Upgrades for 600 Series Cameras Include Better Low-Light Performance, Brighter LCD
WAYNE, NJ (April 4, 2016) – JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, today introduced two upgraded models in its 600 Series of ProHD mobile news camcorders, including the GY-HM660, the industry’s first streaming camcorder with an integrated IFB return audio channel. Both the GY-HM660, which replaces the current GY-HM650, and the GY-HM620, which replaces the GY-HM600, also feature new CMOS image sensors for greater sensitivity and a brighter LCD display for improved daylight viewing. JVC will demonstrate both models during the 2016 NAB Show (Booth C4314), which runs April 18-21 in Las Vegas, Nev.
“JVC continues to expand our advanced IP technologies,” said Craig Yanagi, product marketing manager, JVC Professional Video. “The new GY-HM660 allows reporters in the field to communicate with the studio through IFB while streaming live HD reports from the field. We’ve also added SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for increased stream reliability.”
When paired with a 4G LTE modem or hotspot, the GY-HM660’s built-in video-over-IP technology delivers high-quality streaming with a choice of resolutions, bit rates, and formats without a backpack transmission system or external encoder. For more reliable streaming, it offers SMPTE 2022 or Zixi forward error correction (FEC), automatic repeat request (ARQ), and adaptive bit rate control. The camera also includes support for Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), which allows a direct connection to a number of content distribution networks (CDNs) including Ustream and YouTube.
Both new cameras feature three new 12-bit CMOS sensors with improved F12 (60Hz) sensitivity for superior low-light performance. The cameras also include an upgraded 3.5-inch LCD display, which can be swiveled for use as a talent monitor, as well as a 1.22 MP LCOS color viewfinder. The integrated Fujinon 23x auto focus zoom lens offers a wide 29-667mm (35mm equivalent) focal range, and includes three ND filters as well as manual zoom, focus, and iris rings.
Designed for news, sports, and independent production, the cameras record HD and SD footage in a variety of file formats – including 1080p/60 and XHQ with virtually lossless 50 Mbps H.264 (.MOV) – to SDHC or SDXC media cards. With two card slots, both cameras support relay mode for uninterrupted recording or simultaneously recording to both cards for instant backup or client copy. The Pre Rec feature can be set to continuously record and store up to 15 seconds of footage in cache memory to help prevent missed shots of breaking events. The GY-HM660 can also record full HD on a memory card while simultaneously streaming footage for live broadcast.
A LANC-based remote interface allows either camera to be controlled remotely for jib or crane shots, or paired with JVC’s DT-X71H ProHD seven-inch portable monitor for use in an affordable studio system. While the cameras include a built-in stereo microphone for capturing natural sound, they also include dual XLR inputs with phantom power, an additional 3.5mm input for a wireless mic receiver, headphone jack, and shotgun mic holder. Other features include HD-SDI and HDMI outputs, as well as a time-code synchronization input.
“The new 600 Series camcorders are built to deliver the best performance for run-and-gun ENG and EFP shooters,” said Yanagi. “They have all the tools you need in the field – a specially designed Fujinon lens with optical image stabilization, excellent low-light performance, and multiple native recording formats for the industry’s fastest shoot-to-edit workflow.”
The GY-HM660 will be available in April 2016 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,495, and the GY-HM620 is expected to ship in June 2016 at an MSRP of $3,195.
About JVC Professional Video
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Video is a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video equipment, as well as D-ILA front projection systems. For more information, visit JVC’s Web site at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582 5825.
