JVC Offers 2 New IP Streaming Camcorders

JVC is promising that its two new ProHD shoulder-mount HD camcorders and complementary ProHD Broadcaster streaming video server will allow broadcasters to send live shots via 4G LTE, 3G or Wi-Fi wireless networks with greater reliability and quality than ever before.

The GY-HM850 and GY-HM890 ProHD camcorders, which are been formally introduced today, “are extremely powerful and are designed to meet the needs of today’s broadcasters,” says Dave Walton, JVC assistant vice president marketing communications. “They continue the trend we have set by providing high quality performance at a very affordable price.”

The improved IP transmission performance is a function of a new streaming processor from Waltham, Mass.-based Zixi and JVC’s Advanced Streaming Technology, which better manages available bandwidth, corrects transfer errors and monitors connection status, says Larry Librach, JVC VP of broadcast and public sector. “The cameras have the ability to choose a data rate that is best for the existing link.”

On the receive side, the ProHD Broadcaster increases reliability of transfers under adverse conditions, Walton says. Live streaming HD video can be maintained with up to 30% IP packet loss, he says.

ProHD Broadcaster is available as a server for purchase or as a leased cloud service, according to Walton.

As with previous JVC camcorders, the new models include a pair of codecs, which allows full HD video to be streamed live, or previously recorded footage to be transferred while the camera records simultaneously on an SDHC or SDXC memory card. Dual memory card slots are provided on both cameras.

The camcorders rely on three 1/3-inch CMOS sensors with 12-bit readout and F/11 sensitivity to capture 1920×1080 (full HD) images. The cameras come with a new Fujinon 20x wide-angle zoom lens with auto focus, image stabilization and chromatic aberration correction. The built-in IP communications in the cameras allow lens and camera settings to be adjusted remotely from the station, making it easier for stations to deploy one-person video crews, Walton says.

JVC has designed the GY-HM850 for ENG use, which the GY-HM890 has features that make it equally suitable for studio and multi-camera field applications. The GY-HM890 comes with a 68-pin connection for JVC fiber or multi-core camera modules and can be equipped with a variety of components, such as camera control unit, box-style lenses and an 8.4-inch viewfinder.

The GY-HM890 also has a unique Pool Feed feature offering an HD-SDI input so the output of another camera or video source can be recorded while the camcorder streams the HD video it shoots.

Both camcorders can record HD and SD footage as Final Cut Pro (.MOV), XDCAM EX (.MP4), AS-10 (.MXF), AVCHD (.MTS) or H.264 (.MOV) files.

The new camcorders and streaming server are designed with today’s workflow and station staffing requirements in mind, Walton says. “Stations today are on tight budget, but they want more people in the field,” he says. The new camcorders and server are priced to stretch stations’ newsgathering equipment budgets, he adds.

JVC has set the suggested price of the GY-HM850 at $7,995; the GY-HM890 has a suggested price of $9,995. Both will be available in March.

As a standalone service, the ProHD Broadcaster will also be available in March for $1,995. JVC has not yet set a firm price on the lease, but Walton says he expects the monthly fee to be in the $200-$300 range.