WIESBADEN, Germany - 18 Sept. 2007 - Panasonic today announced the availability of a new portable P2 HD player/recorder that provides viewing, back-up recording, and systems interface options for HD and SD content in any broadcast, production, and independent filmmaking application.

Panasonic's new AG-HPG10 is a compact unit that simplifies the exchange of content between P2 solid-state memory cards and virtually any IT storage device while giving the operator the opportunity to view content, add metadata, and put together clips for transmission or archiving.

The AG-HPG10 is a 1-kg, solid-state, memory-card device with a durable, shock-resistant body and easy-to-use controls and speakers. A flip-up, 3.5-inch 4:3 LCD monitor can be used for video and thumbnail clip viewing, selecting or deleting footage, or shot marking. The unit includes two slots for P2 cards that offer instant access to recorded content with playback in multiple formats including 1080i (24p, 24pA, 25p, 30p, 50i, 60i), 720p (24p, 24pN, 25p, 25pN, 30p, 30pN, 50p, 60p), 576i (25p, 50i), and 480i (24p, 24pA, 30p, 60i). A USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 host connector allows copying of P2 content onto any type of external storage drive.

When connected to a P2 HD/SD or tape-based camera, the battery-operated AG-HPG10 can serve as a versatile backup recorder. With its two card slots, the AG-HPG10 can record up to 64 minutes of 100-Mbps DVCPRO HD, 128 minutes of DVCPRO50, and 256 minutes of DVCPRO quality video on two 32-Gb P2 cards. The AG-HPG10 can down-convert HD content to be viewed on an SD monitor. Its P2 cards can also be hot-swapped during operation to allow content to be transferred to other recording devices.

The AG-HPG10 is designed to work with all manner of broadcast production equipment, including production monitors for playback and microwave transmitters. In addition, with its IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces, the AG-HPG10 easily can transfer HD and SD content to NLE systems as well as hard drive units and other external storage devices. The IEEE 1394 interface also enables the unit to dub recordings made by tape-based cameras onto a P2 card. Additional features include an SD memory card slot for presets and menu backup, and loop playback for presentation or demonstration applications. AC power can be supplied via the DC IN terminal and the included AC adaptor.

Like other products in the P2HD product range, the AG-HPG10 comes with a free five-year warranty once the owner registers the unit at Panasonic.

The AG-HPG10 P2 Gear is available now at a recommended retail price of 3,950 euros.
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