Designed specifically for use with telecine systems and especially within the rapidly growing DI workplace, the AJHDP2000 processor uses JPEG2000 compression, the same compression scheme specified by the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) for cinema release. The AJ-HDP2000 processor accepts 12-bit 4:4:4 "2K" 2048 x 1080 resolution film image data, or 12-bit 4:4:4 sampled 1920 x 1080 HD images, and records to the AJ-HD3700H, AJHD3700A and AJ-HD3700B D-5 HD VTRs for editing, archiving and distribution. Using the advanced compression algorithm, film can be converted to digital data for subsequent processing in advanced DI environments.

The AJ-HDP2000's JPEG2000 wavelet-based compression format ensures that images remain faithful throughout the recording process, and are never subjected to potentially visible dct block based artifacts. The advanced encoding minimizes distortion and resolution degradation and offers optimized bit rate control and increased error tolerance for reliable interchange required in editing. For ease of monitoring and interfacing with more traditional high definition equipment, Panasonic has added a 4:4:4 to 4:2:2 conversion capability.

The numerous Post facilities with capital investments in D-5 will be able to use their current HD3700s, and the workflow that has worked so well for them with existing D-5 HD VTRs can be continued with a simple software upgrade for 2K and HD post-production.

The full audio capability of the D-5 format is maintained, including eight-channel 24-bit recordings, as well as the ability of the system to handle compression audio streams for multi-channel / second language applications. Audio I/O is by means of embedded A-link of dual HD-SDI or AES/EBU I/O in HD VTR. Interconnection from the processor to the D-5 VTR is by mapped compressed data over the D-5's existing HD-SDI input / outputs. The processor accepts dual link SMPTE 372 video / 2K inputs. Time Code in/out is embedded or XLR. Maximum record time is 155 minutes at 24fps HD / 2K modes.

Panasonic D-5 recorders are the de facto standard for HD and SD mastering with substantial investments in the format having been made by major television networks, studios and production facilities in Hollywood, New York, London, and other facilities around the world. In standard definition video applications, the AJ-HD3700B VTR can record and playback both uncompressed 625 line and 525 line digital component video, while in high definition applications, the AJ-HD3700B provides full-bandwidth 4:2:2 digital 10-bit component recording in a wide variety of image sizes and frame rates, assuring the pristine picture quality demanded in digital television mastering.

The AJ-HDP2000 will be available in August 2007 at a suggested list price of $35,000.
For more information on Panasonic's complete HD product line up, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast.

About Panasonic Broadcast
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast and professional video
products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is a unit company of Panasonic Corporation of North America. The
company is the North American headquarters of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) of Japan,
and the hub of its U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations For more information on Panasonic
Broadcast products, access the company's web site at www.panasonic.com/broadcast.