HD Everio Offers Five Hours of High-Definition Recording and Broadcast HD Camera Lens
JVC next month will deliver a new high definition camcorder that provides full HD 1920x1080i video quality combined with the convenience of hard drive recording. The new JVC Everio GZ-HD7 allows consumers to conveniently capture and share their memories in full high definition without the need for removable tapes or discs, and offers the simplicity of a point-and-shoot camcorder combined with the features, technology and manual controls that appeal to the serious videographer.
With a 60GB built-in hard drive the JVC HD Everio provides up to five hours of full HD 1920x1080i recording at a high 30Mbps(MAX). To ensure the best possible image quality, it features three CCDs and a Fujinon lens. Other features include optical image stabilization, a full array of manual controls, multiple digital connections, bundled editing and archiving software, and availability of an optional HD Everio SHARE STATION for easily transferring high definition footage to disc.
In addition to its highest quality Full HD recording mode that records five hours of full HD 1920x1080i MPEG2 Transport Stream video with MPEG 1 Layer 2 audio, the HD Everio offers a long seven-hour SP mode with a resolution of 1440x1080i, and an HDV-i.LINK streaming compatible constant bit rate 1440CBR mode with a resolution of 1440x1080i and a five-hour capacity. 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.
| Record Mode | Record Resolution | CODEC Video/Audio | System Bit Rate | Recording Time |
| FHD(Full HD High Quality Mode) | 1920x1080i | MPEG2-TS / MP2 (MPEG1 Layer 2) | Variable Bit Rate (VBR): Max30Mbps Ave. 26.6Mbps | approx. 5hr |
| SP (Long Time 7 Hour Mode) | 1440x1080i | MPEG2-TS / MP2 (MPEG1 Layer 2) | VBR: Max 22Mbps Ave. 19Mbps | approx. 7hr |
| 1440CBR (Constant Bit Rate Mode) | 1440x1080i | MPEG2-TS / MP2 (MPEG1 Layer 2) | Constant Bit Rate (CBR):27Mbps | approx. 5hr |
For bright, realistic colors the HD Everio uses three 1/5-inch CCDs — one each for red, green and blue, incorporating 16:9 progressive scan CCDs and pixel shift technology. JVC’s new HD Gigabrid video engine, which processes in full 1920x1080p 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% over JVC’s previous interlace technology for an extremely clear sharp image.
In addition, to ensure precise prism/CCD registration, JVC has incorporated Fujinon mounting technology used in professional camcorders. Fujinon also supplies the HD Everio’s 10x optical zoom lens which provides superior optical performance and nearly the same brightness (F1.8-1.9) 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. To preserve that quality, the HD Everio features 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.
While the HD Everio offers fully automated operation for point and shoot simplicity, it also offers 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. Also included is a mic input for connecting an external microphone.
The HD Everio is equipped with three digital interfaces – USB, HDMI and i.LINK. USB is primarily for file saving, HDMI for digital viewing on large screen displays, and iLink streams high definition video in full resolution or the 1440CBR mode. High definition video streamed by i.LINK in the 1440CBR mode is HDV-compatible and allows footage to be editing using HDV-compatible software (functionality might be limited with some applications). HD recorded material is down-converted for output in DV over i.LINK, or in standard definition via the analog component/ S-Video/ composite output.
The HD Everio camcorder also connects via a USB 2.0 cable to an optional JVC DVD burner, the HD Everio SHARE STATION CU-VD40, which is controlled directly through the camcorder. The SHARE STATION can be used to create HD data discs to archive HD video clip files. The SHARE STATION also plays these HD data discs. 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.).
The SHARE STATION archives these HD video clip programs and files to both DVD-R and DVD-RW 12cm discs, recording approximately 40 minutes in full HD on an 8.5GB dual-layer DVD-R disc. It also allows for the creation of digital stills in a JPEG format. Dual-layer DVD-R is also supported, which means that the combination of the HD Everio and the CU-VD40 provides a PC-less solution to the high-capacity archiving needs of HD content.
Archived HD and still files can be played back easily in ultra-high quality via the CU-VD40’s HDMI output without the use of a computer or the camcorder. The HD Everio SHARE STATION also allows easy playback of HD archived files in analog component or down-converted SD video. Separately from the HD Everio, the CU-VD40 can be used as a DVD burner for PCs.
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 with Apple iMovie HD and Final Cut Pro video software for the Macintosh.
Optional accessories for the HD Everio include a 46mm telephoto and a 46mm wide conversion lens, a battery charger and three additional batteries including standard, high power and extended power. Additional options include a stereo microphone.
Pricing and availability:
| Model | Available | Nationally Advertised Value |
| HD Everio HD Hard Disk Camcorder GZ-HD7 | April | $1,799.95 |
| HD Everio SHARE STATION CU-VD40 | April | $399.95 |
About JVC Company of America
JVC Company of America, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd., and a holding company for JVC companies located in North, Central, and South America. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment, including high definition displays, camcorders, DVD players and recorders, satellite systems, home and portable audio equipment, mobile entertainment products and recording media. For further product information, visit JVC’s Web site at http://www.jvc.com or call 800-526-5308.
