Panasonic Introduces The AW-HE60S/H and AW-HE2 New HD Integrated Cameras

* The Industry's First Full-HD Integrated Pan-Tilt HD/SD Camera Capable of IP Image Monitoring*1 *

To be displayed at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition, "IBC2012 (Europe)"


Amsterdam, Netherlands (September 7, 2012) -- Panasonic Corporation will release the HD integrated cameras, AW-HE60S, AW-HE60H and AW-HE2 in December 2012. The AW-HE60S and AW-HE60H are the first cameras to be capable of IP image monitoring.

The new AW-HE60S and HE60H HD integrated cameras are equipped with a 1/3 type Full-HD MOS sensor and 18x optical zoom lens. Multiple HD/SD format signals can be outputted. The video output interfaces include HD/SD SDI output (AW-HE60S only), HDMI digital video output supporting the 1080p output (AW-HE60H only), analog component (D-sub15 pin) output, and analog composite output. They incorporate the dynamic range stretch (DRS) function to minimize saturation in highlights and blocking in dark areas and the hybrid digital noise reduction (Hybrid DNR) function for suppressing afterimages even in dimly lit situation. They are also equipped with an infrared "Night mode"*2 for shooting at night or in dark places. Furthermore, they incorporate mechanisms for panning of ±175 degrees and tilting between 90 and -30 degrees and preset memories for 100 points.
Alternatively, the AW-HE2 is a low-cost model that incorporates a 1/2.33 type, 14-megapixel MOS sensor and the ultra-high resolution technology to achieve approximately 2x "i.Zoom". Electronic pan/tilt/zoom controls are possible by image cropping. It is equipped with a preset memory for up to nine points. It also features HDMI terminals and can output multiple HD/SD format signals supporting the Full-HD progressive output (1080p).
The AW-HE60S and HE60H can be remotely controlled in serial mode from the remote control panel (AW-RP50) that has been designed for Panasonic's HD integrated cameras. The AW-RP50 or a PC/ Mac can control up to 100 units of the AW-HE60S, HE60H or AW-HE2 via a switching hub through IP connections. The industry's first IP image output function allows IP image to be transmitted to up to 14 terminals*3 per camera.
The AW-HE60S and AW-HE60H will be available in December 2012 at suggested list prices of €4,620 and €3,360 respectively. The AW-HE2 will be available in December 2012 at suggested list price of less than €900.

These products will be placed on display at the European International Broadcasting Equipment Exhibition "IBC2012" to be held at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam from Friday, September 7 to Tuesday, September 11.

*1: AW-HE60S/H only. Supports the industry's first video streaming as a camera integrated with a rotating table (as of August 2012, research by Panasonic)
*2: An optional infrared light is required.
*3: For the AW-HE60S/H. the maximum number of terminals varies depending on the distribution settings. The AW-HE2 can transmit to one terminal only.

Description of the main features of the AW-HE60S and HE60H

1. 1/3-Type Full-HD MOS Sensor and 18x Optical Zoom Lens
The new AW-HE60S and HE60H HD integrated cameras are equipped with a 1/3 type Full-HD MOS sensor and 18x optical zoom lens (36.9 to 664.5 mm, 35 mm equivalent). It also features a 10x digital zoom.
They can output multiple HD/SD format signals. AG-HE60H also supports the Full-HD progressive output (1080p). The video output interfaces include HD/SD SDI output (AW-HE60S only), HDMI (AW-HE60H only) digital video output, analog component (D-sub15 pin) output, and analog composite output.

2. Incorporates DRS, Hybrid DNR and Infrared Night Mode
They feature the dynamic range stretch (DRS) function to minimize saturation in highlights and blocking in dark areas. The gamma curve and knee slope are estimated to match the contrast of each pixel in real time. When dark, bright and intermediate areas are all contained in the same scene, this function produces excellent gradation for each area. The images of results are enhanced by visually wider dynamic range. They also feature the hybrid digital noise reduction (Hybrid DNR) function that allows objects in a dark place to be shot clearly while minimizing afterimages. In addition, they are equipped with infrared "Night mode"* for shooting at night or in dark places. Furthermore, they incorporate mechanisms for panning of ±175 degrees and tilting between 90 and -30 degrees at the maximum speed of 90 degrees per second and preset memories for 100 points.
* An optional infrared light is required.

3. IP Control with IP monitoring
The AW-HE60S and HE60H can be remotely controlled in serial mode from the remote control panel (AW-RP50) that has been designed for Panasonic's HD integrated cameras. IP connection allows control of up to 100 AW-HE60S and/or HE60E units from an AW-RP50 Remote Camera Controller or a PC/Mac via a switching hub. One AW-HE60S or HE60H can be controlled simultaneously by up to five Remote Camera Controllers (AW-RP50) via IP connection. Furthermore, the industry's first IP image output function allows IP image to be transmitted to up to 14 terminals* per camera.
*For the AW-HE60S/H. The maximum number of terminals varies depending on the distribution settings.

4. Compact design for space saving and turn-lock mounting mechanism.
The camera is designed for space saving with a width of 160 mm (6-5/16 inches) and height of 178 mm (7 inches), and weighs only about 1.4 kg (about 3.1 lb) Designed with a form that matches surrounding spaces, and a cable cover prevents clutter. The IP connection that allows LAN cables to be used, lightweight main body, and the turn-lock mechanism that allows the camera system to be configured by one person have achieved excellent connectivity and installability.

Description of main features of the AW-HE2

1. 1/2.33 type 14-megapixel MOS sensor and an ultra-high resolution 2x "i.Zoom."
The AW-HE2 is a low-cost model that incorporates a 1/2.33 type, 14-mega pixel MOS sensor. Approximately 2x zooming is possible from a wide horizontal angle of 95 degrees with the ultra-high resolution technology "i.Zoom." Can expand images up to four times when digital zooming is activated.*
* The picture quality is degraded when the zoom factor is increased.

2. Multiple HD/SD formats including Full-HD progressive signals.
It also features HDMI terminals and can output multiple HD/SD format signals supporting the Full-HD progressive output (1080p). From the HDMI terminals, 1080/59.94p, 1080/50p, 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/25p, 720/59.94p and 720/50p signals as HD, and 480/59.94i and 576/50i signals as SD can be outputted.

3. IP connection supports camera controls (electronic pan/tilt/zoom) and image streaming. Electronic pan/tilt/zoom control is possible with image cropping. It is equipped with a preset memory for up to nine points. The remote control panel AW-RP50 for Panasonic HD integrated cameras or a PC/Mac can control up to 100 units of the AW-HE2N via a switching hub through IP connections. Furthermore, the IP image output function allows IP image to be transmitted to a terminal*.
* The AW-HE2 can transmit to one terminal only.

4. Space saving compact design with a diameter of 55 mm and length of 135 mm.
The space saving and lightweight design with a diameter of 55 mm (2.2 inches) and length of 135 mm (5.3 inches) and main body weight of approximately 0.3 kg (0.7 lb)* allows images to be shot without adversely affecting the atmosphere in the shooting location. The IP connection that allows LAN cables to be used and lightweight main body have resulted in excellent connectivity and installability. In addition to normal DC power supplies, it supports USB bus power supplies (micro B connector). Thus, the power can be supplied from micro USB AC/DC converters for general mobile phones, PCs or TVs equipped with USB terminals.
* Main body only
• The product specifications and design details are subject to change without notice.