Comes Equipped with AVC-Intra Codec
When using AVC-Intra 100, the AJ-HPX3000 is the industry’s first, one- piece camcorder for master quality, full raster 1920 x 1080 4:2:2 recording. Even better, this model allows users the flexibility of the AVC-Intra 50 codec for bandwidth efficient applications. AVC-Intra is a new codec that further advances HD production. It complies with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 international standard based on advanced image compression technology, and offers both superb image quality and highly efficient compression. It uses an intra-frame compression system to bring important advantages to professional editing.
High-Image-Quality, AVC-Intra 100 Mode
With the same bit rate as DVCPRO HD - this mode supports full-HD recording with 1920 x 1080 pixels. It enables the AJ-HPX3000 to capture master-quality video and brings new opportunities to high-end video production.
Low-Rate, AVC-Intra 50 Mode
This mode delivers video quality very similar to DVCPRO HD, yet is able to do so at bit rates usually associated with standard definition,
(e.g. DVCPRO 50.) AVC-Intra 50’s lower bit rate doubles the recording time per P2 card over DVCPRO HD and lower storage requirements for editing.
HD Multi-Format Capability, Including Native 1080p
The AVC-Intra 100 and 50 codecs let you record in a choice of HD video formats: 1080p 23.98/25/29.97, as well as 1080 50i / 59.94i. These world-wide HD formats provide extra flexibility in all of you production needs.
Selectable DVCPRO HD/DVCPRO 50 Recording
The AJ-HPX3000 supports the conventional DVCPRO HD codec and also offers DVCPRO 50 capability for SD recording. This lets it flexibly adapt to various applications and system environments.
48-kHz/16-Bit, 4-Channel Digital Audio
The AJ-HPX3000 can record full 48-kHz/16-bit digital audio on all four channels. You can freely select the audio source for each channel, choosing from mic, line, wireless receiver, and others. A 5-pin XLR jack with 2-channel compatibility is used for the front mic input. Using the AJ-MC900G optional stereo microphone lets you record stereo with a single mic.
AVC-Intra Technology
Intra-Frame (I-Only) Compression Superiority
Image compression technology can be divided into two basic approaches, Intra (frame-bound) compression, in which all processing is completed within the bounds of each field or frame, and Inter (Long GOP) compression, in which the processing is applied across multiple frames. AVC-Intra uses Intra frame technology. When the image content of adjacent frames is similar, Long GOP compression achieves a low bit rate, making it suitable for transmission and for applications where low bit rates are desirable yet very little editing is required, e.g. consumer camcorders. However, when image quality cannot be compromised, such as in movies, commercials, fast-action sports, or any content with rapidly changing lighting, Intra-frame compression provides the best video quality.
For stable and reliable recording regardless of subject type, an intra-frame compression method that completes compression in each frame is more suitable. If editing requires frame-by-frame trimming, an intra-frame compression method enables stream editing* without degrading the image. Because each AVC-Intra frame is composed of 10 slices*, a multi- core CPUs processing approach can be used to perform high-speed parallel processing, this makes AVC-Intra compression much better suited to the era of multi-core CPUs than inter-frame compression, which poses difficulties to parallel processing because of the dependence between frames.
Twice the Compression Efficiency of MPEG-2
Using advanced compression techniques, AVC-Intra has doubled the compression ratio of MPEG-2, even with I-Only compression. Its intra- frame predictive and context-adaptive entropy coding are particularly effective methods.
•Intra prediction: This process generates predictive pixels based on adjacent pixels (see illustration). The residual data (obtained by subtracting a predictive image from the original input image) is recorded together with the predictive mode information. Because the prediction accuracy is high, there's minimal residual data, and thus high compression is achieved. This process is conducted within the frame, so prediction accuracy remains high even with fast-motion images.
•Context-adaptive entropy coding: The entropy coding process utilizes CAVLC (Context Adaptive VLC) and CAVBAC (Context Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding), both of which are context adaptive. MPEG-2 uses a fixed table when performing the VLC coding, with the result that compression efficiency is low with some types of images. In context- adaptive coding, on the other hand, operation varies with different kinds of images and high compression efficiency is maintained at all times.
