[December 02, 2014]

Panasonic Introduces Economical AW-HE40H/S PTZ Cameras With Superb Image Quality, Power Over Ethernet+ and IP Integration

Panasonic (News - Alert) has introduced the AW-HE40 line of cost- effective, integrated full HD PTZ cameras, with advanced features including Power over Ethernet+ (POE+) and IP-live video monitoring. These pan/tilt/zoom cameras incorporate newly-developed 1/2.3-type full HD MOS sensors and Digital Signal Processors (DSP) for high sensitivity, high resolution and superior video capture in a wide range of shooting conditions.

The HE40 will be available in two versions, the AW-HE40H with HDMI output, and the AW-HE40S with HD/SD-SDI output. Both versions will be available in black and white models. The AW-HE40H will be available in January 2015 with a suggested list price of $3150.00; the AW-HE40S will be available in February 2015 with a suggested list price of $4150.00.

The new cameras are designed to produce great results in a variety of applications that require high-quality video and precise control-such as conference video, event capture, staging, distance learning and houses-of-worship. Thanks to their precision 30X optical zoom lenses, wide field of view, smooth PTZ functions and exceptional image quality, HE40 cameras are ideal for demanding remote production and IMAG use. With IP-Preview transmission and control, and support for PoE+ (which allows power to be supplied via a LAN cable), the HE40S/H also offer the flexibility needed for easy installation and management.

In addition to a 30x optical zoom, the HE40S/H also feature a 1.4x digital extender to capture crisp close-ups even in large auditoriums and lecture halls. The HE40S/H deliver an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 54dB (F4/2000lx, minimum illumination, .35 lx), 1000 TV lines of resolution and 16-axis color matrix control for precise camera "painting" and matching. Audio input and embedding is also available via a switchable, stereo MIC/LINE input.

An optional upgrade will be available in July 2015 that will add production-quality, full HD streaming, USB-video capabilities, and in-camera HD recording to the cameras' already impressive range of capabilities.

The HE40S/H already include many innovative standard features developed to expand the capabilities of professional video system users. In addition to Panasonic's Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) and advanced Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), an ingenious High Dynamic Range (HDR (News - Alert)) mode helps to produce very good video even in extreme contrast and lighting conditions. For shooting in virtually total darkness, the HE40's Night Mode makes it possible to automatically switch to the capture of high-quality, HD monochrome video with the use of an (optional) IR illuminator in the 850nm range, making the cameraideal for reality show production, sleep lab research and staging support.

The HE40S/H cameras incorporate the versatile IP/Serial/Web control system and IP pioneered in Panasonic's AW-HE60 series cameras. IP, RS-422, RSN/A232C in/out interfaces are included, and a built-in Web-server enables both Browser control and IP-live preview and setup of up to 16 cameras. Serial and IP control is available using Panasonic's AW-RP50N, AW-RP120G controllers and AK-HRP200G paintbox, as well as appropriately programmed systems from Crestron, AMX, Winnov, and other manufacturers. A new Freeze-During-Preset function can be enabled to store and display a video still-frame during preset recall and camera movement to improve the viewer experience during rapid on-air moves or in single camera use.

The HE40 cameras, with POE+, full IP remote control, and IP-live preview, enable simpler integration, easier remote production and engineering, and lower cost for multiple location systems. IP monitoring is displayed in 16:9 at up to 30fps in VGA (640 x 480) and QVGA (320 x 240) using either M-JPEG or H.264 encoding. Multi-view monitoring of up to 16 cameras in a single Browser window is available in M-JPEG mode only. Remote IP-live video monitoring of HE40 series cameras is also available on mobile devices, including iPhone (News - Alert), iPad, and Android tablets and phones.

The HE40 cameras incorporate a highly-accurate pan-tilt head (with a pan of ±175° and a tilt of -30° to 90°) that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions, enabling the capture of both slow and fast-moving objects without excessive vibration and bounce. The cameras deliver many international HD signal formats including: 1080/59.94p/50p (HE40H only), 1080/59.94i/50i, 1080/29.97p/25p, 1080/29.97PsF/25PsF, and 720/59.94p/50p.

Other key features include three-step gamma correction and seven-step chroma level adjustment for exceptional creative control, up to 100 pre-set memories for rapid and precise shot recall, an electronic shutter with synchro scan, and built-in tally light for remote studio use. The cameras' included ceiling mount attaches with a simple turn-lock mounting mechanism to facilitate quick and easy installation. The HE40 series cameras can also be used with Panasonic's cost-effective optional outdoor housings.

For more information about the AW-HE40S/H and other Panasonic professional video products, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast or contact Panasonic at 877-803-8492.

Panasonic Solutions for Business

Panasonic delivers reliable business technology solutions that connect data with decision makers to drive better outcomes-for our customers and our customers' customers. Panasonic engineers reliable products and solutions that help to create, capture and deliver data of all types, where, when and how it is needed. The complete suite of Panasonic professional solutions for government and commercial enterprises of all sizes addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance, retail point-of-sale, office productivity, visual communications (projectors, displays, digital signage) and HD video production. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at us.panasonic.com/business-solutions.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and solutions for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In Interbrand's 2014 annual "Best Global Green Brands" report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, built to meet LEED certification standards, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ.

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