(Secaucus, New Jersey--April 1, 2009) The newly launched MLB Network delivers non-stop baseball action and programming with the help of 33 Panasonic AK-HC1500G 2/3" multi-format 1080i/720p HD point-of-view cameras installed in all 30 major league ballparks across the country. The all-baseball high definition cable network, launched in approximately 50 million homes, is designed to provide die-hard baseball fans with a more exciting and in-depth game viewing experience.
The HC1500G cameras will be installed at the major league ballparks in various locations to allow the network to capture unique perspectives from every game during the season. Additionally, Panasonic's AW-HE100 integrated HD camera will be used in-studio as a "flash" camera for interviews and for point of view. All of the in-field and in-studio cameras can be remotely controlled from the network's Secaucus headquarters.
"We wanted to provide fans with a more direct representation of what's happening in each game, every night," said Darrell Wenhardt, President of CBT (San Diego, CA), the Systems Consultation for MLB Network. "MLB Network aimed to offer a new and unique baseball viewing experience, with as many different point-of-views as possible. To help implement this, we needed a much tighter connection with the parks to collect and archive visual data across the country."
"With this new system, we have cameras placed in strategic areas so fans can see more of what is happening at the park, even between innings. It allows us to show other interesting content, rather than just the typical broadcast coverage," Wenhardt said.
According to Wenhardt, the selection of the HC1500G was driven by the camera's high picture quality, low-noise performance, wide dynamic range and competitive pricing. "We looked at many different HD cameras and selected the HC1500G for use in areas where a longer lens was needed, such as in centerfield and in the bullpen," Wenhardt continued. "The HC1500G offered excellent video quality and fit our budget."
The network is implementing a file-based digital workflow system in which all live video and audio, 16 channels per video feed including metadata, captured from every game will be sent to a shared storage area network (SAN) and archive system.
The facility's editing suites are equipped with Thompson Grass Valley K2 Aurora and Final Cut Pro systems. They plan to utilize LTO 4 data tape with for archiving.
MLB Network launched in approximately 50 million cable and satellite homes on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history, exceeding any other cable television launch by approximately 20 million. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans.
For more information, visit http://www.MLBNetwork.com.
About the AK-HC1500G
Compatible with all international HD standards, the AK-HC1500G is the first multi-purpose camera to feature a variable frame rate functionality and cine gamma curve, features that have distinguished Panasonic's popular VariCam HD Cinema™ camcorder. The camera's 1-megapixel, 2/3-inch 3-CCDs produce outstanding color accuracy, with improved on-chip lenses to achieve a standard sensitivity of F10.0 at 2000 lux and a smear level of less than -130 dB. Designed for indoor or outdoor use, the HC1500 features an advanced Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function that reduces moire and balances highlights when shooting in environments with high contrast and varying degrees of light. The camera offers both 1080 (60i/59.94i, 50i, 30p, 25p/24p) and 720 (60p, 59.94p/50p) high definition output and has a rear option slot for expansion (e.g., downconverter card with digital and analog outputs), making the AK-HC1500G suitable for a broad spectrum of applications.
The remotely-controllable AK-HC1500G is compatible with Panasonic's comprehensive line of indoor and outdoor pan-tilt heads, pan-tilt controllers and camera control units.
About the AW-HE100
The AW-HE100 integrated pan-tilt camera combines outstanding image quality, super smooth pan/tilt/zoom operation and flexible system configuration. Perfect for an array of applications ranging from high-resolution distance learning and videoconferencing, to broadcast and event staging, the HE100 camera supports 1080i, 720p and 480i formats and can simultaneously output both HD and SD signals. Three progressive 1/3" IT CCDs, a 14-bit A/D converter, and a 19-bit digital signal processor allow the camera to produce incredibly clean, high-resolution images in a wide range of lighting conditions and environments. The AW-HE100 comes standard with a variety of outputs including HD/SD analog component and composite video, and can easily be integrated with Panasonic's AK-HC1500 convertible HD camera and SD convertible cameras and is compatible with a wide range of professional RS-422 control systems including Panasonic's pan-tilt controllers. For more information on the HE100, visit http://www.pansonic.com/broadcast.
About Panasonic Broadcast
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast and professional video products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is a unit company of Panasonic Corporation of North America. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE Symbol: PC) the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. For more information on Panasonic Broadcast products, visit http://www.panasonic.com/broadcast.
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