JVC Reduces Everio G Series to Three Models: GZ-MG630, GZ-MG670, GZ-MG680

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The JVC GZ-MG630

January 7, 2009 – JVC announced today three new camcorders in its standard definition hard drive series, the "Everio G Series." The GZ-MG630 ($429 MSRP), GZ-MG670 ($479 MSRP), and GZ-MG680 ($549 MSRP), all feature a 40x zoom and 1/6-inch 800,000-pixel CCD, as well as a number of new features for data management and sharing. Two of the camcorders offer a new feature, upconversion to HD video.

The GZ-MG630 is equipped with a 60GB hard drive, for over 14 hours of video in the highest quality. The GZ-MG670 has an 80GB model for 19 hours of best quality recording. The GZ-MG680 has the largest capacity, 120GB, which stores nearly 29 hours in the highest quality. All three camcorders can expand their recording space with a microSDHC slot.

The MG670 and MG680 models offer the ability to upconvert their native standard definition video to 1920 x 1080. The process, often referred to as "line doubling," is similar to upconverting DVD players: recorded data is interpolated to better fill the screen of large HDTVs. Video can be outputted through a mini-HDMI jack. The net effect of upconverting should look better than simply connecting with AV cables, though a working model has not yet been tested.

All new JVC Everio camcorders include several other new features. Included software allows video clips to be easily  outputted to iTunes and YouTube. Last year, only a single model (the GZ-MS100) included YouTube upload software. Clips can also be edited in-camera to achieve YouTube's 10-minute limit. The included software, which is PC-only, also features a new calendar view of all the recorded clips for faster sorting.

The new Digest Playback is a built-in tool that searches across all the recorded clips to create a "coming attractions" trailer. JVC states that the software does not simply choose a random assemblage, but intelligently pulls representative scenes. JVC has also equipped all the camcorders with instant archiving when used in tandem with Everio Share Station DVD burners.

All new Everio camcorders share the same physical exterior, including both HD and standard definition models. The bodies are rectangular and extremely compact, and feature a new hand strap design that can be stretched and shifted to become a wrist strap instead.

The GZ-MG630 retails for $429 (MSRP) and the GZ-MG670 for $479. Both are expected to ship in January 2009. The GZ-MG680 follows in February for $549. The GZ-MG630 will be available in red, blue, and silver. The GZ-MG670 and GZ-MG680 will only be available in black.