CNN makes leap from DV to HD

CNN is beginning its final push to go completely tapeless, with the purchase of 177 JVC GY-HM100U ProHD camcorders, as it begins to replace hundreds of ageing, tape-based standard definition DV camcorders now in use across CNN’s global operations. It is expected to become tape free in 2011.

The HM100 is a compact, handheld 3-CCD camcorder recording HD video at 35 Mbps in the XDCAM EX MPEG-2 format, which is already used by CNN. The camcorder can record 1920x1080 50/60i or 24/25/30p files in either the .mov or MP4 formats directly onto SDHC memory cards. Recording .mov means that Final Cut Pro users can simply drag the files onto the timeline with no transcoding. It costs about £2,000 ($3,000).

“The GY-HM100 ProHD camcorder is well suited for a fast-paced newsgathering organisation,” claimed Larry Librach, JVC VP, Broadcast & Public Sector. “Its lightweight form factor, sturdy solid-state recording, and high-quality imaging make it an ideal complement to CNN's traditional shoulder-type ENG equipment.”