Alabama Public TV Taps Hitachi Handheld for Studios

Alabama Public Television (APT) is now using three handheld Hitachi SK-3010P HD production cameras for a growing number of local, live studio programs, including a nightly news and public affairs program. The HD hardware also is being used this spring for a 30-minute weekly legislative show and its three annual on-air membership drives.

APT said in a statement its gradual transition to HD will include the selection of an HD production switcher and other peripheral equipment. APT already uses an HD nonlinear editing system and three HD cameras in the field. Alabama's public TV network operations are based in Birmingham, with eight other PBS stations throughout the state.

Hitachi's SK-3010p series cameras offer 720p and 1080/24p native formats, and its 1080i/60 camera includes optional downconverted 720p and 480i video outputs from its camera control unit.