Panasonic AK-HC931BP manual Overview, Features

Overview

This new-generation HD camera is designed to support the 720P or 1080I format.

The 720P or 1080I video format can be selected using the menu settings. This model uses newly developed 2/3 CCDs with a million pixels [1280 (H)  720 (V)]. By taking a fresh approach to the on-chip lens, CCD structure and processes, these new CCDs embody dramatically improved sensitivity, smear and dynamic range specifications compared with conventional CCDs, and they achieve a high performance which is on a par with that of SD. Furthermore, the moire in the band has been slashed by offsetting the pixels by combining Panasonic’s unique horizontal line readout CCDs with high-accuracy signal processing.

The newly developed digital signal processing LSI which supports 12-bit A/D conversion and which is provided in the camera head processes the gamma, knee, detail, matrix and other process signals and uses a new system for CCD defect correction to achieve improved operability with a greater number of functions, high quality and high stability which only digital systems can deliver. The 12-bit A/D converter yields a stable wide dynamic circuit with a high signal-to-noise ratio from the dark areas to the highlights.

A newly developed casing is used to house the multi-format camera head to achieve a compact size and light weight. The amount of heat generated has been significantly reduced by designing the new circuitry to consume less power and by adopting an efficient heat dissipation design for the new casing.

SD signals (D1, VBS) can be output and RET images and PROMPT signals can be input by connecting the multi-format camera to the CCU (AK-HCU931P, optional accessory).

In terms of controlling the camera’s functions, the ROP (AK-HRP931P) or MSU (AK-MSU930P), also available as an optional accessory, can be connected to the CCU to control such analog functions as the camera head’s pedestal and iris and to control such switches as the gain and output selector switches.

Features

720P and 1080I video formats supported

Either the 720P or 1080I video format can be selected using the menu settings.

The camera can be connected to existing peripheral devices no matter which video format is selected.

Newly developed 720P, 2/3 million-pixel CCDs incorporated

This achieves a high sensitivity that surpasses the standard sensitivity of F10 and is on a par with SD.

Smear has been cut to 130 dB and the number of white marks has been drastically reduced by process improvements.

H-CCD drive is accomplished at a frequency of 74 MHz to attain a high response and high resolution.

Digital signal processing LSI with high picture quality featured in the camera unit

After the process circuits, the signals undergo 12-bit,

74 MHz high-picture-quality digital processing, yielding a high reliability, more functions and enhanced operating ease as a result.

Multi-functional enhancer

In addition to the many functions such as chroma DTL, skin DTL and dynamic DTL, there is a choice of 8 boost frequencies. (For both HD and SD)

Designed to achieve low noise levels of below NC15

The fan mode can be switched to suit the application at hand, and measures to reduce the power requirements and improve the heat dissipation were adopted in the final design.

Fuller complement of control circuits and auto setup (ASU) function

The self-diagnosis functions have been enhanced, and it has now become possible to select the ASU function by combining the external shooting chart and internal test signals as well as the normal, simplified or other mode.

Peripheral components

Ease of operation can be further improved by configuring a system where the multi-format camera is used in combination with the remote operation panel (ROP) and master setup unit (MSU).

Using the ROP matrix, for instance, ROP assignment is enabled without connector patch switching.

Data trunk function

Two RS-422 circuits are provided as a standard feature. They obviate the need for the cables used with virtual control, pan/tilt head and lens control, etc.

D/C output of camera supported (optional function)

The VF output or camera output can be selected as the D/C output.

The VF images can be monitored on the NTSC LCD monitor.

VF signals output in 1080I format

Regardless of whether 720P or 1080I is selected as the format, the VF signals are output in the 1080I format so there is no need to provide two viewfinders.

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