Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 21, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The GY-HM790 is equipped with three 1/3-inch CCDs that permit a lighter and more compact design, resulting in better mobility on location and greater flexibility with camera remote-control systems in the studio. The camcorder produces 1920 x 1080 images and can record in 1080i, 720p and even SD (480i) for productions not yet working in HD. The recording rate can be selected as 35 Mbps (HQ mode / variable bit rate) or 19 Mbps / 25 Mbps (SP mode / constant bit rate). Although the camera is supplied with a Canon 14x zoom lens, the 1/3-inch bayonet lens mount allows a wide variety of other optics to be used.
The GY-HM790 uses the successful tapeless recording process introduced with the GY-HM700 and has two slots for recording onto inexpensive, widely available SDHC memory cards (Class 6 and 10). The native recording technology developed by JVC enables recording in formats that can be edited directly in Apple Final Cut Pro (.mov) and other leading NLE systems (.mp4) compatible with the Sony XDCAM EX workflow.
The optional ASI output module delivers the camera signal directly to the satellite uplink or microwave transmitter via BNC (no “black-box interface” required), enabling live transmission of HD video from the recording location. Further ENG features of the GY-HM790 include an analogue “SD pool feed” input, a 4.3-inch LCD display and a high-resolution 1.2-megapixel LCOS viewfinder. Two XLR inputs with phantom power enable uncompressed LPCM audio to be recorded with manually operated level controls.
“The excellent image quality of the GY-HM790, combined with its versatility for both studio and ENG use, makes it an attractive camcorder for broadcasters in every market segment,” said Craig Yanagi, Manager of Marketing and Brand Strategy, JVC Professional Products, USA. “In addition, our optional ASI module makes producing true HD programmes on location easier than ever before. The GY-HM790 can do more than make great pictures; it literally changes the way live news can be produced.”
The GY-HM790’s HD/SD-SDI output provides an uncompressed 4:2:2 Full HD signal for live monitoring. The FireWire port delivers SD signals or the HDV stream, allowing very inexpensive backup copies of recordings to be made with an HDD recorder. An optional SxS memory-card recorder can be connected directly to the camcorder, enabling simultaneous recording onto SDHC cards and SxS media.
Through its improved image quality and easier integration into a studio setup, the new GY-HM790 also expands the possible studio uses of JVC’s popular GY-HD250 camera. The redesigned studio adapter sled follows a modular concept for connecting multicore and fibre-optic components via a simplified interface. Modules can be connected directly to the camera without external cabling, allowing them to be used either with the studio adapter sled or in the shoulder configuration. The modular approach also permits the development of further modules to support future technologies.
Further new features for studio or multi-camera use include timecode in/out and genlock. JVC also offers a complete range of accessories, including a camera remote-control unit, an 8.4-inch studio viewfinder monitor and a multi-input video mixer.
Delivery of the GY-HM790 is planned for summer 2010.
