News

Hitachi's New High Performance Z-3500 Triax CCU Production Camera Achieves Superior Images at an Economical Price (5/4/2005)

At NAB 2005, Hitachi Denshi America, Ltd.'s Broadcast & Professional Division will introduce the Z-3500, a low-cost, standard-definition DSP production camera with a triaxial cable transmission system. Well suited for educational, institutional and television broadcast situations, the Z-3500 is a more versatile production camera than its multicore cable cousin the Z-2500.

The increased performance stems from a new Hitachiengineered high-density digital processor that streamlines the Z-3500's electronics and provides higher resolution and better picture quality while retaining its low price point.

The Z-3500 is ideal for schools, colleges, corporate institutions and smaller television stations that demand high quality but are faced with budgetary restrictions. Local cable television stations with news departments will find the camera ideal for field applications, such as live sports or other news events. The triaxial cable CCU (camera control unit), model TU/CX-Z3A, allows the camera to be used with more than 1900 meters of 11.5mm OD triax cable. The new Z-3500 has SDI output from the camera head using the existing CA-D1 digital adapter. As part of Hitachi's range of Z-series cameras, the Z-3500's chassis is the same as the existing Z-2500/ Z-3000/ Z-4000 models and is compatible with most Z-series accessories for both field or studio use. The camera will be displayed at the Hitachi NAB 2005 exhibit.

"While most camera manufacturers will focus only on HDTV cameras at NAB 2005, Hitachi reiterates its commitment to smaller market broadcasters, schools, corporations, and government organizations with our introduction of the SDTV Z-3500," said Emilio Aleman Product Manager, Broadcast and Professional Products, Hitachi Denshi America, Ltd. "The Z-3500 will appeal to broadcasters looking to upgrade their video quality, while remaining cost-effective. Hitachi has added features to this new camera based on the success of last yearÕs Z-2500 that deliver outstanding picture quality and enormous flexibility due to its triax cable transmission system at a truly affordable price."

In addition to the new Hitachi DSP processor, the Z-3500 features 14-bit analog-to-digital converters that increase the color-depth and dynamic range of the picture. Other performance specifications include 900 TVL resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio (65db), 2/3-inch CCDs, F11 sensitivity, digital shading compensation, high-chroma detail, flesh-tone masking, fully automatic dual flesh-tone detail correction, electronic color correction, and a power consumption specification of only 9.8 watts. Pricing will be announced at NAB 2005 and delivery starts July 2005.

www.hitachidenshi.com