Record uncompressed 14-bit (4:4:4) on your HVX200

P

pertierr

Well-known member
Hello HVX Users,

Reel-Stream is proud to announce the Hydra Uncompressed Digital Acquisition system for the AG-HVX200. Based on the same concept behind the Andromeda system for the DVX100, Hydra extracts the pure full RGB(4:4:4) data available directly from the imaging block of the HVX200. This allows for uncompressed RAW recording at up to 14-bit RGB linear color, 2K resolution, and extended latitude among other advantages. Hydra functions at all frame rates normally supported by the HVX200. Preliminary specs include up to 86dB digital dynamic range, and photographic latitude comparison tests (including DVCPROHD, DVCPRO50, etc) will be posted on our website.

For more information and preliminary specs, please visit our Hydra forum at:
http://forum.reel-stream.com

or our website:
http://www.reel-stream.com

Feel free to post your questions on DVXUser or email Juan@reel-stream.com

Come visit us at NAB 2007, booth C11221 for more information.

Cheers,
Juan P. Pertierra
CTO, Reel-Stream LLC

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PRESS RELEASE
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REEL-STREAM TAKES AFFORDABLE UNCOMPRESSED HD ACQUISITION TO NEW LEVEL
New Product Extracts Pure Uncompressed 14-bit RGB HD Video from Panasonic’s AG-HVX200(TM)

West Lafayette, Indiana (March 26, 2007) - Reel-Stream LLC today announced the Hydra(TM) Uncompressed Digital Acquisition system for the Panasonic AG-HVX200(TM) camera. Expanding the capabilities of their current AndromedaTM product for the Panasonic AG-DVX100(TM) camera, Hydra(TM) offers full bandwidth RGB (4:4:4) uncompressed digital video recording at 14-bit (linear RGB) color and up to 60 progressive frames per second when installed on the HVX200. The system extracts pure uncompressed 2K RGB data available directly from the digital imaging block of the camera, bypassing all internal compression, decimation, color conversions and other processes. The result is a video capture with increased resolution, increased latitude and zero compression artifacts for an image purity that rivals much more expensive high-end cameras at a very affordable price.

Both Hydra(TM) and Andromeda(TM) reside entirely inside the host camera, only adding a few grams of weight. The only visible change is the addition of an external port for the uncompressed data. All original functions of the cameras remain unaffected.

Both systems are bundled with the SculptorHD(TM) software solution which provides a front-end for recording the uncompressed video stream, serves as a multi-function monitor and handles the process of batch exporting captured raw footage into multiple media formats. SculptorHD(TM) is currently available as a Universal Binary for Mac OS X. Also included is xLUT(TM), a full-featured camera-independent Look-Up Table editor capable of exporting in a variety of LUT file formats.

HydraTM for the Panasonic AG-HVX200(TM)is scheduled for release during the second half of 2007, with support for other cameras to follow. Andromeda(TM) for the Panasonic AG-DVX100(TM) is currently available and can be ordered directly from the Reel-Stream website.

For more information, come see us at the NAB2007 show, booth C11221, Las Vegas Convention Center (April 16-19), or visit our website at www.reel-stream.com
 
I really wish they'd add support for Linux or Windows.

I'd sign up for this in a moment, but having to buy a new notebook just to use it substantially adds to the cost...
 
Wow. this sounds pretty good. except for having to buy a MAC/intel machine.
I will keep watching this thread, that's for sure.
 
I was already expecting 1080p resolution, so to get slightly better (2k) is sweet. And I was expecting up to 60p frame rates. But for some reason I hadn't figured out that of course it'd be 14-bit! 14 bits! Digital Betacam is 10-bit. 14-bit imagery should be extremely smooth with no banding, no blocking, no gradients, just perfectly smooth images.

I am so getting this.
 
Major Concerns so far:

1) Pricing
2) PC support.

Otherwise, forget 2k. The idea that you can record a smooth 1080p image minus all the digital dust is enough to keep me happy with my HVX for a very long time.

Hurry up NAB!
 
Looks like the mod for DVX100 series was $2500 - would be nice to know the HVX200 mod cost...how about a hint Juan P. Pertierra?
 
Variable frame rates in 1080p.
14-bit recording.
Uncompressed HD.
Probably a couple more stops of dynamic range.
And who knows what color accuracy -- 4:2:2? 4:4:4?
 
How would it do variable frame rates in 1080p? I assume you would have the camera set for 720p but the Hydra would pull the footage before it got to the part of the camera that compresses the image back down to 720?
 
I've always been a little confused with a system like this. I understand the benefits of acquiring an image that is uncompressed (no compression artifacts, clean, no banding, great keying, etc...), but how does this system improve image resolution?

If I plug my HVX200 into a TV (before it goes to P2), that's the best image the camera can create, right? How will Hydra improve the HVX200 image beyond what we see when we hook the camera directly to a nice monitor?

2K resolution is often used in the film to digital back to film process, right? Because 2K can capture such high resolution, it is often printed back to film to achieve clean digital effects with no (or little) apparent quality loss. How will the HVX be able to give us 2K image quality? Isn't this similar to the fact that the HVX shoots in both 720p and 1080p, but resolution wise, the image is about the same (only slightly better in 1080p)? Will 2K images from the HVX200 really look that much different than 720p images? If so, how?

Sorry if these are dumb questions. I'm just looking for an easy to understand answer. You guys are brilliant, so I'm sure you can educate a fool like myself!

IF THE HYDRA CAN DO WHAT IT PROMISES, WHY WOULD ANYONE EVER BUY A $100,000 VARICAM HD CAMERA PACKAGE???
 
There was a time when I wasn't too interested in the prospect of RAW HVX200 capture. But then I started doing some digital still photography and working with RAW files and I have to say, the lattitude advantages are simply too good to pass up. Time and time again I've brought back at least two stops of lattitude that I thought were gone forever just using the RAW files. It's a shame you guys won't do PC since I'd be very insterested then.
 
Michael Schoenfeld here,

I know this is "very old" news, but isn't an Intel Mac really a "PC", for anyone who needs to work with windows.

I personally don't but I'm a advertising photographer by profession - I simply have no need for a windows system, even when I shoot for Microsoft or when I used to shoot for Intel - they didn't care.

I'll mod 1 one of my 2 HVX's in a "Salt Lake second" if it's what it says it is - I guess I'll jst have to go to NAB now - Heck, I wanted to see how the images I just shot for Panasonic broadcast turned out printed 75 feet tall anyway.

And don't ask what I just shot - would'nt tell, even if I could.

All the best,

Michael Schoenfeld

View my newest portfolio offerings at:

www.michaelschoenfeld.com
 
For David,

(from another thread)

It's a bit too early to say about minimum requirements, but given our experience with Andromeda, a 7200RPM desktop drive should handle the slowest modes. Another interesting feature is the capabality for recording direct to RAM, this is useful for short special effects studio takes which may require the highest bandwdith 60P modes.

We're planning to support PC's, although this is something that will be officially announced near release time. Macs will of course be initially supported.

Cheers,
Juan@reel-stream.com
 
This announcement came at the right time. I was just about to order my Hv20 aka Stunt Cam and now I'm paused for some updates on Hydra. Dang... 350 feet of ethernet cable.Technically, you aren't even tethered anymore. Speaking of: will there be a safety peripheral included? the chances of snagging the cable and tearing shiz up could be great. If its on the side of the cam like the Andromeda system on the DVX.. could be dangerous.
 
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