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Next-generation camcorder media aimed at professionals, including hard disk drives (HDD) and Blu-ray discs
(BD) vary in shapes and structures. However, their main advantage is probably that the data on the media used
for shooting does not need to be digitized, meaning that it is ready for immediate use in non-linear editing (NLE)
systems. Whereas HDD and BD both require specialized input devices (docking stations or dedicated drives), the
P2 (Professional Plug-in) card system proposed by Matsushita provides the benefits of solid-state memory,
including durability, portability and freedom from mechanical issues. This gives it numerous advantages over
other media as a recording system for professionals. In recent years, a key issue for all production sites has been
ensuring that their recording media works smoothly with their PC systems. In this regard, because they can be
used in existing PC card slots and allow data to be transferred directly to notebook PCs with ease, Matsushita's
P2 cards offer an extremely convenient and efficient media system in comparison with other non-contact media.
A 16 GB P2 card will hold roughly 16 minutes of broadcast-quality HD format 1080i signals using DVCPROHD
mode, or around 40 minutes of 720p mode recording in 24p native mode. Clearly, the key limitation is the short
absolute limit on recording time when compared with existing tape-based recording and other formats. But when
we consider the prospects for future development and the future of the SD memory cards that provide the basic
technology for P2 cards, it is also apparent that these problems are only short-term issues and will soon be
overcome.
And while other media provide only one means of access (recording) for each recording (shot), the P2 system
provides a Hot Swap function that allows multiple cards to be inserted in parallel for sequential recording. This
means that 2 or more P2 cards can be used to record indefinitely without disconnecting the backup line.
Looking at the development roadmap for the future of P2, the capacity is slated to double each year while the
cost per unit of capacity will fall. For instance, with the 32 GB P2 card planned for release at the end of 2007, it
will be possible to shoot continuously for approximately 2 hours on the new AG-HPX500 introduced here, since
that model comes with 4 slots, each of which will store 32 minutes of HD recording. Even on its predecessor the
AG-HVX200, it will be possible to record 1 hour of HD video, recording 32 GB in each of its 2 slots. And given that
later models will support the new AVC-Intra data compression codec, P2 media clearly have a bright future. With
such strong future prospects, the P2 card system will surely become the media of choice for core photography
flow systems at professional sites of the future.
This guidebook is intended primarily for AG-HVX200 users or those who are running tape media operations
(DVCPRO, DVCAM, etc.) with conventional SD, and provides straightforward descriptions of the procedures and
settings for a basic photography, recording and editing system capable of creating and handling HD productions
using the AG-HPX500 and the P2 card system.
P2HD
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AG-HPX500
PRACTICAL GUIDEBOOK