JVC - Vision Statement

Las Vegas, NV (NAB, April 10 -13, 2000) – As we approach the 21st Century, it is clear the "race" toward full DTV compliance and HDTV program production broadcasting is moving slower than many expected. Faced with challenging economic realties (despite today’s burgeoning economy) and a technological landscape that seems to change on an almost daily basis, the broadcast and teleproduction industries are not rushing headlong into digital. The industry appears to be biding its time, and in many cases making equipment purchases based not on a burning desire to transmit superior digitally-produced programming, but rather on which system can be economically and technologically justified over the next 5 to 7 years.

Despite pronouncements to the contrary from the self-proclaimed visionaries, tape continues to be the primary acquisition format in both broadcast and teleproduction, and it appears it will continue to be for the foreseeable future. In fact, most broadcast stations continue to operate primarily on legacy Beta SP analog tape systems.

And why not? The trend in television programming has been toward short-term, "immediacy-type" shows – like newsmagazines and reality shows – that in fact, require less of an emphasis on quality. Faced with this, as well as increasing competition for viewer attention from cable, VCR’s, DVD Players, game consoles, satellite transmission, and even the Internet, broadcasters are looking for the most cost-effective solutions to present a quality product.

Other equipment manufacturers have addressed this market reality, offering short-term solutions in the form of the "professional" 25 Mbps and 18 Mbps digital formats. For many reasons, these digital formats have been initially popular. They provide quality equivalent to Beta SP, and have certain inherent advantages in editing and in ease of acquisition.

With the first wave of early adopters now in place and the broader market facing the practical realities of the transition to digital, the question of just who is going to pay for high definition looms large among almost all broadcasters. The stark reality is that the economics of digital television are not advancing at the same pace as the technology.

JVC took a decidedly different approach to digital. From the beginning, JVC understood that the lower 25 and 18 Mbps digital formats served a useful purpose in the market, but did not address the growing number of broadcasters that would be creating all-digital 601 plants. These market leaders have learned that legacy Beta SP, and even the 25 and 18 Mbps acquisition formats do not tap the exceptional picture quality capability of a 601 digital plant.

JVC’s far-sighted solution was the development of a technologically advanced – and economical – 50 Mbps 4:2:2 ½-inch component digital recording system called D-9. With three years’ real-world experience by hundreds of leading broadcast and production organizations, D-9 has become the most popular ½-inch 50 Mbps digital video format in use world wide.

As stations look ahead to DTV compliance, the industry is finally discovering what JVC knew all along: that 50 Mbps is the optimum bit rate for uncompressed, virtually lossless picture quality, in original acquisition and through more generations of post production processes, than can ever be imagined. In fact, a Task Force made up of veteran television engineers from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the European Broadcast Union (EBU) confirmed without question that D-9 provides the full picture quality and performance needed for mainstream television program acquisition and post production processing.¹ The same Task Force reported that 18 and 25 Mbps systems simply are not good enough to satisfy the rigorous picture quality performance requirements of mainstream television production.

Broadcasters immediately recognized the many attributes of D-9: picture quality and performance equivalent to Digital Betacam, proven high reliability, remarkably extended head life and the lowest of maintenance and operational expenses. In the United States, FOX astutely and immediately committed to D-9 and has reaped the rewards of $40 million in operational savings against their initial $5 million investment as a result of that commitment. FOX has recovered the costs of purchasing and maintaining D-9 products and tapes many times over.

Likewise, Brazil’s SBT Television Network, India’s Sun TV Network and numerous ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS affiliates have chosen D-9. They too were rewarded with the performance, reliability and low operation costs that only D-9 can deliver.

As the broadcast and production industries move toward 16:9 digital television, JVC’s visionary 50 Mbps bit rate, data-rich 4:2:2 digital sampling, mild 3.3:1 I-frame only compression and ½-inch tape has proven to be the ideal method for shifting seamlessly into DTV broadcast. And, while some other manufacturers are obsoleting digital formats more rapidly than users can amortize the cost, JVC is adding to its D-9 product suite with more models to meet the real world needs of our customers.

JVC’s vision is to maintain continuity and remain in stride with both the pace of technical innovation as well as financial realities. Looking ahead to HDTV, artifact-free, data-rich 50 Mbps 4:2:2 images look astonishingly good when upconverted to high

definition. This high compatibility means that today’s D-9 equipment will work incredibly well within today’s infrastructure, and will maintain its usefulness and functionality as the industry progresses toward high definition. Not only will D-9 users have full use of existing tape libraries as the industry fully shifts to HDTV, but upconversion is considered a practical bridge to providing local and interstitial material into network HD broadcasts.

JVC has offered its D-9 format to the industry in a variety of products, ranging from inexpensive, limited feature models, to full-featured studio VTRs. By growing the format and product offerings this way, JVC has been able to amass the largest installed base of 50 Mbps machines on the planet. And JVC continues to grow the product line.

This year, at NAB 2000, JVC is significantly adding to its D-9 product line, providing products that expand the capabilities of broadcasters and video professionals alike. JVC is pleased to introduce:

JVC’s DY-70 D-9 camcorder is the most affordable all-digital 4:2:2 camcorder ever. Based on the renowned DY-90 D-9 camcorder, the DY-70 offers light weight and low power consumption, without compromising quality or sensitivity in a three 1/2-inch CCD version. At a suggested list price of $12,000 (without lens), JVC’s DY-70 is the most economical 50 Mbps acquisition choice for ENG and EFP in the market.

JVC is pleased to expand its leadership in video pre-read, bringing to market the most affordable pre-read VTR ever, the BR-D860 and companion player, the BR-D560. These advanced VTRs provide broadcast-quality studio editing and improved overall operability.

JVC is pleased announce that we are answering the call from several of our broadcast network users, and will be demonstrating a D-9 deck that provides cost effective 576P/24 record and playback. Using available SDI interfaces, JVC has developed a modification to its D-9 deck that allows for the flawless recording and playback of motion picture footage. This makes D-9 ideally suited for program production and film-based applications.

JVC originally developed its line of "TimeGate" non-linear editing machines in support of its D-9 users. TimeGate has since emerged as a workhorse for broadcasters and high-end producers using a variety of videotape formats. New at NAB 2000 is the MW-S1200, which was developed with cooperation with Matrox, Pinnacle Systems and Inscriber, and runs on WINDOWS NT 4.0 with a Pentium-III 500Mhz CPU. The MW-S1200 implements TimeGate Version 2.5 software with 16:9 capability, audio level meter, 3D boarder, Inscriber CG Title motion and an improved GUI for ease of use.

To support the industry’s march to widescreen production and broadcasting, JVC will launch the RM-P275, a new Triaxial system capable of accommodating both 16:9 widescreen image signals in addition to the traditional 4:3. The RM-P275 is designed specifically for use with JVC’s existing camera line. This new RM-P275 Triaxial system supports 16:9 wide image signals by incorporating a new wide band transmission circuit with a 12 MHz for luminance signal. Significantly, the RM-P275 utilizes a component transmission system, making it the perfect match with JVC’s 50 Mbps D-9 Digital Component VTRs for field recording of sports.

Because so much of what has been shot and produced in the past will eventually need to be shown in a higher resolution and at widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, JVC has been working on developing a technologically advanced upconverter that will ensure a quality product at a reasonable price. At NAB 2000, JVC will enter the broadcast upconverter market with the BC-D2300, a technological breakthrough featuring an adaptive motion algorithm that provides "near HDTV" quality from 525 line standard definition sources.

At a suggested list price of $15,000, the BC-D2300 provides an economical and technologically advanced method to extend the useful life of 50 Mbps systems well into full HDTV adoption.

Digital terrestrial broadcasting is here, bringing with it more and more possibilities. In time, HDTV broadcasting will be the norm -- not some "pie-in-the-sky" pipe dream of a few visionaries. JVC strongly believes that consumer acceptance of and demand for HDTV will advance at a rapid pace once people experience the richness and detail of the picture; the crystal clear, vibrant audio; and the theater-like experience that HDTV will bring to their living rooms, and as consumer-level displays become more affordable.

As the year 2000 ushers in a new century and a new era in high definition television broadcasting and display, so does it usher in a new era ripe with opportunity for the teleproduction community. The early pioneers of high definition production are being joined every day by more and more producers who know that the HDTV future is upon us. And that future brings with it a set of very critical demands for both the equipment manufacturers and the producers themselves. The demand for more and more high definition content means:

More high definition productions will be launched
Digital productions will be shot and edited for dual modes -- standard definition as well as high definition
More productions will be shot in 16:9 format -- but mindful that they will be more often viewed in 4:3
Whatever standard definition digital format producers choose, they must consider the ability to upconvert to high definition.

These demands bring opportunities that JVC is poised to seize. JVC is the one equipment manufacturer that has always considered the real world needs and the daily problems that customers face when developing technologically advanced products. This legacy goes back nearly 75 years, and has yielded some of the most useful and longstanding technology in the industry. D-9 HD is no exception. It is being developed by JVC with the same customer-focused philosophy (extremely high quality, robust medium and unprecedented economy) that JVC has always espoused.

As the broadcast industry embraces HDTV, the demand for high definition production equipment will explode. For that reason, JVC has accelerated its development of a 100 Mbps extension to its renowned D-9 format. This new format, to be known as D-9 HD, is capable of recording and playing back high-quality 16:9 high definition signals in both the 720P and 1080i HDTV standards.

At NAB 2000, JVC will show three models -- a switchable 1080i/720P studio VTR prototype, a 720P prototype camera and the KH-100B1080i camera. All are designed to meet both the rigorous technological and quality demands of the High Definition marketplace. Significantly, JVC’s D-9 HD format is capable of eight audio channels. This is a crucial feature required for Dolby AC-3 surround sound mastering, as well as for multi-language dubbing and complicated production and post-production assignments.

JVC is also working on developing a 720P24 recording system in the D-9 HD ½-inch high definition format. 24 Frames of 720P is an ideal solution for film production. JVC is developing a studio deck as well as acquisition products within this system.

JVC once again makes industry history with the demonstration of a prototype "tapeless DV" hard disk camcorder to be shown as a prototype at NAB. Utilizing the widely accepted DV compression algorithm, this new camcorder uses JVC’s renowned camera technology to record a 25 Mbps bit DV bit stream on removable 2.5-inch hard drives. These hard disk drives, developed in conjunction with ADTX, an IBM associate company in Japan, are packed in a shock absorbing "Data Pak" housing.

By working closely with ADTX, JVC’s engineers were able to develop a hard disc camera that meets the needs of industry professionals for ruggedness, durability, recording time and – most importantly – high quality.

JVC has long been recognized as an industry leader in providing leading edge technology and products to the market. By sharing technology with ADTX, we are able to deliver the best camera technology paired with the best in removable hard disc media technology to give shooters a dream system for digital acquisition.

At NAB 2000, JVC is announcing a series of "Creative Forums" for discussion and planning for the future of this exciting new hard disk technology. We are excited about the possibilities that this technology can bring to the industry, and are anxious to know how we can best serve the needs of our customers as together we enter on the "ground floor" of this electrifying new industry development.

When JVC introduced its remarkable PROFESSIONAL DV camcorder -- the GY-DV500-- the industry snapped to attention. JVC had truly harnessed the potential of the DV format, and had boldly packed genuine professional performance and features into a very affordable DV-based system. This allowed the industry to do more. To do it better. And, excitingly, to do all of that for about $5,000.

PROFESSIONAL DV is a new line of DV products that combines the economy and performance inherent in DV with truly professional, full-featured, high-quality products. The basic premise of Professional DV is based on three key facts:

At NAB 2000, JVC will expand the PROFESSIONAL DV lineup with two exciting new camcorder models.

Responding to customers' demand for studio and remote control capability, JVC introduces a companion to its famed GY-DV500 PROFESSIONAL DV camcorder, the new GY-DV550, with a built-in 26-pin interface. This 26-pin capability allows users to greatly expand the uses for the product, enabling greater productivity and artistic freedom.

Even more exciting is the new 16:9 / 4:3 switchable aspect ratio GY-DV700W Professional DV camcorder, with new 2/3-inch CCDs, bringing widescreen production capability to the PROFESSIONAL DV. At a suggested list price of $11,000 (without lens) the GY-DV700W is one of the lowest-cost wide screen digital acquisition products on the market today.

All Professional DV products provide IEEE 1394 "FireWire" in and out, allowing direct to computer or direct to non-linear editor convenience. This is a key feature for event videographers, and multimedia producers, empowering them to digitally spool directly to a non-linear editing platform without loss, and then to download directly back to videotape using the camera alone.

These new camcorder models add convenience and performance features to the line, and underscore JVC’s commitment to bringing additional products to the PROFESSIONAL DV line. These new PROFESSIONAL DV products represent JVC's commitment to smaller market broadcasters, to cable MSO's and operators, to independent producers, and to entry-level digital video users.

In addition, at NAB 2000 JVC will introduce a new dual-format DV / S-VHS deck, the SR-VS10. This new VCR is ideal for editing DV footage, and is great for making VHS or S-VHS dubs from DV tapes. It offers IEEE 1394 "firewire" interconnectivity in a rugged professional chassis.

For the future, JVC is studying the field production process with the goal of expanding our PROFESSIONAL DV line even further, and possibly eliminating the need for a laptop field editor as a separate purchase altogether.

Since the introduction of the Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier (D-ILA), JVC has been known as a company at the forefront of the industrial projection market. At NAB 2000, JVC will introduce a number of advanced display products – both in direct-view studio monitors as well as in industrial projection.

TM-L450TU High-Resolution 4.5-inch Liquid Color Crystal Shutter (LCCS) Monitor

Debuted as a technology demonstration at NAB '99 where it received a prestigious "Pick Hit of Show" from Television Broadcast Magazine, this four and one half-inch, triple rack-mountable monitor is now shipping. It is ideal for ENG field production, video production trucks, and any venue where bright environment hinders the viewing a CRT, including security and surveillance situations.

The TM-L450TU is based on Liquid Color Crystal Shutter technology that utilizes a combination of a black and white CRT with a color LCD shutter. Unlike conventional CRT monitors that use three electron guns (RGB) to produce a color image, JVC’s new LCCS monitor uses one black and white electron gun, which is merged with a liquid crystal color shutter, providing incredible sharpness. The result is a highly functional color monitor that delivers a sharp image in even the brightest sunlight, without misconvergence or annoying moiré patterns.

At NAB 2000, JVC is introducing two new color video monitors, the TM-1650SDU and the TM-950DU high performance studio video monitors that offer full SDI input connectivity along with superior resolution and JVC’s renowned picture stability. Both models offer Serial Digital Interface (SDI) input and active through output connectors, conforming to CCIR 601 standard. This is important for studios that are going to an end-to-end digital environment.

JVC’s celebrated Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier (D-ILA) technology continues to grow in popularity. For NAB 2000, JVC PROFESSIONAL’s Visual Systems Division will introduce a new 1500 ANSI lumen "short throw" rear projection model, the DLA-S15, offering 50% more brightness and an improved contrast ratio of 350:1.

This exciting new D-ILA projector joins JVC’s line up of ten different D-ILA models, designed to meet the needs of virtually every segment of the high-end industrial projector market.

Two New Advanced XGA-Resolution LCD Projectors for Computer and Video Applications

JVC will introduce its most advanced video and data LCD projectors to date, the 1300 ANSI lumen LX-D1020 and the 1000 ANSI lumen LX-D1010. These bright and versatile projectors, with XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, combine superior portability with a wealth of high-performance features to deliver superior picture quality for business and training/education presentations, even in brightly-lit environments.

JVC is committed to partnering with other best-in-class companies to collaborate on the creation, development and refinement of state-of-the-art technological systems and products. JVC is expanding its horizons by entering into several significant strategic alliances that will bring new and advanced technologies to fruition faster and more economically for our customers. Among these exciting alliances:

Perhaps most fascinating is JVC’s alliance with ADTX to develop IBM’s 2.5-inch hard disc for inclusion in a new generation "tapeless" Hard Disc camera to be demonstrated at NAB 2000. Utilizing the widely accepted DV compression algorithm, this new camcorder will use JVC’s renowned camera technology and a new 12-bit LSI developed by NuCore Technologies to record a 25 Mbps DV bit stream on removable 2.5-inch hard disk.

JVC has entered into a strategic partnership with NuCORE Technologies, who is developing a new advanced processing 12-Bit LSIs for high-performance 3-CCD cameras, including JVC’s new Hard Disk Camera to be demonstrated at JVC’s NAB booth.

JVC and 3DV systems Ltd. have combined technologies, and will demonstrate an integration of 3DV’s Zcam Depth Camera with JVC’s KY-D29 camera to offer never before possible 3D production capabilities.

JVC is working with several of the most prominent names in non-linear to incorporate "best in class" technology into JVC’s TimeGate system. These partners include Matrox,

Pinnacle Systems, Miranda and Inscriber. In addition, JVC is working closely with Canopus and Macro systems as partners in easing the way for interoperability with our PROFESSIONAL DV product line.

JVC has partnered with C-Cube Microsystems and its subsidiary, DiviCom, to develop the DM-D4000 HD decoder, a flexible High Definition MPEG-2 decoding system. It outputs serial digital or analog component video signals and digital or analog audio signals decoded from MPEG-2 transport streams.

Vela, L.P.

In a new strategic partnership that will add broadcast quality playback to JVC’s DVD-RAM library systems, JVC’s Digital Storage Systems Division will now include Vela’s RapidAccess MPEG-2 based broadcast playback solution as part of its DVD-RAM library systems.

Computer Engineering Inc.

Computer Engineering, Inc. (CEi) is partnering with JVC’s Digital Storage Systems Division to provide the software interface between JVC’s CD/DVD Library systems that holds up to 600 discs and numerous video servers for storage and automation of broadcast video.

Imagine Products

Imagine Products, Inc. announced the development of a custom version of The Executive ProducerÒ (TEP) deluxe video logging software that incorporates JVC Professional Products Super Scene Finder (SSF) function of the JVC GY-DV500 Camera system and the accompanying BR-DV600 Recorder.

Kodak

JVC is pleased to be in partnership with Kodak to study the application and integration of JVC’s proprietary 2K computer and projector chip into Kodak’s digital cinema system.

JVC has proven the precision of its vision with the industry-wide acceptance of the 50 Mbps standard as epitomized in the D-9 format as the optimum for delivering DTV-ready digital now and for the future. As we prepare for the 21^st Century, JVC has reaffirmed its commitment to provide practical, productive and economic solutions that address real world challenges of virtually all segments of the professional video marketplace while working diligently on new and advanced technology that will ease the path to the HDTV future.

This year at NAB 2000, the broadcast industry will continue down a fully digital path into a future whose final destination is High Definition. D-9 and D-9 HD decisively position JVC at the forefront of that revolution, providing a key contribution to HDTV production that will be an integral part of our culture in the coming century.

JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, distributes a complete line of broadcast and professional equipment including cameras, recorders, display and editing products. For more information regarding JVC’s digital strategy, or any JVC product, contact us at 1-800-JVC-5825, or visit JVC at http://www.jvc.com/pro

^{EBU/SMPTE Task Force for Harmonized Standards for the Exchange of Program Material as Bit Streams, Annex ?C?, August 1998. Published in the September, 1998 SMPTE Journal, available for download from www.smpte.org and also from www. ebu.ch.}