LAS VEGAS (NAB Booth # SU906) April 13, 2008 - TVNZ Broadcast Services, the production arm of Television New Zealand, has ordered Sony PDW-700 XDCAM HD 422 camcorders as the start of its’ transition to high definition field production. The cameras will be used on lifestyle shows such as the popular “Mucking In” series and other magazine shows.
Paul Hedges, TVNZ Northern Operations Manager, is very positive about the move. “The PDW-700 is a logical step for TVNZ; we currently use the standard definition PDW-530P camera and we want to enhance our productions by shooting in HD, so we are keen to take advantage of the PDW-700”.
TVNZ is impressed by the comprehensive feature set and high level of specification of the PDW-700. “TVNZ has recently produced a standards document outlining the requirements for HD production and the PDW-700 meets all requirements. We very much are looking forward to the delivery of the new cameras”.
“The new arrival of the PDW-700 has come at an ideal time for the New Zealand television industry” said David Colthorpe, marketing and support manager in the Business Division of Sony New Zealand Limited. “Since last year’s announcement of TVNZ’s HD initiative, we have seen a dramatic lift in the demand for a high quality yet cost-effective workhorse camcorder. The PDW-700 fits the bill perfectly, combining as it does the well established benefits of XDCAM disc based recording, with Sony’s stunning HD image quality”.
Clive Cannon, well known Sony New Zealand “camera guru” (and engineering manager) is thrilled by the picture quality. “This new camcorder owes much to Sony’s legendary HDC-1500 series studio camera. The PDW-700 is equipped with newly developed 2/3-inch Power HADä FX progressive CCDs with 1920 x 1080 effective pixels. The images be captured by this high-resolution CCD in conjunction with the 14-bit A/D converter and the advanced digital signal processing are nothing less than stunning”.
With this outstanding picture quality, the PDW-700 XDCAM HD 422 camcorder provides an invaluable tool for applications such as production of TV dramas, documentaries and mainstream entertainment programs, where high-quality is crucial; as well as news gathering, where speed is a key concern.
