JVC Displays High Definition Recording Consumer Level Camcorder at CEATEC Japan

The camcorder (which to our knowledge does not yet have a model number) can record in 720 x 480 progressive video in a 16:9 aspect ratio, 1280 x 720 progressive video in a 16:9 aspect ratio, as well as standard 720 x 480 MiniDV interlaced video. The first two video sizes are HD standard. The new camcorder records the video as MPEG-2 digital video onto new, special MiniDV tapes.

The camcorder has a 1/3 in. Megapixel CCD. Whether or not the camcorder has one or three CCD's is unclear. JVC said that the camcorder includes a special high definition lens as well as optical image stabilization. The camcorder has a ''rotary grip'' where the body of the camcorder can rotate around the grip, somewhat like Sharp Viewcams, however the camcorder is still in standard horizontal format. The camcorder's size is similar to that of the Sony VX2000 or the Canon GL2.

The camcorder can transfer the digital video to a computer, although we are not sure if this transfer is done through a standard Firewire port. The camcorder has a SD card slot for digital stills and possibly for recording video to. It appears as though the camcorder has both a zoom ring and a focus ring on the lens.

HD is the next step in video innovation. HD was agreed on by video and camcorder manufacturers as well as by broadcasters as the standard for digital video transmission. Although adoption of the format has not been as strong as anticipated, there are many HD capable television available and it is the direction the broadcast industry is moving.

Many people have complained that innovations in the camcorder industry over the past few years have been dubious at best. Many claim that manufacturers have been working to increase digital still performance, and adding features like internet access to camcorders without significantly improving the quality of the video over the past three years. Adding the ability to record in HD is unquestionably a huge jump in video quality.

Many in the camcorder industry are highly anticipating the Panasonic AG-DVX10, the first consumer camcorder to record 24 frames per second progressive video at a 16:9 aspect ratio. 24 progressive is the same format that film is recorded in, so the camcorder produces more of a film look than standard camcorder would. The AG-DVX100 is being considered a huge leap in innovation for consumer camcorders. If JVC brings this new model to the US any time soon, it is likely to overshadow and hurt sales of the AG-DVX100.

Standard US video (called NTSC) records at 60 frames per second, however every other line is recorded every other frame. This is called interlaced video. Progressive video on the other hand records all the lines of video every frame, however it only records 30 frames per second. Progressive video is considered better than interlaced video because in general it looks much better. Interlaced video was actually only accepted as a standard a long time ago because the NTSC had to do something to decrease the amount of information in a TV signal to broadcast it over the air waves.

JVC says the camcorder will available in the next year, for 200,000 - 300,000 yen or approximately $1,623.38 to $2,435.06 dollars.