HDV - Next Generation

[the_director]

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=def4639b6e8ae49732956b2e674f2225& threadid=30264
The Varicam codec is sub HD resolution when transferred to the NLE: 960 X 720, compared to HDV which is truely 1280 X 720. The Varicam image is still superior to the HD10U image because of the camera, lense (and problematic MPEG compression), in my opinion, not the codec. DVCPRO HD is essentially multiple DV frames. When the new HDV generation cameras come out (A few surprises on the horizon...sooner than we think), HDV is going to give Varicam a serious run for its money. I'll bet that HDV is going to put DVCPRO HD out of business and Panasonic will have to adopt the format.
Frederic Haubrich
Wrangler <http://www.lumierehd.com> August 8th, 2004 04:26 PM

[Policar]

HDV will be decent, but not nearly as good as you claim. The codec is good (mpeg2) but 25mpbs isn't enough for pro work. I still think it will look much better than DV, though.

But remember, the varicam has bigger CCDs and FOUR TIMES the bit rate. MPEG 2 may be ALMOST twice as efficient as the DV codec, but it's not even close to four times as efficient. Besides, HDV cams will mostly be 1/3'' and that means tons of noise and bad dynamic range, especially with such high pixel counts. The 2/3'' JVC may be VERY nice for the money, though and will probably be a much better deal than the varicam for the money.

Panasonic may go HDV for low end, but for high end I think they'll merely come up with a new, superior, proprietary codec. You can't replace DVCPRO HD (100mbps) and DVCPRO 50 (50mpbs) with a camera that uses regular mini-dv tapes and 25mpbs. It would be a huge step back.