JVC Professional Video has 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 audio channel. With the ever increasing demand for live news, the inclusion of integrated IFB in the GY-HM660, coupled with live streaming capability makes this camera a very interesting proposition for TV broadcasters. For those of you who are not familiar with iFB, it allows for reporters in the field to communicate directly with studio when doing live broadcasts.
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 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 in Las Vegas.
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 20 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 Craig Yanagi, product marketing manager, JVC Professional Video. “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 and will will retail for $5,495.00US. The GY-HM620 is expected to ship in June 2016.
GY-HM660 Features
Newly designed 1/3-inch 12-bit CMOS sensors (1920 x 1080 x 3)
F12 Sensitivity —Improved
23x Fujinon Auto focus zoom lens with manual functions
F1.6-3.0, 23x, f=4.1-94.3mm (35mm conversion:29 to 667mm)
Optical image stabilizer
3 position ND filter (1/4, 1/16, 1/64)
0.45-inch 1.22M pixel color viewfinder
New, brighter 3.5-inch 920K pixel LCD display with focus assist —Upgraded
SDXC/SDHC memory card recording(2 slots for dual-backup, continuous recording)
Large file size support with SDXC card
50Mbps H.264 Extreme High Quality mode (XHQ)
Dual Codec: Recording simultaneously HD + SD or HD + 480 x 270 (for Web delivery)
Live streaming w/advanced Zixi error correction and adaptive bitrate control
SMPTE 2022 Forward Error Correction —New Feature!
Streaming withstands up to 50% packet loss in new high reliability mode—New Feature!
RTMP protocol lets you stream directly to USTREAM, YouTube
High bitrate streaming (up to 12 Mbps)
Background FTP clip transfers while recording
Clip trimmer (basic editor)
Multiple encoding formats:
HD MPEG2 (35/25/19Mbps)
AVCHD 1920×1080 60i
1080/60p recording capability
SD H.264
480×270 H.264 (web)
960×540 H.264 mode
Wide media format compatibility:
.MXF with rich Metadata (optimized for asset management)
.MOV (Final Cut Pro)
.MP4 (XDCAM EX™)
AVCHD with additional lower bitrate AVCHD modes
Professional switch layout and comprehensive video settings
Pre Rec (retro) mode (15 sec.)
Interval (time lapse) recording
Built-in stereo microphone
Interruptable Foldback (IFB) audio channel* —New Feature!
2-channel balanced audio inputs (mic/line switchable) w/phantom power supply
HD/SD-SDI, HDMI Outputs
Wired remote control connector (LANC/Control-L)
Record UTC and position from built-in GPS
Enhanced web interface for remote viewing of camera images & wireless remote control from a smartphone, tablet or PC
Compatible with ProHD Broadcaster and Cloud server
Extensive metadata recording capability. Even allows insertion of metadata from remote web client!
FTP file upload via WiFi or Broadband
Secure FTP (SFTP or FTPS)
High performance 2D DNR
Click here to compare the differences between JVC ProHD and 4KCAM Camcorders
*IFB return audio feature available June 2016
