NAB. JVC has defined the ENG line for a decade with its ProHD segment of cameras and accessories. NAB Show 2015 marked the celebration of its tenth anniversary.
When ProHD was originally introduced in 1995 – back when tape was still the prominent recording medium in the industry – JVC representatives spent a lot of time explaining that ProHD was not a new tape format. It was a product line based on a philosophy, an approach to ENG and production workflows anchored in non-specific digital media, open architectures, long GOP compression and low bitrates for manageable file sizes, and reasonable pricing.
By the time JVC introduced tapeless ProHD cameras with native file workflows, which uses SD memory cards instead of proprietary registration systems, JVC's HD had already finished the days of $30,000 ENG cameras and $100,000 studio cameras.
In 2012, JVC ushered in the era of IP-based newsgathering with its 600 ProHD Camera Series. Today, channels using JVC have incorporated streaming capabilities – paired with 4G LTE modems or mobile hotspots, as is the case with NBC and CBS, to name just two examples.
JVC's ProHD lineup continues to evolve, with lightweight but durable (and ergonomically sounding) video cameras, compact portable cameras, and mobile news cameras. Later this year, JVC will provide firmware updates for its streaming video cameras that include adaptive bitrate technology for the most reliable transmission, RTMP support that allows a direct connection to a number of content delivery networks (CDNs) for live streaming, and a high-quality 12 Mbps mode.
JVC launched at NAB 4KCAM, a complementary camera line that adheres to many of the same ProHD principles. It was designed to empower visual creativity for all levels of professional production and photography, combining the latest advances in 4K imaging with efficient coding for seamless workflow integration. Each camera in the current product line is designed to fit a variety of workflows, with recording options for 4K Ultra HD, HD and SD, as well as two SDHC/SDXC slots, LCD display and color viewfinder and two-channel audio recording.
The flagship camera of the 4KCAM product line is the GY-LS300, designed for filmmakers, documentarians, and broadcast production departments. It features JVC Super 35 4K CMOS sensor and standard Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mounting lens. Scan variable JVC mapping technology electronically adapts the Active Zone of the Super 35 sensor to provide native SUPPORT for PL lenses and EF mount, among many others. As a result, the camera offers almost unlimited lens options.
