JVC introduces portable HD player/recorder

Billed as further evidence of its commitment to bring affordable high definition video to a broader market, JVC Professional Europe will introduce the new CU-VH1EX at NAB 2004.
It is the world's most portable high definition (HD) player/recorder and is an ideal complement to the JVC JY-HD10 hand held camcorder.
The new CU-VH1EX high definition video (HDV) format player/recorder brings unprecedented affordability to HD video production. Like its sister product the JY-HD10 camcorder, the CV-VH1EX records 720p/30 and will output 1080i/60. This recorder allows video producers to spool HD content from their tape to their non-linear editing (NLE) system of choice without tying up the camcorder. Once edited producers can then record their HD material back to tape for archiving or playback. Such flexibility makes this compact-sized video tape recorder (VTR) a must-have component of any high definition production or postproduction system.
Adhering to the widely supported HDV format, the CU-VH1EX records and plays back HD media adhering to the ATSC broadcast standard HD using Mini DV cassettes. It features a 3.5-inch LCD monitor, a digital iLink interface for non-linear editing and dubbing, component outputs for multiformat playback, and an SD memory card slot for capturing stills from tape.
The CU-VH1EX is the worlds first truly portable HD VTR that enables the display of breathtaking HD footage wherever you are - whether it's on a boat or plane or in the office. It is a compact HD player/recorder that uses the new standard industry HDV format, offering versatile recording options and playback and spooling capability for HD footage.
The CU-VH1EX enables digital-to-digital HD recording to and from video equipment and PCs. The iLink interface allows digital-to-digital dubbing between the CU-VH1EX and HD cameras and decks (D-VHS). The iLink connection also allows high definition MPEG-2 material to be transferred between the CU-VH1EX and a PC for playback or non-linear MPEG-2 editing. Editors can easily dub between digital and analogue sources with the CU-VH1EX built-in digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital conversion.
The CU-VH1 can also capture progressive HD and DV 1289 x 720 JPEG stills and save them to a memory card. Images stored on SD cards or Multimedia Cards (MMC) can be viewed individually or automatically as a slide show. Thumbnail images of footage shot on tape can be automatically stored on a memory card while shooting or manually during playback for easy access to specific scenes. In addition, tape time code or day and date subcode can be displayed on screen.
The new CU-VH1EX offers extremely versatile playback options. It will play back signals recorded in 720/30 (MPEG-2), 480/60p (MPEG-2) and 480/60i (DV) including any footage shot with the JY-HD10 camera. With Up- and Down-conversion capabilities, HD recordings can be viewed on virtually any television or monitor. HD 16:9, SD or DV footage can be played in 16:9 or 4:3 letterbox modes. All material is output on component analogue connectors and down-converted.
To satisfy immediate viewing needs in the field, HD footage shot with the JY-HD10 can also be viewed on the CU-VH1's built-in 3.5 inch, 240,000 pixel, high resolution LCD Monitor that features brightness control, a speaker, and the monitor folds flat into the top of the unit when it is not in use.
The CU-VH1EX was built for rugged conditions and portability. Guard bars and a rugged cover protect component BNC outputs (with supplied RCA adapters), S-Video, composite and audio inputs/outputs and iLink IEEE 1394 and USB inputs/outputs. SD memory card/ Multimedia Card slot, microphone jack and headphone jack are similarly protected. The CU-VH1EX uses the same batteries as the JY-HD10 and the included AC power supply charges these batteries.
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