NEW JVC HD EVERIO CAMCORDERS OFFER HIGH-PERFORMANCE, COMPACT DESIGN & 1080p60 HDMI OUTPUT
January 31, 2008
JVC recently announced a pair of new high definition Everio hard disk camcorders that offer industry-leading picture quality in a dramatically reduced size. The new JVC GZ-HD6 and GZ-HD5 HD camcorders are 45 percent smaller than JVC’s previous top-end HD camcorder, the GZ-HD7, without any sacrifice in image quality.
To provide the best possible quality, both new HD camcorders feature a FUJINON HD lens, a progressive scan 3CCD imaging system and JVC’s HD Gigabrid engine that delivers 1920 x 1080 Full HD recording. In addition, they offer 1080p 60 frame per second output via HDMI 1.3 with x.v.Color™. Collectively these technologies capture and maintain optimum image quality for videos and stills through every stage, from the lens on through to recording. Both camcorders offer a long recording time in 1920 x 1080 Full HD – 10 hours for the 120GB GZ-HD6 and five hours for the 60GB GZ-HD5. They record up to 24 (GZ-HD6) or 12 (GZ-HD5) hours in the 1440 LP mode. Recordings are stored on either the built-in hard disk drive or on an inserted microSD card (optional). Both models also offer a microphone input and a wide range of manual controls. The black GZ-HD6 also features a lens hood and headphone jack. The smaller silver GZ-HD5 weighs just 1 lb 3.9 oz with battery.
The GZ-HD6/HD5 also come supplied with a full set of Windows® applications for editing and authoring to DVD and Blu-ray disc, as well as plug-in software to facilitate data import into various Macintosh applications. And to make it easy to share and archive recordings, JVC will continue to offer the CU-VD40 Everio SHARE STATION for HD which enables one-button burning of video data to DVD.
FUJINON HD Lens
The HD Everio GZ-HD6/HD5 feature an F1.8-F1.9 10x zoom lens that offers nearly the same brightness throughout its 39.5~395 35mm equivalent (f=3.3mm~33mm) zoom range by virtue of its three aspherical lens elements, one made of indexed glass. In addition, the lens surface is coated with a new Electronic Beam Coating (EBC) that greatly reduces degradation caused by light reflecting off the lens surfaces, leading to greater light transmission and reduced flaring and ghosting. This HD lens was specifically designed by FUJINON, a leader in the professional camera lens market for HD moving images, in conjunction with JVC engineers to offer optimal characteristics for the camcorder’s Progressive Scan 3CCD system. In addition, to ensure precise prism/CCD registration, JVC has incorporated FUJINON mounting technology used in professional camcorders.
Progressive Scan 3CCD System
For bright, realistic colors the HD Everio camcorders use three 1/5-inch CCDs – one each for the primary colors red, green and blue, incorporating 16:9 progressive scan CCDs. This voluminous raw information is then processed using pixel shift technology to essentially quadruple the pixel count to create an even more detailed image, providing 2.27 Megapixels total and 2.14 Megapixels effective resolution.
1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
Using the highest quality FHD recording mode, the user can record approximately 10 hours (120GB model) or five hours (60GB model) of full HD 1920 x 1080 MPEG2 Transport Stream video with MPEG 1 Layer 2 audio. This is truly native HDTV resolution that requires no conversion on the part of the display device to show high definition images.
Also, because it records in the MPEG2 Transport Stream video format, HD Everio recordings can be archived onto Blu-ray discs using provided software and a high definition Blu-ray recorder.
HD Gigabrid Engine
? JVC’s new HD Gigabrid video engine, which processes in full 1920 x 1080 progressive video, is the result of years of experience in signal-processing technology, and uses five digital noise-reduction algorithms as well as signal processing to improve vertical scan resolution by approximately 30 percent over JVC’s previous interlace technology for an extremely clear and sharp image.
1080p 60 Frame per second Progressive Output Function
By enabling output of a 1080p 60 fps progressive signal, this function enables HD Everio’s recordings to be enjoyed on high-end displays. Using the same high-power Genessa technology as in JVC’s advanced displays, conversion to 1920 x 1080p at 60 fps provides seamless natural video, free of motion judder during fast action, jaggy lines on angles, and moiré patterns on fine detail when zooming. 1920 x 1080 HD discs played back via the camera from the CU-VD40 SHARESTATION are also converted to 60 fps progressive.
HDMI™ (V.1.3. with x.v.Color™)*
JVC HD Everio Camcorders record using x.v.Color™ technology. In this universal standard x.v.Ycc, known as x.v.Color™, provides more accurate color reproduction with more detail and shades that looks more natural to the human eye. It can display 100 percent of the colors that the human eye is capable of perceiving, whereas the traditional sRGB system can display only approximately 55 percent. The difference in color reproduction performance is especially noticeable in greens and yellows. These new HD Everio camcorders output to televisions directly using HDMI™ (V.1.3. with x.v.Color™).
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
To preserve the Full HD quality, the HD Everios feature optical image stabilization, avoiding the signal degradation caused by electronic image stabilization, which might be particularly noticeable in HD footage. In short, HD Everio matches its high-definition recording capability with a proven HD lens section that has proven its value in the broadcast industry.
Various Shooting Assist Functions
While HD Everio camcorders offer fully automated operation for point-and-shoot simplicity, they also offer a wide range of manual controls. These include a manual focus ring, manual white balance, exposure control, shutter priority mode, aperture priority mode and sharpness control. In addition, a Focus Assist function displays the edge of the in-focus elements in color while the rest of the image is black-and-white, making it easy to check which image elements are in focus. And a Zebra function displays a striped pattern across highlight areas on the image in the LCD monitor, making it easier to manually set the exposure.
High Capacity HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Depending on the model, HD Everio camcorders feature either an embedded 120GB or 60GB hard disk drive, allowing upwards of 10 hours (120GB model) or five hours (60 GB model) recording at the highest quality FHD mode. In addition to this mode, three more are offered to let the user choose the appropriate mode for any situation. There is an SP mode with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 and maximum bit rate of 22 Mbps., an LP mode offering the same resolution but at a slower maximum bit rate of 15 Mbps., and an HDV-i.LINK streaming compatible constant bit rate 1440 CBR mode.
| Record Mode | Record Resolution | CODEC | Video/Audio | System Bit Rate Recording Time |
*For HDV compatible stream via i.LINK
PC-less Archiving using Exclusive DVD Burner
By connecting the GZ-HD6/HD5 directly to the optional CU-VD40 HD Everio SHARE STATION via USB, the user can burn HD 12cm DVD discs to make backups and permanent archives of selected scenes in any desired order with just a few simple steps. There are several options for selecting clips to be burned to disc — all clips, manual selection of specific clips, clip files not yet copied, by date, video playlists created in-camera and comprised of multiple user-selected clips, or by event type for those clips that have been tagged with an icon representing an event category (e.g. birthday, baby, graduation, vacation, etc.).
Full Complement of Interfaces
HD Everio camcorders are equipped with three digital interfaces – USB, HDMI and Firewire/i.LINK. USB is primarily for file saving, HDMI for digital viewing on large screen displays, and Firewire/i.LINK streams high definition video in full resolution or the 1440CBR mode. High definition video streamed by Firewire/i.LINK in the 1440CBR mode is HDV-compatible and allows footage to be edited using HDV-compatible software (functionality might be limited with some applications). HD recorded material is down-converted for output in DV over Firewire/i.LINK, or in standard definition via the analog component/ S-Video/ composite output.
High Value Software Supplied
For editing and archiving via PC, the HD Everio comes with the CyberLink BD Solution software suite for Windows. This includes PowerDirector for HD video editing, PowerProducer for authoring high definition Blu-ray discs and DVD-Video discs, and PowerCinema for HD file management and playback. Also included is a plug-in that works up to 1920 x 1080i with Apple iMovie HD and Final Cut Pro video software for the Macintosh.
The JVC GZ-HD6, offered in black, and the GZ-HD5, offered in silver, will be available in March for $1,399.99 and $1,199.99, respectively.
New Camcorders from JVC, its the Everio Hard Disk series
January 31, 2008
A new line of JVC Everio Hard Disk Camcorders features a new, super-slim design that makes them the world’s smallest hard drive camcorders* on the market. The new Everio line, unveiled today, also offers new functions that make operation simpler and more intuitive, and models available in four different colors.
For 2008, there will be Everio camcorders available in sapphire blue, ruby red, diamond silver and onyx black, allowing consumers to choose a model based on features, budget and style. Also new is Laser Touch, a touch-sensitive scroll bar that simplifies operation, both 30GB and 60GB models, and a new design that’s some 20 percent smaller than last year’s entry-level model. In addition, a higher-end model offers higher-resolution digital stills by virtue of a 7 Megapixel CCD, making it unnecessary for people to carry both a camcorder and a digital still camera. This model is the first in the world to have an embedded 1.3” hard disk drive (30GB), which allowed JVC to integrate a large 1/2.5” CCD and its accompanying large optical lens section, without getting bulky — thereby providing the quality benefits of a large lens while maintaining a small body and offering large capacity.
A new innovation found on all 2008 Everio G Series models is the Laser Touch Operation user interface – a touch-sensitive illuminated scroll bar just to the left of the LCD monitor screen. Simply moving a finger up or down along the scroll bar allows the user to browse through and select video clips to view or edit, and operate menus for camera set-up. The 2.7-inch widescreen LCD’s high-resolution GUI is linked to Laser Touch movements, but the feature eliminates the risk of smudging or damaging the screen that users face with a touch-screen interface. And to provide better LCD visibility when shooting outdoors, the display features a new Auto LCD Backlight Control.
The Everio G Series offers a triple advantage of easy shooting, easy editing and easy archiving. Archiving is made especially convenient with the optional SHARE STATION DVD burner, which for 2008 sports a new dramatically slimmed-down design that makes it much easier to carry along when traveling. One touch of the camcorder’s Direct DVD button transfers footage from the camcorder to a SHARE STATION DVD burner or PC to automatically burn a DVD containing all the footage, selected footage or new footage only. The Direct Back-up button backs-up recordings to a PC through a USB 2.0 high-speed interface to free-up camcorder hard disk space. A DV (IEEE 1394: i.LINK, firewire) output is on the Everio dock to allow easy dubbing to DVD or hard drive recorders, and enables footage to be imported using many third-party NLE (non-linear editing) applications. But some basic editing can be done without a PC. Scene playback order can be rearranged within the camera, and 20 preset title screens can be inserted into the footage while viewing it or burning it to a DVD. These colorfully designed title screens are linked to the menu language setting, so they can be displayed in English, Spanish or French.
Picture quality is maximized by the use of an F1.8 KONICA MINOLTA LENS on most 2008 Everio G Series camcorders. This high-performance lens, developed by the renowned camera specialist, captures precise, bright images, yet is small enough to have allowed JVC to develop a compact camcorder. Also adding to the picture quality is JVC’s proprietary Gigabrid Engine that integrates various noise reduction technologies to improve the signal-to-noise ratio by about 30 percent (3dB) over previous models without that technology.
Comprising the five-model Everio G lineup for 2008 are four 680K-pixel models and one 7 Megapixel model. The four 680K-pixel camcorders include two 30GB models and two 60GB models. The 30GB GZ-MG330 offers a 35x optical zoom, integrated Auto Illumi. Light and is available in three “gem” colors: sapphire blue, ruby red or diamond silver. The GZ-MG335 (available in diamond silver) offers the same functions as the MG330 and comes with an Everio Dock for easy connection and charging. The GZ-MG360 (onyx black) doubles storage capacity with its 60GB internal hard disk drive. The GZ-MG365 (onyx black) offers the same functions as the MG360 and comes with the Everio Dock. The 30GB models and the 60GB model each weigh just 0.8 lbs. (360g), including the battery.
Capping the 2008 Everio G lineup is the 30GB GZ-MG730, which features a higher-performance camera section with a 1/2.5-inch 7.38 Megapixel CCD with Primary Color Filter. It features a more rounded design that shows off the F3.5 KONICA MINOLTA LENS. With the ability to shoot high resolution digital stills up to 3072 x 1728 (16:9 mode) or 3072 x 2304 (4:3 mode) in size, the GZ-MG730 is an ideal dual-use camera. Serious enthusiasts will enjoy the additional pro-style shooting features, including Auto Flash, Program AE dial with Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority, Auto Exposure Bracketing, Backlight and Spotlight compensation, Natural and Vivid color settings, and Histogram Display.
All models also feature PictBridge compatibility for direct printing, microSD card slot and USB mass storage compatibility, and come with a convenient remote control. The JVC Data Battery allows remaining recording time to be displayed on the LCD even when the camera is off. Power-Linked Operation powers up the camcorder and engages the standby mode simply by opening the LCD, while Quick Restart starts recording just about one second after the LCD is re-opened.
For use with PCs, Everio G Series camcorders come with CyberLink’s PowerProducer™ 3 NE for authoring DVDs, PowerDirector™ 5 NE Express for editing, and PowerCinema™ NE for Everio to browse camera contents and enable the Direct DVD/Direct Backup functions. Macintosh users will have an easy time importing Everio’s video files using iMovie ’08.
An enhanced lineup of optional accessories also serves to increase the appeal of the Everio G Series. Among the most noteworthy is the CU-VD3, the super-slim Everio SHARE STATION DVD burner, which can be placed upright or horizontally. For the aquatically adventurous, there is the WR-MG100 Marine Case that allows waterproof operation of Everio camcorders down to 131ft/40m under water. Colorful camcorders deserve colorful carrying bags, and the compact CB-VM60 which carries the Everio camcorder with attached battery is available in black, blue and red. The larger CB-VM70 offered in black is also available to carry a full system. And a nice way to kick-start a wonderful relationship with Everio is the VU-VM90K Starter Kit, which includes the CB-VM70 carrying bag and one BN-VF808 data battery.
Feature Comparison
| GZ-MG330 | GZ-MG335 | GZ-MG360 | GZ-MG365 | GZ-MG730 | |
| Hard Disk Drive | 30GB / 1.8″ | 30GB / 1.8″ | 60GB / 1.8″ | 60GB / 1.8″ | 30GB / 1.3″ |
| CCD | 1/6” 680K | 1/6” 680K | 1/6” 680K | 1/6” 680K | 1/2.5” 7.38M |
| Optical Zoom | 35x | 35x | 35x | 35x | 10x |
| Max. Digital Still | 640×480 | 640×480 | 640×480 | 640×480 | 3072×2304 |
| Auto Flash | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Auto Illumi. Light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Everio Dock | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Body Colors | Silver / Blue / Red | Silver | Black | Black | Black |
Shooting Time
| Mode | 30GB Model | 60GB Model | Average Bit Rate (Mbps*) |
* Combined A/V rates; video bit rate is variable for all modes.
Pricing and availability:
| Model | Available | National Ad Value |
MSI launches its latest R3870X2, R3600 and R3400 series Graphics Card
January 31, 2008
MSI unveils its latest 55nm – ATI R3870X2, R3600, and R3400 series graphics card. Using the latest Radeon™ HD 3000 series chip, users can enjoy the same industry-leading HD quality and ultimate experience for outstanding 3D graphics performance effectiveness.
ATI R3870X2 Doubles the Power
ATI R3870X2 graphics enable you to experience the power of HD with 3D processing designed for ultimate gaming. Advance to the next generation of DirectX10.1 compatible HD game performance and life-like realism with dual ATI R3870 GPUs working in exquisite precision to produce over 1 teraFLOPS of GPU compute power. And with ATI CrossFireX™ multi-GPU upgradeability, you can scale your performance to even greater heights. Watch the latest Blu-ray and HD-DVD videos in full 1080p HD – and upscale beyond – without placing huge demands on your CPU. Enjoy break-through efficiency with more processing performance per watt and energy-saving features that can help save you money.
Experience the HD Gaming on ATI Radeon™ HD 3600 series
Built-in the new 55nm process, the R3600 series of mainstream-class graphics cards, internal transistor chip volume reached 378 million units, the second-generation integration built-in rendering framework, and the coloring of 120 pixels unit, game within the delicate lighting effects and the outbreak of complex threads graphics computing power. MSI global marketing director, Vincent Lai said, “The new ATI Radeon™ HD 3600 family core has 256 bit ring-bus memory control capabilities, with high-speed GDDR3 512MB, and other ultra-realistic graphics memory particles, and efficiency is superior to the same price competitors products. This mid-range product gives user adequate multilateral geometry, color rendering, and high-speed image pixels, and other computing support, it can be said that this product has all the cost-effective advantages.”
Break-though Efficiency on ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 series
The MSI R3400 series graphics cards are based on ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 family. It features entirely new and power efficient 55nm processes. Based on the same architecture as the R3600 series, the R3400 series just simply scale-down the number of stream processors, texture units and ROPs. Users can play the next generation of HD games featuring life-like realism from DirectX10.1 compatibility and easy multi-GPU upgradeability with ATI Hybrid Graphics or ATI CrossFireX™. Enjoy break-through efficiency from cutting-edge technology and new energy-saving features that can help users save money and enable cool, quiet PCs.
ATI CrossFireX™ Technology
ATI R3870X2, R3600, and R3400 series originally supports the ATI CrossFireX™ multi-GPU technology. It takes your gaming experience to the next level with more scalability, performance and compatibility than before. The technology combines the awe-inspiring capabilities of multiple ATI Radeon™ graphics cards and an ATI CrossFireX™ ready motherboard to meet the hard-core demands of your alternate reality. New ATI Radeon™ HD graphics cards are designed with an internal ATI CrossFire bridge interconnect system to simplify installation. Experience stunning visual realism in today’s demanding 3D games with uncompromising image quality, especially on HD displays.
Microsoft DirectX10.1 Support
ATI Radeon™™ HD 3000 graphics card series offer full support for the new DirectX 10 and DirectX 10.1 API(Application Program Interface) from Microsoft; ready to meet the demanding needs of new, next generation games. DirectX 10 is the first totally new DirectX in the last 4 years and brings important graphics innovations that can be used by game developers for the next generation of games. DirectX 10 introduces crisp, never-before-seen detail-rich images, visual effects and game dynamics capable of accurately simulating the real world. No matter which ATI Radeon™ HD 3000 series GPU you choose, you can be assured that games will look as good as the developer intended!
ATI Hybrid Graphics Technology
Based on ATI CrossFireX™ multi-GPU technology, ATI Hybrid Graphics brings enhanced gaming and multi-monitor functionality to the affordable PC. Experience more scalability and performance with games and applications. Be more productive with advanced multi-monitor capabilities using ATI SurroundView™ technology. Stay in command with ATI Catalyst Control Center™ software, The energy efficient ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 series GPU and AMD 7-series Integrated Chipsets use low power while running cool and quiet to enable a pleasant computing environment. A complete ATI Hybrid Graphics multi-GPU system includes a compatible ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 Series graphics card and a compatible motherboard based on an AMD 7-series Integrated Chipset.
ATI Avivo™ HD technology , built-in HDMI output
Fine quality in the high-resolution performance, the MSI R3000 series graphics card with ATI latest high-definition imaging technology, “Avivo™ HD”. Based on the revolutionary UVD architecture and built-in chips which drive the optimization software upgrade, Avivo™ HD technology delivers beautiful, high definition video. It will not occupy more GPU resources when playing HD high-definition video. Compared to other competitors’ products, Avivo™ HD not only play the fluent Blu-ray film, but also the HD-DVD high-definition video and more efficient use of CPU upgrade greatly save unnecessary operational energy. It comes with a built-in HDMI output function, 5.1-channel surround sound output, and Dual Link DVI supporting HDCP (digital content protection mechanism). All features and high-end specifications are truly a worth of praise.
Avivo™ HD player can not only fluent Blu-ray (Blu-ray) film and HD-DVD high-definition video and more efficient use of CPU upgrade greatly save unnecessary computing energy.
MSI exclusive image quality enhancements “Vivid”
In order to save users from complex adjustment steps, MSI offers an exclusive image quality enhancement technology, Vivid, for MSI ATI series graphics cards products. Users can easily adjust the screen display setting. Whatever you do – browsing photos, surfing websites, or playing games, it will help you adjust to the best visual quality.
Amazon.com to Acquire Audible.com
January 31, 2008
Amazon.com, Inc. just announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Audible Inc.
Audible.com is the leading online provider of premium digital spoken word audio content, specializing in digital audio editions of books, newspapers and magazines, television and radio programs and original programming. Through its web sites in the US and UK and alliances in Germany and France, Audible.com offers over 80,000 programs, including audiobooks from well-known authors such as Stephen King, Thomas Friedman, and Jane Austen, and spoken word audio content from sources including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Fresh Air and Charlie Rose.
“Audible.com offers the best customer experience, the widest content selection and the broadest device compatibility in the industry,” said Steve Kessel, Amazon.com’s senior vice president for worldwide digital media. “Working together, we can introduce more innovations and bring this format to an even wider audience.”
“This deal brings together two pioneering companies that share a long history of ceaseless focus on improving the customer experience,” said Donald Katz, founder and chief executive of Audible.com. “We are very excited to be joining a company as innovative as Amazon.com.”
PANASONIC EXPANDS ITS TZ-FAMILY OF LUMIX COMPACT, its the TZ5 and TZ4
January 31, 2008
Panasonic just introduced two new additions to its award-winning TZ-family of LUMIX digital cameras, the DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 – both packing a 28mm wide-angle, 10X optical zoom Leica DC lens in a compact design, ideal for the active user needing a versatile camera. By combining a 28mm wide-angle lens, which lets the user capture a wider-framed shot when compared to a traditional 35mm camera, with the TZ-Series 10x optical zoom – consumers are empowered to take expanded shots, both wide and far. Adding to these feature-rich digital cameras, Panasonic also expands its Intelligent Auto technologies with new Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction.
