The Panasonic AJ-HD-1400 is an invaluable solution for HD production. The AJ-HD-1400 records at 100 Mbps with 4:2:2 color sampling and intra-frame compression in multiple U.S. and worldwide Formats.
The Panasonic AJ-HD1400 DVCPro HD Recorder/Player.
The Multi-format HD/SD system records in 1080/59.94p, 1080/50i, 720/60p, 720/59.94p and 720/50p. The AJ-HD-1400 provides a new D-Sub 15-pin encoder remote control terminal. (component 1080/50i, 720/60p, 720/59.94p and 720/50p. This gives the AJ-HD-1400 data transmission capabilities that rival many studio recorders – something you wouldn’t expect in such a compact, affordable unit.
AJ-HD1400 Back Panel.
Operating on either AC or DC (12 V), the versatile AJ-HD-1400 is a great desktop or rack-mounted VTR for studio or EFP field use.
The recorder features HD-SDI digital input/output and IEEE 1394 input/output, a built-in up/down converter, and its compact design makes it a great space-saver for desktop use and/or in-studio editing.
The AJ-HD1400’s RS-422 9-pin remote interface allows assemble/insert editing similar to a studio recorder. Control from an external editing controller allows to the frame editing precision (with HD-SDI connection and using TC mode). This interface also makes the AJ-HD-1400 a good choice for high-end production in non-compression, nonlinear editing systems.
With Eight whopping Channels of Digital Audio, the AJ-HD-1400 offers superb 16-bit linear PCM sound quality, with eight embedded channels. The AJ-HD1400 uses HD-SDI for independent input/output and editing of all eight channels.
The AJ-HD-1400 is a Multi-format HD/SD system; it also converts from a VariCam 50p-recording (over 60p) source with native 720p/50 or PAL output.
The new Gamma Conversion function for Use with the AJ-HDC27H Varicam Cinema Production System, some of the functions offered in the earlier AJ-GBX27G HD Gamma Corrector are now built right into the AJ-HD1400, making it a simple, low-cost solution for producing cinema or film-like Video. There are two modes (TELECINE 5, TELECINE 6) for converting source materials recorded using the F.REC mode and gamma curve into video images with a film-like tone. There’s also a CINEON mode for converting data into a gamma curve suitable for film recording.
For those who don’t have capture cards this is the perfect solution, the AJ-HD-1400 can transfer DVCPRO compression data without quality loss to a PC or Mac based nonlinear editing system, for low-cost desktop HD editing, with the IEEE 1394 interface.
As an added bonus feature, you can preview your HD content from your timeline in Final Cut Pro, in real time, to an External SD or HD monitor via Firewire, SDI or HD-SDI through the AJ-HD-1400. A Great feature!
SD output is also possible. HD sources can be down- converted and output as either DVCPRO 50 or DV data. You can also use the AJ-HD1400 for convenient backup recording from the AJ-HDX900 or AG-HVX200 DVCPRO HD camera-recorder.
For pro setups the AJ-HD-1400 has a bit more horsepower. The 8 Bit HD-SDI input/output and SDI output for applications such as line recording and in-studio production Built-in up/down/cross converter for playing back DVCPRO 50/DVCPRO/DV/DVCAM tapes and for outputting a converted HD signal
Designed with comprehensive editing features, there’s also an aspect ratio conversion function for added flexibility. . Supports VANC metadata (UMID, CC, etc.)
The AJ-HD1400 records and plays data that conforms to the UMID standard and contains a variety of supplementary information. (UMID stands for Unique Material Identifiers, which are defined for AV material use in the SMPTE 330M international standard) This allows it to read GPS data (latitude, longitude and altitude) recorded by the AJ-HDX900/AJ-SDX900 Camera- Recorder.
The AJ-HD1400 can handle VANC for a variety of user data including Closed Captioning, Dolby Dial Norm, and network signaling. By Inserting important metadata services to the VANC area of a video item at the time of production, post-production or ingest, it ensures that the data is permanently associated with the material from then on.
With 64 minutes of recording time on an AJ-P126L cassette, and all of the robust features, this deck is a lot of bang for the buck.
About The Author
David Wells - Moving Picture President
David Wells is the President of Moving Picture Rental, where he has the privilege of wearing many hats -- Producer, Director, Cameraman, and Technologist. An entrepreneur at heart, Wells injects creativity and innovation into every role and helps guide producers and filmmakers with their projects. Call David Wells and his team, and they’ll show you how to make your production an outstanding one.
