Background

HD and SD

HD and SD

The migration from SD to HD with tape and P2, is not a single pathway with one route and outcome. In fact there a range of options depending on customers' existing infrastructure and investment plans as well as markets served. For many European broadcasters and production companies over the next few years, there is going to be a mixed production environment of SD and HD as well as tape and tapeless.

Panasonic believes that tape will play an important role in the production environment for the immediate future, P2 equipment is becoming the main production tool in the SD environment. Building on development trends in the IT sector, P2 is ideally placed to link both legacy investment in tape with new IT operating methods and standards. Looking to the future, P2 will link HD development in the same seamless way.

This ties in with Panasonic's strong belief in giving customers flexibility and choice in equipment configuration and providing long term support. With Panasonic, you can be free to choose the best solution.

HD/SD Multi-Format Recording with the AG-HPX500

1080/50i

This HD format is supported by DVCPRO HD, HDCAM, and HDV. This is a popular broadcast HD format.

1080/25p (over 50i)

The 1080/25p format is commonly used for HD video masters of material shot on 35mm film. It is supported by HD-D5 and other high-end equipment. It is possible to record in this format, but it does not allow the use of speed effects because of its fixed frame rate. It also requires the use of high-end editing equipment.

720p (over 50p)

This format, which is used in the DVCPRO HD, is another popular HD broadcast format. The progressive shooting capability also offers smooth compatibility with computer graphics. After editing, it can be converted to 1080/50i, 1080/25p, or 576/50i if necessary. Besides the usual over 50p mode, AG-HPX500 has the recording capability in 720/25p native mode. It offers the advantages of a variable frame rate.

576/50i

Also called 576i, this is the Standard Definition (SD) format used in today's TV broadcasting. It is supported by almost all video equipment, including DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, and DV equipment. It also supports 25p progressive shooting, but its output video signals are all 50i.

AG-HPX500 features all standards.