camcorders sit in the middle of Sony's consumer HDV camcorder line-up, with the HDR-FX1 at the top and the HDR-HC3 series products at the bottom.

Availability date in Japan is scheduled for November 11, 2006. Price is approximately 380,000 Yen. Additional information, in Japanese, on the HDR-FX7 and its associated accessories, can be accessed via the following links.

Sony HDR-FX7 (product information)
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/camera/handycam/products/
index.cfm?PD=25784&KM=HDR-FX7

Sony Handycam - HDR-FX7 (product information) [Flash required]
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/handycam/PRODUCTS/HDR-FX7/

Sony HDR-FX7 Accessories
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/camera/handycam/products/
acc.cfm?PD=25784&KM=HDR-FX7

The U.S. version of the HDR-FX7 was announced in a press release issued by Sony Electronics Inc. on September 7, 2006. Expected availability is November 10, 2006 at a price of U.S. $3499.99. The press release, as well as product information, can be accessed via the following links.

Sony Aims New HDV 1080i High-Def Camcorder At Prosumer Videomakers On The Go (press release dated September 7, 2006)
New Handycam Camcorder is the World's First 1080i HDV High-Def Camcorder With Three-Chip ClearVID CMOS Sensor Technology
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/
camcorders/high_definition/release/24467.html

SonyStyle.com | HDR-FX7 High Definition Handycam Camcorder (product information)
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/
en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=HDRFX7

The HDR-FX7 was announced in Canada by Sony of Canada Ltd. on September 11, 2006. Expected availability is November 2006 with an MSRP of C $4599.99. The press release can be found at the following link.

Sony Unveils Latest FX-Series Full HD 1080 Camcorder (press release dated September 11, 2006)
Consumer-Friendly Operation In A Professional Package
http://www.sony.ca/sonyca/view/english/corporate/newsreleases/
BAA14B91789040C9860D74BD0A73BEA1.shtml

SONY HDR-FX7E

The HDR-FX7E is the European 50 Hz PAL-like version of the HDR-FX7. Scheduled Pan-European availability is November 2006. A press release from Sony Europe announcing the HDR-FX7E can be found at the following URL.

Sony: Sony HDV Handycam HDR-FX7E (HDRFX7E) : Europe
(press release dated September 7, 2006) [English language]
http://www.sony-europe.com/view/View.action?section=en_EU_Press
&pressrelease=1157030649702&site=odw_en_EU&page=PressReleaseDetail

For additional technical details of the HDR-FX7E camcorder, please refer to the Sony HDR-FX7 section above.

SONY HVR-V1 SERIES and HVR-DR60

The Sony HVR-V1 series camcorders are the prosumer-grade versions of the consumer-grade HDR-FX7 series products described above. The HVR-V1 series camcorders have the same relationship to the HDR-FX7 series camcorders as do the prosumer-grade HVR-Z1 series camcorders to the consumer-grade HDR-FX1 series camcorders; that is, they're essentially the same but with some added features.

The most obvious and expected added feature is the inclusion of balanced XLR audio inputs with switchable 48 VDC (volts direct current) phantom power for use with condenser microphones. Also, while the HDR-FX7 has a built-in stereo microphone, the HVR-V1 series camcorders are instead supplied with a Sony model ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser directional short shotgun microphone. This is the same mic that's included with the DSR-PD170 and DSR-250 DV/DVCAM camcorders.

Additionally, and this is a departure for Sony, the HVR-V1 camcorders can shoot not only the usual interlaced video (1080i), but also progressive mode video (1080p). In the 50 Hz PAL-like versions of the HVR-V1, the alternate lines of each progressive frame are treated as a single field of a standard interlaced video frame, allowing ordinary edit systems and HDV VCRs to see the data as regular interlaced video. The edit system or VCR, therefore, isn't aware that the two fields of any given frame, when combined, will form a perfect progressive frame. This method of storing progressive frames of video within an interlaced video format is known as PsF, or Progressive segmented Frame, and is commonly used in Sony's HDCAM format. The 60 Hz NTSC-like versions of the HVR-V1 use a standard 2:3 (2-3) pulldown to store the progressive frames to tape at the usual interlaced 59.94 field per second rate.

Other additional features found in the HVR-V1 series camcorders include time code preset/regen, rec run/free run, and drop frame/non-drop frame (DF/NDF) modes, and a time code linking function which permits synchronizing two HVR-V1 camcorders by connecting them together via their i.LINK ports — highly useful for dual-cam shoots — although this would seem to preclude use of the HVR-DR60 hard disk drive option discussed below. It's also possible to transfer camcorder setup information between units using MemoryStick Duo/MemoryStick PRO Duo flash memory media cards. Up to 20 profiles can be saved using this facility.

The HVR-V1 series camcorders, like all of Sony's previous HVR-series HDV products, will be available in six versions, each version intended for sale in a specific region of the globe. It's important to note that unlike the HVR-Z1 series camcorders, the HVR-V1 series products do not support switchable 50/60 Hz operation. However, like the HVR-Z1 series camcorders, the HVR-V1 series products have tri-mode HDV/DVCAM/DV operation. The HDR-FX7/HDR-FX7E consumer models do not support DVCAM-mode. DV-mode operation is limited to SP (Standard Play) speed.

The 50 Hz PAL-like versions of the HVR-V1 series camcorders support 1080/50i and 1080/25p, while the 60 Hz NTSC-like versions support 1080/60i (actually 59.94i or 60/1.001), 1080/30p (actually 29.97p), and 1080/24p (actually 23.976p) field and frame rates. Like the consumer HDR-FX7 models, the HVR-V1 camcorders lack analog audio and video input capability and thus cannot act as a hardware DV encoding codec in an analog-to-digital pass-through mode of operation.

Price-wise, the HVR-V1 series camcorders sit in the middle of Sony's prosumer HDV camcorder line-up, with the HVR-Z1 at the top and the HVR-A1 series products at the bottom.

For additional technical details of the HVR-V1 series camcorders, please refer to the Sony HVR-FX7 section above.

The 50 Hz PAL-like European market version of the HVR-V1 series camcorder, known as the HVR-V1E (about €4600, available November 2006), was announced in a press release dated September 7, 2006, accessible via the link below. This announcement was timed to coincide with IBC2006 (International Broadcasting Convention), held September 7 thru 12, 2006 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Sony HVR-V1E camcorder (press release dated September 7, 2006)
Sony expands HDV line-up by launching HVR-V1E camcorder with progressive scan (25p) capability and full HDV resolution
http://www.sonybiz.net/^/templates/std_page.jsp&OID=193623

I've made available on this site a downloadable one-page Datasheet, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, from SonyBiz.net on the HVR-V1E.

Sony HVR-V1E Datasheet 
[Dated August 31, 2006 - English language - 1 page - 91,937 bytes]

Sony has announced some new accessories for use with the HVR-V1 series camcorders, some of which are designed for exclusive use with the HVR-V1 products. These accessories include the HVL-LBP LED Battery Video Light, the SH-L35WBP LCD Hood, and the VCL-HG0862K 0.8x bayonet mount Wide Conversion Lens. The VCL-HG0862K, which provides a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 29.9 mm, is supplied with a removable lens hood. When the lens hood is removed, the lens can accept 86 mm filters.

Additional information on the HVR-V1E can be accessed via the following link.

Sony Europe (HVR-V1E product information)
http://www.sonybiz.net/^/templates/neutral_content_product.jsp&OID=193804

The North American version of this camcorder, known as the HVR-V1U, was announced in a press release dated September 19, 2006, available via the link below. The press release also covers the HVR-DR60 Portable Hard Disk Recording Unit. Expected U.S. availability of both the camcorder and the hard disk recorder is December 2006, with U.S. MSRPs of $4800 and $1800, respectively.

Sony Unveils New HDV Camcorders With 24P Capture For Professional Videographers (press release dated September 19, 2006)
New Model Features Three ClearVid CMOS Sensor Technology; Complemented by 60 GB Hard-disk Recording Unit for Integration with NLE Systems
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/
broadcast_production/pro_audio_video/release/25017.html

Additional information on the HVR-V1U can be accessed via the following link.

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder - HVR-V1U (product information)
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/minisites/HDV1080/HVR-V1U/

The HVR-DR60 Portable Hard Disk Recording Unit was introduced at the same time as the HVR-V1 series camcorders. It functions similarly to other HDDs (hard disk drives) on the market from companies such as Focus Enhancements and Shining Technology and permits simultaneous tape/HDD recording.

Although the HVR-DR60 can be connected to most any camcorder having an IEEE 1394a (aka Apple FireWire 400 / Sony i.LINK) connection and can record 25 Mbps DV/DVCAM or HDV datastreams in a file-based format, the unit contains special support for the HVR-V1 series camcorders which includes a display of current HDD status, remaining battery time, and remaining recording capacity. It's also possible, when using the HVR-DR60 in conjunction with an HVR-V1 series camcorder, to record just to the HDD and not record to tape at all.

When recording to both tape and to the HVR-DR60, and the camcorder used supports the external REC control function (this includes the HVR-V1 and the HVR-Z1 series), the exact same frames of video, including time code and audio, are recorded to both the tape and to the HVR-DR60. When using a camcorder which doesn't support the external REC control function (this includes the HVR-A1 and the DSR-PD170 series), one to two seconds of video may get recorded to tape but not to the HVR-DR60 at the start of a clip, and one to two extra seconds of video may get recorded to the HVR-DR60 but not to tape at the end of a clip. All frames that get recorded to both tape and disk will be identical, however, including time code and audio.

The shock-absorbing drive used in the HVR-DR60 has a storage capacity of 60 GB and is a 1.8-inch type. It's partitioned using Microsoft's FAT32 (32-bit File Allocation Table) file system, allowing it to be accessible to both Mac OS X and Windows-based systems. HDV datastreams are written in the form of .m2t (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) files while DV/DVCAM datastreams are stored in the form of DV Type 1 .avi (audio video interleaved) files. The device has a built-in memory buffer that can hold up to 14 seconds of footage. Maximum recording time is approximately 270 minutes, or about 4.5 hours.

After recording is complete, the HVR-DR60, which is equipped with a 6-pin i.LINK port, can be detached from the camcorder and connected to a computer's IEEE 1394a port. Normally, the host computer, using SBP-2 (Serial Bus Protocol 2) protocol, will see the HVR-DR60 as an ordinary external FireWire-attached HDD, thus allowing quick and easy ingest of the captured footage, in the form of regular HDD-resident .m2t and .avi video files, into one's NLE. As an alternative, using special software on the host system, it's possible for the host to see the HVR-DR60 as a "virtual VCR". In this scenario, the host computer to which the HVR-DR60 is attached will send the usual VCR-style commands such as Play, Stop, FF, REW, and Pause to the HVR-DR60, which will respond to these commands as if it were a real, physical video cassette recorder.

When the HVR-DR60 is attached to a computer via i.LINK, the data transfer rate between the computer and the HVR-DR60 is limited to about 80 Mbps, which means that it will take about 20 minutes to copy 60 minutes of "footage" from the HVR-DR60 to the computer's hard disk drive. Apparently, the i.LINK port on the HVR-DR60 only implements the S100 (98.304 Mbps) IEEE 1394a mode of operation and not the S400 (393.216 Mbps) mode. If the HVR-DR60 implemented the S400 mode that's used by regular computer-style external FireWire 400-attached hard disk drives, and the drive itself were capable of maintaining a sufficiently high sustained data transfer rate, the time required to transfer an hour's worth of footage from the HVR-DR60 to the computer would be about five to six minutes instead of 20 minutes. Given that 1.8-inch HDDs typically have a spin rate of just 3600 or 4200 RPM and usually have but 2 MB buffers, while the 3.5-inch desktop computer type of drive normally used in external FireWire-attached HDD enclosures spins at 7200 RPM and has an 8 MB or 16 MB buffer, the drive used in the HVR-DR60 may be the limiting factor in this equation—and not a lack of S400 mode FireWire support.

A shoe adapter and a short IEEE 1394a cable are supplied with the drive. Although the HVR-DR60 is usually mounted on the camcorder's shoe, an optional Sony model VCT-1BP bracket permits the drive to be mounted at the rear of the camcorder. The HVR-DR60 weighs about 227 grams less battery. The HVR-DR60 uses the same NP-F series batteries as the HVR-V1 series camcorders. Claimed battery life is up to 4.5 hours using an NP-F570 and up to 13.5 hours when used with an NP-F970. It can also be powered from an AC adapter. Initial availability in Europe is estimated to be November 2006 at a price of about €1700.

I've made available on this site a downloadable one-page Datasheet, in the form of an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, from SonyBiz.net on the HVR-DR60.

Sony HVR-DR60 Datasheet 
[Dated August 31, 2006 - English language - 1 page - 337,763 bytes]

A press release and product information from Sony Europe on the HVR-DR60 can be accessed via the following two links.

Sony HVR-DR60 Portable Hard Disk Recording Unit (press release dated September 7, 2006)
Sony introduces HVR-DR60 portable hard disk recording unit for professional HDV camcorder range
http://www.sonybiz.net/^/templates/std_page.jsp&OID=193622

Sony Europe (HVR-DR60 product information)
http://www.sonybiz.net/^/templates/neutral_content_product.jsp&OID=193805

The Japanese version of the HVR-V1 series camcorder, known as the HVR-V1J, and its associated HVR-DR60 hard disk drive, was announced in Japan in a press release dated September 21, 2006 (link below). The press release, which is in the Japanese language, also includes the HVR-1500 VCR that's covered in the section below. Expected availabilty in Japan of both the HVR-V1J and the HVR-DR60 is November 2006. The HVR-V1J is priced at 567,000 Yen.

Sony HVR-V1J, HVR-DR60, and HVR-1500 (press release dated September 21, 2006)
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200609/06-0921/

Detailed product information, in Japanese, on the HVR-V1J and the HVR-DR60, can be accessed via the following two links.

Sony HVR-V1J camcorder (product information)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/c_c/hdv/HVR-V1J/

Sony HVR-DR60 Portable Hard Disk Recording Unit (product information)
http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/c_c/hdv/HVR-DR60/

SONY HVR-1500

At IBC2006 (International Broadcasting Convention), held at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands, September 7 thru 12, 2006, Sony previewed a new tri-mode HDV/DVCAM/DV professional-grade VCR known as the HVR-1500. This half-rack sized machine includes two/four channels of balanced analog XLR audio in and out, four channels of AES/EBU digital BNC audio in and out, one SDI in and two SDI outs, two HD-SDI outs, analog component video in and out, SD/HD reference video in, DV/HDV i.LINK, unbalanced monitor audio out, a rear-panel-mounted 9-pin RS-422A control port and a front-panel-mounted Control-S jack. As detailed below, some of these features are optional extra-cost items.

The HVR-1500 offers 50/60 Hz recording and playback, time code input and output jacks, time code preset, supports both Mini and Standard size cassettes, can play back Panasonic DVCPRO tapes, has a single user-assignable function button, and a 2.7-inch LCD display. Projected availability is Spring 2007.

Option boards for use with the HVR-1500 include the HVBK-1501 SD Digital Interface Board (SDI digital video I/O and AES/EBU digital audio I/O), the HVBK-1505 SD Analog Interface Board (SD component video, composite video, S-Video, and balanced XLR audio input), and the HVBK-1510 HD Digital Interface Board (SDI digital video I/O and AES/EBU digital audio I/O plus HD-SDI digital video output). About the only feature missing from this deck is HD-SDI input capability, although I would much prefer that the AES/EBU digital audio I/O be on balanced 3-pin XLRs rather than unbalanced 2-pin BNCs.

The HVR-1500 was announced in Japan in a press release dated September 21, 2006 (link below). The press release, which is in the Japanese language, also includes the HVR-V1J camcorder and the HVR-DR60 hard disk drive covered in the section above. Expected availabilty of the HVR-1500 in Japan is February 2007 at a price of 945,000 Yen.

Sony HVR-V1J, HVR-DR60, and HVR-1500 (press release dated September 21, 2006)
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200609/06-0921/

CANON XL H1

The three 1/3-inch 16:9 CCD dual-mode HDV/DV model XL H1 camcorder was announced Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at Canon Expo 2005, held at Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York from September 14 thru 16, 2005.

This camcorder shoots HDV 1080i (like the Sony models) in 60i (NTSC-like) or 50i (PAL-like) modes as well as 30F (NTSC-like) or 25F (PAL-like) plus 24F (film-like) modes, can shoot DV in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, has an optional upgrade (USD $500 at a Canon Service Center) which allows 60i/50i switchability (like the Sony HVR-Z1 series), a 2.4" 215,000 pixel 16:9 aspect ratio combination EVF (electronic view finder) and LCD panel which can operate in black-and-white or color mode, a Clear Scan mode for eliminating banding effects when shooting computer monitors, an SD / MMC (Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard) slot for saving up to 20 camera presets, offers a choice of locked or unlocked audio in DV mode, has balanced XLR audio with switchable 48 VDC phantom power for use with condenser microphones, four channels of audio (other HDV products offer only two channels), analog component and SDI/HD-SDI (without embedded audio or embedded time code) output plus the usual composite video, S-Video (Y/C), and IEEE 1394a connections, has genlock input, SMPTE time code (Drop, Non-Drop, Rec Run and Free Run modes) input and output, LANC (but no RS-422) control, and a removable 20x zoom lens (using Canon's XL lens mount) with optical image stabilization.

In its HDV mode of operation, the XL H1 has the ability, just like all other HDV camcorders, to record two channels of lossy compressed MPEG-1 Layer II audio at a 192 kbps per channel data rate. This is a 4:1 (4 to 1) compression ratio. Additionally, in the HDV mode, the XL H1 also has the unique ability to record four channels of audio, but using lossy MPEG-2 Layer II compression at a reduced data rate of 96 kbps per channel. This is an 8:1 (8 to 1) compression ratio.

Additionally, the XL H1 can capture 1920 x 1080 still images and Canon offers optional Windows XP SP2 software called Canon Console (USD $599) that can be used to control most all of the camcorder's major functions. Canon has stated that a Mac OS X version of the Console program will be developed.

Physical design and overall styling of the XL H1 is very similar to that of Canon's XL2 MiniDV camcorder except that the body color of the XL H1 is black instead of silver. Recommended tape for use with the XL H1 is Canon's HDVM-E63PR (U.S. MSRP $25).

Like most of Sony's HDV camcorders, the XL H1 shoots only in interlaced mode, hence the use of the term "24F", meaning 24 frames. If this were a true 24p, meaning 24 progressive, camcorder, Canon would no doubt have called it 24p and not 24F. At least they're being honest about it. At the present time, however, 24F (and 30F) footage recorded to tape in an XL H1 can only be played back by an XL H1; no other extant HDV camcorder or HDV VCR from any manufacturer can play tapes recorded in Canon's 24F (or 30F) HDV mode. I believe that this same restriction applies to tapes recorded in Canon's 4-channel HDV audio mode. Perhaps Canon will announce an appropriate HDV VCR at NAB2006. Update: They didn't.

Here are two articles by Steve Mullen from Video Systems magazine's HDV@Work column about 24p video and the Canon XL H1 camcorder.

Video Systems, HDV@Work column, October 7, 2005
"24fps HDV Production: Part 1", by Steve Mullen
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/e-newsletters/hdvwork_10102005/

Video Systems, HDV@Work column, November 14, 2005
"Canon's HDV at 24fps: a revised look", by Steve Mullen
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/e-newsletters/HDVatwork_11142005/

A press release, dated September 14, 2005, announcing the XL H1 camcorder can be found at the following URL.

Canon Expands Options For Moviemakers And Broadcasters With New XL H1 High Definition Camcorder And 20X HD Video Lens
New Three CCD Camcorder Features Native 16:9 HD Image Quality at 1080i; Adjustable Frame Rates of 60i, 30F and 24F; and Canon's Professional "Jackpack" Terminals
http://opd.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20050914_xlh1.html

Given its SDI and HD-SDI output capability, its phantom-powered balanced XLR audio (which the Sony HVR-Z1 series and Sony HVR-A1 series camcorders also have), its genlock input, its SMPTE time code input and output, and its $8999 price tag, not to mention the removable lens, I would have to classify the XL H1 as a low-end professional camcorder and not as a prosumer camcorder, as I expect any prosumer camcorder regardless of format to have balanced XLR audio but not SDI or HD-SDI, let alone genlock input and time code input and output.

In my view, there are four things holding this camcorder back from being a truly break-through product:

1. It uses 1/3" CCDs rather than 1/2" or 2/3" CCDs, so image quality, regardless of the fineness of the glass used, will always be severely limited, although the imaging system uses 1440 active pixels per scan line rather then the 960 active pixels per scan line of the Sony HVR-Z1 series camcorders.
   
   
2. The only lens that currently can be used with this camcorder is the one that ships with the product, although Canon (and others) may well introduce additional lenses later so this is likely to be only a temporary shortcoming.
   
   
3. If you're an independent filmmaker, you may miss true 24p capability—or the 24F capability of the XL H1 may be "good enough".
   
   
4. The marketing folks at Canon forgot to put a hyphen (dash) in the model number. (Just kidding, sorry, couldn't help it, but that blank space just looks funny to me, that's all.)

[Update: With regard to item 2 above, on July 26, 2006, Canon announced a new 6x 3.4-20.4 mm zoom lens (U.S. $2999) for use with the XL H1. Product availability is specified as November 2006. The press release can be found here.]

On the other hand, the XL H1 is in the "under $10,000" category, and therefore, in my mind, is a "low-cost" HD product, and does have a lot to offer for the money. In fact, with its HD-SDI (albeit without embedded audio or time code), genlock, and flexible time code features, it could easily be deployed as a low-cost HD studio camera.

At its price point, a comparison of the Canon XL H1 to the Panasonic AG-HVX200, which is a (non-HDV) DVCPRO HD (4:2:2 1080i and 720p intra-frame compressed HD at 100 Mbps) camcorder with a U.S. list price of $9995 when two 8 GB P2 flash memory cards are included, would be quite interesting. [Note: Specialized Communications Corporation of Smithsburg, Maryland, has in development a portable, shock-mounted hard disk drive option, known as the CinePorter CP-2, as an alternative to P2 flash memory cards. It will write .mxf (Material eXchange Format) files and connect directly to the P2 card slot and is expected to be available in capacities of 100, 120, 200, and 240 GB and hopefully at prices lower than that of P2 cards. Additionally, Focus Enhancements has in development the FireStore FS-100 Direct To Edit hard disk drive recorder which records DV/DVCPRO, DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO HD video streams via a FireWire connection to the camcorder. In DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO HD modes, clips are recorded to disk in the MXF P2 format. The FireStore FS-100 is expected to be available in March 2006 at a projected U.S. MSRP of $2,195. The AG-HVX200 itself is scheduled to begin shipping to dealers on December 29, 2005.]

More information about the XL H1 camcorder and it's associated Console software, both of which are expected to be available in December 2005, can be found on the Canon USA Web site at the following two URLs.

Canon XL H1 camcorder (product information)
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?
act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=175&modelid=12152

Console Software for Canon XL H1 camcorder (product information)
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?
act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=169&modelid=12155

I've made available on this Web site copies, in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, of both the XL H1 brochure (sales literature) and Instruction Manual, as follows.

Canon XL H1 Brochure 
[Dated September 19, 2005 - English language - 2 pages - 3,199,814 bytes]

Canon XL H1 Instruction Manual 
[Dated November 15, 2005 - English language - 161 pages - 7,891,098 bytes]

A review by D.W. Leitner of the Canon XL H1 appeared in the November 2005 issue of Video Systems magazine. It was posted to the Web on November 1, 2005 and can be found at the following URL.

Video Systems magazine, November 2005, Volume 31, Number 11
Shoot Review - Canon XL H1, product review by D.W. Leitner
http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mag/video_canon_xl_3/

A review by Bruce A. Johnson of the Canon XL H1 appeared in the April 2006 issue of Studio/monthly magazine. It was posted to the Web on April 1, 2006 and can be found at the following URL.

Studio/monthly magazine, April 2006, Volume 28, Number 4
Canon XL H1 - product review by Bruce A. Johnson
http://www.studiodaily.com/main/technology/pvr/6256.html

A review by Adam Wilt of the Canon XL H1 was published in the June 2006 issue of DV magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Note: Creation of a login account may be necessary in order to access this content.

DV magazine, June 2006, Volume 14, Number 6
DV - Reviews (Canon XL H1), product review by Adam Wilt, Contributing Editor
http://www.dv.com/reviews/reviews_item.jhtml?articleId=184429497

A review by Andrew Burke of the Canon XL H1 was published in the June 2006 issue of Videomaker magazine and can be found on the magazine's Web site at the following URL.

Videomaker magazine, Volume 20, Number 12
Test Bench: Canon XL H1 HDV Camcorder — Videomaker Magazine, product review by Andrew Burke, Editorial Assistant
http://www.videomaker.com/article/12773

Several video clips shot with the Canon XL H1 camcorder, in .m2t (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) format, are available for download from the link below.

Canon XL H1 .m2t clips
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=52110

Chris Hurd has set up a forum dedicated to the XL H1 at the following URL.

Canon XL H1 High Definition Camera (bulletin board)
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=101

And Kerr Cook has set up a forum for Canon HDV products at the following URL.

XL HDV Forums (bulletin board)
http://www.xlhdv.com/

Here in New York, B&H Photo-Video stocks and offers the 60 Hz NTSC-like version of the XL H1 for $8999 and will special order the 50 Hz PAL-like version for $9499.95.

As per a joint Canon/Canopus announcement made February 22, 2006, Canopus Edius Pro v3.6 and Edius Broadcast now suppport the 24F and 30F modes available on the Canon XL H1 camcorder. A press release announcing this newly added functionality can be found at the following page on the Canopus Web site.

Canopus EDIUS Pro 3 and EDIUS Broadcast Support New Canon XL H1 Camcorder
Canopus provides native support for Canon's 1080i 24F, 30F and 60i formats for the highest picture quality
http://www.canopus.com/canopus/press/recent.php?id=21

With deliveries expected to begin in July 2006, Focus Enhancements offers the FireStore FS-C HD60 and FS-C HD100 (60 GB and 100 GB, respectively) Direct To Edit hard disk drive products for use with the XL H1. More information on these two products can be found at the following URL.

Focus Enhancements FireStore FS-C Portable DTE Recorder (product information)
http://www.focusinfo.com/solutions/catalog.asp?id=171

Here in New York, B&H Photo-Video offers the FS-C HD60 for $1249.95 and the FS-C HD100 for $1799.95.

At NAB2006, Apple announced that it will be adding to Final Cut Pro the ability to edit 24p footage from the JVC GY-HD100U camcorder, as well as 24F footage from the Canon XL H1 camcorder, "soon".

CANON XH G1

On July 26, 2006, Canon announced a new dual-mode DV/HDV camcorder, the XH G1. The XH G1 incorporates the same imaging system (three 1/3-inch native 16:9 1440 by 1080 CCDs, etc.) as the XL H1 described above. The XH G1 lacks the so-called "chain saw" styling of the XL H1 and looks more like a Sony HVR-Z1 series camcorder (or a Panasonic AG-HVX200) than a Canon GL2 MiniDV camcorder. The XH G1 has a "Professional Jackpack" similar to that found on the XL H1 but unlike the XL H1, the HD-SDI output on the XH G1 carries embedded audio and LTC time code. The XH G1 has balanced XLR audio with switchable 48 VDC phantom power for use with condenser microphones and the inputs are mic/line switchable.

The XH G1 has a fixed (non-removable, non-interchangeable) Canon L Series 20x zoom lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) that accepts 72 mm diameter attachments/accessories (filters, etc.) and has manual focus, zoom, and iris rings plus two built-in ND (neutral density) filters. The camcorder has a 2.8-inch widescreen LCD panel that can be used simultaneously with the 0.57-inch widescreen electronic view finder (EVF). The battery installs internally and both large and small batteries (BP-970G and BP-950G, U.S. $220 and $170, respectively) can be used. Canon's unique 24F/30F recording modes are supported in the XH G1 and as with the XL H1, a special 50 Hz/60 Hz optional upgrade is available at extra cost. The special four-channel MPEG-2 Layer II audio recording mode of the XL H1 is not included, however.

The XH G1 is intended to be a lower cost version of Canon's first HDV offering, the XL H1. The XH G1 will be available in November 2006 at about U.S. $6999, which is $2000 less than the current price of the XL H1.

A press release announcing the XH G1 (and the XH A1, discussed in the section below) can be found at the following URL.

Canon Expands Its Three-CCD HD Camcorder Line Up With New Handheld XH A1 And XH G1 Models (press release dated July 26, 2006)
New XH A1 Camcorder Offers 24 Frame HD Recording for Less than $4,000
http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/
20060726_xha1_xhg1.html

Additional information on the XH G1 can be found at the following URL.

Canon XH G1 camcorder (product information)
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?
act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=175&modelid=14057

Here in New York, B&H Photo-Video offers the XH G1 for