JVC Introduces Second High Definition Camcorder, Professional Level JY-HD10U

by News Editor
Published on Feb 6, 2003 12:00 AM



JVC has introduced it's second high definition camcorder capable of recording high definition video aimed at the consumer / low-end professional market in less than a week. The JVC JY-HD10U includes a 1.18 million pixel native 16:9 CCD recoding up to 720 30 frames progressive video to a MiniDV tape, compressed in MPEG2 format.

Similar to the JVC GR-HD1 released just four days ago, the GR-HD1 can record in three video formats: 720 horizontal line resolution at 30 frames progressive, 480 horizontal line resolution at 60 frames progressive or 480 horizontal line resolution at 60 frames interlaced. The video is recorded to MiniDV tape via MPEG2 compression. The large, 1/3 in. 1.18 million pixel CCD is not the normal 4:3 aspect ratio, but the widescreen 16:9 ration. This allows the camcorder to record true 16:9 video, instead of stretching or letterboxing as other camcorders have in the past.

The camcorder can upconvert video while playing back to fit an HDTV, upconverting to 1080 interlaced, or it can dowconvert to fit an NTSC television. Either way you can play back the recorded video onto your television. The data stream rate for the camcorder is said to be 19Mbps, and it includes JVC's own video editing software for manipulating the special video - which is not compatible with most current video editing solutions.

The camcorder also includes an optical image stabilizer, two XLR inputs, a Firewire output, a 10x optical zoom, the ability to record stills and MPEG4 video to SD cards, and a newly developed lens. The company did not announcing pricing information on the product, however they did advertise it as ''...a flexible, affordable HD digital camcorder that will make it possible for video professionals at all levels to enter the HD production market.'' The company did say that the JY-HD10U would be available in May.