Panasonic announces Free V2 Firmware Upgrade for AK-HC3800 HD Studio Camera System and AK-HRP200

* Includes IP Control, 720/59.94p Output, and PTZ Paint Control *

SECAUCUS, NJ (March 20, 2013) -- Panasonic has announced a major free firmware upgrade for the new AK-HC3800 studio camera system that supports 720/59.94 output from the studio camera and enables IP control between the AK-HRP200 remote operation panel (ROP) and the AK-HCU200 camera control unit (CCU). The upgrade also allows the ROP to set-up and control up to 19 Panasonic PTZ cameras (such as the AW-HE120, AW-HE60H/S, and AW-HE50H/S) via IP.

The HC3800 camera system also offers standard RS-422 serial control and connectivity between the studio camera, CCU and ROP. With the firmware upgrade, the ROP will deliver direct cabled or IP control of virtually any Panasonic studio or remote HD camera. The addition of IP functionality to the HC3800 camera system provides reduced integration costs, easier remote production and engineering, and lower cost for multiple location systems.

The addition of 720/59.94 output from the AK-HCU200 CCU diversifies recording and transmission choices for operators of the HC3800 system, which can also be switched to allow worldwide use at 1080/59.94i and 1080/50i.

The AK-HC3800 studio camera system, the most cost-effective in its class, features three high-sensitivity 2/3 type 2.2-mega pixel IT CCD sensors and a next-generation, 38-bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) with 16-bit A/D converter. The compact, eight-pound HC3800 is designed to maximize video production quality and workflow productivity, including chromatic aberration compensation (CAC), comprehensive scene file settings, and a sophisticated implementation of Panasonic’s exclusive dynamic range stretch (DRS).

The AK-HRP200 remote operation panel (also called paintbox) offers extensive camera control over serial or IP connections, and SD card memory for easier setup and systems management. With this free version 2.0 firmware upgrade, the HRP200 can also adjust such popular cameras as the AW-HE120, AK-HC1500 (serial only) and many others. Remote lens control of these and other cameras is also available from the HRP200.

The free firmware upgrade will be available in April. To obtain the upgrade, HC3800 and HRP200 customers should contact their Panasonic sales representative.