[MacDV] JVC $3K HD DV miniDV Camcorder

[Benjamin Ing]

Considering the difference in data rates between 480i (being the lowest 
resolution) and the HD formats, as well as the added information for a 
16:9 image vs. a 4:3 image, it sounds like the data will be highly 
compressed on the DV tape (I am assuming that the standard 480i maxes 
out the compression rate for DV).

Basically, they have developed a 16:9 CCD and are marketing that aspect 
ratio ... but in doing so, they are going to have to do a sizeable 
amount of data compression to fit on existing media. (That also doesn't 
take into account that the data is probably the same for all 16:9 DV 
formats and just output at 480p, 720p and 1020i as needed.

Personally, looks to me to be a bridge technology until consumer 
electronics companies manage to write to media at a substantially 
faster rate, designed to capitalize on unwitting consumers who are 
offended with seeing black bars on either side of their new expensive 
DV monitors.

Considering the pixelation that passes for good digital satellite or 
digital cable transmission that the American public finds acceptable 
(not to mention out of sync audio), JVC will likely find a good market 
for this product.


On Tuesday, January 21, 2003, at 02:48 PM, Thubten Kunga wrote:

> The 480i recording employs standard DV compression.
>
> Playback at 480i integrates with 4:3 NTSC displays, but the camcorder 
> also turns out 480p, 720p, and 1080i. JVC will offer Firewire and 
> component video out for monitor hookup.