AJ-HPM200

Panasonic’s P2 Mobile already sees wide use in professional broadcasting and video production. Used in OB vans, on desktops and in studios, this mobile recorder is ideal for news gathering and countless other applications. Now the P2 Mobile has evolved further, adding a host of new functions highlighted by network compatibility.
The AJ-HPM200 comes equipped with Gigabit Ethernet and eSATA interfaces for high-speed data transfer. It connects to the Internet, allowing file transfer without a PC. For high-image-quality recording, it comes standard with AVC-Intra, the latest broadcast video codec. The AJ-HPM200 is also the first P2HD device to support the AVCHD codec (the optional AJ-YCX250G codec board is required), which makes it possible to record and play P2HD and AVCHD files, and to convert files between the two formats.
The upgraded AJ-HPM200 also features an enhanced playlist function with easy, intuitive operation, and a newly evolved editor graphical user interface (GUI) that also improves ease of use.
Providing powerful support for P2HD recording, field editing, HD news flash broadcasting through file transfers, data backup and more, the AJ-HPM200 is a high-speed, high-image-quality solution to a wide range of broadcasting and video production needs.

• Comes standard with AVC-Intra codec for high quality 10 bit 4:2:2*¹ images and 24 bit digital audio.
• Equipped with a Gigabit-Ethernet-compatible server/client function for direct network connection.
• Supporting VDCP command in addition to an external VTR control via RS-422A.
• More VTR-like operation and intuitive nonlinear GUI for enhanced editing operation.
• Capable of playing*² content and copying it at high-speed to an external eSATA/USB hard disk drive.
• AVCHD compatibility for simultaneous P2HD/AVCHD recording and cross-conversion (optional).

*1: In AVC-Intra 100 mode.
*2: Play back is based on a best-effort basis. Panasonic does not guarantee smooth playback without frame drops.

AVC-Intra Codec

AVC-Intra is the latest codec that further advances HD production. It complies with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 international standard based on advanced image compression technology, and offers both superb image quality and highly efficient compression. It uses an intra-frame compression system to bring important advantages to professional editing. The AJ-HPM200 can record in AVC-Intra 100 for maximum picture quality or in AVC-Intra 50, which has a lower compression rate, for versatile operation. It also supports DVCPRO HD codec recording.

• AVC-Intra 100: With the same bit rate as DVCPRO HD, this mode supports full 10 bit recording with 1920 x 1080* pixels. It captures master-quality video for high-end video production.

• AVC-Intra 50: This mode delivers video quality very similar to DVCPRO HD with 1440 x 1080* pixels, yet is able to do so at bit rates usually associated with standard definition (e.g., DVCPRO 50). AVC-Intra 50’s lower bit rate doubles the recording time and cuts the transferring time in half.

*These figures are for 1080 mode. The AJ-HPM200 also supports 720p mode.

Up-/Down-/Cross-Conversion

The AJ-HPM200 can convert up or down between HD and SD or cross-convert between 720p and 1080i during playback. It can also up-convert SD input for recording in HD, and it features an aspect conversion function.

* The cross-converter function is disabled during up-conversion recording. During up-conversion recording, the closed caption signal in the SD signal is recorded as a 608-format HD (VANC) signal (59.94 Hz only). The closed caption signal is not output on SDI during up-conversion, down-conversion or cross-conversion playback.

24PsF Compatible, HD/SD Multi-Format

Supporting a wide range of HD formats, such as 1080p, 1080i and 720p, the AJ-HPM200 can be switched to 59.94 Hz or 50 Hz to adapt to the world’s HD broadcasting formats. The AJ-HPM200 supports 1080/24p (30p/25p) recording and playback with the AVC-Intra codec. In HD SDI mode, it supports 1080/24PsF input/output for use in high-end movie production. It also supports SD, and multi-codec recording (DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV) is possible in both NTSC (480i) and PAL (576i).

Input Signals and Corresponding Recording Formats

*1: Settings must be made on the menu screen (system frequency mode).
*2: 2-3, 2-3-3-2 or 2-2 pull-down output signal from P2HD Camera Recorder or DVCPROHD Camera recorder.
*3: N=Native This mode records only effective frames.
*4: Output is produced only when the playback system frequency is set to 23.98 or 59-23.

Gamma Conversion Function for Cinema Production

The AJ-HPM200 provides a simple, low-cost solution for producing cinema or film-like video. It has two modes (GAMMA 1*, GAMMA 2*) for converting source materials recorded using the F.REC mode and gamma curve into video images with a film-like tone. There's also a GAMMA 3 (Cineon) mode for converting data into a gamma curve suitable for film recording.

* Same as the AJ-GBX27G HD gamma corrector’s modes: GAMMA 1 = TELECINE 5 and GAMMA 2 = TELECINE 6

VariCam Speed Effects

The AJ-HPM200 can extract active frames from VFR (variable frame rate) signals output by a VariCam and record them in 720/24p (30p/25p). The built-in monitor lets you check the VFR effect during playback. The AJ-HPM200 can also provide VariCam-like 60p pull-down output (50p from 25p) by playing back a video clip in a P2 card recorded in native 720/24p (30p/25p) by P2HD camera recorders AJ-HPX2700, AG-HPX500 series, the AG-HPX370 series, the AG-HPX170 series, the AG-HPX250 or the AG-HPX255.

Reliable, Low-Cost P2 Card with 64 GB Capacity

The P2 card offers a large capacity of up to 64 GB* in a small, lightweight package. Its rugged design withstands even harsh professional use. It is highly resistant to temperature fluctuations, dust, impact and vibration, and is free of the problems that are common in tapes, such as condensation, head clogging and dropouts. The P2 card promises solid reliability and excellent mobility under the often difficult conditions of field recording. Because data is automatically recorded in blank card spaces, there is no need for cueing and the risk of accidentally overwriting valuable data.

* Total card capacity includes space for data management such as system data; therefore, the actual usable area is less than the capacity indicated on the card.

Advanced Recording Functions Employing Six Card Slots

With its six card slots, the AJ-HPM200 will play a continuous, extended clip recorded in sequence onto six P2 cards. Or, you can mount five P2 cards, and output the playlist editing result to a sixth P2 card.

• Hot-swap recording / playing: The P2 cards can be replaced while recording. Endless recording can be achieved if changing the occupied card to the blank card continuously. During Playback, if a new P2 card is inserted, it will be automatically recognized and played back without a break.

• Loop rec: This function continuously records video data onto available two or more P2 cards. When the cards become full, older data is deleted to free up the recording area,to result in loss-less and endless recording. When used with cameras for time-sensitive information gathering like weather news reporting, the loop rec function holds the latest video data for a predetermined time period.

* For detailed recording times, see the table entitled “Input Signals and Corresponding Recording Formats”.

Clip Copying and Editing

P2 records a scene as a clip (file). To play back or delete a clip, or to check and edit its metadata (file information) or add or delete a shot marker, just select the clip from the thumbnail display on the built-in 228.6 mm (9 inches) LCD monitor. The AJ-HPM200 also provides a number of functions that are convenient in the field, including:

• Clip Copy: The multiple card slots let you copy clips from one P2 card to another. You can copy only the usable scenes to use the card’s capacity more effectively.

• Thumbnail Image Change: At a desired location within a clip, you can change the thumbnail to a different image.

• Text Memo: When recording or previewing a clip, you can attach a memo (similar to a bookmark) at a desired location (up to 100 locations on a frame basis). The simplified editing function lets you copy a segment between memos and create a new clip. Text information can be added to a memo.

• Shot Marker: During or after recording, you can mark each clip with OK, NG or other designation.

Example of a thumbnail list

Clip Metadata Function

A clip’s metadata can contain such information as the camera operator’s name, reporter’s name and shooting location. By adding and recording metadata together with P2 content files, data can be efficiently managed, searched and edited. With the AJ-HPM200, metadata can be edited and created. When using a software keyboard or USB keyboard (optional), text data can be entered easily. You can also create a metadata upload file (produced with P2 Viewer software) on an SD/SDHC card, and load it as clip metadata.

New Playlist Editor GUI for Intuitive Operation

The P2 Mobiles playlist function enables speedy cut editing* of up to 100 events (or a 24-hour timeline). The AJ-HPM200 features an all-new editor GUI. It can simultaneously display player-side (source material) thumbnails or a preview screen on the left side, a recorder-side (timeline) preview screen on the right side, and the timeline at the bottom. This allows smooth, intuitive operation for users familiar with nonlinear editors and users accustomed to conventional DVCPRO laptop editors.

* No transition settings or effects are available. V fade between events can be set only for audio.

Playlistexample 1: Displaying thumbnails	Playlistexample 2: Displaying player side and recorder side playback screens (with the player side selected)

VTR-like editing

Insert and Overwrite editing mode: Inserting an event on the current timeline and overwriting the current timeline with an event modes are available.
Rewrite Edit: Choosing a clip to be edited and overwritten like a VTR is possible. It avoids rendering (edit copy) and allows a quick correction.
Direct Capture function: It lets you set IN and OUT points on the player-side preview screen by controlling an external VTR connected via an RS-422A interface, and register or capture (digitization and clip creation) video footage directly onto the editing timeline. This allows quick P2HD production from tape sources in a linear-like fashion. It can also use the clips on the external HDD connected via eSATA or USB as the editing source.

Playlist Editing Function and Others

• AV Independent Edit: From the video track and four channels audio track, a desired track can be selected and edited independently. Voiceovers for inserting a narration using a microphone is also possible.

• Audio Level Adjustment of Desired Segment: By using the audio fader, the audio level of a desired segment can be adjusted.

• Playlist Export: Playlists can be saved to a P2 card, an external hard disk drive, or an FTP server. In addition, by using the playlist export function, you can export playlists along with their associated clips (including overlapping portions). They can then be converted directly into editing sequence timelines, for post-processing such as adding effects and others, by using a nonlinear editing system that supports the playlist export function.* This allows editing tasks to be coordinated smoothly.

* Compatible systems as of September 2011:
EDIUS 6 from Grass Valley It supports only the playlist which AJ-HPM200 exports to a P2 card.

• Editcopy Function: Playlists can be saved as the files and reused. The editcopy function can also write out the result of playlistas a separate clip. The AJ-HPM200lets you write data that spans multiple P2 cards for extended HD editing. It is also possible to transfer data directly to an FTP server or to write it to an external eSATA/USB hard disk drive.

Versatile Playback Functions Meet Diverse Needs

• Format Auto Playback: This automatically detects the video format and codec for each video clip to playback and output.

• Variable Speed Playback: For slow-motion and double-speed playback.

• Resume Playback: If you press the Stop key during playback, the AJ-HPM200 temporarily “bookmarks” the stop position until another operation is performed. When you press the Play key, playback resumes at the bookmarked position. The bookmark memory is reset when the power is turned off. The Resume Playback function is factory-set to OFF.

• Single-Clip Playback: This convenient function plays back one video clip with a one-touch operation.

•Repeat Playback: For presentations and demonstrations, use the AJ-HPM200 for repeated playback of a selected clip or multiple (but same format) clips. Playback is seamless, with no need for rewinding or cueing. There is no wear or image deterioration even after extended, continuous playback.

• Frame by Frame Playback: In editing mode, use the + or - buttons to move forward or backward one frame at a time.

Menu Settings and User File

Using the crosshair cursor buttons or jog dial, it’s easy to select menu items and make settings on the LCD monitor. A user file containing up to five groups of settings can be saved or loaded. You can assign frequently used menu items to the four PF keys, then select them instantly with the touch of a finger.

Edit Control Panel with Jog/Shuttle Dial and Audio Fader

Like a broadcast editor, the AJ-HPM200 is equipped with a jog and shuttle dial. You can shuttle search at 100x normal speed in forward or reverse and jog search within a range of -1x to +1x speed. Audio can be monitored up to 10x normal speed. Equipped with large audio fader levers, the AJ-HPM200 can be set the playback audio level easily. The control keys of the AJ-HPM200 are similar to those on a conventional editing controller, so you can perform editing operations, such as IN/OUT point registration, cue, review and trim, intuitively and accurately.

Waveform or Vectorscope Display

The AJ-HPM200 has waveform and vectorscope display functions for the playback or input video signal on the LCD monitor. During up-conversion recording, the post-conversion waveform is displayed.

Example of a waveform display

Countdown display

During playback, the time remaining until the end of the clip is displayed by the CTL counter.

Giga Ethernet for FTP Transfers

The AJ-HPM200 is provided with an Ethernet port (1000Base-T/100Base-TX/10Base-T) and features the following network functions. This enables the AJ-HPM200 to connect to a network without using a PC for easy file transfers over the Internet.

• FTP Client Function: This function lets you connect the AJ-HPM200 to an FTP server to send or receive clips to or from the FTP server. You can upload files from a P2 card or external hard disk to an FTP server, or download files from an FTP server to a P2 card or external hard disk. Files can be uploaded or downloaded easily by using thumbnails. SD/SDHC memory card can be transfered card by card only.

• FTP/Samba Server Function: APC can upload (by FTP) or download the files to or from a P2 card in an AJ-HPM200 slot or to or from an external HDD connected to the AJ-HPM200 via network.*¹

• HTTP Server Function: You can view thumbnails and metadata from a PC.*¹

• WWW Browser Function: You can access various web pages*² without a PC. It is also possible to enter authentication information (ID and password) for network access.

*1: SD/SDHC memory cards cannot be accessed.
*2: Some web pages may not be displayed properly due to content. Download functions on web pages cannot be used. Video clips on web pages or linked video files cannot be played.

eSATA/USB2.0-Compatible HDD Host Function

In addition to USB, the AJ-HPM200 comes with an eSATA interface. This enables high-speed backup copying and data restoration at up to about 4x normal speed using an eSATA hard-disk drive. The maximum data transfer speed of the USB 2.0 port has been increased to approximately 2x normal speed. In device mode, the AJ-HPM200 can be used as a P2 card drive of a PC (nonlinear editor).

Playback and Editing of Source Materials on a Hard Disk

Source materials on an external hard disk connected via eSATA or USB 2.0 can be played* back smoothly from thumbnails. If the data reading speed decreases temporarily due to vibration or when using a low-speed hard disk, it is possible to output only audio for continuous playback. Source materials on a hard disk can also be used in playlist editing, just like source materials on a P2 card.

* Playback is based on a best-effort basis. Panasonic does not guarantee smooth playback without frame drops.

AVCHD Recording/Playback and P2HD/AVCHD Conversion (Option)

The AJ-HPM200 is the first P2HD recorder to offer compatibility with low bit rate AVCHD. When equipped with the optional AJ-YCX250G AVCHD codec board, the AJ-HPM200 can record and play back AVCHD files on an SD/SDHC memory card. It can also convert and copy files between P2HD and AVCHD at normal speed.

• AVCHD Data Playback Output: AVCHD can be played back on the built-in monitor and output from the HD SDI terminal. This function is useful for using an AVCCAM camera recorder or consumer AVCHD camera recorder.

• P2HD/AVCHD Simultaneous Recording: HD SDI input can be recorded on a P2 card in the AVC-Intra/DVCPRO HD format and AVCHD format simultaneously. It is not possible to record in AVCHD format only.

*Use of DCF Technologies under license from Multi-Format, Inc.

• AVCHD to P2HD Conversion: Clips recorded by an AVCCAM camera recorder can be converted and copied into the AVC-Intra/DVCPRO HD format for use in playlist editing with the AJ-HPM200 or a P2HD-compatible nonlinear editor.

• P2HD to AVCHD Conversion: By copying P2HD clips into lowrate AVCHD files, it is possible to perform transfer clips to a server at high speed or perform offline editing at high speed.

*The clip metadata will not be copied by conversion copying.
*The use of DCF Technologies is under license from Multi-Format, Inc.

RS-422A Remote (supporting VDCP command)

The AJ-HPM200 is equipped with an RS-422A remote terminal same as a broadcasting VTR. Using an external controller, this lets you operate* the AJ-HPM200 as an editor-player. It also supports VDCP (Video Disk Control Protocol) command in addition to an external VTR control and allows a server-like operation to supply clip-list or be played back by specified clip ID.

*Remote control with the RS-422A interface is not possible in AVCHD mode.

24* bit/48 kHz High-Quality Digital Audio

The AVC-Intra mode supports recording and playback of four channels of 24 bit high-quality digital audio with a sampling rate of 48 kHz. DVCPRO HD supports recording and playback of eight channels 16 bit digital audio with a sampling rate of 48 kHz. The AJ-HPM200 is equipped with AES/EBU digital audio input and output terminals (BNC jacks) for easy connection of digital audio equipment or a digital VTR. SDI embedded audio is also supported. In SD mode, recording and playback of up to four channels is supported for the DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, and DV codecs.

*When recording in AVC-Intra 100 / 50 only. For playback, equipment or software compatible with 24 bit audio is required.

Rugged Casing

With its rugged casing and magnesium die-cast frame, the AJ-HPM200 is tough enough for go-anywhere field production. The rear connector section is protected by a cover. With the editing panel closed, the AJ-HPM200 is the size of a large briefcase and comes equipped with a metal handle for easy carrying. You can take it onboard an airplane as a carry-on.

SD/SDHC Memory Card Slot

When using an SD/SDHC memory card, metadata can be imported and AVCHD files can be recorded and played*.

*Optional AJ-YCX250G AVCHD codec board is required.

Serial Digital Interface

The AJ-HPM200 has broadcast-standard SDI (HD/SD) input and output terminals. This allows it to handle a variety of operations, such as line recordings, studio production and on-air broadcasting.

* The input system can be separately selected for video and audio with the Input Select key on the front panel.
* The output supports display of titles and thumbnails.
* To use linked and automatic recording, the function must be supported by the connected camera recorder. For details, please visit "Other manufacturers' ”AUTO REC” verified Camera list ".

AC/DC

The versatile AJ-HPM200 runs on either 100 to 240 V AC or 12 V DC. Plug it in and you have an outstanding desktop recorder, or take the AJ-HPM200 outside and mount it in an OB van or carry it right into the field.

IEEE 1394 Digital Interface

An IEEE 1394 digital interface comes standard on the AJ-HPM200. Connect a DVCPRO HD camera recorder / VTR, and the AJ-HPM200 can input or output a DVCPRO-compressed stream with no image degradation.

* Input/output is possible only when the system frequency mode is set to 59.94/50 Hz. Input/output is not possible in AVC-Intra and AVCHD mode.

Analog Input/Output

The AJ-HPM200 is equipped with various analog I/Os: Composite In, Composite Out, Audio In/Out (four channels), Audio Monitor Out (two channels), Time Code In/Out and Reference Video In.

Field Recording: As a Viewer and Editor

The AJ-HPM200 is extremely versatile. It can be used to preview P2HD recordings, field edit using the playlist function, and make backups on another memory card or external hard disk. When equipped with the optional AJ-YCX250G AVCHD codec board, the AJ-HPM200 can be used to view video recorded with an AVCCAM camera recorder or consumer-type AVCHD camera recorder or to convert files to or from the P2 format. The AJ-HPM200 easily operates in a mixed P2 and AVCHD environment.

Field Acquisition: HD Newsflash Broadcasts via Internet Transfer

Equipped with an FTP client function, the AJ-HPM200 can connect directly to the Internet via Gigabit Ethernet. This lets you transfer files to the server of a broadcasting station. By converting files from P2HD to AVCHD (when equipped with the optional AJ-YCX250G AVCHD codec board), files can be transferred at high speed for newsflash broadcasts in HD.

In Editing Studios: Interfacing with Both Linear and Nonlinear Systems

When connected to a nonlinear editor via USB 2.0, the AJ-HPM200 serves as a P2 drive.* The RS-422A terminal lets you control a VTR player, while the Direct Capture function simplifies the production of P2 files from tape sources. The AJ-HPM200 helps to shift from tape-based to file-based workflows.

*PCs must be installed with the included P2 driver in order to mount P2 cards. For editing, PCs must be installed with P2-compatible editing software available from various companies. Read "Notes Regarding the Handling of P2 Files Using a PC".

OB Van: Immediate Processing of Recordings

Compact, lightweight and versatile, the AJ-HPM200 lets you make effective use of the limited space in an OB van. Use it to make line recordings of SDI (HD/SD) input data, or for digital tape-to-card copying of DVCPRO HD data input via IEEE 1394. The AJ-HPM200 can combine the input content with a source recorded on a P2 card for relay broadcasts, and it expedites playlist transmission.

Cinema-Like Production: 1080/24p Recording from Digital Cinema Cameras

The AJ-HPM200 can record signals from a digital cinema camera via the 1080/24PsF interface in native 1080/24p format using the AVC-Intra 100 or AVC-Intra 50 codec. It can also input signals of 720/24p over 60p from a VariCam and record them in native 24p.
P2 cards containing 1080/24p recorded by the P2HD camera recorder can be inserted into the AJ-HPM200 for direct transfer. The versatility of the AJ-HPM200 responds to a wide range of cinema and cinema-like program production needs.