JVC's New Connected Cam Series Streams HD Video over IP

JVC's first CONNECTED CAM, the GY-HC900 2/3-inch broadcast camcorder launched at the 2018 NAB show, has now grown into a product line, the new 500 Series of streaming handheld camcorders. The three new cameras - the GY‑HC500 base model, GY‑HC550 with advanced streaming and graphics and GY-HC500SPC sports production camera – will be introduced at NAB Show New York, 17-18 October 2018 in New York City.

Connectivity for video crews is the primary purpose of JVC’s IP-based production gear. CONNECTED CAM models are also designed to optimise image processing and IP performance. Designed for live IP production and high-resolution 4K acquisition, the 500 Series cameras can record to solid state drive (SSD) media in many different formats, including 10-bit ProRes 422 at 4K and 50/60p frame rates. A number of other codecs and recording formats supporting diverse workflows are also available including H.264 and MPEG-2.

All three 500 Series cameras are built with dual SDHC/SDXC media card slots with redundant, relay, backup and proxy recording modes. Users can choose regular SD cards, or SSD for consistent production quality recording – or record to SSD in 4K while simultaneously recording HD or proxy files to SD media. During production, any or all of the clips can be uploaded via Auto FTP, which schedules and automates file transfers.

Streaming Options

The cameras can stream 1080p video at up to 20 Mbps, using SMPTE 2022 forward error correction (FEC). Should video packets be affected by bit errors during transport, FEC adds redundancy to enable the reconstruction of some packets. When used with JVC's ProHD Bridge bonded cellular hotspots, all models can achieve bi-directional live streaming with low latency of less than 500ms, and return video and IFB (interruptible feedback). The hotspots bond multiple cellular and Wi-Fi connections to send digital video at greater speeds than are achievable with a single modem. 

The GY-HC550 has dual external antennas as well, with built-in wireless LAN, integrated GPS and error correction from Zixi live IP video distribution with automatic repeat request (ARQ).

The 500 Series cameras can be used as a complete production-over-IP workflow system in a compact device. With the GY‑HM550, for example, stations can deliver live coverage of breaking news in the field without a satellite or microwave truck, or output single-camera live coverage of regional sporting events complete with graphics without a mobile production unit. For coaching purposes, the GY‑HM500SPC captures 4K/60p images suitable for use with critical video analysis systems.

Video Specifications

The 500 Series cameras contain a new 1-inch 4K CMOS imager and integrated 20x zoom lens with three-ring control and built-in ND filters. When shooting in HD, lossless 40x dynamic zoom is possible. The cameras can achieve up to 12 stops of dynamic range with high sensitivity and low noise.

Users can record HDR footage in the HLG (hybrid log gamma) mode or 10-bit J-Log mode, which expands dynamic range by 800 percent with film-like latitude. The cameras also record in a variety of native 4K UHD and HD file formats, and support 120 fps slow-motion HD recording. The GY-HC550 records in MPEG-2 and MXF as well.

In-Camera Graphics

Both the GY-HC550 and GY-HM500SPC include integrated lower-third and full-screen titling options for recorded or streamed video output without an external character generator. The GY‑HC500SPC also comes with professionally designed, high-resolution score overlays for a number of sports. Users can add logos or icons to customise the graphics. Camera operators can update scores using a wi-fi connected smartphone or tablet, or receive real-time data automatically in venues where a Sportzcast Scorebot is integrated with the scoreboard.

The 500 Series include a four-inch, high-resolution LCD screen for menu navigation, LCOS viewfinder, dual XLR inputs, 3G-SDI and HDMI video outputs, M.2 drive slot for external SSD recording and future enhancements, and IPX2 water resistant rating for operation in inclement weather. The cameras are expected to ship in January 2019, with a price starting at US$3,900 for the GY-HC500. http://pro.jvc.com