Panasonic AJ-HD1200A operating instructions Introduction, Features

Introduction

The AJ-HD1200A multi-format digital video cassette player is capable of playing not only all types of materials ranging from HD (DVCPRO HD and DVCPRO HD-LP) to SD (DVCPRO50, DVCPRO50P and DVCPRO) recorded in the DVCPRO formats on 1/4-inch wide compact cassette tapes but also consumer DV and DVCAM tapes.

Adown-converter provided as a standard feature verifies all tapes, whatever their format, using analog composite output signals.

Furthermore, by installing an optional board, the unit can be used as a recorder to record HD signals (1080i/59.94 Hz, 1080i/50 Hz or 720p/59.94 Hz) in the DVCPRO HD-LP format. In addition, 720/24p over 60p sources recorded using a variable frame rate camera can be converted into 1080/24 PsF format output signals to support cinema applications.

Similarly, 720/25p over 60p sources can be converted into 1080/25 PsF or 576i format output signals. Thanks to the incorporation of highly efficient digital compression technology, the deteriorations in the image and sound quality during dubbing are now significantly reduced with this high image quality VTR. The compact size and light weight of the unit enable it to be carried around and mounted in a standard rack with ease.

You can perform the unit’s settings interactively with the on-screen menus displayed on the TV monitor.

Features

Compact size and light weight.

The unit has a width of 214 mm, a height of 132 mm, and a depth of 428 mm, and weighs only 7.9 kg.

Grips are also attached for easy carry.

Efficient installation in a rack

The unit’s width is one-half of 19 inches and its height is 3U: this translates into greater saving of installation space in a standard rack compared to conventional models.

DVCPRO HD cassette tapes used

The unit uses 1/4-inch wide cassette tapes.

<Note>

When recording2 HD signals, use DVCPRO HD cassettes.

High image quality

The unit achieves a high image quality by recording 4:2:2 HD component signals with a recording rate (=100 Mbps) which is four times as high as that for existing DVCPRO formats.

1080i or 720p, NTSC or PAL selectable

By switching the settings provided for the video signal input (1080i/59.94 Hz or 720p/59.94 Hz) on the setup menu, the unit can record2 and play back the signals of the system selected.

The unit also supports the PAL mode. Playback of 1080i/50 Hz or PAL SD materials is enabled by switching the setting on the system menu.

Frame rate conversion

When playing back a tape recorded at a frame rate of 24 fps using a variable frame rate camera, the tape’s signals can be converted to the 1080/24 PsF format and output by selecting a menu item setting. When playing back a tape recorded at a frame rate of 25 fps, the tape’s signals can be converted to the 1080/25 PsF or 576i format and output.

<Notes>

O Use tapes that are shot with a variable frame rate camera.

O Do not use dubbed or edited tapes. The tape control information may be lost, making it impossible to convert the signals for playback.

O To convert a tape recorded using a frame rate other than 24 (25) fps to the 1080/24 (25) PsF format, use the frame rate converter (AJ-FRC27) available as an optional accessory.

DVCPRO-compatible playback

In addition to DVCPRO HD-LP playback, the unit can play back tapes recorded using the existing DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO formats.

It can also play back consumer DV tapes (SP) and DVCAM tapes.

2 The unit’s recording function become operational only when the AJ-YA120AG (optional accessory) or AJ-YAD120AG (optional accessory) has been installed.

5