GFCAM FLASH-MEMORY TAPELESS ENG SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS IKEGAMI‘S NEW PRODUCTS AT NAB 2008

LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER, BOOTH C-4228, APRIL 14-17, 2008--Ikegami, which introduced the industry‘s first tapeless camcorder at NAB 1995, will debut its revolutionary Flash-based system at NAB 2008 in response to industry demand for a lower-cost tapeless HD ENG solution. Developed in cooperation with Toshiba (a world leader in Flash memory), the GFCAM system includes the GFCAM HDS-V10 tapeless camcorder, the GFSTATION GFS-V10 studio deck, and GFPAK high-capacity Flash media to record more than two hours of HD video. The GFCAM tapeless HD ENG system--which features an open-codec HD/SD architecture, proxy video, and metadata convenience--leverages the increasing integration of IT networking in the broadcast industry and delivers unprecedented file-based HD workflow efficiencies extending from digital video capture, to non-linear editing, to content delivery.

The GFCAM system‘s HDS-V10 tapeless camcorder is an advanced yet affordable three-CCD model providing 1080i/720p HDTV format support, multiple digital recording modes, and such advanced features as Retro Loop recording so videographers never miss a shot. The GFSTATION GFS-V10 studio deck is a Flash-based central video management and recording system with extensive connectivity that even includes a front-mounted USB port. Both the GFCAM and GFSTATION use GFPAK media, a removable Flash memory cartridge with up to 64GB capacity and a convenient USB port for access to file-based video even when GFPAK is not installed in either the camcorder or the deck.

The advanced network connectivity of all GFCAM system components creates the industry‘s newest, highly efficient, highly productive, and affordable tapeless HD environment, which is engineered to meet the demands of broadcast news and digital media professionals. Ikegami will demonstrate the GFCAM system‘s totally tapeless workflow at NAB 2008, starting with GFCAM HDS-V10 acquisition and finishing with archiving that uses advanced new third-party holographic technology.

HD Cameras

Ikegami‘s decades of leadership and innovation in HD camera technology will be further evidenced at NAB 2008 with the introduction of its new and affordable HDK-77EX HDTV studio camera. A product the broadcast industry has been demanding, the HDK-77EX employees 2/3-inch 2.2 million pixel IT CCDs, 14-bit A/D converters, and Ikegami‘s Chip C4 advanced digital signal processing ASIC to deliver the performance customers expect from an Ikegami HD studio camera. The camera includes an integrated fiber camera cable system for perfect signal transmission to the compact and cost effective BS-89 base station. With its front and rear plug-in modular design, the BS-89 can be ordered with just the right compliment of signal interfaces required.

Ikegami‘s leadership in camera technology has long made the brand a favorite in sports and mobile production, in TV studios, and for ENG applications. New and established HD cameras being shown at NAB 2008 include: portable models, companion systems that convert from portable to studio/field use with a System Expander kit, and POV (point-of-view) “box” cameras for goal-post, airborne, and other specialized applications. All of Ikegami‘s HD cameras employ the latest electronic innovations, with many featuring advanced CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors) imagers, which provide reduced power consumption, multi-format HD video capture, and high-speed imaging capabilities.

Ikegami CMOS-equipped HD cameras being exhibited at NAB 2008 include the flagship HDK-79EC Native Multi-format HD CMOS Camera System for field and studio use. Its three 2/3-inch 2.5 Mega-pixel 1920H x 1080V CMOS imaging sensors are switchable between native interlace and progressive readout modes and provide: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, and 720/60p performance. Also available are optional 50Hz formats, 1080/50i and 720/50p, and high-speed dual-link 1080/60p, and for Super Slow Motion, 720/120i. The docking style body of the HDK-79EC allows easy swap between fiber and triax camera cable by simply mounting the FA fiber adapter or TA triax adapter on the camera and throwing a switch at the CCU-890 side.

Ikegami‘s HDL-50 series one-piece end-to-end digital POV cameras also employ newly developed 2.5 Mega-pixel CMOS sensors for native multi-format HD operation, including 1080/59.94i and 720/59.94p directly from the camera head (the HDL-51 sister-model POV camera supports native 1080/23.98p format operation as well). The HDL-F50, meanwhile, is designed to meet the size and signal-transportation requirements for gyro-stabilized aerial camera mounts. The HDN-X10 Editcam HD tapeless camcorder for high end multi-format HD production (such as 24p digital filmmaking) also employs Ikegami CMOS imager technology.

Additional Ikegami HD cameras being exhibited at NAB 2008 include the sophisticated HDK-790 EXIII Full Digital HDTV studio camera system and its portable companion, the HDK-79 EXIII, which employ new 2/3-inch native 1080i AIT CCD image sensors, and offer exceptionally quiet pictures with 60dB SNR (in HD) to meet the requirements of both HDTV and SDTV production. Elsewhere in Ikegami‘s NAB 2008 exhibit, the HDK-727 and HDK-727P, native 720p Full Digital HDTV studio and portable companion cameras, will be displayed for 720p users looking for the highest sensitivity and SNR.

LCD HD Monitors

Long known as a premier manufacturer of broadcast video monitors, Ikegami‘s NAB 2008 exhibit will include the company‘s line of reference-grade multi-format LCD HDTV displays. Ikegami's growing line of multi-format color LCD HDTV/SDTV monitors provide a space-saving, compact solution for the full range of broadcast and professional applications, such as mobile production vehicles and studio control rooms.

At NAB 2008 Ikegami will unveil the HLM-1711R, a 17-inch HD/SD multi-format color monitor that integrates a revolutionary new LCD panel featuring a significantly improved critical viewing angle. The new HLM-1711R also provides improved rendition of flesh tones and other colors that demand critical evaluation in broadcast television and professional video studios.

Another Ikegami NAB 2008 video-monitor introduction is the 9-inch HLM-920WR multi-format HD/SD LCD with 16 x 9 aspect ratio to maximize space utilization in today's HD production applications. For Ikegami manufactured LCD monitors, the full line includes sizes from 9 to 26 inches.

HD/SD Production Switchers

Complementing its full line of HD cameras is Ikegami‘s HSS-3000 Next-Generation, full-size HD/SD Large Production Switcher and its smaller counterpart, the new HSS-300 Compact Production Switcher with 2ME and 1ME control panels. The HSS-3000 can input HD or SD SDI signals; a total of 96 inputs and 64 outputs can be supported, with all output signals fully assignable. The HSS-3000 offers three and four M/E's (Mix/Effects buses) versions, with a two-channel DVE built into each M/E for basic programmable effects. High-flexibility key control, an LCD Touch Screen for easy set-up of complicated effect sequences, an optional frame store, external machine control, and extensive networking capabilities make the HSS-3000 the perfect production switcher for high-end broadcast applications in the coming HD/SD DTV era. The HSS-300 Compact Production Switcher is based on the same technology as that used in the HSS-3000, and is available in one- and two-M/E versions.

Holographic Archiving

Responding to the growing need for stable, economical HD video archiving, Ikegami will display the HDS-300R external holographic drive, which enables users of Ikegami‘s GFCAM tapeless HD ENG system or Ikegami‘s Editcam3 or EditcamHD tapeless camcorders to transfer edited or camera-original video content via network interfaces to highly stable 300GB cartridges with all the advantages of tapeless nonlinear archiving and retrieval. This emerging holographic technology boasts a roadmap with large strides in increasing capacity and speed on the same cost effective DVD-sized discs.

These and other revolutionary new and established Ikegami products will be exhibited throughout NAB 2008 at Booth No. C-4228 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 14 to 17.

Ikegami Electronics (U.S.A.), Inc. is a leading supplier of professional broadcasting products in the Western Hemisphere. With U.S. offices in New Jersey, California, Florida, Texas, and Illinois, the Ikegami name is recognized worldwide for its state-of-the-art television cameras and closed-circuit TV equipment. Ikegami‘s universal High Definition TV cameras have been widely accepted by the broadcast industry as it continues the transition to the High Definition Television Format.

Ikegami--“Tapeless Wireless Seamless”

For more information and the location of the Regional Office nearest you, call Ikegami‘s Maywood NJ headquarters at 201-368-9171 or visit www.Ikegami.com.

Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

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